Sermons on Shrinking Back:

The Conversion Of Saul Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 15, 2022

By this time, Saul had become the movements ringleader to wipe out Christianity. A devout Hellenistic Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was a Pharisees and was taught by none other than Gamaliel.

The Conversion of Saul INTRODUCTION Let us imagine for a moment that this is the week of Saul's arrival at Damascus. By this time, Saul had become the movement's ringleader to wipe out Christianity. A devout Hellenistic Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

To Infinity And Beyond!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 14, 2022

Though all associated with this life is impermanent, the future for the child of God is bright with hope. Christ has redeemed us by His death and resurrection. Now, through faith in Him, we anticipate a permanent home in Heaven.

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What About John?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 10, 2019

Our Lord appoints each of His followers to a particular task. Though the task may appear difficult, it is common that we Christians attempt to turn His command by asking what He is doing in the life of another. We need to learn to focus on His work in our own life.

“[Jesus said] ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.’ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was ...read more

Scripture: John 21:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

Truth Or Consequences

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 15, 2010

Warnings & Encouragement. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: 1 John chapter 2 verses 18-19. Ill: • 4 boys in secondary school had a reputation of playing truant; • One morning they turned up very, very late for their lesson, • They told the teacher they were late because the car bringing them had a puncture. • Looking at ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-27

Denomination: Brethren

One Year Later

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 17, 2008

A message urging a young church to emulate the Thessalonian Christians as they anticipate the future.

1 THESSALONIANS 1:2-10 ONE YEAR LATER “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Denomination: Baptist

Experience The Spirit In Baptism Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 11, 2011

Paul tells us Romans 6 that Water Baptism has a 4 step process to it immersion, submersion, emergence and living the life of a baptized saint. The symbolism of Water Baptism points to saints who have chosen to die for the Lord and then they emerge resurre

Series: Experience the Spirit Many Christians cannot define or have a very hard time defining what Christian Spiritual Maturity is or even looks like. Yet, many will say that they want to grow into spiritually mature Christians. We have learned the importance of the Bible in our spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blueprint For Life Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 10, 2010

We can build a life that can withstand storms by building upon: 1) A Wise Foundation (Matthew 7:24) which is also 2) A Withstanding Foundation (Matthew 7:25) instead of just a 3) A Wishful Foundation (Matthew 7:26-27).

Matthew 7:24-27. 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27

Denomination: Other

The Secret Of Contentment In God's Service

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 4, 2014

Elusive as a will 'o the wisp, contentment is the heritage of God's people. Paul provides practical instruction for believers to find contentment in their service to Christ.

“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20, Philippians 4:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Glory Of His Sacrifice Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 23, 2018

At the very moment when Jewish authorities were plotting to kill Him, Gentiles began to desire His attention. The Greeks who came to Jesus were Gentiles, not Grecian Jews, who had become converts to Judaism.

-Monday- Jerusalem The Glory of His Sacrifice (Is. 6:10) John 12:20-50 20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-50

Denomination: Baptist

Congregational Polity Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 10, 2011

Exploration of the congregational government in the apostolic church.

“In these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should give up ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Called To Suffer Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 15, 2021

Jesus is 1) Believers’ perfect standard for suffering (1 Peter 2:21-23), 2) their perfect substitute in suffering (1 Peter 2:24), and 3) became their perfect shepherd through suffering (1 Peter 2:25).

1 Peter 2:21-25 [21] For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. [22] He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. [23] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Other

Godly Discontent - Genesis 31:1-18 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

Jacob is going to move on from one job to another. He’s leaving his place where he has a job now and he’s going to go to another job.

In our story today in Genesis 31 we see that Jacob is going to move on from one job to another. He’s leaving his place where he has a job now and he’s going to go to another job. I want to prepare our hearts for this study today by imagining us being in the story. I think the best way to do that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 31:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Simple Evangelism Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Apr 12, 2010

We struggle so much about this thing we call EVANGELISM but when we look at what Jesus actually calls us to do, it relieves us of our fear and allows us to do what He wants... share Him!

Sermon Brief Date Written: April 8, 2010 Date Preached: April 11, 2010 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: Evangelism 101 -- A Course in Obedience! Sermon Title: Simple Evangelism Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 [HCSB] 19 For although I am free from all ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

Sharing In His Suffering Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 5, 2016

Through our relationship to Christ we share in the fellowship of suffering in general and we Share in His Suffering through: 1) The Father in Suffering (2 Cor. 1:3-4), 2) The Son in Suffering (2 Cor. 1:5-6) & 3) The Saints in Suffering (2 Cor. 1:7)

In his book (and now feature movie), The Insanity of Obedience, Nik Ripken tells about meeting Dmitri in the former USSR. Born of Christian parents, Dmitri found himself and his family living under communism in an area where the nearest church was a three-day walk away. He started teaching his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Other

The Body Of Christ – Part Ii Series

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Mar 11, 2016

There is only one body, but many members. We are all dependent on one another. It is not just the pastor’s job to care for the members of the body—that would be humanly impossible. Each member must function as he or she is called.

We continue our study of His Church and begin by looking at 1 Corinthians 12. (1 Cor 12:13 NKJV) For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor 12:14 For in fact the body is not one ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:13-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible