Sermons on Outward Appearance:

Have You Heard God's Calling? Have You Answered?

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Sep 13, 2013

God still appears to us, and He still calls us in many ways. While it is hard to hear Him calling above the din of the world's chatter, He is calling, and He is visible for those who have eyes to see.

In the earliest church, there wasn't a single member who had a financial need for long because, whenever a need arose, the wealthier members sold a piece of their land and gave the proceeds to the church. This ministry of grace (Acts 4) appears to have been commonplace... but the only man mentioned ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Face Of Faith: The Centurion Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 13, 2012

Centurions represented the best of Roman men. They rose through the ranks to become commanders of one hundred men. Those who appear in the New Testament are presented as strong and good men. This unnamed centurion witnessed the climatic events conn

Title: The Face of Faith: The Centurion Text: Matthew 27:54 Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:45-56 (GW) 45 At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 46 About three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-56

Denomination: Baptist

When You Don't Know What To Ask Him To Do...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 22, 2023

If Jesus was to appear before you, asking you what you want Him to do for you, what would you say? The message is intended to be a challenge for us to boldly ask the Master for that one thing that weighs our hearts.

“As [Jesus and His disciples] went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’ The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:29-34

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham—the Journey Begins Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 1, 2021

Abraham' first appears in Scripture as Abram, son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldees. He received a message from the LORD and obeyed Him. His journey from Ur to Canaan wasn't the end of the journey!

Introduction: One of the most important human figures in the entire Bible is Abraham. We know more of his later years than his early years, but even so, his story is fascinating. He had no written copies of the Scriptures, as far as we know, but he had faith and for him that was enough. These ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Stephens Sermon Part 1b

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 23, 2017

By beginning with God’s appearance to Abraham he indicates that he doesn’t disagree with the fathers on what constitutes true religion—the religion of the Jews. For them, all religion, the worship of God, the doctrine of the law, all prophecies....

The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham. The God of glory is a Hebrew form of expression denoting "the glorious God." It expresses His "majesty, or splendor, or magnificence"; and the word "glory" is often used to describe the marvelous appearances in which God has shown Himself to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Dry Land, Seas, And Vegetation. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 17, 2018

The work God did on the third day amounted to dual creation. At first the waters beneath the heavens, those upon the surface of the earth, were gathered together, so that the dry (or solid) ground appeared; and then the earth was made fruitful.

May 10, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe PART: I GENERAL HISTORY FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM—Gen. 1:1-11:9. Topic #A: An Account of Creation. Gen. 1:1-2:7. Lesson I.A.4: Dry Land, Seas, and Vegetation. Gen. 1:9-13. (KJV) 9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Kingdoms In Conflict (Christ The King Sunday 2021)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Nov 19, 2021

Our text today, poses the question “How can God’s kingdom come on earth in the midst of conflict?” If Jesus is the King of all kings, and He is, then why does it appear that His never ending kingdom is in danger?

KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT Text: John 18: 33- 37 John 18:33-37  Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"  (34)  Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: United Methodist

The Census Plague

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Jun 8, 2020

David appears to have been both directed by God and enticed by Satan to conduct a census. A census was begun, David was smitten in his conscience, and the nation was severely punished. What's our take-away from this story?

Note: I developed a simple set of homemade PowerPoint slides that I used in presenting this sermon. If you're interested in having the PowerPoint file I will send it by Email. Just send an Email message to me at sam@srmccormick.net with the word "slides" in the title and "The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:1-25, 1 Chronicles 21:1-30, 1 Chronicles 22:1, 1 Chronicles 27:24, 1 Chronicles 27:23, Hebrews 11:32, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalm 139:3-6, Romans 11:33-34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fullness In The Field Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 8, 2020

As Ruth entered what appeared to be a random field, in hopes of being able to glean enough to survive, she had no idea of the providence of God at work in her life. She came empty, and yet, she would leave filled.

Fullness in the Field Ruth 2:8-14 It has been a long journey from the desolation and desperation of Moab. Surely Ruth wondered what she would find as she made her way to a new land. I’m sure there were fears and uncertainties in her mind. Even though she was unaware, God was providentially ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

Live In The Present Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Jan 2, 2023

It’s a new year. Now what? For some the possibilities seem to be endless, but for others the future appears uncertain with many challenges. Regardless of whether your future seems bright or bleak, here are some things to keep in mind.

I. A Clear Admonition A. In Isaiah 43:18 God gives us a clear admonition; don’t dwell on the past! If you want to make progress in the future, you must leave the past behind. The past is over and gone. Don’t dwell on what could have been or should have been. It is what it is. Leave it at ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 5:7, Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Subject: God’s Answer For The Dead Situations Of Life

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 14, 2025

In Ezekiel 37, speaking a prophetic message to dry bones means to actively declare God's word and promises over seemingly hopeless situations, believing that God can bring life and restoration where there appears to be none.

Subject: "God’s Answer for the Dead Situations of Life" Text: Ezekiel 37: 1-14 “The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14, Joel 3:10, Isaiah 35:3-5, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Methodist

Abraham Teaches True Christian Character

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Aug 12, 2003

PENTECOST 9(C) - Abraham teaches true Christian characters as he weclomes the Lord and follows God’s Word.

ABRAHAM TEACHES TRUE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER GENESIS 18:1—14 AUGUST 10, 2003 GENESIS 18:1-14 1The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

All Prepared

Contributed by Paul Davidson on Jan 26, 2021

Jesus warns us to assess the genuineness of our faith and be prepared for His return. Do we look like the Church, but are devoid of the Holy Spirit? Instead of lives transformed by the power of Christ, are our lives more like performance art? Jesus is coming at any moment! Are you prepared?

INTRODUCTION Do you agree that in God’s master plan, there is no such thing as “coincidence”? A few weeks ago, your pastor asked if I would be willing to preach today. Not only did I tell him “Yes!” on the spot, but I also told him that I knew exactly what I wanted to preach. You see, God had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:24-27, John 10:7, John 14:6, Revelation 22:14, Revelation 3:18, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 23:27-28, Romans 8:16-17, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Matthew 7:22-23, James 2:19, Galatians 2:16, Matthew 24:42, Hebrews 3:7-19, Matthew 25:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Shows Himself

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Apr 17, 2019

This is a sermon based on Jesus' encounter with Thomas following the Resurrection. It focuses on how the LORD Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas and helped Thomas find faith, security and peace.

Scripture: John 20:24 – 31 Title: The God Who Shows Himself INTRO: Grace and peace this morning in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! I want to talk to you about the God who cares so much that He takes the extra time to reveal Himself to us even in those times that we may not ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31, Judges 7:9-14, Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Nazarene

Artificial Righteousness: Glorifying In The Flesh Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 4, 2009

Glorifying in the flesh is a form of Artificial Righteousness which is motivated by 1) Religious Pride, 2) Cowardice, & 3)hypocrisy.

The news has been filled with week with statistics, world wide reports, deaths and fear from the H1N1 human influenza virus, previously known as swine flu. One of the most distasteful elements of this situation has been the various reactions to it. Minute by minute coverage from many news agencies ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-13

Denomination: Other