Sermons on Pagan Holiday:

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

Epaphroditus: Faithful Minister Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 27, 2020

This message provides insight on the current crisis in America, then expounds Philippians 2:25-30. Paul's commendation of Epaphroditus supplies criteria for discerning godly New Testament leadership.

During the last few weeks our pattern has been to first address current events; then proceed with our study in Philippians. I will continue with that this morning. I. We are living in monumental times. It is a new season with new challenges and new opportunities. Charles Dicken’s line in A Tale ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20, John 13:1-17, Matthew 20:26-28, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 1 Corinthians 12:11, 2 Timothy 4:20, Colossians 2:16, 1 Peter 4:17, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:1-30, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

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

Heavenly Mindedness That Produces Good Works Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 20, 2020

How does our citizenship in heaven shape the way we think and interact with the world around us? How does it inform our understanding of social justice? How does "eagerly" waiting for the Coming of Christ affect the way we live life?

Intro We are in a profound transition both in the church and in the nation. The presidential election is only weeks away. The results will take our nation and our lives in one of two very different directions. The church is also being reconfigured. Even now it looks very different than it did seven ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7, Titus 2:11-14, Acts 1:11, John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Philippians 1:27, Revelation 11:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, 1 Timothy 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Essence Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Dec 6, 2022

Jesus went from sitting on a throne to lying in a manger to hanging on a tree. He went from being a king with a crown to a baby with diapers to a criminal on the cross. Why did He do this?

It’s three weeks and just twenty-one days until Christmas. Christmas is so exciting for so many reasons: students are soon to be out of school, teachers are soon to be off from school, and lights are everywhere. Who doesn’t like presents for everyone brimming from underneath a Christmas tree? Andy ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 8:56-58

Denomination: Baptist

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

Thanksgiving 2015

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Oct 15, 2015

Jesus has given us not just a new day but every day for the rest of our lives so that we can praise Him and shout out our thanks for each new wonderful day we live. Realizing this we should live large and live loud walking by faith and not by sight.

Thanksgiving 2015 Luke 17:11-19 How would you respond if you were given a miracle? I ‘m talking about a personal miracle not something for someone else but something truly miraculous that God would do for you. Something way over the top like these 10 men in today’s scripture ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Play God Day Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 10, 2016

Play God Day is "celebrated" on January 9th and encourages people to do something nice for others. That's good. But "playing God" also has a negative side. What's wrong with "playing God" and how do I recognize if I'm falling into that trap?

This is the 2nd in our series of “holidays” in January you probably haven’t heard of. This one is called the “Play God Day” and its “observed” on January 9th each year. According to www.cute_calendar.com: “The day encourages you to do something ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mary And Joseph Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Nov 9, 2021

Not everyone experiences a Hallmark Christmas. Some people have problems, and in the moments to come, we'll discover one of the original characters of Christmas has a big problem.

Merry Christmas to your family and you! Christmas is just three days away – are you ready? Is everything wrapped and under the tree? When I stop to think about it, it is still funny eleven years later… …but Virgin Mary gave birth to a 7.7-pound baby Jesus on Christmas Day in Peru eleven years ago. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14

Denomination: Baptist

Thanks Be To God! Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 21, 2010

As I researched this sermon, I discovered a powerful message in Paul’s thanksgiving that was both simple and profound. What it taught me has changed my entire view of how to give thanks.

There’s a supposedly true story about a family was seated around their Thanksgiving table. As was their custom everyone shared what they were thankful for. From the oldest to the youngest, they each took their turn to express their praise. When they came to the 5 year old in the family, he ...read more

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

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