Sermons on Surface Level:

Pearl Of Great Price Series

Contributed by Eric Carey-Holt on Feb 12, 2003

IS THIS FOR YOU He had it all, at least on the surface. He had good business, a fine family, status in the community, he had everything it would appear, but not quite enough. Some men craved after gold or silver or jewels not this man those things were a

PEARL OF GREAT PRICE—Matt 13:45-46 TEXT "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. INTRODUCTION In The Parable Of The Hidden Treasure, I suggested that Jesus was depicting the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46, Acts 8:26-38

Denomination: Methodist

How To Become Wise Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 29, 2008

Jesus went to the temple & called people to make serious, studied judgments, & not simply snap decisions based on surface appearance. He points out if anyone is really earnest he can know whether Jesus’ teaching is of divine origin or not, by commiting t

JOHN 7: 14-18 HOW TO BECOME WISE Have you ever heard of the great con-man Frank Abagnale? His story has been told on the movie screen by Leanardo Caprio and Tom Hanks in the movie “Catch me if you can.” Catch Me if You Can was inspired by the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., the youngest ...read more

Scripture: John 7:14-18

Denomination: Baptist

Knowing Our Neighbors Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 14, 2009

On the surface the Parable of the Good Samaritan appears to be a simple story about being kind. It’s actually much deeper than that. This story is designed to show each of us how sinful and selfish we really are and that our only hope of going to heaven

Knowing Our Neighbors Luke 10:25-37 Rev. Brian Bill 6/14/09 The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known parables of Jesus. There are hospitals named after him and his name has become an idiom for unusual kindness and extraordinary care for the hurting. The “Good Sam RV Club” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Wilderness Between Waterstations - Running The Race.

Contributed by Louis Mare on May 27, 2025

You’re feeling strong, a bit proud even, thinking “I’m good. I’ll take water at the next one.” But then suddenly… The sun beats down, the road stretches out, your legs get tight, the silence kicks in, and your body starts reminding you—you needed that water.

Good morning church and welcome to a unique moment. Today, we're not just speaking to everyday life—we're speaking to the road, the trail, and the race. Let me ask you something: Have you ever run past a water station and immediately regretted it? You’re feeling strong, a bit proud even, ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Can We Pass The Test?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 9, 2001

I wonder how we would score if there were a test available that could reveal just how faithful & devout a Christian we really are - that really measured the level of our spirituality?

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK A. Not long ago I preached a sermon entitled “The Love Test” in which we mentioned that passage of scripture where Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Do you love me? Do you really love me?” And we talked about that subject. Now today, let’s go a ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Goals

Contributed by Steve Ely on Oct 1, 2008

God is not interested in us visiting places we cannot inhabit or possess. This timely message examines the level of living that God wants for us. God’s goal is more than repentance and reival.

God’s Goal Text: Acts 3:19-21; Joel 2:12-13, 16-17, 19-20, 22-26, 28-29, 32 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21He must remain in heaven ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:19-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Extreme Makeover – World Edition Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 2, 2008

God is ready for us to be dead and reborn rather than just “made over.”

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. I had the verse put above the signature line on our checks. I had heard it in a song. It hits home with me. The Message paraphrase puts it this way: Proverbs 4:23 (The Message) Keep vigilant watch over ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Cpr For A Healthy Walk Part 4 Series

Contributed by David Welch on May 30, 2018

Message 4 in our series exploring the foundational elements of a healthy walk. This message continues fleshing out the elements of the "C" continually cultivating a dynamic relationship with God. The focus of this message is drawing near to God.

Chico Alliance Church Pastor David Welch “CPR for a Healthy Walk Part Four – Draw Near to God REVIEW / INTRODUCTION God created us to live in community. Community with Him, community with each other. The deeper our community with Him, the more meaningful our community with each other. Just as ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-8

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

The Challenge Course

Contributed by Bret Bone on Nov 6, 2012

I wonder how each of us would score if there were a test available that could reveal … how devoted we were as a Christian… You see, on the surface most of the time it appears that things are going well & display that we’re doing a pretty good job of b

I wonder how each of us would score if there were a test available that could reveal … how devoted we were as a Christian… You see, on the surface most of the time it appears that things are going well & display that we’re doing a pretty good job of being a Christian. In ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5

How To Deal With People Who Don't Like You

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Aug 24, 2017

No where in the bible does it tell us to treat people the way we want to or to get even with those who don't like us. The bible does teach us not to stoop to their level.

How to Deal with People Who Don’t Like You “Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets. But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:26-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Remedy For Loneliness Series

Contributed by W F on Aug 22, 2006

Loneliness is a part of life, but it was never meant to be that way. Scripture shows us how to defeat this giant.

Key Verse: Psalm 68:5-6. INTRODUCTION Judith Durham was one of Australia’s first international pop stars. As lead singer for The Seekers she toured Australia and the world and had a string of hits, including the first Australian group to have a No 1 hit overseas. Yet while Durham appeared to be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 68:5-6

Denomination: *other

Tempted

Contributed by James Jerpseth on Mar 3, 2001

Having grown up in hte desert, I know how harsh the place is and how tempting the options presented by hte devil really are. On the surface the temptations seem harmless and perhaps even good in the right hands but they all take our attention off God.

I grew up going to the desert, and thought that I knew what the desert lands are all about. I’ve been camping many times in the Anza Berrego wilderness and understand that the desert is a harsh and foreboding place. I know to stay on the trails, look for snakes and take lots of extra water. I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

"Mary's Christmas"

Contributed by David Henderson on Dec 29, 2014

When we look back at the life of Mary I see 2 extreme points of view that have surfaced. 1. Many believers have chosen to worship Mary. 2. Others have chosen to completely ignore Mary. The scripture does not support either approach.

Mary’s Christmas Luke 1:26-38 Most of us recognize that Christmas can actually be one of the most stressful times of the year. For pastors and their families things do not usually slow down—instead things just get busier. For many in the church and community there are those feeling ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Step Six - Separating The Men From The Boys Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jan 8, 2020

The fifth step is a building block to the sixth step. It is not a separate event. The fifth step focuses on cleaning house but it is also about bringing our character defects to the surface so we can see the thousands of ways we have attempted to manipulate the world around us.

The fifth step is a building block to the sixth step. It is not a separate event. The fifth step focuses on cleaning house but it is also about bringing our character defects – selfishness, self centeredness, low self esteem and big egos – to the surface so we can see the thousands of ways we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Consider The Heavens

Contributed by Randy Marshall on Jul 20, 2019

Recently, the world celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 and the words heard from the surface of the moon, "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." On the journey, there were also two significant spiritual events.

On July 23rd as the three astronauts hurled back toward earth. On the last night before their splashdown, they participated in a televised broadcast. The second man to step on the moon, Buzz Aldrin commented: “This has been far more than three men on a mission to the Moon; more, still, than the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4