Sermons on Permanent City:

The Church Of Smyrna: Possessing The Wealth Of Heaven (Revelation 2:8-11)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2023

Within the city of Smyrna, there existed a struggling Christian community undergoing intense and withering persecution. The Lord Jesus came to them with a word of comfort for their dark days. Even though they were poor, they were, in fact, rich beyond imagination.

In our look at the seven churches of Asia Minor described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we come to the second church the Lord Jesus addresses in terms of testimony and steadfastness to the Gospel. This is the church in the city of Smyrna, which was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 11:36-38, Revelation 2:8-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Elijah’s Words To Ahab's Son Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 24, 2024

Ahaziah became king of Israel after Ahab died. He was injured when he fell through a lattice but sought guidance from Baal-zebub, god of the Philistine city, Ekron! But Elijah the prophet had a message for Ahaziah.

Introduction: After the death of Ahab, king of the northern tribes of Israel, his son Ahaziah became king. This new king also had a near-death experience after he fell through a lattice (networked wooden strips) of a window! This king sent messengers to a Philistine city, Ekron, about 40 or so ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

1 Corinthians 1 Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Aug 21, 2024

Corinth is a fascinating city in Greece that was a major center for International east-west trade. People from all over came to this prosperous place to make their fortunes. The message of a humble Jesus who died on a humiliating cross was not going to be popular.

1st Corinthians 1 August 25, 2024 • Corinth is a fascinating city in Greece that was a major center for International east-west trade. • When Paul lived there, Corinth was the host of the Isthmian Games, second only to the Olympics in popularity. • Paul most likely lived in a small apartment ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:19-23, 1 Corinthians 1:26-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Men At A Communion Table

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jul 22, 2024

In an upper room around a table in the city of Jerusalem, we see Jesus and the apostles. First communion table in history. First table a prophecy: a memorial. First table that looked to Calvary. The table today looks backward to the same cross.

In an upper room around a table in the city of Jerusalem, we see Jesus and the apostles. First communion table in history. First table a prophecy: a memorial. First table that looked to Calvary. The table today looks backward to the same cross. The most solemn and sacred place on earth without ...read more

Scripture: John 13:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Worth Your Salt?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 15, 2026

Introduction: Dr. Odell Belger said that his mother was a professional cook in his brother’s restaurant. People from all over the city would come each day to eat the delicious Southern food she cooked.

Text: Matthew 5:13 Introduction: Dr. Odell Belger said that his mother was a professional cook in his brother’s restaurant. People from all over the city would come each day to eat the delicious Southern food she cooked. After she had worked for many years, she decided she would retire. Her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Baptist

Palm Sunday: "the King Who Chose The Cross" Series

Contributed by Ron Auch Jr on Apr 18, 2025

"Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" The city was stirred, buzzing with anticipation. They thought their King had come to overthrow Rome. But Jesus came to conquer something much greater: death, sin, and the grave.

Holy Week Series 2025 Pt.1 Palm Sunday: “The King Who Chose the Cross” Text: Luke 19:28–44; Isaiah 53:10–12; John 12:23–33 Pt. 2 Part 2 – Good Friday: "The Weight and Worth of the Cross” Text: Isaiah 53:10–12; John 19:28–30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Psalm 34:8 Part 3 – Resurrection Sunday: ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:10-12, John 12:23-33, Luke 19:28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Psalm 56 Title: Put My Tears In Thy Bottle Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 23, 2021

This psalm was written when David found himself in the Philistine city of Gath, fleeing from King Saul, and up to his neck in very hot water. Achish, the king of Gath, had put David under arrest and was being pressured by his advisers to put him to death.

November 4, 2015 Tom Lowe PSALM 56 Title: PUT MY TEARS IN THY BOTTLE (To the chief Musician on Jonath-elem-rechokim[1], Michtam, a Psalm of David.) Theme: David’s Fear and Trust Psalm 56 (KJV) 1 Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 56:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Advent 2019 - One Plan - Two Purposes Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Dec 11, 2019

The Lord and Joseph had the same plan; that Joseph and Mary would go to Bethlehem. But, they each had a different purpose for the trip.

Advent 2019 – One Plan, Two Purposes Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … Jude 1:24-25 “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – “To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Luke 1:3-4, John 1:1, John 1:14, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 2:29-32, Ephesians 5:15-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

The Lord Who Leads Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 20, 2003

Since this psalm is so familiar, we’re in danger of missing the depth of its meaning. And, because it’s setting is in the world of sheep and shepherds, many of us city slickers can slide right past its richness.

The Lord Who Leads Most everyone has heard of Psalm 23. It’s a poem with no peer and has been called the sweetest song ever sung. Abraham Lincoln read it to cure his blues, and President Bush proclaimed it publicly to calm our nation’s fears after 9-11. I read these words out loud a week ago ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer-Care-Share: Kick-Off Sunday Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Jan 16, 2006

#1 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

This is a very special day! This is a very unique day! A special day @ Father’s House. A special day here in Cedar Rapids. A special day for all of us in Christ. A special day for Jesus. So what makes this day so very special & unique? Let me answer that question by starting with God’s Word. The ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer-Care-Share: Your Circle Of Influence Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Jan 24, 2006

#2 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

Pastor Sandy Boller... Prayer. Care. Share. Building Bridges in Linn County. Loving our Community to Christ! Last week, Marty introduced the Prayer.Care.Share initiative that some 30 churches in Cedar Rapids are participating in. These churches are choosing to pull our ministries together for the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer-Care-Share: Book Mark Sunday Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Jan 30, 2006

#3 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

Here in Cedar Rapids, 30-plus churches are uniting together under ONE CAUSE, ONE PURPOSE. Cedar Rapids has become a pilot-city with Mission America to see what might happen if a number of churches actually work together to fulfill Jesus’ GREAT COMMISSION and Jesus’ GREAT COMMANDMENT in Linn ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Be Fooled By Appearances Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 7, 2007

The Israelites had returned from captivity to find their city and their temple in ruins. They rebuilt what they could, but they became despondant because they weren’t wealthy enough to restore the temple to its former glory. However, God gave them insight

OPEN: An old farmer was about to die and he called his 2 sons to his bedside. He said, "Boys, my farm and the fields are yours. You each have equal shares. I leave you a little ready money, but the bulk of my wealth is hidden somewhere in the ground of the farm. I’m not sure anymore quite where it ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prayer-Care-Share: The Key To Care-Part 1 Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Mar 8, 2006

#6 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

PRAYER.CARE.SHARE. Week # 6 So did you see the Prayer Care Share Wall in the lobby as you came in today? If you weren’t here last week…we had a GREAT DAY…writing our names on our bookmarks onto the wall. Go to the Wall…taking our prayers to the extreme. In 30 plus churches in CR…Prayer Wall is ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer-Care-Share: The Key To Care-Part 2 Series

Contributed by Marty Boller on Mar 21, 2006

#7 in a series. God is pouring out a whole new level of city-wide cooperation amongst churches and church leaders. Prayer-Care-Share is a concentrated effort focusing on "Building Bridges to our Community"...loving our communities to Christ.

Last week...I shared with you THE KEY TO CARE...Two truths: #1: GOD IS ALREADY AT WORK. #2: JOIN HIM IN HIS WORK. Sounds so easy….doesn’t it? So simple… These TWO TRUTHS can set you free, yet…can I be truthful, here??? Doing ONLY what the Father is doing…can also be quite intimidating! ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational