Sermons on Outward Appearance:

Mourning The End Of Summer

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 20, 2005

We come to points in our lives when it appears to be too late to do what we felt called to do. Our problem is that we have expected God to do for us what we would not do ourselves. But the good news is that God is an empowering healer.

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore – and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over – like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load; or does it just explode?” Langston Hughes, poet of the Harlem ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 8:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Surviving Hard Times

Contributed by Akindele Opoola on Feb 11, 2011

Hard times are difficult times of life, a time that you hate to experience, not palatable with the flesh. A time it appears you don't know what you are doing. Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. But as xtians we have antidotes against har

Surviving Hard times Gen 35: 15 -20 Hard times are difficult times of life, a time that you hate to experience, not palatable with the flesh. A time it appears you don't know what you are doing. Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. But as xtians we have antidotes against hard ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:15-20

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Seeking The Face Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 18, 2011

Historically, Jesus Christ’s physical appearance remains a mystery. No one knows what he actually looked like. Nowhere in the Gospel accounts is he described, and no likeness of him of any kind in any form can be dated conclusively to the years of His l

In 1857 there was a 46 year old man named Jeremiah Lamphere who lived in New York City. Jeremiah loved the Lord tremendously, but he didn’t feel that he could do much for the Lord until he began to feel a burden for the lost and accepted an invitation from his church to be an inner city ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-16

Denomination: Christian Church

There’s Hope For The Dried Up

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Sep 27, 2012

God was and is still in control. He can and will give life to that which appears to have shriveled up and died. Ezekiel’s vision has applications for our lives today. As in Ezekiel’s day, God is still in the business of giving hope to the dried up.

There’s Hope for the Dried Up Ezekiel 37:1-14 The children of Israel had begun to lose their hope. The nation had dried up politically, spiritually, and morally. Many had gone into captivity. Despair and pessimism were rampant. Gloom and doom filled the air. They had become a dried up exiled ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Stages Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 11, 2012

Three groups of persons within the family of faith are addressed. What is said of each group doesn’t appear to be age related. These groups may represent different levels of Christian maturity within the community. We could call them three stages of spir

1 JOHN 2: 12-14 [LIFE, LIGHT & LOVE SERIES] SPIRITUAL STAGES [Ephesians 6:10-20] In the introduction or prologue John indicated that the general purpose of his letter was to help believers mature into Christ-likeness. Having laid down the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Death Of David Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 6, 2018

The name David appears for the first time in Ruth 4:22. The name continues on to the end of the book of Revelation. Man after God’s own heart( 1 Sam. 13:14). Youngest of 8 sons(16:10-11). His death is another landmark.

Death of David Text: 2 Kings 1-2 Introduction: David was a man after God’s Own heart, but had numerous problems and difficulties in life. Though his fall made a vital change in the fortune of his life career, in spite of that, he had to face all jealousy, hatred, enmity of relatives, friends and ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Paul Before Felix Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 26, 2017

Paul’s removal to Caesarea began a two-year imprisonment in that city. During these years he had his share of appearances at legal hearings where he stated his case (and therefore the case for the Gospel) before two governors and a king,—Felix, Festus...

May 31, 2016 Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Lesson: IV.F.2: Paul Before Felix (24:1-21) Acts 24:1-21 (KJV) 1 And ...read more

Scripture: Acts 24:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

John 20:24-31 Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

I just can't believe it! Ever said that? That was a common response by those to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection and it's still a rather common response by many today. Don't be surprised! Be ready!

“I can’t believe it!” Something extraordinary, something unusual, something unexpected happens and we exclaim, “I can’t believe it!” “I can’t believe its snowing…again!” “I can’t believe they actually won the game!” “I can’t believe I passed the test.” “I can’t believe I got the job!” “I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Lutheran

"precepts From The Empty Tomb."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Apr 1, 2024

This message relates to the story of Jesus's crucifixion. It depicts the disciples, who were heartbroken and hiding in an upper room after Jesus's death, with their hopes shattered. The message conveys the excitement when Jesus appears before them after his resurrection.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Luke 24:49) "] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (John 20:19-20) [19] "Then ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-20, John 20:21-23, John 20:21-25, John 20:26-29, Matthew 12:40, 1 Peter 3:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon # 22 - God's Divine Presence Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jun 13, 2023

All through the bible the Angel of the Lord appeared to God’s chosen ones to strengthen them and encourage them with His divine presence. No matter what we are going through God’s presence is more than enough to handle all of it to come forth victorious.

Gideon encounters the Angel of the LORD In Judges 6:16 we read, Then the Lord said to him, Truly, I will be with you, and you will overcome the Midianites as if they were one man. (BBE) As we studied in the previous chapter, the word of the Lord came to Gideon in Judges 6:16, when the Israelites ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:16, Genesis 16:7, Genesis 16:10, Genesis 16:13, Genesis 22:11-12, Exodus 3:2, Exodus 3:6-7, John 1:18, Hebrews 1:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Ancient Of Days : Fire Everywhere Series

Contributed by Samuel M on Jan 18, 2024

One of the purest form of God is Ancient of Days where God appears as a consuming fire in all His Glory and Majesty. The throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; and a stream of fire flowed from His presence. There's fire everywhere.

I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 7:9

"from Doubt To Faith: Embracing The Peace Of Christ"

Contributed by Mark Zorn on Apr 26, 2025

Today’s message comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31. This passage recounts Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after the resurrection and the story of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” It speaks to the themes of fear, doubt, and the transformative power of faith.

**Introduction** Good morning, beloved! Today’s message comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31. This passage recounts Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after the resurrection and the story of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” It speaks to the themes of fear, doubt, and the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Broken Heart Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on May 20, 2024

A study of the Beatitudes. Jesus begins His sermon on the mount answering the question: "What will it take to make you happy?" His answer, however, is far different from the way most people will answer. In fact, his answers appear to bring sorrow, not happiness.

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS: A BROKEN HEART A. Many people believe that HAPPINESS is produced by EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES or SITUATIONS. 1. The world buys into the “WHEN AND THEN” philosophy: “When I get this...” or “When that changes...” or “When this happens” “. . . THEN I'll be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Restrained Power Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on May 20, 2024

A study of the Beatitudes. Jesus begins His sermon on the mount answering the question: "What will it take to make you happy?" His answer, however, is far different from the way most people will answer. In fact, his answers appear to bring sorrow, not happiness.

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS: RESTRAINED POWER A. Walk up to a group of BOYS playing basketball or baseball and ask what quality each of them would like to possess, and you’ll get answers like: “To run fast.” “To jump high.” “To be strong.” 1. Not a single one of them would answer, “I’d like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Insatiable Craving Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on May 20, 2024

A study of the Beatitudes. Jesus begins His sermon on the mount answering the question: "What will it take to make you happy?" His answer, however, is far different from the way most people will answer. In fact, his answers appear to bring sorrow, not happiness.

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS: INSATIABLE CRAVING ILLUSTRATION: Can you believe that next year will mark 20-years since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans? We all saw the news stories—the DESTRUCTION, the DEATH TOLL, the HUMAN AGONY and MISERY. Hurricane Katrina is the COSTLIEST natural ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ