Sermons on Outward Focus:

Do Not Destroy (Part I) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 16, 2022

Exhausted following a flight to preserve his life, David looks to God Who alone can deliver His wearied saint. And He will deliver you when you cry out to Him in the midst of your trials.

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO DO NOT DESTROY. A MIKTAM OF DAVID, WHEN HE FLED FROM SAUL, IN THE CAVE. Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 57:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Essential Christianity! Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on May 4, 2021

A study of 1 John 1:1-2:3 will reveal to us what the particulars are of essential Christianity. particularly, what the three-fold essentials of eternal life are, or what Christianity is essentially about!

We are turning to 1st John today, the first epistle of John, and I will explain to you why we are after we read the first chapter and 3 verses of the 2nd chapter, and after I pray… Let’s pray…I read an article recently that grabbed my attention, but really introduced me to what unfortunately I ...read more

The King Wants To See You

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2021

Christians, especially, must always remember those who have stood with them, honouring their memory and the kinship they have shared during hard times.

“David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Beginning Of The Divided Monarchy Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 15, 2021

This a study of when the nation Israel divides into two nations. It’s the beginning of a sad time in the nation and in our Bibles. King Solomon has died and things were not good during his watch. He allowed a lot of evil stuff to happen in his later days.

Recently, our news feeds were filled with talk of the United Methodist Church and its potential divide. They are currently the second-largest Protestant denomination in the United States and they recently announced a plan to split the church. The split comes because of what they called “fundamental ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus – His Exaltation Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 21, 2021

Jesus – His Exaltation Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey – February 14, 2021

Jesus – His Exaltation Series: CREED: Truths that Unite Brad Bailey – February 14, 2021 Intro... Well... good morning Westside Vineyard family and friends. It really is my privilege and pleasure to have this time to share with you. And I’m EXCITED to continue together in our series entitled ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Your Integrity Quotient? - Genesis 20 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

Did you know that there are only three people in the Bible that are said to have integrity.

Did you know (I didn’t know this before this week) that there are only three people in the Bible that are said to have integrity. Now there are lots of people who had integrity in the Bible, don’t get me wrong. But only three people the word ‘integrity’ is used to describe them. One of them is Job. ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus "i Am" The Good Shepherd! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 25, 2021

: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He lead’s the sheep to safety, security, pasture and the good life but not to slaughter or harm. Jesus guards, encourages, supports and protects His sheep because He loves them.

I am playing these videos to get your mindset focused on Shepherding – agriculture lifestyles – a common sight in the time and teaching of Jesus – not so much today – as a matter of fact you would be hard pressed to find many sheep farms in this area of Illinois! Opening Video Transition (2 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-42, John 10:11, John 10:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Touches You, Does It Hurt? - Genesis 32-33 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 25, 2021

A family was sitting around the dinner table having a discussion and the conversation turned to a man. One of their friends had recently become a believer. The dad said in the comment, “Yeah, God touched his heart.”

A family was sitting around the dinner table having a discussion and the conversation turned to a man. One of their friends had recently become a believer. The dad said in the comment, “Yeah, God touched his heart.” The seven-year-old girl paused for a moment and she said, “How does God touch ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Don't Be Afraid To Wear The Coat - Genesis 37:1-4 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 25, 2021

God gave him dreams and as these dreams kind of guided him in the beginning, later on he gets thrown in a cistern and he’s taken off to Egypt.

Well I’m excited today because today we get to start the story of Joseph. Now the story of Joseph is a story that takes up a quarter of the book of Genesis from chapter 37 all the way to the end. More than a quarter of the whole book. So we’re going to spend some time learning about Joseph. We ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

You Don't Have To Be A Star To Be In My Show

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2021

Recognition of those who advance the cause of Christ through quiet service within the assembly of the righteous.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

Hostile Desires - James 4:1-3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 3, 2021

If you struggle with anger or are having conflicts with people, this is an important message for you. It shows how good desires become hostile desires and how to fix the problem.

James 4:1 What causes wars and battles among you? Don’t they come from your desires that wage war within you? 2 You covet something but don’t get it – you murder. And you envy, but you cannot have [what you want] - you battle and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 When you ask, you do ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-3

Peace In The Midst Of Chaos Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 29, 2022

Embracing obedience to God brought peace to the young teenage girl whom the Lord chose to bear His Son into the world.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Think Bigger Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Dec 25, 2022

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management.

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management. Sadness. Sadness comes on a scale. Some things are trivial or minor. I mean, you go to Starbucks and they get your order wrong. You might be sad or disappointed. Or you get on the road and there's traffic, or you have to go ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Go To Your Room - Matthew 6:5-6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 28, 2024

Why does God promise reward for private prayer? And how can you make your daily prayer time the most enjoyable part of your day, instead of a drudgery or chore that is dry and boring? This message will help you actually look forward to your prayer time each day and come away closer to God.

Matthew 6:5-16 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-6

Our Father - Matthew 6:9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 1, 2024

The Lord’s prayer is an outline for prayer to show us priorities. The invocation reminds us that we are speaking to a person, who that Person is, and what He is like.

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9