Sermons on Pagan Festivals:

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

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

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

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

Can Anything Good Come Out Of Nazareth Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 7, 2014

Nazareth would seem to be an insignificant backwater town. That's how most scholars have painted it. The city didn't even seem to make much difference in the life of Christ. But is there more to its story?

OPEN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGlEte0qPFM What you just saw was the opening celebration for last year’s “Christmas in Nazareth”. It’s a 5 day festival that begins with the lighting of a Christmas tree and fireworks. In the following days there are parades, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-4

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

The First Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 13, 2014

Nakedness is equated with sin in Scripture and Adam and Eve tried covering their nakedness with fig leaves. Do we do the same? And, if so, how successful can we be at doing that?

The true story is told of a banquet where a famous religious leader found himself seated next to an extremely beautiful woman who was wearing a gown with a perilously low neckline. He introduced himself to her… and then offered her an apple. She was a little surprised, but he explained ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:6-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

The Mountain Of Freedom Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 7, 2015

The Law was the basis of Israel's freedom from slavery as well as the foundation of the blessings they'd received by God. But why God introduce these Laws in such an intimidating and frightening way?

OPEN: In about 4 weeks our nation is going to have a special celebration. Does anybody know what that special holiday is? (“Independence Day”) We are a free people, and we celebrate that freedom on July 4th. One of our nation’s founding documents is called the Declaration of ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ