Sermons on Sharp Focus:

Ye Have Heard That It Was Said...

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 4, 2022

Jesus corrects scribal misunderstandings of Scripture, entering into the spirit of what lies behind the Law.

YE HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID… Matthew 5:21-37. I). BUT I SAY UNTO YOU... Matthew 5:21-26. 1. In His recent wilderness struggles with the enemy, Jesus used the formula ‘It stands written’ in reply to each temptation (Matthew 4:4-10). The Word of God is its own authority against the wiles of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 24, 2004

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is y

The Blessing No One Wants How many of you have seen The Passion of the Christ movie? As the “national conversation” continues, I hope you’re taking advantage of the opportunity to tell people why Jesus died. I’ve had a number of discussions this week about the topic with people I don’t even know. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

God's Global Glory Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 20, 2003

David could have questioned God, but instead he went on a quest to find God. Instead of wondering, He chose to worship. We can do the same thing as we follow the progression of his faith, from deep inside the cave, to the entrance, and then to the world

God’s Global Glory Pastors get asked questions all the time. Here are a few actual letters that kids have sent to ministers: Dear Pastor, does God like everybody? If so, He never met my sister. (Arnold, age 9) Dear Pastor, do you think my father should be a minister? Every day he gives us a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 57:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Prophetic Heritage Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 23, 2006

We will see the desire of God and the design of God in anointing a prophetic people for His glory. (1) Spoken through Moses in Numbers 11 (2) Exemplified in Jesus.

A Prophetic Heritage Series: Book of Acts #2 Acts 1:1-2[1] 10-9-05 Intro Acts 1:1-2 “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-2

Denomination: Charismatic

Obedience In The Hard Times Of Lfe Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jun 16, 2009

When life gets hard… when life seems UNFAIR… when life begins to beat you down… How do you react? How do YOU serve God when LIFE gets hard all of a sudden?

Sermon Brief Date Written: June 16, 2009 Date Preached: May 03, 2009 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: Life is Hard Sermon Title: Obedience in the Hard Times of Life Sermon Text: Job 1:12-19 [NASB] 12 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Are You An Encourager?

Contributed by Matthew Sickling on Apr 8, 2007

This sermon examines the life and ministry of Paul’s companion and co-worker Barnabas.

Introduction: The Bible is full of people that we could pattern our lives after. Of course our ultimate role model is Jesus, but there are many others that we could learn and benefit from. For instance, Like Abraham, we should strive to have such a close relationship to God, that we too would be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:36

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Glory Revealed Through Gideon

Contributed by Donnie Martin on May 29, 2010

Faith isn’t based on how the circumstances look, but on the faithful promises of Almighty God. God reduced Gideon and his men to the point that victory was contingent only upon their faith in God. In the extreme battles of life, only a firm faith in God w

God’s Glory Revealed Through Gideon Text: Judges 6:33-7:2 Intro: In First Corinthians 10:31, Paul exhorts us with these words: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This familiar passage of scripture sums up the purpose of every Christian’s life: ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Cross-Culture (A Palm Sunday Sermon)

Contributed by Paul Newell on Mar 26, 2009

This sermon deals with the effect that Jesus’ cross had on three men: Simon the Cyrene, John the Apostle and Nicodemus, the quiet follower.

CROSS-Culture Palm Sunday 2009 – Communion Sunday I grew up in a fairly sheltered environment. Other than books at school I remember little, if any, interaction with anyone of another culture. My first encounter with a different culture was a kid I met at school. I don’t remember his name, but ...read more

Scripture: John 19:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Words

Contributed by John White on Mar 6, 2018

Words can either build up or tear down, encourage or discourage.

The Power Of Words James 3:3-10 "Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the ...read more

Scripture: James 3:3-10

Denomination: Baptist

Settling The Authority Issue Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 16, 2017

Those who accept Christ must live under His authority.

I want to begin with a few questions. Feel free to shout out the answer. Q: An electric train is moving north at 100 mph and a wind is blowing to the west at 10 mph. Which way does the smoke blow? A: There is no smoke with an electric train. Q: If there are 6 apples and you take away 4, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:27-33

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming The Spirit Of Rejection Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Apr 4, 2016

Rejection can have a devastating effect upon the lives of people with scars that they will carry as they mature. In this message, we will learn how Jephthah overcame rejection and rose up to be the next Judge of Isarel.

Rejection means to cast aside; to throw away; to put side. It can refer to a person or a thing as if not up to some standard. When you reject a person, it shows him or her that he is unacceptable, of no value, doesn't belong, unwanted, can't fit in and unloved. Rejection communicates this message ...read more

Scripture: Judges 11:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Commitment Issues PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2025

Following Jesus requires surrender and steadfast devotion, even when His teachings are difficult, trusting that true life is found only in Him.

If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table late at night with a lukewarm cup of coffee and a heavy heart, wondering why following Jesus can feel so wonderfully right and yet wonderfully hard, you’re in good company. The Gospels show real people with real questions, listening to a real Savior who ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-70, 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

Topics: Commitment, Lukewarmness

"Belief And Understanding"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jul 12, 2010

People do not begin to believe because they understand. They only begin to understand when they have believed.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12 “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 “No one has ascended into heaven, but He ...read more

Scripture: John 3:11-21

Denomination: Orthodox

Run, Samson, Run Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on May 23, 2016

Samson was man of supernatural strength given by God but was overwhelmed by the inward sexual desire through the enticement of Delilah. He should have run, but he did not. We can learn valuable lessons from his life.

We are now in chapter 16 of the Book of Judges. We have been studying the life of Samson. Last week, we looked at the highlights of Samson's life - the three W's - Samson's Wedding, Samson's Wager and Samson's Wrath. We have learned first of all that Samson insisted in marrying the woman in Timnah ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-20

Denomination: Nazarene

State Of Denial - Part 2

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Dec 3, 2020

Last time we saw that Peter’s overconfidence and pride kept him from trusting the Lord. His pride began to cut away at his faith...

Last time we saw that Peter’s overconfidence and pride kept him from trusting the Lord. His pride began to cut away at his faith. His weak faith in Jesus began to give way to fear. Denying the Lord Jesus was a natural consequence of this fear. Someone has said, “The conclusion of a dying faith ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35-39

Denomination: Independent/Bible