Sermons on Rites Of Passage:

"from Doubt To Faith: Embracing The Peace Of Christ"

Contributed by Mark Zorn on Apr 26, 2025

Today’s message comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31. This passage recounts Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after the resurrection and the story of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” It speaks to the themes of fear, doubt, and the transformative power of faith.

**Introduction** Good morning, beloved! Today’s message comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 20, verses 19-31. This passage recounts Jesus’ appearance to His disciples after the resurrection and the story of Thomas, often called “Doubting Thomas.” It speaks to the themes of fear, doubt, and the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Want To Read My Bible. Where Do I Start?

Contributed by Jenny Franklin on Nov 14, 2020

Many "mature" Christians have never read their Bible except for passages for Sunday School or other lessons. I was one of them. When I opened my Bible and began reading the Bible for myself, that is when God started revealing himself to me.

JOHN Most Bible scholars would recommend the Gospel of John as the first book a new Christian should read. -- John records the seven “I am” statements of Jesus. 1. I am the bread of life. John 6:35,48,51 2. I am the light of the world. John 8:12 3. I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7,9 4. ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-24, John 6:5-15, John 4:46, John 2:1, John 15:1, John 14:6, John 10:11, John 11:25, John 10:7, John 8:12, John 11:1-46, John 6:35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

John Series Part 12 Revelation 3: Jesus Knows All Men, Series

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Nov 7, 2021

This is a brief passage packed full of powerful truths. Jesus revealed that He knew all men. 1. Fact 1: many believed in Jesus (v.23). 2. Fact 2: Jesus did not commit nor entrust Himself to men (vv.24–25).

John Series Part 12 Revelation 3: Jesus Knows All Men, John 2:23–25 Pastor Rodney A. Fry, MA, MDIV, MS, LPC 11/7/21 (2:23–25) Introduction: this is a brief passage packed full of powerful truths. Jesus revealed that He knew all men. 1. Fact 1: many believed in Jesus (v.23). 2. Fact 2: Jesus did not ...read more

Scripture: John 2:23-25

Denomination: Baptist

And They Sang A New Song Series

Contributed by Larry Grant on Sep 4, 2021

This passage finds us in Heaven in the presence of God upon His throne. The church has been raptured, perfected and God is preparing to judge this world. But, before He does, there is a pause for praise in glory because the Lion of Judah stands before the Throne as the Lamb of God!

This passage finds us in Heaven in the presence of God upon His throne. The church has been raptured, perfected and safely delivered home to Heaven. Revelation chapters 4 and 5 find us in Heaven’s courtroom. God is preparing to judge this world. But, before He does, there is a pause for praise ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:7-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Trap Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 9, 2021

Essential King Jesus in this passage is: Jesus distastes hypocrisy. May we honestly and prayerfully self-examine and we make changes to stomp out the hypocrisy in our minds, emotions, and bodies. We are not perfect, but on purpose hypocrisy has no place in our walk with Jesus.

ESSENTIAL KING JESUS: The Trap of Hypocrisy MARK 7:6-8 #kingjesus USE AUDIO BIBLE: Mark Chapter 7:1-37 [5:00] https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/esv/Mark.7 INTRODUCTION… It’s a Trap “It’s a trap!” is a line from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. The character Admiral Ackbar, while ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:6-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Quarreled & Tested: For The Long Haul

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 30, 2023

Exodus 17:1-7 is a story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which mirrors our struggles and tests. This passage reveals how the Israelites quarreled with God and faced a profound test of faith, a test that we, too, may encounter on our spiritual journey

1 October 2023 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A Quarreled & Tested: For the Long Haul The Message 17 1-2 Directed by God, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages from the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn’t a drop of water for the people to drink. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

Perfect Or Perfected?

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 13, 2023

Did you read something new in God’s Word this past week? Did you read a familiar passage with new eyes? Did you share it with someone? Did you share the Gospel with someone? Did you glorify God in your words or actions?

Most of you have heard Pastor Jeff Reynolds preach. On many occasions he will say something like “for my 1st closing”… Today, I’m going to start with “for my first opening”… We’ll see how hungry I am by the first closing, to determine if there are more than one closings! 1st Opening In today’s ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:14

Lessons For Ministry - Mark 9:14-29 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 26, 2023

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by the evil in the world—or in the church? You feel powerless to do anything of significance, and the unbelief and disobedience to God is so exasperating. This passage shows us what Jesus did in that situation, and it may surprise you.

Mark 9:14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29, Matthew 17:14-23, Luke 9:37-45

Guarding The Truth: A Call To Faithful Living 1 Timothy Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 15, 2024

In the book of 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides profound guidance on guarding and living out the truth of God's Word. Today, we embark on a transformative journey through key passages from 1 Timothy, discovering the power of truth in shaping our lives.

Guarding the Truth: A Call to Faithful Living Introduction: In the book of 1 Timothy, the Apostle Paul provides profound guidance on guarding and living out the truth of God's Word. Today, we embark on a transformative journey through key passages from 1 Timothy, discovering the power of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-7, Titus 1:9, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, James 5:16, 1 Timothy 3:14-16, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:7-11, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 1 Timothy 4:12, Matthew 5:16, 1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Timothy 6:3-8, Hebrews 13:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Transforming Mirror: Reflecting God's Glory 2 Corinthians 3:18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 28, 2024

In the corridors of 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth—the transformative power of beholding God's glory. Today, let's journey into this passage and explore how, as believers, we are continually transformed by the truth we behold.

The Transforming Mirror: Reflecting God's Glory 2 Corinthians 3:18 Introduction: In the corridors of 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Apostle Paul unveils a profound truth—the transformative power of beholding God's glory. Today, let's journey into this passage and explore how, as believers, we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2, James 1:23-25, Psalm 119:105, 2 Corinthians 3:16-17, Galatians 5:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Has A Contract Out On You

Contributed by Perry Fowler on Feb 7, 2024

Jesus, before He died said: “ This cup is the New Covenant in my blood.” What is this “New Covenant?” This “covenant” or “contract” is full of fine print of terms and conditions. As we read this passage we learn several things about the contract. What do we learn?

How many of you love to read contracts or “terms and conditions?” Most of us don’t pull out the most recent contract we have signed and read over the terms and conditions do we? Do you have a problem sleeping? I encourage you to go find your mortgage contract and read it tonight or perhaps the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 8:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Future Restoration Of Israel - Part 8 - Scriptures In Isaiah Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 14, 2022

As Isaiah's prophecy nears the end of the book the passages of restoration increase. Some very wonderful happenings are in Israel's restored future. Israel's future is always in the land and the land will respond with enormous blessing. Even day and night will be altered.

THE FUTURE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL - PART 8 - SCRIPTURES IN ISAIAH This next passage in a long one and I will do it in sections. {{Isaiah 60:8-9 “Who are these who fly like a cloud, and like the doves to their lattices? Isa 60:9 Surely the coastlands will wait for Me and the ships of Tarshish ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:8-9, Revelation 20:7-10, Isaiah 60:10-12, Isaiah 60:13-14, Philippians 2:10-11, Isaiah 60:15-17, Isaiah 60:18-20, Zechariah 14:6-7, Revelation 19:5-9, Isaiah 60:21-22, Isaiah 61:5-7, Deuteronomy 21:17, Isaiah 61:8-9, Malachi 1:13-14, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Isaiah 61:10-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lot – Part 6 – A Lot Of Trouble For God – For Abraham – And For Himself – Genesis 19 Lot’s Reprobate And Fallen Corrupt Nature - Incest Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 14, 2022

One of the most difficult passages in the bible - Lot and his daughters commit incest, and Lot is drunk. All horrible sensuality on display. Then I look at why the New Testament calls Lot righteous, which thing I can not see, but the opposite I do see.

LOT – PART 6 – A LOT OF TROUBLE FOR GOD – FOR ABRAHAM – AND FOR HIMSELF – GENESIS 19 LOT’S REPROBATE AND FALLEN CORRUPT NATURE - INCEST THE INCESTUOUS ACCOUNT – GENESIS 19 VERSES 30 - 38 This is the last message in the series on Lot. In a number of ways doing the life of Lot is instructive, but ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:30, Genesis 19:31-33, Genesis 19:34-35, Genesis 19:36-38, 2 Peter 2:14-16, Jude 1:11, 2 Peter 2:6-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion And Politics - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 23, 2025

One of the most aggravating parts of living in a fallen world is dealing with corruption in government and other authorities who misuse their power—especially when that abuse of power hurts you personally. This passage teaches us how to keep enjoying life even in the face of abuse of authority.

8:1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 2 Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1

Sermon "Drinking From The Wellspring Of Life”

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Nov 20, 2025

Proverbs 4:20-23 is a passage that teaches how to live a wise and prosperous life by focusing on God's word and protecting one's heart. The central message is to "guard your heart with all vigilance" because it is the source of life.

Sermon “Drinking From the Wellspring of Life” Scripture Lesson: Proverbs 4:20-23 “My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, And ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22, Proverbs 4:1-23, Proverbs 11:2, Matthew 28:20

Denomination: Methodist