Sermons on Outstretched Hands:

The Ascension Ends The Momentous Easter Period – Explaining The Ascension Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 28, 2024

40 days had passed after the Resurrection and Jesus had been teaching His disciples. Now it was time to depart this scene in the Ascension. We are looking at various aspects of the Ascension and His coming again. It was an interesting time.

THE ASCENSION ENDS THE MOMENTOUS EASTER PERIOD – EXPLAINING THE ASCENSION [A]. THE INTRODUCTION FOR OUR MESSAGE TODAY ON THE ASCENSION The days after the Lord’s resurrection were understandably happy ones for the disciples, probably tinged with uncertainty. They were not sure what was ahead. ...read more

Scripture: John 21:14, John 21:20, John 20:17, Acts 1:3, Acts 1:4, John 14:16-18, John 16:6-7, Amos 9:13-15, Acts 1:6, Acts 1:9, Acts 1:10, Acts 1:11, Acts 2:32-34, Hebrews 8:1, Acts 7:55-56, Ephesians 4:7-13, Luke 23:42-43, Psalm 16:10, John 3:13, Luke 9:51, Revelation 19:11, 2 Timothy 4:8, Zechariah 14:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Puzzle Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 25, 2018

The story in Acts 8, that tells of Philip's preaching in Samaria resulting in an Evangelism Explosion, contains 3 puzzles that many folks overlook. What are these puzzles and what can they teach us about our walk with Christ?

OPEN: People have created puzzles for centuries. There’ve been crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cube, and scads of others in all shapes and sizes. The better the puzzle, the more difficult it is to solve, and by that standard, one of the Holy Grails of such puzzles is this one: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Book Of Lamentations – Part 22 – No Complaint Against God But Self Examination Necessary; Repentance And Confession - Chapter 3:39-43 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jun 8, 2025

The survivors of the Babylonian destruction take stock and see that their sins brought the Babylonian tragedy on them. They endured punishment, but they turn to confession. We look at man’s justice against God’s justice. Actions have consequences. God’s anger pursued them.

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS – PART 22 – NO COMPLAINT AGAINST GOD BUT SELF EXAMINATION NECESSARY; REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION - CHAPTER 3:39-43 Last time we finished with the way God dispenses good and ill (or good and evil) according to His sovereignty and the next verse, 39, follows on from that and ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:39, Romans 1:20-21, Lamentations 3:40, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Lamentations 3:41, Lamentations 3:42, Jeremiah 32:37-42, Lamentations 3:43, Jeremiah 18:7-11, Hebrews 9:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Devilish Dilemma Of Doubt Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 15, 2015

There are at least 3 different Greek words translated "doubt" in the New Testament, but the doubt Thomas exhibited was the most dangerous form of doubt in Scripture. What was Thomas doubting, and why was it so dangerous for him to do so?

Does anyone know who Kirsten Powers is? (A few hands went up). Kirsten is a columnist for USA Today, and Newsweek and a contributor to Fox News. Some time back she told of her transition from being an atheist to believing in Christ. She explained that at one time no one she knew was a Christian ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Psalm 2 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 25, 2020

The first two psalms are often considered to be designed as a pair serving as an introduction to the 150-psalm collection. The first psalm describes the difference between the blessed man and the evil man, and Psalm 2 is about triumph over the forces that oppose the faith.

For Sermon Central researchers: I have posted a series of 15 sermons on the Psalms. In recent personal studies I have found the psalms to be richer and more thought-provoking than I had fully appreciated. I had too often swept swiftly through psalms without slowing down to inquire as thoroughly as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12, Acts 4:27-28, Hebrews 1:6, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Do I Need A Shepherd? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 21, 2020

Jesus said He was the good shepherd. But why do I need Him to do that? Why can't I get along just fine without Him?

OPEN: Several years ago in the country of Turkey, a flock of sheep made the news. It seems that the shepherds of the flock had been eating breakfast when their sheep began to wander off. Now, ordinarily this wouldn’t have been a problem, except the flock was just a stone’s throw away from a cliff. ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christ's Mind Of Serenity Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 16, 2018

To establish that Christ had a mind of submission, sacrifice and serenity (great patience); when He came to earth, to do the will of His Father. This lesson is the last of three in the series: “The Mind of Christ.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. Christ’s Mind of Serenity Remarks. 1. Today we are going to be discussing the mind of Christ. The beloved apostle Paul encourages the saints at Philippi to: “If there be therefore in a consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Reign At His Coming Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Nov 2, 2017

To establish that when the Lord returns, that shall be the end. And there will be “no rapture, no seven years of tribulation, and no 1000 year reign” upon the earth, at the second coming of Christ.

INTRODUCTION Outline. Reign (1000 years) at His Coming Remarks. 1. In our lesson series today we are going to be discussing a theme: “the reign (1000 years) at his coming.” We have addressed the first two theories in pre-millennialism already in this lesson series: “the rapture and 7 years of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Tug Of Heaven Is Growing Stronger Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 21, 2022

If you are walking at a distance from the Lord, then the tugging on you is worldly based The world tugs on the carnal Christian. They who walk closely with God, welcome God’s tugging. The message looks at heaven's tug to be home with the Lord. We also look at death.

THE TUG OF HEAVEN IS GROWING STRONGER INTRODUCTION “When you feel the tug on the line, pull it up.” That order could fit many situations but it would be effective for raising ore in a bucket from a mine shaft. One below fills the bucket, and when the tug is felt then the one above pulls up the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-25, Psalm 31:15, Revelation 1:17-18, Psalm 116:15, 2 Corinthians 5:5-9, Hebrews 11:8-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

9 - 1peter 3:13-22 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Jul 25, 2023

In today's study, Peter reminds us that suffering for the sake of Christ is worth it, as we're walking in the footsteps of our Master, who Himself was ill treated for nothing wrong that He had done.

For the Audio Version on YouTube, click here – https://youtu.be/HQwMdDiZoL8 For the Audio Version on Spotify, click here – https://open.spotify.com/episode/03NUxHdzjTaHeIqvhz3Ont?si=c62e66bc16a649b4 1 Peter 3:13-17 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Balancing The Books - An Easter Sermon Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 16, 2017

Easter is all about "accounting". When most people think about going to heaven, they count their good deeds... but God doesn't do it that way. How do we prepare ourselves for standing before the one to Whom we must give an accounting?

OPEN: There’s been a story in the news recently about the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, otherwise known as HUD. Apparently HUD has had a problem balancing their books. It seems their books were off about (PAUSE) $516 BILLION dollars. Now that’s not an error of a few 100,000 dollars… or ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-11, Hebrews 4:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2018

Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. From this point on the church exploded in growth. In this story there are 3 groups of people who were "surprised" by what they saw. Why were they surprised, and what difference does that mean to us?

(Before reading the Scripture I noted that Acts 10 is a pivotal chapter in Scripture. It was after this event at Cornelius’ house that the Church exploded with growth and numerous churches were set up throughout the known world). (After the Scripture reading and prayer, we showed the following ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Promises Of Jehovah Series

Contributed by Ben Thomas on Nov 19, 2008

There are many promises given by God to us. These are from Ex.chapter 6... read on

Seven promises of Jehovah Exodus 6:6 (AMP) 6 Accordingly, say to the Israelites, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will free you from their bondage, and I will rescue you with an outstretched arm [with special and vigorous action] and by mighty ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 6:6-8

Denomination: Church Of God

Men Standing Firm Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 1, 2016

How was Titus going to "straighten out what had been left unfinished" in Crete? It was an evil land and he was only one man. How did God expect him to do such a daunting task?

How many of you have ever heard of a television show called “This Old House” (the majority raised their hands). It is a popular home improvement show that is now in its 36th season – that’s 36 years it’s been on TV. It’s popular because people are intrigued with ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A New Year Challenge

Contributed by Colin Coombs on Oct 3, 2005

Challenging for commitment in the year ahead

A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR “I do concentrate on this; I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal -my reward the honour of being called by God in Christ.” [Philippians 3:14 J B Philips] As we face another New Year, it is good to look ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:14

Denomination: Independent/Bible