Sermons on Paul Barreca:

The Freedom Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 22, 2013

Joseph's restoration with his brothers teaches us that we can be free by forgiving those who have harmed us. In this way, Joseph is a picture of Christ - the one who forgives us and the model for the way that we should forgive others.

The year was 1996. The US would post its first ambassador to Vietnam since the N Vietnamese took control of the south in 1975. President Clinton choose as his ambassador Pete Peterson, a former congressman and US AirForce pilot. Pete had been shot down over N Vietnam 31 years earlier and was a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Touched By God To Touch Others For God

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 29, 2013

The justification we receive from God motivates us to bless others.

Touched By God to Touch Others For God Romans 5:9-11 This is now the 5th Blessing associated with Justification. “We have now received reconciliation” Reconciliation. ‒ Noun and Verb form used 13x in NT. ‒ “a change in relationship” ‒ formerly ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:9-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Doesn't God Prevent Evil? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 12, 2013

How can a good God allow human suffering to continue? The story of Joseph provides a powerful illustration that suffering has a purpose, even when we can't see it at the present time.

“When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him.” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: ‘Say to Joseph, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:15-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Biblical Accuracy Proved Through Jacob’s Prophecies Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jul 27, 2013

By studying Genesis 49 we will be reminded that we can TRUST the Bible even when modern culture rejects it.

Genesis 49 Can you trust the Bible? When we say “yes - I believe the Bible,” I think that what many of us are saying is that we believe the STORIES, the MIRACLES, the TRUTHFULNESS of the Bible. We do not doubt the content of the Bible, but do we FOLLOW the Bible? Do we believe it ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 49:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Does Preaching Still Matter?

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Sep 14, 2013

Ezra's sermon to a weary people brought them joy and renewed strength to serve the Lord. Preaching today is no different. God's Word will bring joy and delight to those who sincerely seek Him.

We have a new pulpit! Today is our first Sunday to share this new piece of furniture. It was carefully selected to replace our old pulpit which was built by Herb Perkins over 30 years ago. We wanted to have something smaller, easier to move and more contemporary in design. This pulpit has both ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Which Jesus?

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 28, 2013

The burial of Christ confronts us with the clear reality of his death and resurrection. The burial of Christ ensures that we accept the historicity of his death and resurrection.

The gospel is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. The Apostle Paul writes, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:38-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hope Of The Resurrection Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 31, 2013

We all need hope. But hope alone is not enough - it must be based on a solid foundation. This sermon reminds believers that our Hope is based on the resurrection of Christ.

In the late night hours of July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was struck by multiple torpedoes fired by a Japanese submarine. 500 miles west of the Philippine Islands, far from any port and under orders of secrecy, tt was the last US Navy ship sunk by enemy fire in WW2. The real story of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Do I Do When Someone Sins Against Me?

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 15, 2016

Sometimes, it is necessary to bring about confrontation, not so that you feel better and are happy, but so that relationships are restored, and sinners are brought back to obedience.

What do you do when you are hurt by the sinful actions of others? Authors Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp provide us with examples of people who are hurt by the sinful actions of others. As you read these stories, you will perhaps identify some of the feelings of frustration that can arise when others ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Work Matters To God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

God provides for us and demonstrates his love by blessing our labor.

(Title borrowed from the title of an excellent book by Doug Sherman and William Hendricks) Do you love going to work? According to a Forbes Magazine article, “Finding Your Dream Job” Joel Garfinkle, founder of Dream Job Coaching in Oakland, Calif says that “87% of workers are unhappy with their ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27-30, Genesis 30:25-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Avoid Destructive Conflict Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

The story of Rachel and Leah's fight over mandrakes can teach us an important lesson about avoiding conflict!

My wife asked me “What is your sermon on?” I told her “Rachel and Leah and their argument over Mandrakes” Her response was “Well, How does that apply to my life?” That's a good question, but I can assure you that the story of Rachel and Leah's fight over ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Herod - How Deniers Find Jesus Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 15, 2014

Herod was a wicked man and an evil king. But you don't have to kill baby Jesus to end up in hell. You just have to deny him.

Herod - How Deniers Find Jesus Matthew 2:19-20 Today’s message takes a somber tone. This is our third message on the subject of Finding Jesus. Today, we look at Herod who was seeking Jesus but for the wrong reason. As we know, Herod was seeking Jesus to kill him. He demonstrates for us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Keep The Faith Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 11, 2014

The theme of James is more than patience through trials. James is exhorting us to stay FAITHFUL in the face of PERSECUTION. He is exhorting us to KEEP the FAITH.

There’s a familiar story about the new bride who is cooking a big family dinner. As the ladies are gathered in the kitchen, the bride puts the roast in the pan and asks her mother why we always cut the end of the roast and put it in another pan? They ask grandma who says, “well honey, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Judgment Seat Of Christ Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Oct 15, 2015

There is a coming inspection of our Christian Lives that will involve either REWARD or LOSS for every Christian. We should make our life for Christ count so that we receive His reward.

The Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:6-15 The military takes inspection seriously. I remember visiting West Point as a teenager. Our family took a tour and which had a display of the Cadet Quarters. The tour guide explained how everything in the Cadet’s room was inspected - from ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Beyond All Odds - The Story Of Israel Proves The Accuracy Of The Bible

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 2, 2016

The success of the Jewish people is a powerful proof for the accuracy of God's promise to bless them above all other people of the earth.

Is it a mere coincidence that Israel is successful in unparalleled ways, and at the same time, the object of hatred throughout much of the world? Is there any significance to the survival of the Jewish people who have been mercilessly hunted, and targeted for elimination not once or twice, but ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hard Way - Why God Uses Diffictul People In Our Lives Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 2, 2013

Today we want to remember that GOD uses difficult people to build our character, to make us stronger. Such people reveal hidden faults and deepen our trust in God

Charles R. Swindoll provides the following story which he calls “Tension in the Tank.” "In the northeastern United States, codfish are not only delectable, they are a big commercial business. There's a market for eastern cod all over, especially in sections farthest removed from the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational