Sermons on Surprises:

The Prodigal Son Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 24, 2019

What does it mean to be lost?

The Prodigal Son Luke 15 Lost. Being lost is no fun. I remember when I was a small child, wandered away; ended up in a industrial field with lots of deep holes dug; walking on a 12” wide path between; lost track of time; when I headed home, met by a group of kids: my mom had whole ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Life At The Back Of The Cave

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 15, 2019

How shall we respond when despondent or depressed? God may allow trials in order to drive us to Him. This study of Elijah's downfall seeks to encourage those who are depressed.

“[Elijah] came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-18

Denomination: Baptist

They’re Not Them

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 22, 2019

A study in the book of Ezra 5: 1 – 17

Ezra 5: 1 – 17 They’re not them 5 Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 5:2

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Not The Ones

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 22, 2019

a study in the book of Ezra 5: 1 – 17

Ezra 5: 1 – 17 Not the ones 5 Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 5:5

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Not The Ones

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 22, 2019

A study in the book of Ezra 5: 1 – 17

Ezra 5: 1 – 17 Not the ones 5 Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 5:3

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

When Religion Loses Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 25, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019 Text: Luke 6:1-11 Note: The following is not a transcript. I only read Scripture and main point. The rest serves as a source of prepared thought that I hope to share more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Too Silly For A Funeral; Too Serious For A Party

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 2, 2019

Christians must be aware of becoming hypercritical of divine work and of other believers, ascribing what is done as unworthy of Christ. To explore this situation, the message is a study of Jesus' censure of the generation in which He then lived.

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Shrewd Steward

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Aug 22, 2019

The parables of Jesus are the “open secrets (mysteries) of the kingdom of heaven”. Parables are ‘spiritual’ truths — truths about spiritual things which cannot be seen with the eye of sight, only seen with the eye of faith

The Parable of the shrewd steward Did Jesus commend a dishonest steward. Luke 16:1-15 The parables of Jesus are the “open secrets (mysteries) of the kingdom of heaven”. Parables are ‘spiritual’ truths — truths about spiritual things which cannot be seen with the eye of sight, only seen with the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Woe To Us!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2019

God does judge nations, cities, churches, families. If we refuse to pursue His glory, there is nothing left for God but to hold us accountable.

The news is particularly dark today—disrespect among the youth of the nation; increasing sexual assault in which even infants and toddlers are violated; violent crime increasing; external threats to national economic security; rising social unrest centring around linguistic and racial issues. ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Journey To Jerusalem Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 6, 2019

1) The Determination Executed (Luke 9:51-53), 2) The Discipleship Error (Luke 9:53-56), and 3) The Diversion Excuse (Luke 9:57-62).

Luke 9:51-62 [51] When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. [53] But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Other

Grow (Part Three, The Habit Of Giving) Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Oct 2, 2019

In this message we will discuss everyone's favorite spiritual growth habit... The habit of GIVING...

Grow The Habit Of Giving When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground.3 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-21, Genesis 4:2-5, Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Immanuel (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 10, 2017

A brief study of Isaiah's prophecy promising the birth of a child known as Immanuel.

“The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [1] Signs loom large in the Word of God. I don’t mean to imply that there is a plethora of signs, though there are many signs provided in the Bible, for various reasons; I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons On Titus: Lesson 1: Salutation (1:1–4) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 5, 2018

The salutation to Titus is actually a compact doctrinal statement, which lifts up “His word” as the source of the truth that reveals the way to eternal life (1:1–4).

THE EPISTLE TO TITUS Introduction “This is a short epistle, but it contains such a quintessence of Christian doctrine, and is composed in such a masterly manner, that it contains all that is needful for Christian knowledge and life.” —Martin Luther I. Unique Place in the Bible Titus consists ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

I Have Come Into The World As Light Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 8, 2018

A study of the impact of Jesus as light in our darkened world.

“Jesus cried out and said, ‘Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge ...read more

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 23 - A Feast Of Grace Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 19, 2018

This little psalm may be the most well-known passage in the Bible, and it is definitely the world’s favorite psalm. It is expressed in language that really spoke home to the country folk of that time.

May 16, 2014 Tom Lowe Psalm 23 (KJV) Title: A FEAST OF GRACE A psalm of David. Psalm 23 (KJV) 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist