Sermons on Rite Of Passage:

A Child Is Born Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Oct 29, 2022

Isaiah tells us of the greatness of this child, with the best that can be done given the restraint of human understanding. This passage is the theme for Handel’s Messiah.

My friend wrote about the birth of Jesus and put it in a way to look like a birth announcement for Jesus. It was designed to look like it was clipped from a newspaper. Birth Announcement The Nazareth Daily News in the year 1 A.D. Joseph and Mary from Nazareth are pleased to announce the birth ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Antidote To The ‘kindly Grandfather’ God Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 16, 2024

This passage is a stark contrast to the "kindly grandfather" image of God that many had. What are the specific ways that shows up here?

JUDGMENT-FREE ZONE: Many people like to think of God as a kindly grandfather. - Ezekiel 5:1. - There is a popular conception of God as a kindly (and slightly senile) grandfather in the sky. He’s not going to rebuke you for anything you’re doing. He’s going to ask if everyone had a good time. And ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

What Does Sacrifice Look Like? Series

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Mar 17, 2024

Greeting ‌Something new in God’s Word? ‌Familiar passage with new eyes? ‌I know I did. ‌My prayer for you

WHAT DOES SACRIFICE LOOK LIKE? (Servants and Sacrifice) Part 2 of 2 part series INTRO Greeting Something new in God’s Word? Familiar passage with new eyes? I know I did. My prayer for you BODY A few years ago, Lisa told me that we each needed to make sacrifices in order for our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1, Hebrews 10:1-18

Four Confirmations About Jesus At The Start Of His Ministry Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 20, 2023

This passage establishes the beginning of Jesus' ministry. What does it tell us about who He is and what His ministry will be?

ONE ENTERS, ONE EXITS: Jesus’ ministry starts as John the Baptist concludes. - Luke 3:19-20. - Our primary subject this evening is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and some of the signs we are given at this start to give us confidence in Him. - We noted last week at the end of the sermon that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:21-38

Denomination: Baptist

What's Your Stench?

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Jan 24, 2023

• Did you learn something new in God’s Word this past week? • Did you read a familiar passage with new eyes?

• Any Star Wars fans here today? For me, one of the most iconic lines in the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope is when Princess Leia is brought on board a huge space ship and sees The Empires’ Governor Tarkin and says, “ I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.” Today's ...read more

Scripture: John 11:39

Letting Go To Move Forward: Trusting God's Way

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Apr 6, 2025

This is a message about overcoming the suffering and hardships of life by following God's path as we see in today's passage.

April 6, 2025 Sermon - “Letting Go to Move Forward: Trusting God's Way" - Isaiah 43:16-21 Today, we’re diving into this powerful passage from Isaiah 43:16-21 because, let’s face it, life can be challenging. The journey from captivity to freedom is never easy. We all experience seasons ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 77:11, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Rebuke To Forgiveness-Only Salvation

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 30, 2025

This is a challenging passage. Surely Paul doesn't mean that we have to actually live like that?! What it all points us to is a false gospel that is too often preached today - "forgiveness-only" belief. What does this passage tell us about what real salvation looks like?

A COMMON BELIEF TODAY: I am “saved” and unchanged. - Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8. - This passage makes us uncomfortable. It sounds harsh and unrealistic. We will delve into how we are to understand it as we move forward. - A good place to start is a major reason why ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Being A Servant

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 13, 2023

Did you learn something new in God’s word today? Did you see a familiar passage with new eyes? I hope you did! Last week we examined what sacrifice looks like, and one of the aspects of sacrifice is service. Today we will look at 3 key passages about servanthood.

Let’s begin in John 13:1 (Tell who John was) • Was the son of Zebedee, brother of James and one of the “sons of Thunder” • Audience was new Christians and searching non-Christians • Last surviving of the original 12 disciples • Wrote 5 books in the NT (read v.1-5) NLT Service is about action: v.4 ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45

Christmas Snapshots

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Dec 6, 2001

It is through photographs that my family traces time. Simeon was a man who understood the passage of time - then he met the Messiah! A Christmas Eve devotion.

Christmas Eve Service 12-24-98 INTRODUCTION (Slides of our family Christmases through the years are shown while I’m talking). Every year at the Christmas celebration in the home of my parents, the camera comes out. It’s somewhat of a running joke among us that our Christmas pictures year ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Made You For Each Other

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jun 7, 2002

Wedding Message and Vows. This message was based on two scripture passages requested by the couple. Psalms 100 and Colossians 3. The Vows were written by the couple.

Prelude: General Seating Procession: Groomsmen Bridesmaids Maid (Matron) of Honor Bride and Father of the bride Welcome & Prayer Giving away of Bride by Father Introduction We are gathered this beautiful spring afternoon to experience a mystical and magical ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Colossians 3:12-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Depression: What It Is, What Causes It, What Are The Signs Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

This is the first sermon in a series of three dealing with depression all from the same passage. It is estimated that some 20 million americans suffer from depression

I Kings 19:1-18 Depression: What it is, What causes it, What are the signs Introduction A. Depression B. A Word that we have all heard, a word that we have all thought about C. Did you know that there are about 21 million Americans right now suffering with depression? D. Did you know that USA ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Good Advice For A New Beginning

Contributed by John Hamby on Jan 5, 2004

The general principle stated in this passage is simple, “Be careful how you live your life.” And then we are given three important directives to consider.

“Good Advice For A New Beginning” Ephesians 5:15-17 Just one year ago a thug, dictator and mass murderer by the name of Saddam Hussein was trying to be the modern incarnation of Nebuchadnezzar, the great ruler of Babylon. He built himself opulent palaces while his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Baptist

God's Purpose In Deliverance

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Oct 4, 2005

We usually want deliverance, but God has an additional purpose beyond just rescuing us. In this famous battle passage, the purpose of God is clear.

Passage: Judges 7:1-22 Intro: As we have followed the faith adventure of Gideon, we have seen something. 2. God’s purpose was much more than the deliverance of Israel from the Midianites who visited annually like unwelcome in-laws 3. it was to deliver them with the goal of teaching a positive ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Are You Truly Free?

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 31, 2005

Freedom comes to us at great cost. This passage explores the cost that the Heavenly Father paid to set us free from our bondage to sin.

“ARE YOU REALLY FREE?” JOHN 8:36 1. He is the SOURCE of your freedom. (v. 36a) If the Son therefore Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-21; Romans 5:21; 7:24-25; 8:2; John 3:36; 4:10, 14; 6:40, 47, 63; 7:37-39; 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Job 33:4; Micah 7:19; John 11:25-26; Colossians ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Your Fears

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 31, 2005

This marvelous passage teaches us that we are trust God in everything because of who He is and only then are we able to overcome the fears that assail us.

“OVERCOMING YOUR FEARS” ISAIAH 41:10 1. God’s PRESENCE Secures. (v. 10a) Fear thou not; for I am with thee Genesis 26:24; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 16:11; Isaiah 43:5; Jeremiah 46:28; Zephaniah 3:16; Matthew 14:27; 28:5, 10, 20; Luke 1:30; John 6:20; Acts 7:9; 18:9-10; 27:24; ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Baptist