Sermons on Pondering:

Getting Ready For Christmas (Updated)

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 9, 2016

With Christmas right around the corner, it got me thinking about how we as Christians ought to prepare for the spiritual side of Christmas. In this message I’d like to share four (4) distinct ways based on those who were there and what they did. Plus a Special ending "Overshadowed"

Getting Ready for Christmas Watch on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW1yvKZGFmY Christmas is right around the corner and already as a society we’ve endured a month of Black Friday, a time when we can get the best deals on our Christmas giving. This got me thinking about how ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Luke 1:35, Luke 1:46-49, Luke 11:13

Denomination: Foursquare

God Talks Through The Skies Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 27, 2021

The Bible never tells us to take a leap of faith into the darkness and hope that there is somebody out there. Instead, we are called to jump out of darkness into the light.

Today we’re going to look at what C.S. Lewis called “the greatest poem in the Psalter and one the greatest lyrics in the world.” “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ?2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.?3 There is no ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Unity

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Nov 28, 2020

This from a series I preached on the Psalms.

Title: Spiritual Unity Scripture: Psalm 133 Type: Series/Expository Where: GNBC 11-22-20 Intro: What is spiritual unity? Are union and unity the same thing? I once heard an old preacher say the following: “You can tie two cats’ tails together and fling them over a clothes line. You may ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Love: The Prerequisite To A Life Changing Experience Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Aug 6, 2021

John paints a beautiful picture of God and the life of believers. He says that love is the preeminent attribute of God and this is seen in the cross. Christian love doesn’t happen by self-determination, it happens because of the abiding presence of Holy Spirit.

G.A. Studdert-Kennedy, the English chaplain poet, found himself alone one dark night on the cliffs of Dover, peering sightlessly into the darkness across the English Channel. His thoughts led him to wonder what kind of force lingered in the darkness. As he thought about who may be lingering in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Christmas Message – The Men Of The Incarnation Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 22, 2022

It is most revealing to study the men of the Incarnation for some wonderful thoughts emerge. This Christmas message looks at a subject not often covered - the men. God bless all who read this, you and your families, for this Christmas and always.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – THE MEN OF THE INCARNATION ===================================== An explanation – I highlighted a number of words and phrases in the biblical text in red, but because the layout here can’t use formatting, I have placed those in capitals. I hope you don’t mind. I know ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:11-20, Luke 1:6, Luke 1:38, Luke 1:39-42, Matthew 1:18-19, Luke 1:43-47, Matthew 1:20-25, Matthew 13:55-56, Luke 2:8-14, Luke 2:15-20, Luke 2:25-35, Luke 2:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Joy Stealers (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 4, 2022

Paul warns the Colossians against legalism, mysticism, and asceticism.

Above All: A Study in Colossians Col 2:18-23 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church Cubbie Dog When I first moved to Illinois, a friend offered to take me to a Cubs game. I explained that I’m not really a baseball fan. He said, “It’s not just baseball, it's Wrigley Field.” ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

"god's Mercy Seat."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jul 16, 2022

God is beyond our comprehension as our limited three-pound brain cannot fathom his true nature. He has always existed and is the ultimate ruler of everything. Therefore, he does not rely on any created thing to sustain him, but everything that exists must depend on him for its continued existence.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Lamentations 3:22-23) (22) "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not." (23) "They are new every morning: great is thy ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:8, Matthew 19:26, Isaiah 46:10, Romans 12:1, John 3:16, Lamentations 3:22-23, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 2:4-5, Micah 7:18-19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Savior: Immanuel And Jesus Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 24, 2021

The mission of the cross is hidden in the message of the cradle.

Video: Christmas Confusion How are you doing hanging on to Christ this Christmas? Does Christmas seem confusing or is it just a chaotic time of year for you? I submit if you want to understand Christmas, you must get to know who Christ is, and what He came to do. We could say it like this: The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Came To Us, But Who Knew? Series

Contributed by John Murphy on Mar 27, 2010

So many prophecies, so many witnesses, and yet no one spread the news.

The shopping is over, the packages have been opened, the real trees are wilting and only those returning gifts are in the malls. Perhaps they are even re-wrapping them to re-gift any unwanted gifts to someone else next year. Soon everything Christmas will be stored away until next year. Is that ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Dwell In Jesus’ Love Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 2, 2009

To be connected to the Vine means that the life of Jesus is flowing in us & through us, & this leads to fruitfulness. Fruitfulness will be the inevitable outcome of an inner spiritual life with Jesus.

JOHN 15: 7-11 HOW TO ABIDE [DWELL] IN JESUS’ LOVE [John 8: 31-35] We have learned that fruit-bearing is a byproduct of abiding in Christ for as Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (15:5b). Having an inner relationship with Jesus (as a branch is nourished and strengthened by a vine), ...read more

Scripture: John 15:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

"o Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Dec 16, 2018

I have always wanted to so an Advent series based on traditional Christmas carols/hymns. We've gotten so used to them that I think we miss the depth of the theology contained within in them. One of the most ancient is the beautiful hymn that contains the ancient names of Jesus.

I love the way that Pastor and author Robert J. Morgan describes hymns: “Hymns help us praise God. They’re shafts of brilliant sunlight through the clouds. They provide an almost mystical connection with the endless anthems of praise raising at this very moment before the heavenly throne. They ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 11:1

Denomination: United Methodist

Meditate Upon Things Worthy Of Virtue And Praise Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 17, 2020

In our study of Philippians thus far, Paul has told his Philippian friends that they should empty their minds of fear and anxiety and anything else that will detract from their pilgrimage of faith. Now he gives them a list of virtues they should think about and meditate on.

Date: 7/22/19 Lesson #32 Title: Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise • “Special Notes” and “Scripture” are shown as endnotes. • NIV Bible is used throughout unless noted otherwise. Scripture: (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV) 8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Hope When You Don't Think You Have Enough Series

Contributed by Perry Fowler on Nov 29, 2023

Christmas is often a time when people struggle feeling that they don't have enough, or can't provide enough. It often steals away the joy of Christmas. Mary could have felt that she did not have enough; yet her song proves-- Jesus was enough.

One of the top 10 Christmas songs of all time- it actually is ranked #7- is the song: “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. The song goes like this: “Don’t want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need, I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree, I just ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 15 - Stay Humble Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 9, 2024

God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. As we study the life of King Uzziah we too will learn some important lessons on how we can stay humble, and acknowledge God in everything.

We read in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” (GNB) As we continue our study based on this verse we realized that God is indeed able to meet all of our needs, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8, 2 Chronicles 16:1, 2 Chronicles 26:8, Psalm 27:1, 2 Chronicles 26:4-5, 2 Kings 5:13, 2 Chronicles 26:7, 2 Chronicles 26:9, 2 Chronicles 26:11, 2 Chronicles 26:15-16, 2 Chronicles 26:18-19, Psalm 18:29, Psalm 8:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

The Heart Of Jesus

Contributed by Troy Borst on Nov 1, 2024

The theodicy often centers on the question: If God is omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent, why does evil exist? Theodicy seeks to reconcile the existence of a good God with the reality of suffering and injustice in the world.

THE HEART OF JESUS JOHN 11:1-44 #john11 INTRODUCTION We will be in John 11 this morning. There are some questions in this life we live for which we have absolutely no good answers. For example: Why does an all-powerful God allow disasters on the innocent? Why do babies die? Why is there so much ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ