Sermons on Straighten:

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 13: The Christian And Governmental Authority

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 18, 2022

What can Peter teach us about how to live the Christian life when the government persecutes us?

The Christian and Governmental Authority 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction In the USA, where I live, there is no more odious word in the English language than “submission.” No one here wants to submit. They don’t want to submit to government. They don’t want to submit to their boss. Women don’t want ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Understanding Who You Are? Your Identity In God Part #4

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jul 19, 2025

I was asked the question is it really that important to be concerned about the descendants and who we are when it is all about salvation anyway? To a point that seems to be a fair question until you understand that the concept of salvation is twisted and manipulated and used to control slaves.

Understanding Who You Are Your Identity in God By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. Part #4 This week I was asked the question is it really that important to be concerned about the descendants and who we are when it is all about salvation anyway? To a point that seems to be a fair question until ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

Serving Like Jesus Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 28, 2024

One of God's major objectives for us is to be conformed into the image of His Son and one of the primary ways God wants us to conform to the likeness of Jesus is in our service. Jesus came to serve and to give and so we must also serve and give.

A. One day a weathy woman was interviewing a prospective butler and asked him, “Are you trained to serve guests?” 1. The prospective butler replied “Yes, ma’am, I have been trained to serve guests both ways.” 2. The woman looked puzzled and asked, “What do you mean both ways?” 3. The prospective ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, John 13:1-17, Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep On The Firing Line

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 27, 2025

There are some who claim they do not believe in a Devil.

Illus: For those who will say such a thing someone said: • “When you meet the devil, you know you are not going his way. • If you never meet him, you must be going in the same direction.” The reason some do not believe in the devil is because they are going the same way he is going, but the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

The Good And The Bad

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 26, 2023

The book of John is often neglected.

Why? It could be because it is a small book. Illus: But we need to remember that “Dynamite” can come in small package. We know that size does not have anything to do with significance. John teaches many things in this third epistle for God’s church. Illus: Many of the movies that Hollywood ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Serve One Another Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 30, 2023

One of the best ways for us to love one another is to serve one another. Christ has set us free so that we can serve. Jesus is our greatest example of how to be a servant. There is always some way and someone we can serve.

Introduction: A. I read about a minister who was organizing opportunities for people in his church to do small acts of kindness in the community as a demonstration of Christ’s love. 1. He phoned several neighborhood grocery stores and asked for permission to serve their customers. 2. As he talked ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:1-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Sacred Name

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Feb 18, 2023

Have you ever considered the power of God's Name? Do you know the danger of using the Sacred Name in vain? "Do not take Name of the Lord your God in vain, for God will not hold you guiltless," meaning He will not forgive that.

Today, "The Sacred Name". Have you ever considered the power of God's Name? Do you know the danger of using the Sacred Name in vain? Consider the rich benefits of keeping the Ten Commandments. It's the blueprint for a great society in America. America has lost its moral compass, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pushing Through The Pain Of Relationships Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 11, 2023

Message 2 in an expositional series through Paul's "second" letter to the church in the ancient Greek city of Corinth where he defends his apostleship and corrects serious doctrinal errors within this young church.

I want to start off this morning by directing your minds to an encouraging place. I want you to think about the worst smell you have ever smelled. That’s an exciting thought, isn’t it? For me, I don’t even have to think about it. Growing up, I was a dockhand at a marina on Lake Michigan and we had ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

See And Tell Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 19, 2024

To know the real joy of the resurrection of Christ, move beyond just a peek at it. Ponder it. Perceive it. Then proclaim it to as many people as God gives opportunity.

Ken Davis is one of my favorite comedians, who tells the story of a dead pet rabbit. Take a look… (show video of Ken Davis, Dead Rabbit, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3y-SEETPv8). A woman looked out the window of her home and was horrified to see her German Shepherd shaking the life out of the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Independence Day! The Samaritan Woman Encounters Christ

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Mar 25, 2023

This is from a series on encountering Christ.

Title: “Independence Day: Jesus Encounters a Samaritan Woman” Script: Jn. 4 Type: Series Where: GNBC 3-26-23 Intro: "Independence Day" is a song written by Gretchen Peters, and recorded by American country music singer Martina McBride. The song was officially released in May 1994 ...read more

Scripture: John 4:7-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Too Good! Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 15, 2023

If you want to find real joy in the face of an uncertain future, renounce your own good and wise deeds; stop devising your own schemes. Instead, fear God and please Him through faith in His Son.

On March 19, 2003, the United States and its allies invaded Iraq to destroy Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and remove Saddam Hussein from power. A day later, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld held a news conference, where a reporter asked him “about the apparent failure to follow the war ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:15-29, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Deuteronomy 28:1, Deuteronomy 28:15, James 2:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

His Broken Jars

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Apr 25, 2023

Rick and Kari Burdette's story

His Broken Jars 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 (Kari) Introduction: Our entire married life has been one of ministry, for the last 42 years Rick and I have had the privilege to share our lives with others who have been through things in this life that have broken them, and in our lives, we’ve been broken as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Work Out What God Works In Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 2, 2023

We are to work out our salvation as God works in us to will and to act

Technicolor Joy: Philippians 2:12-18 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 07-02-2023 Get Strong Every Day Kenneth Leverich, a former Junior Olympic weight lifter and a crossfit competitor, underwent four hours of makeup to turn him from a 29-year-old to an 84-year-old man. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Be Cautious About Judging Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 30, 2021

When believers criticize each other, it can actually drive people away from the church. Jesus warned about the consequences of criticizing others, and of the need to do some spiritual self-examination before passing judgement.

This morning we are going to look at the spiritual issue of judging others. The applicable definition for the word “judge” in our main passage means, “to form a judgment or opinion” and to “decide upon critically.”(1) The key word here is “critically,” for when we judge others we are often ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Love Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Nov 7, 2018

Biblical or divine love is a self-sacrificing, caring commitment that shows itself in seeking the highest good for the one being loved.

According to the musical wisdom of John, Paul, George, and Ringo … “All you need is love, love … love is all you need.” Well … that and food … and shelter … and air … and sleep … Love is literally in the air. You hear that word everywhere. It’s been the subject of plays and novels and poems, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-11

Denomination: United Methodist