Sermons on Strategic Pause:

Dead Man Walking

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jun 25, 2017

In some of the Prisons in the United States when a prisoner is taken to be executed the guard that is leading the procession continual shouts out, Dead man walking. Death came to us through sin; causing each human being to be a "Dead Man Walking"!

In some of the Maximum-Security Prisons in the United States ... when a prisoner is taken to be executed ... the guard that is leading the procession continual shouts out, ... "Dead man walking". It means, ...to clear the way ... to quiet down ... for this prisoner is on their last walk ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:9, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Hebrews 2:15, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:1-11, Romans 5:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Mirror (Short Homily)

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 19, 2009

Some people look at themselves, at their image, as though they were looking into a very tiny mirror. You know the mirror I'm talking about. Every woman seems to have one. I know my mother would always have one buried somewhere inside her purse. Updated January 2020.

The Mirror (Short Homily) James 1:16-27 What image do you see ... when you look in a mirror? Who is that person ... in the reflection? Paul speaks of looking into a darkened mirror: BIBLE "For now we see through a mirror, darkly; but then face to face (Pause) now I know in part; but ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-27, 1 Corinthians 13:12, Romans 12:3

Denomination: Anglican

A Fly Over The Life Of Abraham Series

Contributed by Brian B on Oct 8, 2011

This message tells highlights of Abe’s story in an interactive way and calls us to decision at the close. This message also connects the life of Abraham to promises of a redeemer in Genesis 3:15 and looks forward to Jesus as Abraham’s descendant.

*** I’ve left my pause marks in this script. they are for my benefit only as a reminder to me to take a breath once in a while. This message isn’t particularly deep or profound, it is simply an honest effort to tell Abraham's story to someone who has never heard the old old stories of the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Face Of The Pilot

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 6, 2010

The text relates the Transfiguration, the mountain top experience, to the glory "The Face" of Jesus the Pilot of our lives. Updated February 2022.

A ship ...was in a serious storm... and in grave distress. The passengers ... were alarmed. One of them finally, ... against orders, .... went up to the main deck ... and made his way to the pilot house. The pilot was at the wheel, ... but seeing the man was greatly frightened; ... he gave ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Corinthians 3:12, Luke 9:28-36, Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9:2-9, Matthew 16:13-18, John 14:16, 1 John 3:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Answer To The 6 Foot Hole

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Nov 12, 2012

We are all curious about death .... We are all curious about what happens after we die.Golfer Paul Azinger shared " I'm not saying that nothing ever bothers me and I don't have problems, but I feel like I have found the answer to ..... the six-foot ho

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: Ruth 3:1-5;4:13-17; Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28 and Mark 12:28-34. A book of children's letters to God........ contain these entries: Dear God,...... ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:24-28

Denomination: Anglican

Foundation Eight: Intimacy In Marriage Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Jul 6, 2015

A study on intimacy in marriage

Foundation Eight: Intimacy in Marriage How should couples develop intimacy in marriage? Marriage should be the most intimate relationship anybody experiences in life. It should be more intimate than a friendship, a mother-daughter relationship, a father-son relationship, a boyfriend-girlfriend ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Was Dead But Now I'm Alive Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 16, 2025

Can you imagine Mary and Martha pacing the floor, waiting for Jesus? They were at the deathbed of their beloved brother. Can’t you see Lazarus struggling to breathe? The whole time, they’re looking out the window expecting to see Jesus arrive.

What if I told you that surveys suggest that nearly three-quarters of doctors in the United States believe in miracles? And what if I told you that over half of the physicians surveyed noted that they had witnessed what they considered to be miracles?1 Find John 11 with me, if you will. Ed ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Life On Mission - Share

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Mar 13, 2021

It is all about those who call themselves followers of the Christ. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him who they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching?" It is all about you.

Let us pray...... Hear God's word: BIBLE "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him who they have not heard? And how shall they hear without someone preaching?" END (Romans 10:14) Beloved this is all about ...you. It is all ...read more

Scripture: John 4:29, Matthew 4:19, Isaiah 53:7-8, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Matthew 28:20, Romans 10:14, Acts 8:5-8, Acts 4:12, Acts 8:26-40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Start Acting Like A Child!

Contributed by Curt Cizek on Jun 5, 2009

Being accused of acting like a child is a major insult but not from Jesus. Jesus wants more people that act like children.

-In our culture, saying that someone is acting like a child is not really a compliment -We are always telling our children to grow up, to act their age -In the immortal words of that great philosopher, the artist formerly known as Prince, “Act your age not your shoe size.” {PAUSE} -There’s a new ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Love Exercises - Philippians 1: 7-11 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Feb 10, 2022

I know you're asking the question, “Okay, how do I exercise love?” I'm going to show you in a moment how we exercise love. But first let me show you what happens when you do it to your heart.

Open your Bibles or your workbooks to Philippians 1:7-11. That's where we're going to be today. If you do not have a workbook, they are free. They're back on the back table there. We have extras and we'd love for you to have one so that you can take notes. Not only so you can take ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:7-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Saved From What?

Contributed by Curt Cizek on Mar 9, 2009

Paul gives us a couple of shocking truths that greatly impact our lives. He tells us from what we are saved and what to do when we are suffering. Absolutely shocking but totally life-changing!

-We talk in the Christian church, especially the protestant church, about salvation -However, I don’t think that we really know what we are talking about sometimes -Salvation means that we were in danger -What was the cause of our danger? -Or maybe better yet, from what did Jesus save us? -Most ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Holy Spirit - The Miracle Within

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 10, 2010

The Holy Spirit is "The Miracle Within" each Believer. Are we open to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Updated March 2021. .

One night... a wife found her husband .... standing over .... their infant's crib. As she watched him ...looking down at their very first child, ...... she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: .... disbelief, ... delight, ... amazement, skepticism, ... enchantment Touched by this unusual ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-17, Hebrews 13:5, Isaiah 52:7, John 16:7-8, Luke 3:15-22, 1 Corinthians 2:3-5, Romans 10:15, Acts 4:29-31, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:13, Romans 10:14, Acts 2:38  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Apr 21, 2010

There are two Greek words translated as "word" in the Scriptures. The Greek words are "Logos" and "Rhema". Faith Comes by hearing and hearing by the word "Rhema" of God. Updated January 2020.

I am convinced ... that we are too easily distracted ... in the rush ... of this modern ... in which we live. There are so many choices ... There are so many distractions ... all ... demanding ... our time ... and ... our attention. Sadly, ... it seems ... that we only hear ... what we want ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:9, Matthew 14:29, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:7, Romans 10:17, John 10:22, John 10:22-30, Hebrews 13:8, Matthew 6:6, 2 Timothy 3:16, Revelation 3:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Get Out Of The Way!

Contributed by Curt Cizek on Feb 8, 2009

The Holy Spirit is hard at work in the lives of others. We need to make sure we are being a helper in the work of the gospel and not a hindrance.

-Have you ever been judged unfairly by others? -Has anyone ever looked down on you for something they thought you did? -Have you ever received a punishment for something that you didn’t do? -That is what the Apostle Paul is dealing with in chapter 9 of his first letter to the Corinthians -A number ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Faithing - Faith Without Works Is Dead

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Sep 9, 2012

In the Christian life faith and works go together like inhaling and exhaling. Billy Graham stated it in these terms: Faith is taking the Gospel in; works is taking the Gospel out.

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service; there are four Scripture Readings before the Sermon. The Scripture Readings for this day were: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 ; Psalm 125 ; James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37. Alexander Graham Bell was an amazingly talented person. He invented the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-20

Denomination: Anglican