Sermons on Paraphrase:

The Unwanted Christmas Gift Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 8, 2020

We’re heading into the Christmas season, and in a few weeks we’ll be looking at gifts under the Christmas tree. What was the best or worst Christmas gift that you remember?

How many of you can remember a Christmas gift that you wanted, oh, so badly? Illustration: For me, one of the best gifts ever came to me way back in 1967 when I was in grade school. There was a toy truck called the “Johnny Express (TM) that I wanted so bad, I could taste it (a figure of speech we ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-12, James 2:19

Denomination: Baptist

Simon Peter: From Fisherman To Follower

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 21, 2020

The 11 disciples had already gone to Galilee as Jesus had commanded (see Matthew 28:10). Some of the disciples decided to follow Simon Peter and once again begin fishing. But they saw Jesus another time and that changed everything, at least for one disciple!

Based on a sermon preached at First Baptist Church of Glasgow, MO on July 27, 2014. This is not an exact transcription. Background: The 11 disciples had already gone to Galilee as Jesus had commanded (see Matthew 28:10). Nothing seems to have happened in the meantime so some of the disciples ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline Of Acts 7 (Expanded Version)

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 24, 2021

This chapter contains Stephen's reply to the high priest and others who charged and questioned him (see chapter 6). Even though Stephen was martyred for his faith, his testimony still lives on.

Introduction: Acts 7 begins with a question from the High Priest to Stephen, one of the original seven men sometimes called deacons. The rest of the chapter contains Stephen’s review of Israel’s history and his reply to the charge/s against him (see Acts 6) and the response of those who heard him. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Serving God Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Nov 16, 2021

Taken from the Sermon Central Series and heavily edited, Pastor John teaches us on the blessing and peace we can have by simply serving God.

Serving God Established - Week 4: Scripture: John 13:1- Over the last few weeks we have been in a series called, Established. We're talking about what it means to have a relationship with God. What it means to build this close relationship, not just knowing things about God, but actually ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Life Restored Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

When non-Christians were asked what is their biggest barrier to faith, the number one answer among Americans was the following, “I have a hard time believing a good God would allow so much evil or suffering in the world.”

Today, we conclude a four-week look at one of the most interesting people in history – the man named Job. Job is a really good man. God even calls him, “…a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil …”(Job 1:8). He’s so good in fact, that God tells Ezekiel years later: ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:7-17

Denomination: Baptist

Father Abraham Had Many Sons Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Did you hear about the 90 year old man who married a 90-year-old women? The couple immediately began looking for house next to an elementary school. That is faith, wouldn’t you agree?

Hi, I am Scott Maze and have the privilege of serving as pastor. Since we have opened our new building here in North Fort Worth, we have had so many new guests. We are so glad you are here and we invite you to complete the guest card in your worship guide, if you will. Today, we continue our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-6, Romans 4:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Doubting Thomas In Us

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Mar 24, 2021

In this passage .... Thomas ... is struggling with his lack of faith. .... I want you to think about how the Gospel of John mentions Thomas in three different ways, Thomas the courageous believer, Thomas the inquisitive and Thomas the doubter.

THE DOUBTING THOMAS IN US (Easter season) Text: John 20:19-31 John 20:19-31  When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: United Methodist

Daniel-The Dream He Wished Would Never Come True

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 15, 2020

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a second dream that troubled him. This time, he related the dream to Daniel but Daniel knew exactly what the dream meant. After being stunned for an hour, he explained the meaning but wished the dream would never come true.

Daniel-the dream he wished would never come true Introduction: Daniel had already reviewed and interpreted one of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, as related in Daniel 2. Now, perhaps some years later, the king had another dream that troubled his thoughts. He called Daniel and related the dream. When ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Daniel-The Lions Didn’t Hurt Him!

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 23, 2020

Daniel and the lions' den is a familiar and fantastic story. I've loved this story ever since on of the first times my aunt and grandmother read it to me, and I'm grateful for their love. This one is dedicated to you, Aunt V!

Daniel-the lions didn’t hurt him! Introduction: After Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians, Daniel’s life was spared and he was given a position under the new rulers. Eventually some of the other officials became jealous and conspired to have Daniel put to death—by being thrown into a den of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

Portrait Of A Servant (Part 1) Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 19, 2024

The eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5 provide a clear portrait of the spiritual characteristics of a servant. This sermon covers the first four of the beatitudes in the portrait of a servant.

Introduction: A. Do you like to ask kids what they want to be when they grow up? I do. 1. Unlike the minion in the picture, I don’t ask them because I am still looking for ideas! 2. I like to ask them to see what is going on in their little heads. 3. This picture on the screen is a good ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 17, 2001

Sixth in a series of sermons on the Beatitudes - developing Christian character

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart TEXT: Matthew 5:8 INTRODUCTION · Benjamin Franklin was committed to making himself a better person. So much so that he carried around a little book with a list of 13 virtues that he wanted to incorporate into his life. Each day he would concentrate on a different ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Wising Up In A Dumbed-Down World Series

Contributed by Tim George on Feb 5, 2001

In a world where being undecided is a badge of honor, how do we learn to make wise decisions?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

True Wisdom Series

Contributed by Tim George on Jul 18, 2001

It is vitally important that you understand how completely dependent you are on God. Everyone claims to have the answers to life’s questions but only God truly does!

”Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Cross That River Series

Contributed by Jerry Fenter on May 23, 2002

Are we people who live by faith, or by sight; are we afraid to cross the river, or are we willing to take the risk and live by faith.

Cross That River Joshua 3 I. There are a few things you need to know that will be foundational to understanding the principles of today’s lesson. A. First, you need to know about the Ark. The Ark of the Covenant was the piece of furniture that God directed Moses to build and place in the middle of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

Contributed by Dana Chau on Sep 8, 2001

The difference Jesus Christ makes at Christmas and in your life.

I heard repeatedly on the radio this week that depression is very common during the Christmas holiday. I’m usually not an armchair researcher, but I believe much of the holiday depression comes largely from a wrong focus. For many, the focus is placed on an overweight-white-beard, old man, who ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-18

Denomination: *other