Sermons on Sharp Focus:

The Wonder Of Jesus Accepting Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2013

It’s become fashionable for churches to "target" a specific audience in their messages and ministry. But is that really such a good idea? Is it possible that in targeting specific groups we might be undermining our real ministry?

OPEN: In my files I ran across these nuggets of wisdom from little children: Patrick, age 10 - "Never trust a dog to watch your food." Hannah, age 9 - "When your dad is mad and asks you, ’Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer." Taylia, age 11 - "When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who's The Boss? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 22, 2020

I need to submit to "that person?" Seriously? Why?

A man once said: “I am not the boss of my house. I don’t know HOW I lost it. I don’t know WHEN I lost it. I don’t even think I ever had it. But I’ve seen the boss’s job, and I don’t want it.” The text we’re looking at today has been debated for centuries. It seems that the only part anybody is ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Centurion At The Feet Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 11, 2018

The story of this Centurion is listed in 3 of the Gospels because God wants us to see what he saw. What did the centurion see that day, and why did he cry out "Surely this was the Son of God"?

In the days of Jesus the most feared soldiers on the face of the earth were those of the Legions Of Rome. These men were practically invincible. It seemed to no nation of the day could stand against them. And one of the reasons they were so powerful and so feared was because their armies were led ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Exclusive Claims Of The Inclusive Jesus

Contributed by Benjamin Sharpe on Aug 16, 2002

An apologetic sermon defending the assertion that Jesus is God’s unique provision for salvation.

The Exclusive Claims of the Inclusive Jesus John 14:1-11 INTRODUCTION: You know that I teach OT and NT at our local college. Being in that setting enables me to encounter a lot of different people and to get a sense of the way people inside as well as outside the church think. One of the ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Close To The Cross, But Far From Christ? You Don't Have To Be.

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Mar 1, 2004

During those last days of Christ, there are many who were close to the cross, yet chose to be far from Christ. Asks the questions, "How close am I?" Powerful closing illustration: True Story

Title: Close to the Cross, But Far From Christ? You Don’t Have to Be! 03/2004 West Side Text: Matthew 27:29-56 and Luke 23:26-29 A.M. Service Purpose: Asks the question: How Close Am I? ******************************************************* Introduction: A. Open with personal comments about Mel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:29-56, Luke 23:26-29

Denomination: Nazarene

There Was More Than Enough

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Feb 16, 2002

Miracle of the feeding of the 5000. In the hands of the Master, our effectiveness is not measured by the size of our resources.

Title: There Was More Than Enough 02/17/02 West Side Text: Matthew 14:13-21 A.M. Service Purpose: In the hands of the master, effectiveness is not measured by the size of our resources. ******************************************************* Introduction: (Use a real life story to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Denomination: Nazarene

What Will You Find When You Look For Jesus?

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Apr 16, 2003

Finding the meaning of the empty tomb. In my darkness, would God’s presence break through? How can I celebrate Easter, when I’m living Good Friday. Out of the ashes of life, you can still find Jesus. These questions are answered as we look for the mes

Title: What Will You Find When You Look For Jesus?04/20/03 West Side Text: Matthew 28:1-10 A.M. Service ~ Easter Sunday Purpose: To find the meaning of the empty tomb *******************************************************Introduction Did you see the story on CNN this past Sunday of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

There Goes My Life

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Dec 17, 2003

Ever felt like the song by Kenny Chesney, "There Goes My Life?" This sermon explores three different scenes in the life of Jesus where he brings hope for the past, the present and the future.

Title: There Goes My Life 12/21/03 Text: Mt. 1:18-25, Jn. 19:25-27 and Mt. 3:16-17, Jn. 3:16 A.M. Service Purpose: A Christmas sermon dealing with the aspect that there may come moments in life where we think we’ve thrown it all away. How does the Christmas story restore hope to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, John 19:25-27

Denomination: Nazarene

"Have You Seen Jesus, Today?”

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Apr 9, 2004

Easter Sermon using three of the Easter stories revolving around seeing Jesus and how by that, their lives were changed forever. Closes with the song "I’ve Just Seen Jesus" by Larnel Harris

Title: “Have You Seen Jesus, Today?” 04/11/04 West Side Text: John 20:1-20/ Luke 24:13-34 and 35-49 A.M. Service Purpose: An Easter Sermon with the emphasis that Christ lives in us. ******************************************************* Introduction (Sandi Patti/ Larnel Harris: ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-20, Luke 24:13-49

Denomination: Nazarene

What's The One Thing?

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Sep 7, 2006

Jesus said to Martha, "There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it..." What’s the One Thing? Includes illustration of Jason, a young man in special education that changed the life of his teacher. "Welcome, friend

Title: What’s the One Thing? 09/03/06 West Side Text: Luke 10:38-42 A.M. Service Purpose: A Labor Day message dealing with how we should “Be Still” before the Lord ******************************************************* Introduction: Jason’s Praying Pencils How a student gave his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Nazarene

Who Will Roll The Stone Away From The Tomb?

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Apr 12, 2006

Easter message answering question of "Who will roll the stones away in my life?" Begins with story of Aron Ralston who in April 2003 was the young man pinned by a boulder while hiking, and his amazing attempt to free himself. At Easter we do not get a s

Title: Who Will Role the Stone Away from the Tomb? 04/19/06 West Side Text: Mark 16:1-8 A.M. Service Purpose: Easter Service: Only Jesus has the power to remove the stone in your life. ******************************************************* Introduction The Story:(1) April 26, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Nazarene

It's All About Relationships Series

Contributed by Richard Sharp on Jan 10, 2008

In the opening verses of Galatians 4, Paul shares about our relationship with God and our relationship with others. How do they relate? How important our relationships to God?

Galatians 4:1-16 It’s All about Relationships Ben Hooper was born in Newport, Tennessee in 1870 He was born out of wedlock , to Sarah Wade. As a result, He had a tough childhood, being taunted by others. In his early school years , his Grandfather died, and his mother was forced to place Ben ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Peter The Man Series

Contributed by Richard Sharp on Mar 27, 2007

This is a brief outline of Peter’s life that I used to Introduce our Sun. nite study Series on I Peter

A Brief Sketch of Peter’s Life Four main area’s of Peter’s life: A. His calling Mark 1:16-18 (also Luke 5:3-11) * fishing in Sea of Galilee with his brother Andrew. * they are partners with James and John in a lucrative fishing business * ALL This changes when ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Attitudes In The Wilderness & Today Series

Contributed by Richard Sharp on May 14, 2007

Over the next few wed. nights we are going to look at some events found in OT concerning Israel’s journey from Egypt to the Promise land and I trust together we can discover some truths that we can apply to our life concerning our attitudes.

ATTITUDES IN THE WILDERNESS & TODAY adopted from the book: LORD, Change my Attitude (before it is too late) by James MacDonald Pg 19-26 We Are Often living in a Spiritual & emotional Desert w/o realizing it. Over the next few wed. nights we are going to look at some events found in OT ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:6-29

Denomination: Baptist

God's Cure For Stress Series

Contributed by Richard Sharp on May 14, 2007

How do you handle the daily stresses of life? Here David has a cure for Us- When Stress comes,We need to find rest in God.

God’s cure for Stress Psalm 46 Introduction: Opening Ill.- A man went to his doctor complaining about severe headaches. He was told to stop smoking, which he did. The headaches persisted, he was told to stop using Alcohol. He did, but the headaches continued. The doctor told him to lose weight ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: Baptist