Sermons on Purify Your Heart:

The Magi's Sign

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 5, 2016

Christmas is also about the gifts we are to offer in return, not to earn God's favor, but like the magi it is worth a life’s journey to follow whatever destinations may be given us to worship and to give our treasures to our Savior and our King.

Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi’s Sign 12/8/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.” At least that is everyone’s concern about the star of Bethlehem. Of all the elements of the Christmas story, the visit of the magi who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Nazareth, The City Jesus Grew Up In Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 2, 2016

Jesus grew up in Nazareth and he was forever known as "Jesus of Nazareth". But what was it about this city that would have formed His teachings and what can we learn from this region? This was the 2nd in my series of lessons telling of my trip to Israel.

(Slide of our tour bus) This is a picture of our tour bus. It’s a Mercedes Benz and it seemed that every tour company in Israel had one just like it. The bus was very comfortable and roomy. After spending a couple of nights at Bethlehem we traveled by this bus down to Masada. Masada ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Chronicle Of Despair Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Jul 25, 2016

Even godly people struggle with bouts of despair and depression. Take a look at Elijah's life and find biblical ways to deal with these issues.

What a strange turn of events in the life of our hero we read in 1 Kings 19. Why would this man of God be so despondent that he hoped to die? Let’s recount the circumstances that brought Elijah to this point as we explore a chronicle of despair. First, Elijah had stood boldly before King Ahab ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

Bad Choices Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Apr 29, 2016

Judah made two really bad choices with his brother and his daughter-in-law.

I allowed my sons and grandson to convince me to play golf this past Wednesday. I have only played once in my entire life and did not enjoy it at all. But I couldn’t say “No” to a chance of spending time with my boys. I knew I had made a mistake when it took us one hour to ...read more

Denomination: Foursquare

God Causes It All Series

Contributed by Ian Du Pisanie on Mar 8, 2012

God is incomplete control of His creation. The lies of a natural force or of 'mother nature' not only contradict Scripture but take away from God the fact that He, and He alone is sovereign.

Psalm 139: 1-18 Last time we had a look at the idea that many have, in which the universe is run according to a mechanistic system, and that God is not in control over the things that happen in the world. There are many who believe that any ‘intrusion’ from outside, including that of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Gambler

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 14, 2016

The Powerball Lottery reminds us of 2 types of people; one group who gamble their souls that they can ignore God, and the other who gamble that God is real and will do what He said. Which are you?

THE GAMBLER INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. J.E. Bedenbaugh said, “My grandmother, a staunch Southern Baptist, had marched me off to Sunday school and church regularly. 2. So when I switched to the Episcopal church after marriage, she challenged me: "What’s wrong with the Baptist Church, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 24:24-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Signs For Life Series

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Apr 27, 2008

A church seeking revicel must offer life signs to the community.

Signs for Life Judges 6:33-39 Well we are in week 3 with the story of Gideon. We started out with a view of a coward, that an angel called a mighty warrior. The lesson for us was that we must come out of the protection of the winepress if we are ever to be used by God. Then last week we ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:33-39

Denomination: Congregational

The Widows' List Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Aug 29, 2011

I break down these widows into two different categories: 1- The over sixty servers 2- The younger idlers

INTRO.- One of life’s difficulties is losing loved ones. And it seems like men generally die before women, which makes the wife a widow. ILL.- I read this note about Vicki Kennedy, widow of the late Teddy Kennedy who passed away Aug. 25, 2009. (NEWSER) – All agree that Vicki ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:9-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In Christ, I Am...a Bridge Builder Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Aug 17, 2018

The church is more than a social club. Why is it difficult for some people to fit in, and how can we build bridges?

IN CHRIST, I AM…A BRIDGE-BUILDER—Ephesians 2:11-22 (Series on Ephesians: In Christ, I Am…) My wife and I retired in Texas a few months ago, and we found ourselves, for the first time in our marriage, looking for a church to call home. We were looking beyond the friendly greeters holding the door ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why The Flip Flop?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Aug 31, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Samuel 8: 1 – 18

2 Samuel 8: 1 – 18 Why the flip flop? 8 After this it came to pass that David attacked the Philistines and subdued them. And David took Metheg Ammah from the hand of the Philistines. 2 Then he defeated Moab. Forcing them down to the ground, he measured them off with a line. With two lines he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 8:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Greatest "Memorial" Ever Known!

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on May 31, 2011

Anyone who has ever helped the cause of the Kingdom of God will one day be remembered, while sometimes we may forget the things we do for the Lord, He never forgets. There are still great chapters being written and recorded for the advancement of the wo

The Greatest “Memorial” ever known! Tomorrow is “Memorial Day”. For most people it is just some much needed time off from the busy work schedule, For others, it’s being able to attend or watch the greatest spectacle in motor racing, known as the Indy. 500 It is a ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sons Or Slaves? (Trinity Sunday 2024)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on May 23, 2024

Did you notice what Paul did in this text? Paul speaks about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as he reminds that if we are God’s children, then we are also heirs---joint heirs because we are adopted sons and daughters of God through what Jesus did for us on the cross.

SONS OR SLAVES? Text: Romans 8:14 – 17 Rom 8:12-17 So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— (13) for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (14) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

Denomination: United Methodist

Do Business Till I Come, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Feb 18, 2020

Jesus will return soon, the Scriptures are quite clear about that. But what do we do in the meanwhile? Jesus' command is also quite clear about this.

Show 2 minute Video clip (available on SermonCentral): "If Jesus Returned Today" [1] Did you note the comment at the end of the film? The question is not “When will Jesus Return?”, but rather, “What will we do before He gets here?” How will He find the members of the body of Christ? So ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Retraction Movement (Lesson 1) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 15, 2020

To establish that the Holy Spirit predicted a “departure from the faith” that resulted in religious apostasy and the rise of denominational institutions throughout the world. This lesson describes the failures of the Reformation Movement, and the successes of the Restoration Movement.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Retraction Movement Remarks. 1. This is lesson one, in our sermon-series of the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that Paul begins our lesson by describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure from the faith!” It should also be noted, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Cross Purposes 2: Suffering For Us Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Dec 13, 2019

On the cross, 1) Christ joined in our suffering, 2) Christ bore the results of our sin, 3) Christ gives us hope when we suffer

CROSS PURPOSES 2: SUFFERING FOR US Suffering is a fact of life. People get sick, and die. Some endure constant pain or loss of abilities. Some feel the ache of loneliness or loss. Some are bullied, abused, abandoned, or enslaved. The world is a place of suffering. War, disease, natural disasters, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12, Mark 8:28-33, Hebrews 2:10-11, Colossians 1:24-27, 1 Corinthians 4:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed