Sermons on Present Focus:

The Wonder Of Jesus Accepting Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2013

It’s become fashionable for churches to "target" a specific audience in their messages and ministry. But is that really such a good idea? Is it possible that in targeting specific groups we might be undermining our real ministry?

OPEN: In my files I ran across these nuggets of wisdom from little children: Patrick, age 10 - "Never trust a dog to watch your food." Hannah, age 9 - "When your dad is mad and asks you, ’Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer." Taylia, age 11 - "When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Loves The Little Children Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 21, 2023

The difference between the world and God is very harsh when it come to children. God considers them precious, while the world often considers them expendable. What is God's attitude toward abortion and what can we do for those who struggle with that decision?

The passage I read this morning is intriguing. The story is recorded here in Luke as well as in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. And what I find interesting is that there’s this contrast between the views of the disciples… and Jesus. There’s this group of parents who are bringing “infants” to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:15-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who's The Boss? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 22, 2020

I need to submit to "that person?" Seriously? Why?

A man once said: “I am not the boss of my house. I don’t know HOW I lost it. I don’t know WHEN I lost it. I don’t even think I ever had it. But I’ve seen the boss’s job, and I don’t want it.” The text we’re looking at today has been debated for centuries. It seems that the only part anybody is ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Go! And Embrace The Power Of Reconciliation - Romans 5:10 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 8, 2025

Explore a profound truth that lies at the heart of our faith—the power of reconciliation, and the depth of God's love through Jesus Christ.

Go! And Embrace the Power of Reconciliation - Romans 5:10 Introduction: We gather today under the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to explore a profound truth that lies at the heart of our faith—the power of reconciliation. Our guiding Scripture is Romans 5:10 (NLT): "For since our friendship ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:10, Colossians 1:21, Isaiah 59:2, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Hebrews 7:25, John 14:19, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:13-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Centurion At The Feet Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 11, 2018

The story of this Centurion is listed in 3 of the Gospels because God wants us to see what he saw. What did the centurion see that day, and why did he cry out "Surely this was the Son of God"?

In the days of Jesus the most feared soldiers on the face of the earth were those of the Legions Of Rome. These men were practically invincible. It seemed to no nation of the day could stand against them. And one of the reasons they were so powerful and so feared was because their armies were led ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 2 – Psalm 120 – Trouble And Persecution Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 27, 2023

The first Psalm of Ascent looks at trouble and what to do with lying lips and a deceitful tongue. We have difficulties and persecution but God is the Mighty Rock and our refuge. We dwell in an evil world but God is in control!

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 2 – PSALM 120 – TROUBLE AND PERSECUTION (A). O, THE GRIEF OF THE TROUBLED SOUL {{Psalm 120:1 “In my trouble I cried to the LORD and He answered me.”}} The Introduction for these Psalms has been done in Part 1, and today we commence with Psalm 120, obviously the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 120:1, Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 81:6, Psalm 91:14, Psalm 120:2-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Psalm 25:2, Psalm 25:19, Psalm 31:15, Psalm 91:5-6, Psalm 91:2-4, Psalm 120:5-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fearsome Storm

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 25, 2018

Today the church faces storms coming from all corners of society and even from within. How do we face such fearsome events? Maybe you face a personal storm in your marriage, job, or your health? Maybe its conflict in a ministry team? Hang on to Jesus.

The Fearsome Storm Mark 4:35-41 35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Secret Weapon Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 11, 2016

On 9-11 our nation needed someone to tell us they understood our fears, our enemy and our future. It needed someone to say they had a plan to deal with our enemy and that together we would overcome. Essentially, that's what Revelation 4 is all about.

OPEN: Fifteen years ago, two of our families went on vacation. They went to NYC and had gone to see the sights and enjoy the pleasures of the city. But their plans were shattered in a moment’s time… along with the plans of millions of Americans across the nation. 19 evil men, with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

By Grace Ye Are Saved (Manuscript) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jan 29, 2023

To establish that when we were dead in trespasses and sins, God, because of His great love and mercy, wherewith He loved us: “Hath quickened us together with Christ and by grace we were saved through the faith.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. By Grace Ye Are Saved (Part I) Introductory Remarks. 1. First, we will notice how God has justified us freely by His grace through Christ Jesus. In this lesson: "By grace ye are saved," of course, we are talking about the God of heaven. He calls all believers by ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13-16, Romans 3:23-26, Ephesians 1:12-14, Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Father Figure Of Freedom Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 21, 2015

Moses was the father figure to Israel of their Heavenly Father, just as earthly father are also father figures who point to God. But how do earthly fathers reflect a Heavenly God? And just who is this prophet Moses' spoke of?

James Dobson once told of the time his 2 year old son Ryan said grace. He said: “He had watched his mother and me pray before we ate each meal, but he had never been asked to say grace. One day, when I was out of town on a business trip, Shirley spontaneously turned to our toddler and ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Clothed With Fire Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 14, 2017

There's part of this story of the fiery furnace that I'd always missed. There was one question upon which everything else hinged - not only in this story but also in our lives. Do you know what that question is?

When my sister Barbranne was in her early 20’s she left the Church and Jesus behind and went off to live the “wild life.” At age 55 she decided she’d hurt herself in that decision and started going back to church. One of the first things she did was to buy a Children’s Bible because she wanted to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Very Special "I Am” Of John’s Gospel – "Ego Eimi” – "I, I Am” – So Much Comfort In It – Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 31, 2022

When does despair become relief? When does the dangerous trough of despondency become the glorious hill of deliverance? The answer is in verse 19 of John 6. Jesus drew near to the boat and when Jesus walked on the water and came closer to the boat, all the perspective changed.

A VERY SPECIAL “I AM” OF JOHN’S GOSPEL – “EGO EIMI” – “I, I AM” – SO MUCH COMFORT IN IT – PART 2 We looked in PART 1 at the marvellous I AM of John’s Gospel. It means “I, I am.” It stamped the authority of Jesus as the Elohim of the Old Testament, and that came with all authority. One of the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-21, Matthew 14:26-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Have Much People In This City Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 15, 2015

To establish that God's presence is significant in every city - and He uses us to call them unto salvation. We are reminded not to trust in our skills in preaching - but in the power of the gospel of Christ to save. We are charged to plant the seed and allow God to raise the plant.

INTRODUCTION Outline: 1. Paul’s Troubled Entrance 2. Paul’s Trusted Exhortation 3. Paul’s Triumphant Exit Introductory Remarks. 1. In our lesson today, we will be discussing God’s significant work in a city that was wholly given to idolatry and sexual immorality. Paul arrives in the city of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:8-11, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Standing In The Gap Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 4, 2016

The first 3 chapters of Revelation have often been seen as separate from the rest of the book. But that doesn't make any sense. Why would Jesus spend 3 chapters on local churches who were not part of the rest of the story?

OPEN: This morning I’m going to teach you a little about something that’s called “Hermeneutics”. Hermeneutics is the description of how to read and understand your Bible. When I was in Bible College I had a professor who told us that whenever the Bible had a lot to say on a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The All-Caring Compassionate Lord – John 14 V 15 To 21 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 24, 2022

The night before the cross was a long night and Jesus instructed His disciples for hours. He promised the Holy Spirit and explained the closeness of the Spirit's ministry in the lives of the disciples (and us). A most touching passage of John's Gospel.

THE ALL-CARING COMPASSIONATE LORD – John 14 v 15 to 21 [A]. INTRODUCTION: It is important today we place our passage in context. We can go right back to {{John 13 v 34 “A new commandment I give to you that you love one another, that you also love one another even as I have loved you.”}} This ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34, John 14:1-6, John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 13:5, John 14:16-17, John 14:18, John 14:19-21, Romans 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational