Sermons on Outward Focus:

Jesus Loves The Little Children Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 21, 2023

The difference between the world and God is very harsh when it come to children. God considers them precious, while the world often considers them expendable. What is God's attitude toward abortion and what can we do for those who struggle with that decision?

The passage I read this morning is intriguing. The story is recorded here in Luke as well as in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. And what I find interesting is that there’s this contrast between the views of the disciples… and Jesus. There’s this group of parents who are bringing “infants” to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:15-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Wonder Of Jesus Accepting Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2013

It’s become fashionable for churches to "target" a specific audience in their messages and ministry. But is that really such a good idea? Is it possible that in targeting specific groups we might be undermining our real ministry?

OPEN: In my files I ran across these nuggets of wisdom from little children: Patrick, age 10 - "Never trust a dog to watch your food." Hannah, age 9 - "When your dad is mad and asks you, ’Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer." Taylia, age 11 - "When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who's The Boss? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 22, 2020

I need to submit to "that person?" Seriously? Why?

A man once said: “I am not the boss of my house. I don’t know HOW I lost it. I don’t know WHEN I lost it. I don’t even think I ever had it. But I’ve seen the boss’s job, and I don’t want it.” The text we’re looking at today has been debated for centuries. It seems that the only part anybody is ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Centurion At The Feet Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 11, 2018

The story of this Centurion is listed in 3 of the Gospels because God wants us to see what he saw. What did the centurion see that day, and why did he cry out "Surely this was the Son of God"?

In the days of Jesus the most feared soldiers on the face of the earth were those of the Legions Of Rome. These men were practically invincible. It seemed to no nation of the day could stand against them. And one of the reasons they were so powerful and so feared was because their armies were led ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spiritual Ultra-Runners

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Feb 17, 2004

Have you ever wondered - "What’s the secret of sticking with it spiritually?" An examination of Paul’s secrets of spiritual endurance, discovering how we can have the endurance of an "ultrarunner."

SCRIPTURE READING: "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at things which are seen, but at ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Holiness

The Dangers Of A Form Of Godliness

Contributed by Jovanni Dinsay on Mar 17, 2025

• Many people today claim to be spiritual or religious, but is that enough to save them

Having a form of godliness refers to outwardly appearing to be righteous or spiritual, but lacking the inward reality of a vibrant, personal relationship with God. Characteristics of having a form of godliness Some common characteristics of having a form of godliness include: • Attending church or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Fearsome Storm

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 25, 2018

Today the church faces storms coming from all corners of society and even from within. How do we face such fearsome events? Maybe you face a personal storm in your marriage, job, or your health? Maybe its conflict in a ministry team? Hang on to Jesus.

The Fearsome Storm Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Beauty Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025

This study reveals how we can reflect God's true beauty by focusing on the inner transformation He brings and living lives that glorify Him.

BEAUTY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Peter 3:3–4 Supporting Texts: Psalm 45:11; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Proverbs 31:30; Isaiah 61:3; 2 Corinthians 4:16 INTRODUCTION: In the world today, beauty is often defined by outward appearance, trends, and what is seen on the surface. Yet, the Bible ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Change Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

What kind of change occurs in a person's heart when they accept Christ as Savior?

INTRODUCTION * A subject often found in Acts: change - Christ changes the heart and status of a person before God, resulting in... - Christ calling the church and believers to change their culture with the Gospel * Focus is often on outward change because it’s visible: the presence of Christ ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

Unity In Christ Series

Contributed by James Tilley on Dec 16, 2009

This sermon is an exposition of 1 Cor 1.10-17.

Unity in Christ Text: 1 Cor 1.10-17. Introduction: Illustration: The Queen Mary was the largest ship to cross the oceans when it was launched in 1936. Through four decades and a World War she served until she was retired, anchored as a floating hotel and museum in Long Beach, California. During ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Big Problem With The Pharisees, Sadducees, And Herodians

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 22, 2022

All three of these groups dealt with the same problem: hypocrisy. How do we combat that?

ACROSS THE BOARD: The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians all get the same criticism. - Matthew 16:11; Mark 8:15. - In our passage we see the Pharisees and the Sadducees criticized. Let’s add another group before we move on. - In Mark 8:15 we have a similar passage. This is after the feeding ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:5-12

Denomination: Baptist

Invitation To A Table For Two In The Wilderness

Contributed by Ian Johnson on Feb 19, 2013

The call to come inward to the table is often ignored because many don’t see the value of such fellowship; their aim is to be doing where as the aim of the table for two is simply “Being” in His presence.

The Christian faith is about relationship it’s not about religion or outward displays of Church life that are just mere forms of religious expression. Jesus spoke very firmly to the religious of the day, who felt they were doing the right thing in preserving religious tradition but ignoring ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Lukewarm Christian Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

. A lukewarm Christian, according to Jesus, is someone who is neither cold nor hot, but rather tepid, lacking genuine passion and commitment to their faith.

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, warning them of the dangers of lukewarmness. This passage serves as a reminder that merely professing Christianity is not enough to guarantee salvation. A lukewarm Christian, according to Jesus, is someone who is neither cold nor hot, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

The Crucified World Series

Contributed by Jim Heidebrecht on Sep 10, 2007

Sermon #23 in Galatians. Final paragraph, written by Paul’s hand. Sums up spirit of the letter, Way of the world vs. Way of the Cross

THE CRUCIFIED WORLD GAL 6: 11-18 INTRO CONFORMITY – (what do you think of when I say the word) SCHOOL, PEER PRESSURE INCREDIBLE PRESSURE TO CONFORM LOOK A CERTAIN WAY ACT A CERTAIN WAY BE IN CERTAIN GROUPS SHUN CERTAIN PEOPLE (CRUEL) KID ON BASEBALL TEAM IN SHERWOOD, COACH PUNISHED HIM ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

A New Way Of Thinking Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jan 16, 2015

If we are going to construct a new you, we need to make some major changes beginning with how we think!

INTRODUCTION • VIDEO CLIP- WingClips- Cloudy with a chance of meatballs • SLIDE #1 • As we continue with our Building A New You series, we will delve into a subject that hits each and everyone of us where we live. • It is difficult not to conform the environment one lives ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ