Sermons on Seek Ye First:

Afterlife: Hades Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on May 25, 2015

What lies beyond death's door? The Bible describes three realms: Hades, Hell, and Heaven. The first of this three-part sermon series explores that first realm of the Afterlife - Hades.

Afterlife: Hades Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 5/17/15 On January 18, 1989, around 11:45 a.m., thirty-nine-year-old Larry Donald Piper’s Ford Escort collided head-on with a semi-truck. EMTs arrived shortly thereafter and pronounced him dead at the scene. Unconscious ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Christian Church

Jacob: How It All Began Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 27, 2022

Jacob, son of Isaac, was a very important and colorful person in the Bible. This first message covers his birth and his first business transaction--with his own twin brother!

Introduction: Jacob, son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, was one of the most colorful characters in the Bible. He started off by swindling his twin brother of the birthright but at the end of his days, pronounced a blessing and a prophecy about each of his sons. Every story has a beginning, so ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 1: Introduction

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 25, 2021

This is the first segment of a multi lesson study on 1 Peter. In part 1, a brief discussion of the circumstances surrounding the writing of 1 Peter is discussed followed by an exposition of the first two verses.

An Exposition of 1 Peter, Part 1: Introduction 1 Peter 1:1-2 Introduction We live in difficult times here today in America. In other parts of the world, persecution is far greater for the sake of Jesus Christ. The future shows that persecution is likely to increase. We do take a moment to rejoice ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Provoking Thoughts From 1 John (2 Of 16)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 10, 2022

In the first sermon it was mentioned that in order to understand the books of 1, 2, and 3 John, we first needed to understand some things about the place John wrote from, Ephesus.

Because this is essential, I would like to refresh your memory before we get into the heart of this sermon. We dealt with these FOUR things about the Ephesian Christians: (1) THEIR HERITAGE. They were second and third generation Christians. Their parents and grandparents had been in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

When The Kingdom Seems Unimpressive Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 19, 2025

The parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the yeast point us to a truth that's uncomfortable at first: the Kingdom might not look that impressive the first time you look at it.

UNIMPRESSIVE: Jesus acknowledges that many will initially see the Kingdom as insignificantly small. - Luke 13:18-21. - Matthew 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32. - I guess you could say that sometimes we hype up Jesus and His Kingdom too much. - “Who wouldn’t want this?” - “It’s so obviously true and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Greek Word "anothen" (Lesson 1) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on May 19, 2025

This first lesson in this series will define the Greek term “anōthen,” which means "anew."

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Greek word “anothen” Introductory Remarks. 1. This is the first sermon discussing the “exception of Jesus” in being born “anew.” This lesson will address the process of being “born again.” It is often referred to as the “new birth.” In some sense, it is that, but it ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-7, 1 Peter 1:22-23, Titus 3:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Selflessness: Fundamentals

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 14, 2010

As we look at what it means to be a Christian the first fundamental issue we will look at is selflessness.

Selflessness: Fundamentals July 11, 2010 Luke 9:23-27 Intro: One of the purposes of a sabbatical is to get some space from the day-to-day demands, to “step back” and gain some different perspectives, and to return with something new to offer. First I want to say “thank ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Most Powerful Gift

Contributed by James May on Apr 20, 2001

The Gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of Speaking in Other Tongues as the Spirit gives the utterance is not an option. It is commanded by Jesus for all believers to seek after this gift.

THE MOST POWERFUL GIFT Acts 1:4-8 “And being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:4-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Great Expectations

Contributed by Craig Benner on Nov 14, 2010

Tell the devil to get off your back. Yes, times are rough and the trials are many, but we have a God who is always thinking about us and we must anticipate the good things He wants to send our way.

YOU CAN GET THERE FROM HERE GREAT EXPECTATIONS Expectation is similiar to hope and faith, yet unique. Examples: the crowds who came together to see Jesus Jeremiah 29:10,11 10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Guarding Your Passion For Christ

Contributed by Timothy Lee on Aug 19, 2004

The Lord was showing me that He wasn’t looking for just a group of Christians but rather a group of Christian that WILL PASSIONATELY SEEKING HIM.

Guarding your passion for Jesus Introduction Ever since the Camp Meeting God has been dealing with me about my walk with him. This was confirm through the ministry of Bro. John Arcovio, The Tenneys’ . The Lord was showing me that He wasn’t looking for just a group of Christians but rather a ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

The Blood Which Is Shed (Part 2)

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 14, 2003

"And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ’Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26:27-28).

"After the same manner also, He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, ’This cup is the New Testament in My blood: This do ye as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me, for as often as ye . . . drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He comes’" (I Cor. 11:25,26). A. WHY GRAPES ARE A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Limiting God In Our Life

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 1, 2003

Can man limit Almighty God? Psalm 78:41 says "Yes!" Using the Bible as our only reference source, let us take a serious look at the ways man can limit God.

LIMITING GOD IN OUR LIFE “How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, And grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.” Psalms 78:40-41 (NKJV) Can man limit Almighty God? Psalm 78:41 says "Yes!" Using the Bible as our only reference ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:40-41

Denomination: Baptist

How Can You Say That? Series

Contributed by Timothy Mills on Sep 18, 2006

God’s wrath is a doctrine often rejected; wrath does not match our concept of a loving God; God’s wrath is “an OT idea,” not compatible with grace & mercy; OT yes, but mostly in the NT.

Romans 1:24-32 God’s wrath is a doctrine often rejected. Wrath does not match our concept of a loving God. God’s wrath is “an OT idea,” not compatible with grace & mercy. OT yes, but mostly in the NT. 1) The subjects of God’s wrath. • Let’s define “God’s wrath.” - Not a quick, hot rage that flairs ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:24-32

One Way To God

Contributed by Jenny Franklin on Nov 18, 2020

Can a person choose his/her own way to come to God? Many say, “Yes, they can,” but God gives us a different answer to this question in the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-5.

Cain and Abel were sinners, like all of us. They couldn’t give anything to God to pay for their sins. God had already planned a way for them to come to Him. because He loved them, just like He loves us. When Cain and Abel came to God, they knew to bring a lamb as an offering to Him. The lamb had ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 17:11, John 14:6, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Genesis 4:1-5, Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:28, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 10:14, Hebrews 11:4, Revelation 1:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Mothers Who Defy The Odds

Contributed by Howard Strickland on May 9, 2021

It all begun when Sarah believed. Sarah had gone way past menopause, plus in her child-bearing years she was even barren, but in her old age she said yes to God.

Mothers Who Defy The Odds Hebrews 11:11-12NKJV A six-year-old boy, separated from his mother in a supermarket, began to call frantically for “Martha! Martha! Martha!” That was his mother’s name and she came running to him quickly. “But, honey,” she admonished, “you shouldn’t call me ‘Martha’, I’m ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:11-12, Genesis 16:1-6

Denomination: Pentecostal