Sermons on Pagan Festivals:

The Kiss Of God Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 11, 2013

Warren Buffett believed his donation of $37 billion dollars to the Gates Foundation would buy him a place in heaven? Is that possible? Can we buy our way into heaven? Can we work our way in? Or is there another way?

OPEN: A man and wife were sitting in their living room when they noticed their neighbor across the street pull up in to his drive. He stepped out of the car with flowers in his hand, met his wife at the door and laid a passionate kiss on her. As they watched all this play out across the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is Your All On The Altar Of Sacrifice Laid? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 17, 2021

If God hated human sacrifice, why would He ask Abraham to offer his only son as a burnt offering to Him? And what can this story mean to us?

CHILDREN'S STORY (I used a flannel graph display on the overhead) In the days of Abraham, one of the ways people showed their love for God by offering Him a sacrifice. A sacrifice is like a gift. It’s something you give to God to show Him you are willing to obey Him, even when it costs you ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Infecting Your Facebook Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 8, 2012

Viruses infect PCs (Personal Computers), and sins infect PLs (our Personal Lives). Facebook has become one place where we can see certain viruses/sins infect the language and attitudes of those who use that site.

OPEN: A few yrs ago, a computer specialist by the name of Didier Stevens came up with a humorous ad campaign he placed on Google (a popular internet site). The Ad read in this way: "Is your PC (Personal Computer) virus-free? Get it infected here!" Now for those of you not familiar with ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Loving Like Your Father Loves Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 10, 2013

Some people refuse to love their enemies because it shows they have standards, that they respect themselves, that they reject bad behavior. It makes them feel God-like. But Jesus said that being "God-like" means loving our enemies. How do we do that?

OPENING: There once were 2 cats from Kilkenny Each thought there was one cat too many They fought and they spit, They clawed and they bit. Till instead of two cats … there weren't any. APPLY: Hatred is an interesting topic. As Christians, we are taught that hatred is not a good thing. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Murder She Wrote Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 14, 2022

We can choose the drama that comes from foolishness, selfishness, and sinfulness – even to the point of murder – or we can choose stability and meaningfulness that comes from wisdom, godliness, and concern for others.

Murder She Wrote (2 Chronicles 21:1-24:27) 1. I have long been a fan of murder mysteries. I enjoy shows like Perry Mason, Poirot, and my favorite is Ellery Queen. 2. Murder She Wrote is another one I enjoy. 3. It always amazed me how Jessica Fletcher, in the first show, was new widow, about 60 ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Did I Get Into This Mess? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 14, 2013

Is it sinful to borrow money? Is it evil to declare bankruptcy? And why do so many people seem to be in financial trouble today?

OPEN: Years ago, I had a friend who attended a Bible Study at my home. He shared with our study that when he graduated from High School, he had a life goal. His life goal was to be a million dollars in debt before he reached the age of 30… and THEN he’d declare bankruptcy. He said he ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:7, Philippians 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lie: I Did It My Way Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 16, 2022

"I did it my way" is the battle cry that sums up what so many people feel about their lives. They think this is a great idea... but it isn't. Why not?

Back in 2010 there’s the true story of a British man named Shawn Murtagh who decided to wear a Halloween costume. To complete the costume he had a sequined top hat he wanted to wear at an angle on his head. But it wouldn’t quite stay on, so instead of attaching the hat to his head with a string, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Angels Watching Over Me Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 5, 2021

The Bible tells us we have angels watching over us. But what does that mean, and what should it mean to us?

There is the true story of a family who was desperately trying to sell their house, which was located on a busy street. Their real estate agent decided to have open-house nearly every day to promote the sale. And they instructed the children not to talk to anyone about the house. One evening a man ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Was Naaman Cleansed? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 22, 2021

Naaman had two problems - one was leprosy. But the other problem was the one that threatened to prevent him from being cleansed. What was his "other" problem, and what "fixed" both of his problems?

I read the true story about a man who had gone to the hardware store for supplies he needed for a minor plumbing repair job. As he was leaving, the owner said, “See you in a little while.” “Why?” asked the customer. “Is there something else I need?” “No. You haven’t forgotten anything,” he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

My Christmas Dilemma

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 4, 2022

Some pros and cons of Christmas.

I am not a big fan of Christmas, mainly because it is not in the Bible. Family and friends outnumber me, so I go along with Christmas festivities but not wholeheartedly. I have difficulty celebrating it as the birthday of Jesus. For one reason, Christians did not celebrate Christmas for at least ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lent 2019 - Jesus Under Attack Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 6, 2019

Jesus, in His time on earth, was under attack in many ways by the Jewish leaders. He was argued with, defamed and crucified. Many in our society are attacking Jesus as well even from within some churches. Do we know enough about Jesus and His Word to recognize false teaching?

Lent 2019 – Attacking The Rock Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “The time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Matthew 15:2, Luke 6:2, Luke 13:31, John 8:48, Matthew 12:24, John 11:50, Jude 1:3-4, Genesis 3:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Christmas Without Christ!

Contributed by Pastor Renji George on Nov 13, 2024

So, can we look beyond the way Christmas is celebrated today, and find any real meaning, any message for our lives today?

It is November…. just a month away from Christmas…As the days go by, everyone irrespective of religion gets impatient to get into the Christmas Eve. Special lights decorate many houses, shops, town centres and malls along with shiny decorations, and huge advertising boards of promotional season ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14, Matthew 1:21, 1 John 3:5, Colossians 2:9-10, John 3:16, Isaiah 9:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Will God Send People To Hell? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 24, 2014

There are many people who are uncomfortable with the idea that God sends people to hell. Does He? And if He does, what kind of people does He send there?

OPEN: Calvin Coolidge was known for his dry wit and the fact that virtually nothing seemed to upset him or disturb him. Before Coolidge became President of the United States, he was a senator in the Massachusetts State Senate. Apparently one of Coolidge’s responsibilities was to decide which ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Sanctifying Shield Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 15, 2013

Jesus prays that the Father will protect us. But how does the God do that? How does God guard us and shield us when we live so exposed to the temptations and lusts of this world?

OPEN: Down in Kentucky, our nation has a very special place designed to protect our gold supply. Do you know what it’s called? (Fort Knox). That’s where our nation keeps most of our gold. But more than gold has been stored there over the years. Ft. Knox has also held the Magna Carta, ...read more

Scripture: John 17:11-19, John 17:1-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Does Christmas Come From? Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

This is not a mere seasonal question. It is a supreme question for all time-where does Christmas come from? The answer can guide us through confusion and uncertainty back to home base, in the very heart of God.

An aviator trainer told of how he would take students up in plane, and deliberately fly in all directions to confuse them. Then he would turn the controls over to the student and say, "Now take us home." It was the job of the student to learn how to find the radar beam, and stay one it ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-7