Sermons on Stephen Witness:

Finding Faith In Crisis

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Nov 15, 2009

Find courage in others who are great examples of the Christian faith.

Finding Faith in Crisis 2 Timothy 1-14 When it comes to faith in Jesus Christ is there someone in your family tree who you would call an encourager? Can you point to a relative who inspired you as an example of Christian character? We all need role models, people who are truly good examples for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Beat The Bushes

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Nov 30, 2009

This study considers the command to go into the highways and hedges and compel people to God.

Have you ever heard or used the phrase “beat the bushes?” Beat the bushes refers to searching diligently for someone or something. The word etymology is based on the hunting practice of having someone hit bushes with a stick in order to force birds to fly up into the air to be shot. We have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of Christ Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 9, 2009

I. The Mystery of Christ is based on a promise (6) II. The Mystery of Christ is accessible to all (6) III. The Mystery of Christ is visible through the Church (10-11) IV. The Mystery of Christ gives us a clear approach to God (12) V. The Mystery of Ch

The Mystery of Christ Ephesians 3:1-13 Intro: How many of you like a good mystery (and I’m not talking about the location of your missing sock)? Interestingly enough, the first definition for mystery in Webster’s Dictionary is “a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

We Prepare Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 9, 2009

We prepare for Christ’s coming by our daily repentance, and by calling the world to a life of repentance and forgiveness

Luke 3:1-6 “We Prepare” INTRODUCTION Most of us know how to prepare for Christmas. We have our shopping lists, and “honey do” lists of when the tree needs to be put up, and the house decorated. It might be stressful, but we will get it done. We also know how to prepare for birthday and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Walk Worthy Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by James Tilley on Dec 10, 2009

This is an exposition of Philippians 1.27 through 2.4.

Walk Worthy of the Gospel 11-26-06 Text: Phil 1.27-2.4 Introduction: 1. Read Text. 2. What does it mean to “Walk Worthy of the Gospel”? We are citizens of heaven and we are to act like it! Our Actions can speak louder than our words. 3. In this passage the focus of the worthy walk is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sharing Heaven’s Good News Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 10, 2009

All who receive God’s message of forgiveness should help share it with others.

Sharing Heaven’s Good News Acts 16:12-40 Intro: In Luke 2:10-11, God sent angels to give a message to some Jewish shepherds. The message went like this: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:12-40

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Reaching Our World Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 10, 2009

God invites us to join Him in His passion to reach this world. He wants us in the game, and He promises to give us everything we need to succeed.

Reaching Our World Text: Acts 18:22-28 Intro: [Play Evan Almighty clip- Change the world- don’t know where to start] Have you ever been in a situation where you just didn’t quite have what it took to do what needed to be done? I usually think of examples from sports. I think back to times when I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:22-28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Clanging Gongs & Crashing Symbols Of Christmas

Contributed by Charles Newman on Dec 12, 2009

When Christians get caught up with the traditions of Christmas, we have a tendency to forget the real reason behind this special celebration - LOVE. If we removed the commercialism from Christmas, would it be the same? I don’t think the world would know w

Illustration - For Always In 1994 two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics (based on Biblical principles) in the public schools. They were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments, and a large ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Receiving The Gift Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 15, 2009

The gift of the Holy Spirit is available for all who will receive Him.

Receiving the Gift Acts 19:1-7 Intro: We like to talk about gifts around Christmas time. We think about what we will give to those special people in our lives, and sometimes we might even think about what someone is getting for us. As followers of Jesus, we remember that God sent Jesus as the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

However... Series

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Dec 17, 2009

How current is your testimony? What has God done for you THIS WEEK?

However… Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 What was the most exciting thing that happened in your life this week? Did you have any “victories” this week? Sometimes our testimonies are so outdated one might wonder if God is still real to us! If God is real to us today, then we ought to have lots of reasons to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-20

Denomination: Church Of God

The Incomprehensible Light

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 21, 2009

Jesus Christ is the incomprehensible Light given to remove the veil of darkness that shrouds us fas a result of sin. Let us consider the need for Light, the source of the Light, the reception of the Light, and the disbursement of the Light.

Introduction: In Luke 1:78-79, concerning the coming of Christ, Zechariah proclaimed, “Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Jesus Christ is the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

Denomination: Baptist

S.d.g. Living

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Aug 17, 2009

J.S. Bach signed most of his sacred music "S.D.G." (Soli Deo Gloria). 1 Kings 3:1-15 and Ephesians 5:15-20 encourage us to live an S.D.G. life style - a life that gives glory to God alone.

S.D.G. Living 1 Kings 3:1-15 & Ephesians 5:15-20 20th Sunday Ordinary Time, Year B It’s hard for me to imagine a world without music. And it’s even more difficult to imagine worshiping our Savior without the joyful sounds of singing. One of the greatest composers of sacred music was Johann ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Apathetic Believer Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Aug 24, 2009

There are believers in the fellowship of the church that kill the fellowship and steal the joy of the congregation by NOT doing what they are called to do!

Sermon Brief Date Written: August 04, 2009 Date Preached: August 09, 2009 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: Murder and Robbery in the Fellowship! Sermon Title: The Apathetic Believer! Sermon Text: 1 Cor 9:19-27 [HCSB] Introduction: About 3:20 AM on March ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

Who Knocked The Wall Down?

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Aug 25, 2009

How many walls do we put up?

Verse 1-Securely Shut Up I want you to thii* about some peoples lives maybe even your own, some walls that have been built up that keeps people from getting in, (Getting To Close, Keeping People At Distance) or from things getting out (They Show No Emotion, They Don’t Share What They Feel, They ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Tradition For Tradition's Sake

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Aug 31, 2009

Too often our living and worship become steeped in tradition and ritual. This sermon is a call to examine what we do and more importantly WHY we do it in an attempt to keep us from elevating the traditions of men above the law of God.

Tradition for Tradition’s Sake Mark 7:1-23 (This message was preceded by singing "Joy to the World" as the opening hymn and the theme of "tradition" was introduced by a video clip of Fiddler on the Roof - from the prologue 1:55 (as the fiddler begins to play) through 3:57 (as Tevye says, "...and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed