Sermons on Pagan Holidays:

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

Missing Christmas: The Innkeeper Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Nov 8, 2021

We’re doing this little three-part series entitled The Characters of Christmas in order to see the magic of Christmas in the faces of those who first experience its warmth and joy.

No one wants to miss Christmas. “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose” – who would want to miss such a magical experience? But how do you get the most out of Christmas – the full experience of Christmas? Yes, you’ll watch your favorite Christmas movies, and you’ll ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Is There Evidence That Jesus Christ Is Alive After Death? An Examination Of The Facts

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 10, 2023

For me, it’s obvious that Jesus Christ is alive right now. Because he changed my life forever. He set me free from sins and addictions. He changed my family. My grandpa. My mom. He’s still changing lives everyday in this very city, and across the face of the Earth.

If Jesus is dead then I’m a fraud. If Jesus is dead right now, then we’re all a joke. The atheists would be right. The world would be right. All the good in the world wouldn’t really be good, all the bad wouldn’t really be bad, all our work would be for nothing, and our lives would be truly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Denomination: Salvation Army

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