Sermons on Rites Of Passage:

Three Ways God Helps Us Stand Firm Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 28, 2018

This passage teaches that God is the one who ultimately allows us to stand firm. Paul shares three ways that God does that.

An Encouraging Truth For Weak Moments: Standing firm is ultimately not a matter of our strength; God makes us stand firm. - 2 Corinthians 1:21. - Certainly it needs to be said that we need to do our part in standing firm. We are instructed at various points in the New Testament to stand firm. A ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

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

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

Why Is There So Little Fear Of God’s Judgment Today? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 6, 2024

This passage gives us an example of people not ready for God's impending judgment. Why today are so many equally unready?

NOT CONCERNED: Why is there so little fear of God’s judgment today? - Ezekiel 21:7. - It’s without question that today there is little fear of God’s judgment. There’s little belief in Final Judgment but only a vague hope of a heavenly reunion. The idea that we are somehow accountable for the sin ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 21:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Got Milk? - 1 Peter 1:23-2:3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 7, 2024

You could read and memorize the entire Bible and not grow spiritually. This passage describes what must be added so that Scripture will bring growth.

1 Peter 1:22 Having purified your souls by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another continually, from a pure heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, "All ...read more

Why Baptize? Series

Contributed by David Holwick on Mar 20, 2014

The proper attitude toward baptism.

Rev. David Holwick First Baptist Church Ledgewood, New Jersey November 10, 2002 WHY BAPTIZE? 1 Corinthians 1:11-17 ________________________________________ My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed for me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this. One of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:11-17

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

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

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

Two Kinds Of People

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 7, 2003

This passage answers one of the most common questions we have. Why can the gospel be life itself to one person, and a laughable joke to another.

Passage: I Corinthians 1:18-25 Intro: According to Pres. Bush, there are two types of people in the world. 1) terrorists and non-terrorists. 2) For his purposes, he’s right. 3) But terrorists and non-terrorists are really subsets of the only real division in the world, the only one God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Do We Need A Savior?

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 17, 2004

This is one of the marvelous passages in Scripture and often preached by many but this takes a unique look at God’s Gracious gift in Jesus Christ His Son.

“Why Do We Need A Savior?” John 3:16 Because Of… A. A SACRED PERSON. (v. 16a) For God Leviticus 11:44; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 1:7; 3:3; Deuteronomy 32:4; Exodus 34:6-7; Jeremiah 42:5; Psalm 100:5; 136:1-3; 2 Peter 3:9 B. A STRONG PASSION. (v. 16b) so loved 1 John 3:1-2, 16; 4:8-10, 16, 19; Romans ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

Would I Lie To You? (Abraham On Honesty And Lying)

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 3, 2006

This passage uses Abraham’s deception as a chance to look at why we fudge the truth so often and what the consequences of our lies are.

- Lies are a common part of our everyday lives. In fact, some of us believe that we can’t function in society without telling our share of “little white lies.” - Abraham here demonstrates aptly for us both the reasons we lie and the consequences of our untruths. WHY WE LIE: 1. We get stuck in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Brings Us Love

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Dec 4, 2004

This is a sermon for the Second Sunday in Advent based on Matthew 11:28-30 and the appropriate aria and chorus from the same passage in Handle’s MESSIAH.

Jesus Brings Us Love --Matthew 11:28-30 I think I’ve shared all this with you in the past, but it bears repeating today. I love all types of music. My favorite hymn is Charles Wesley’s “And Can It Be”; my favorite gospel song is Fanny Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory”; my favorite praise and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Methodist