Sermons on Strive Lawfully:

Vessels Of Honor

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on May 5, 2019

Paul spoke of various vessels within a great house. We are all vessels, belonging to the Master. Each vessel is different, and yet each has potential and is expected to be of use. We are either a vessel of honor or dishonor.

Vessels of Honor 2 Timothy 2: 19-23 Much like the Lord, Paul was a master of using ordinary illustrations to reveal significant truth. Our text today is yet another example of Paul’s unique and memorable imagery. Knowing the need for committed service, along with the struggle to remain pure and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Unity In God’s Family

Contributed by Dr. Jeffrey Dukeman on May 7, 2019

Jesus at Hanukkah distinguishes his work as the new temple from that of the Father. The Father and the Son's working together not only conveys their love and forgiveness to us, it also helps us work together and forgive amidst God's kingdom.

In our country’s history we’ve tended to value what’s been called “rugged individualism.” Each person should strive to work hard and take care of their own responsibilities. This has been a very helpful thing for our country. But this rugged individualism is misunderstood if we see community as a ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

That They May Be One (May 28, 2017)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 14, 2020

What God wants is for our lives to be fruitful in unity and the love that He gave and gives to us so that we might allow others to experience God’s life transforming love.

THAT THEY MAY BE ONE Text : John 17:1 - 11 Someone (William Arnot) once made a wonderful point about God’s design in how we work as His creation: “He gives what he demands, and demands what he gives. The same master both gives the talents and requires an account ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Lesson #23 - But He Gave It All Up That He Might Know Christ Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 30, 2019

The mature believer, Paul says, will not rest on past obedience but will labor to maintain purity and blamelessness until the Day of Christ.

Date: 2/12/19 Lesson #23 Title: But He Gave It All Up That He Might Know Christ (Phil. 3:12-14) • NIV Bible is used throughout unless noted otherwise. Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Liars Or Living Letters? (1994)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 20, 2022

Christian speech involves kindness, purity and truth as the three elements of godly speech for Christians. Take away any of those three and you are in danger of being a liar when the Bible makes it clear that we are to be living letters for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LIARS OR LIVING LETTERS? Text: Colossians 3:5-9a In the Walt Disney movie "Pinnochio" there is a scene where Pinnochio's nose grows every time he tells a lie. And the point of that scene is that the more you lie, the more you have to lie to make all your ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-9

Denomination: United Methodist

"living Well"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Nov 8, 2022

A sermon for Consecration Sunday.

“Living Well” Matthew 6:19-34 Jesus had a unique way of teaching and using His surroundings to illustrate His points. He could enable those listening to be able to relate more and better understand His teachings. In this passage that we read today, we can see that it is springtime in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: United Methodist

Motivated To Follow Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 2, 2016

Following his discourse on the obedience of Christ, and an admonition for the believer to possess the mind of Christ, Paul discusses what that looks like in a mature believer. This is humbling, and impossible within ourselves, but possible in Christ.

Motivated to Follow Philippians 2: 12-18 One of the greatest means of motivation is a great illustration or example. Following the great discourse on the obedience of Christ, having provided the great example for believers to follow, Paul offers a discourse on our obligations to follow the example ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Two Distinctions Of The Children Of God Series

Contributed by Jordan Muck on Sep 9, 2016

Sermon Series on 1 John

Series: 1 John Week: Ten Passage: 1 John 3:1-3 Title: The Two Distinctions of the Children of God Focus: Christian Living INTRODUCTION: A group of expectant fathers were in a waiting room, while their wives were in the process of delivering babies. A nurse came in and announced to one man that ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Behavior Becoming Of Citizens Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 12, 2016

The church faced difficulty within a culture loyal to Rome. While they were subject to Roman authority, their primary responsibility was to the Sovereign Lord. We are citizens of two worlds, and our allegiance belongs to Christ. We must always honor Him.

Behavior becoming of Citizens Philippians 1: 27-30 As Paul sought to conclude the first thoughts of his gracious letter, apparently he was reminded of the intense struggle the church in Philippi faced. Bear in mind that he and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned there. Philippi being a Roman ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Perils Of The Rich And Famous Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Nov 25, 2017

Anything that we put ahead of God in our life will be destroyed in the end.

The Perils Of The Rich And Famous Text: James 5:1-6 Introduction 1. "There are people so poor that the only thing they have is money." -- Unknown "He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has." -- Henry Ward Beecher (1813–1887) 1. We tend to think that rich people ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

A Greeting Of Grace

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 26, 2021

The major theme of Ephesians is Reconciliation achieved through God’s Redemptive plan. Relying on one’s prior accomplishments would not provide reconciliation or redemption. Paul knew Ephesus was a clear representation of the dreadful condition of sinful humanity.

A Greeting of Grace Ephesians 1: 1-2 Today I want to begin a series of messages that will lead us through the first chapter of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesian church. While the letter to the Roman believers is considered Paul’s “magnum opus,” Ephesians has been referred to as the “Queen of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Decadence Of The King Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 24, 2021

Esther lived within the Persian Empire, an environment hostile to the Hebrew people. Although their situation seemed dire, God had a plan to preserve and prosper His people. The opening passage provides insight to the culture in Persia.

The Decadence of the King Esther 1: 1-9 The opening chapter of Esther reveals the ungodly condition of the society in which God’s people were dwelling. It was a culture that possessed and promoted unbridled lusts and insatiable appetites. The people within Media and Persia had one goal in life: ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Amazing Grace

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Apr 22, 2023

Are you flawless, without blemish, perfect in every way? If we will admit it, none of us are. God wants those without blemish. If we are not, how does God accept us who are flawed? It is by His plan through His only son, Jesus Christ, by whom we can obtain Amazing Grace and be seen without blemish.

When I was dating, and I'm sure for you as with me, my significant other thought I was perfect. Is that the way it was for you? Notice my wife shaking her head. The truth, she did; but she will no longer admit it. I knew she was not perfect. I told her so on many occasions. It was something ...read more

Scripture: John 1:17, Ezekiel 11:19-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Apostolic Church Series

Contributed by Apostle Dr. Ruben L. Broadnax Jr. on Oct 24, 2024

The Apostolic Church" focuses on being a church grounded in Jesus, Spirit-led, and mission-driven. This sermon calls believers to embrace their identity as a sent people, united in truth, and empowered to impact the world.

The church is not a building; it’s a living, breathing community of believers united under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Throughout history, the term “apostolic” has often been linked to authority, leadership, or church structure. Yet, in its purest form, the term points back to the mission, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Other

Romans 12:14-29

Contributed by Joe Mack Cherry on Nov 4, 2024

Exegesis look at the passage with application to us today.

Heb. 12:14-29 By Joe Mack Cherry I. Vss 14-17 – Peace, Holiness, Concern, Respect A. Peace with Others 1. Mt 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.” 2. Make every effort (NIV) 3. Pursue (NKJV) a. This indicates action. b. This commands that we go out of our way ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ