Sermons on Outward Focus:

The Church Of The Laodiceans Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Mar 7, 2024

This is the seventh and last Bible study in the series.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22, Colossians 4:12-16, Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 2:4, 1 Peter 1:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Need For Idols (Isaiah 44:6-23) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jul 2, 2024

Idols are appealing when we become afraid. If we're unsure about God, we go elsewhere. God through his prophet says, "No need for idols. I will help." Yahweh is a far better choice than any idol.

Today we pick back up in our Isaiah series today in Isaiah 44:6. It's kind of a big passage and a big message so I just want to dive right in. Let's start by reading just the first verse, Isaiah 44:6: (6) Thus has said Yahweh, King of Israel, and its Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies: ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 44:6-23, Psalm 82:1-8, Exodus 12:12

True Mustard Seed Faith

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 5, 2024

People believe that if you have just a tiny amount of faith (like a mustard seed) that you can do great things for God. Is this true? The answer to mustard seed faith is explained in this message.

True Mustard Seed Faith Scripture: Matthew 17:20-21; First Samuel 15:1-9; 19-22; Luke 5:1-11 Good morning, Strangers Rest! This morning, the title of my message today is “True Mustard Seed Faith.” But before I talk about mustard seed faith, I want to remind you of what the Bible says about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:20-21, 1 Samuel 15:1-9, Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes We Must Stand Alone

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 26, 2024

As a child of God, we will all face times when we might have to take an unpopular stance for the word of God. When this happens we might find ourselves standing alone. This message tells us how to do it.

Sometimes We Must Stand Alone Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15; John 6:60-67; Matthew 7:13-16 Good morning, Strangers Rest. The title of my message this morning is, “Sometimes We Must Stand Alone.” The eleventh chapter of Hebrews records those of the Old Testament who walked with God in faith. It ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15, John 6:60-67, Matthew 7:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Serving And Struggling Together Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 10, 2025

It’s worth it to live a worthy life.

Serving and Struggling Together Philippians 1:27-30 Rev. Brian Bill February 8-9, 2025 When we bought our house in Central Illinois, one of the things that came with it was an obnoxious doorbell chime. Not only was the unit big and ugly but when someone rang it, it would blast out Beethoven’s 5th ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

"do You Love Me More Than These?"

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Feb 15, 2025

With Valentine's Day now passed, we need to examine our hearts and ask the same question Jesus asked Peter after His resurrection, "Do you love Me more than these?"

John chapter 21 beginning in verse one is where I want to focus today. On the heels of Valentine's Day, I believe it is important to reflect on the one question that the Lord would ask all of us today. "Do you love Me?" Now, at first, we are quick to respond, "YES, LORD! I DO ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Light And Darkness

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 25, 2024

As followers of Christ, we must love like Christ, so we light up the world.

Light and Darkness Ephesians 5:1-14 Rev. Brian Bill March 23-24, 2024 According to a new book by Sarah McCammon called The Exvangelicals, younger generations of evangelicals are drifting away from the church and pushing it into a major identity crisis. She herself has turned her back on the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Manifestations Of Supernatural Faith Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 10, 2024

Message clarifies the supernatural gift of faith from other expressions of faith and provides examples of this gift in operation.

Intro The essential key to the kingdom of God is faith. Your future depends upon believing the promises of God. When Israel finally went into the Promised Land, there were only two men from those who left Egypt who entered in: Joshua and Caleb. All the others failed to enter into what God had ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Hebrews 11:1-30, Acts 17:20, Mark 11:12-23, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 3:19, Matthew 14:14-20, 1 Kings 18:33-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

God's Servant, The Solution To Stubbornness And Rebellion (Isaiah 49:1-6) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 11, 2024

God's prophet feels he's served for nothing; it's all been a waste, and meaningless. God responds by giving him a global ministry. An encouragement to pastors, and teachers, and volunteers, in particular.

If you're seeking to understand Isaiah 40-55, and make sure you get it right, today's passage is absolutely the most important in this entire part of the book. Everything builds up to Isaiah 49, and everything that follows, builds off of it. There are many approaches to these chapters as ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6

Live Life With Joy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 28, 2024

You are not prepared to live until you are prepared to die.

Live Life with Joy Ecclesiastes 9:1-18 Rev. Brian Bill October 26-27, 2024 A common question often used in an icebreaker is this, “What advice would you give to your younger self?” Here’s how some people answered that question. 1. You are perfect just the way you are. 2. Stop being lazy! Get ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Folly Is Fatal Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 3, 2024

It’s better to go the way of wisdom than to fall into foolishness.

Folly is Fatal Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 Rev. Brian Bill November 2-3, 2024 In a 2019 survey, 32% of Protestant churchgoers said they read the Bible every day, and 27% read it a few times a week. However, a 2022 survey found that only 10% of Americans read the Bible daily. According to the American ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Salvation Altar Series

Contributed by Dustin Boden on Nov 9, 2024

We are in dark and challenging times, and the greatest battles are fought and won at the altar.

The Salvation Altar Romans 10:12–13 ESV 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Introduction: Good morning, everyone! We’re now in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:12-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Leadership's Divine Assignment_2 Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Nov 11, 2024

Establishing that sound and faithful leadership is one of the church’s greatest needs. That means appointing elders and deacons (along with their families) who are committed to their divine assignment of lovingly watching over, caring for, and shepherding the children of God.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 2. The Leadership’s: Divine Assignment Introductory Remarks. 1. The second lesson in this Series: “Divine Call to Leadership,” will be “The Leadership’s Divine Assignment.” 2. We will discuss the elders at Ephesus’ divine assignment. Paul continued with his discourse: “For I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32, 1 Peter 5:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Part 11: God's Road To Revival Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 13, 2024

How can we get to revival? 1. Humble our hearts before the Lord. 2. Put a higher priority on prayer. 3. Sincerely seek the Savior. 4. Turn away from our sins.

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 11: God's Road to Revival 2 Chronicles 7:12-14 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared December 13, 2024) BACKGROUND: *The last time we focused on King Solomon we were in 1 Kings 3, and the young king had just been anointed to take the place of his dying ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

From Bethlehem To Golgotha: A Christmas Story In The Psalms Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Dec 17, 2024

He actually became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was abandoned for us. He was abandoned, so God would never abandon you. You may feel abandoned, but a genuine child of God is never truly abandoned.

To prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas, we are tracing the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah. These are often called the Messiah predictions. I invite you to turn in your Bibles to Psalm 22. Today, we continue a series entitled The Essence of Christmas, which just happens to be the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist