Sermons on Rites Of Passage:

God Is Watching Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 14, 2019

Holiness and fear of God seem to go hand in hand in this passage. But why should I "fear God" and what difference does it make when I do?

OPEN: You may have heard the story of some children at a Catholic school who were lined up for lunch at the cafeteria. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. A nun had made a note: "Take only one, God is watching." At the other end of the table was a large plate of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Friend Of God - James 2:20-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

We are often told to trust God. But this passage makes trust seem more desirable by casting it in the context of friendship. This message defines friendship and explores what it means to have that with God.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:20-24

Why Does God Allow These Struggles?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 28, 2017

A look at the Christmas passage - specifically, the struggle of Mary and Joseph having the baby in Bethlehem far from home. A look at four ways God uses our struggles in our lives.

Mary And Joseph’s Road Trip: “Why does God allow these struggles in my life?” - Luke 2:3-6. - The trip to Bethlehem under such difficult circumstances had to be a struggle. Did they have questions? I know I would have. “God, why are You allowing this?” “God, have You forgotten us?” “God, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Equal Value, Different Roles Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 8, 2019

God has created males and females with equal value but different roles. This sermon includes a biblical overview of the roles of men and women, and then explores two important New Testament passages.

Introduction: A. Last week, I shared a special sermon on the need for empathy in our lives. 1. It is really a timely subject and I appreciate the positive feedback I received. I hope we will put it into practice. 2. Today we will continue to take a break from our series on Romans and go back and ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Putting Jesus First

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 21, 2019

In this beautiful passage, God gives us six attributes of Jesus Christ: who he is and what it means for us. Jesus is not just part of our life. He IS our life!

Putting Jesus First Colossians 1:15-20 * 7/21/19 [Please contact me at kerry.n.haynes@gmail.com for sermon outline in Word.] American society is moving farther away from traditional religion. For the first time ever, the “none’s”--or those expressing no particular religious belief--amount to ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:3, John 1:18, John 14:9, Psalm 89:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson Iia1: The Image Of The Invisible God Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 23, 2018

This is the most important passage (Colossians 1:15-2:7) of the Colossian letter. But what prompted Paul to produce this “great Christology,” as it has been called? It was the heresy[a] in Colossae.

4/20/18 Tom Lowe Lesson IIA1: The image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15a) Introduction: This is the most important passage (Colossians 1:15-2:7) of the Colossian letter. But what prompted Paul to produce this “great Christology,” as it has been called? It was the heresy[a] in Colossae. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Why Should We Participate In Fasting?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

In this passage of Scripture, God was asking the people why they had fasted. They were urged to be merciful and just people. Do our actions resemble the actions of the Jews from our reading?

In verses 1-7: For the past 70 years, individuals had been holding a fast in August to recollect the annihilation of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was being rebuilt, they went to the Temple to inquire as to whether they needed to proceed with this yearly fast. God did not address their inquiry ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Nicodemus At Night

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 24, 2023

We all need to grow & deepen our understanding of the great passages of scripture. The 3rd chapter of John is one of the greatest. It tells us of a man named Nicodemus.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK NICODEMUS AT NIGHT TEXT: John 3:1-17; Rev. 22:5; John 1:4-5; Romans 6:4-6; Acts 2:37-41 (This ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17, Revelation 22:5, John 1:4-5, Romans 6:4-6, Acts 2:37-41  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Praise Him For The Promise Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Dec 8, 2023

Last week we were focused on Jeremiah’s little book of comfort. Today we look at a similar passage in Isaiah - an oasis of hope amid a book of lost hope.

Note: There may or may not be sermon notes here for next week. We will be in Luke 2 for December 24th. Thanks for following along. - JED Praise Him For The Promise Isaiah 40:1-11 Introduction Kimball Gannon was born in Brooklyn in 1900. After going to law school and passing the bar, He became ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are The Seeds Still In The Barn Or Have We Taken Them Out For Planting? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on May 14, 2023

In this passage of scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils in Mark 4:1-9. Then in Mark 4:10-25, Jesus gives an explanation about the parable of the four soils.

Jesus used parables to instruct the people. Parables are brief tales utilizing recognizable scenes to clarify spiritual truth. This technique for educating urges the audience to think. It disguises the truth from the individuals who are excessively obstinate or biased to hear what is being ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"expectation Sunday"

Contributed by John Huyser on May 24, 2023

Our passage appears to be at first mere filling in the middle - sandwiched between two of God’s greatest actions in the Bible. The majestic ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and Pentecost Sunday.

The passage we just read is sandwiched between two of God’s greatest actions in the Bible. The majestic ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and Pentecost Sunday. From there, the book of Acts encompasses nearly 30 years of history -- We see everything from transformational preaching and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-26

Revive Your Dead Spirit

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Oct 7, 2024

In this passage, we hear a call to recognize spiritual decline, to reconnect with Christ, and to be receptive to the Holy Spirit. This is not an easy task, but it is one that we are called to undertake, not just as individuals, but as a community of believers.

Welcome, dear friends, to this sacred space, a sanctuary where we gather, not just as a congregation, but as a family. This is a place where we come together, bound by our shared faith, our shared love for Christ, and our shared desire to grow closer to Him. Today, we find ourselves standing on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6, Matthew 7:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Barriers To Planting And Growing Churches

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2001

Barriers to planting and Growing Churches in cross-cultural communities with 38 case studies

BARRIERS AND BRIDGES FOR PLANTING AND GROWING CHURCHES Barriers 1. Tribal, Religious, Ethnic Prejudices 2. Other Political, Religious, or Ancestral Allegiances 3. Differences in world view a. (Experiences, Realities, and Nature of God and His creation. b. Truth (Its nature, origin, and its ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Personal Book Descriptions

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Book descriptions and articles for missions

1. Steps to Planting & Growing Churches - This guidebook is used as a textbook in many theological colleges around the world. It covers the Biblical basis for planting & growing churches in a contextualized manner. The book analyzes the principles, practices, & steps of planting & growing churches ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Aug 29, 2002

John gives us two different characters in this passage. One is good, one is bad. The ugly part comes in when John tells us what he is going to do to the bad

3 John 9-12 The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. Introduction A. Guess what we are going to finish up 3 John today. Wow that was quick B. The Good The Bad The Ugly C. It is common to hear those words together D. John Fedko sometimes uses then to show sports highlights/lowlights E. Various other news ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-12

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance