Sermons on Self Defense:

Overcoming Exclusivity (Acts 11)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 25, 2025

Do we think that we are exclusive, the one true church?

Were Old Testament laws of exclusivity based upon ethnicity or avoiding pagan practices like idolatry and child sacrifice? Should we therefore exclude people of different ethnicities from the church who have the same faith in Christ? Let’s look at Acts 11. Did the Jerusalem church question why ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lost Sons And A Prodigal Father Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Nov 3, 2025

While the parable of the prodigal son reveals some things about the lostness of the younger son, it also reveals the lostness of the elder son and the prodigal love of God.

How do you view God? Some people view God as a heavy-handed, demanding judge with strict rules of right and wrong. Others view God like a doting grand-father who willingly gives his grandchildren whatever they want - practically spoiling them. Some may view God as aloof and distant, uninterested or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 2:4-7, Titus 3:5-6, 1 John 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Everyday Prophets - Nahum Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Feb 11, 2021

Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever been the victim of someone stronger? Have you ever felt defenseless? Have you ever had someone come to your defense?

Everyday Prophets – Nahum February 14, 2021 Have you ever been bullied? Have you ever been the victim of someone stronger? Have you ever felt defenseless? Have you ever had someone come to your defense? Story of being bullied in high school and my dad rescuing me. Nineveh was a city of 120,000 ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:7-8, Nahum 1:13, Psalm 23:5, Colossians 3:12-13, Luke 23:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fly High - Acts Part 20 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 5, 2006

There are two types of testimonies coming from the church today - they are either Self-centered or God-centered.

“Fly High” - Acts part 20 Marilyn Swanson’s thoughts on Communion. Video Illustration about communion: Partake of Communion Testimony by Mark Doiron Thesis: There are two types of testimonies coming from the church today - they are either Self-centered or God-centered. Scripture Text: Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Conflict Of The Kings Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 27, 2021

Every man, including Jesus has to face the universal experience of temptation.

Art Linkletter tells of how when he was 10 years old he was offered a job of tempting people to buy ice cream cones. The ice cream stand owner noticed the dramatic way in which he licked an ice cream cone, and so he offered him ten cents an afternoon if he would wonder through the nearby park ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-12

#12 Parties, Patches And Wineskins Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Mar 16, 2020

This message describes Jesus' response to the Pharisees because His disciples did not fast. The Pharisees opposition stemmed from a defense of the status quo. Jesus came to smash the status quo and create something new and superior.

#12 Parties, Patches and Wineskins Series: Mark March 15, 2020 Chuck Sligh Several ideas and illustrations for this sermon were adapted from David Dykes’ sermon on SermonCentral.com, Old Whiners or New Wineskins. TEXT: Mark 2:18-22 – "And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

My Daddy Is Stronger Than Superman Series

Contributed by Nate Barbour on Jan 29, 2003

Learn about how to hold tight to your Father’s strength and lean hard on his right hand.

Who’s Your Daddy Series My Daddy is Stronger Than Superman 8/21/02 Recap: Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” 1 John 3:1 “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 3:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Self-Esteem Or God Esteem?" - Lesson 3 - How To Focus On God's Image – Not Yours Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Dec 10, 2020

IV. A. Self-detachment B. Death C. Understanding The Cross D. Application E. The Dealing Of God F. The Real Enemy G. Ascension Of Jesus H. Human Weakness / Divine Strength I. Right With God

QUESTION: If I am the problem, what is the solution? __________________________________________________________________ IV. FOCUSING ON GOD'S IMAGE – NOT YOURS A. Self-Detachment. 1. Matt 16:24 "deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. i. Such self-denial is not the giving up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 1 Corinthians 15:45, Romans 5:18, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

John 8:2-11 The Stone Dropped: How Jesus Turned A Legal Trap Into A Call For Self-Examination

Contributed by Ellick Wu on Jan 6, 2026

Now we come to study John 8:2-11. A familiar story about “The Woman Caught in Adultery” and the well-known phrase, “He who is without sin throws the first stone.” Let’s explore the Hypocrisy in the Temple that day, and challenge the judgmental spirit alive in our world today.

Imagine the scene: The temple court is quiet, filled with people eager to hear Jesus teach. But the peace is about to shatter. Suddenly, a group of powerful religious leaders storms in, dragging a terrified woman to the center. They haven't come for justice; they've come to set a trap. They ...read more

Scripture: John 8:2-11, Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10

Denomination: Baptist

Saul's Erratic Leadership (1 Samuel 14)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 10, 2025

Was Saul erratic, sometimes doing God's will and sometimes not? Let's look at 1 Samuel 14.

Did Jonathan have a living faith that included action? Did Saul vacillate between asking God’s guidance and foolish decisions? Do we? Let’s begin in 1 Samuel 14. Did Saul’s son Jonathan want to check out an enemy Philistine garrison? Did he choose an easily defensible position between two large ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Winning In The Kingdom Court Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Sep 20, 2022

We should plead our cases before the Kingdom Court, knowing we have an Advocate (Jesus) to aid in our defense against the accusations of the prosecutor (Satan). Based on the "Dangerous Prayers" book by Francis Myles.

Tonight, we are going to view a fresh perspective on prayer from Dr. Franics Myles in his book on “dangerous prayers.”(1) Now, I have taken some time to wade through his book and weed out the muck. Let me get started by saying that I have heard it said, “Prayer is a walkie-talkie for warfare, not ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, Job 1:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Practical Faith For Real Life Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 6, 2002

Jesus was out to prepare His disciples for their greatest trial, His crucifixion. But He was also giving us direction to prepare for the realities of life.

A Practical Faith for Real Life (Matt. 26:31-35, John 13:33-38, Mark 14:27-31; Luke 22:31-38) 1. Students at Bible College/seminaries…lose track of the real world…There used to be an old saying, "It takes 10 years to get over seminary…" 2. In our church, we try to encourage an "honest ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:35-38, Matthew 26:31-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Cross: A Forethought Not An Afterthought

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Jul 16, 2004

God did not give us Calvary to make amends for any mistake of His own in creating man. Let’s look at God’s presence in Calvary realizing it was a mission He sent His Son on that was purposed before the world was formed.

The Cross “A Forethought Not an Afterthought” I. Introduction A. The Passion of the Christ 1. The cross and Christ are getting a lot of publicity these days. a.To the tune of 100’s of millions. b.That’s great because salvation comes only via ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Quit Feeding The Old Man

Contributed by Craig Benner on Feb 4, 2019

We all were born with a carnal nature. It does not matter how sanctified you think you have become, I must tell you that your " old nature" has not been eradicated. It is our ongoing task to keep him buried and "put under".

Quit Sneaking Food to the Old Man We crucify and mortify our old Adamic nature, but he is not erradicated. That will only take place when we receive our glorified bodies. Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grace Within Boundaries

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 27, 2022

The theme or our text is walking the extra mile, grace within boundaries.

Grace Within Boundaries (Matthew 5:38-42) 1. A Catholic priest, a Baptist evangelist, and an Assembly of God minister were in a row boat in the middle of a pond fishing. None of them had caught anything all day. The evangelist stands up, says he needs to go to the bathroom climbs out of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible