Sermons on Thank God For His Plans:

To The Distant Country And Back

Contributed by Michael Trask on Mar 19, 2007

The Prodigal went to "a distant country". "The Distant Country" is not a foriegn state, but rather a sinful state of mind....that leads to ruin. But there is a way back.

“There was a man who had two sons. the younger one said to his father, ‘father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger Son got together all he had, set off for a distant country....” The “distant Country”. The young man ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Lutheran

Terms And Conditions: In The Beginning Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 17, 2018

This looks at the original terms and conditions in the Bible and what happened when they were violated

Terms and Conditions in the Beginning Until 1991 I don’t think I ever heard the words “Terms and Conditions”, at least not together, and then I installed my first software package and I had to “Click here”. And over the past 27 years, I've probably clicked on a million Terms and Conditions ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

Decorations Of The Heart

Contributed by James May on Nov 28, 2010

Many people decorate their homes for the holiday season; but what about the decorations that adorn our hearts? Are we making the temple of the Holy Ghost a thing of beauty for Christ to look upon?

Decorations of the Heart Sunday, November 28, 2010 By Pastor James May Yesterday a number of people came together, rolled up their sleeves and went to work, decorating the House of the Lord for the Christmas Season. Christmas time has always been my favorite time of the year and I know that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:3-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Don't Get It

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 8, 2019

Last week I shared why Jesus needed to die. Toward the end of the sermon I mentioned how unfortunately, most people will not experience salvation as Jesus highlighted in Matthew 7:13-14. Why are most people not going to get it?

I DON'T GET IT Last week I shared why Jesus needed to die. Toward the end of the sermon I mentioned how unfortunately, most people will not experience salvation. I highlighted what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, John 8:31-37, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Matthew 7:21, 1 Corinthians 1:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fitting In Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on May 7, 2012

It’s hard fitting in, yet it is critical to our well-being. Motivational speaker, Simon Sinek says it well. “Our desire to feel like we belong is so strong that we seek it out...What a dreadful realization if we are to learn that people had to “join a gan

THE W5 OF LIFE GROUPS “Fitting In” Scripture / Text: Luke 19:1-10 INTRO One of the more awkward experiences of my life as a kid were the times we played sports, whether organized in a school gym-class or the field across from our house. Everyone lined out single file and two team ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Complete The Journey Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 5, 2017

This is a "bonus lesson" to the Leaving a Legacy series. We can't really leave a legacy if we stop the journey. The lesson encourages finishing the race and focusing on what is important in the long run.

1. Annette White has written a book entitled, “Bucket List Adventures.” She also has a website that lists 800+ items on her Bucket List. She shows her progress through broad topics with specific actions like: • Adventure – Catch a wave surfing • Animals and Nature – Bathe an elephant; Chase a ...read more

Scripture: John 14:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Problem Of Weeds

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Oct 14, 2020

This parable may very well be one of the most important teachings for the church to hear in helping us to understand the nature of our witness for good in the world.

The Problem of Weeds Read Matthew 13:24-30 Everyone who has ever farmed or gardened, or taken care of a lawn, is only too familiar with the vexing reality of weeds. Weeds are essentially a mundane example of the fall of Creation and the presence of sin in the world. The dictionary defines them ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-43

Made For Life, Not Legalism: Following Jesus Into True Rest - Mark 2:27 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 3, 2026

We live in an age obsessed with performance. We measure our worth by what we do, how busy we are, and how well we keep up. And tragically, that same spirit can creep into our faith.

Made for Life, Not Legalism: Following Jesus into True Rest - Mark 2:27 Introduction: When Rules Replace Relationship We live in an age obsessed with performance. Targets, metrics, productivity, image, hustle. Even rest has become something we feel guilty about. We measure our worth by what we ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:27-28, Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-10, Hosea 6:6, Colossians 2:16-17, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 4:9-10, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 13:20-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Incompatibility Of Light And Darkness Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 13, 2009

Light and Dark cannot co-exist, we must flee from the darkness of this world and cling to the light of the Gospel.

Sermon Brief Date Written: January 6, 2009 Date Preached: January 7, 2009 Where Preached: OPBC (Wed PM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: A Study of John’s Letters Sermon Title: The Incompatibility of Light and Dark Sermon Text: 1 John 1:6-7 6 If we say, "We have fellowship with Him," ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Start The Fire!

Contributed by Cindy Breadner on Aug 19, 2007

Christ came to start a fire ... how he wished it had been kindled! But it wasn’t so he set the world on fire!

As I was enjoying a long bike ride this week I was amazed at the fact that I had ridden by myself on the path for some way and not realized the terrain and surroundings had changed. I was self absorbed in thought and was not realizing the beauty around me. The trees had gone from maple and elm to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Gift That Breaks Barriers

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 27, 2025

Tongues build up the church only through clarity and love. True evidence of the Spirit is Christlike character and mission-driven unity.

Why This Matters Today There has never been a time in history when God’s people didn’t desperately need the Holy Spirit. We need Him the way lungs need oxygen, the way a branch needs the vine, the way a traveler needs the road home. Without Him, faith collapses under its own weight. Without Him, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:19, Romans 5:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

7 Reasons For Not Going To Hell

Contributed by Dr.w.samuel Legon on Oct 15, 2018

Why people should excep Jesus today.

7 Reasons for not going to hell The only time you hell is T.V. are over the radio in a cussing contest. Just as sure as there a place for saved there is one for the sinner. Hell is not a state of mind but a real place. Sad that will become a permanent home for the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of The Great Heart

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Aug 17, 2016

A short message using Johnny Clegg's, Song Spirit of the Great Heart. One person at a time, we can reach out as Christ to Christ!

Start with Chorus 107. To be like Jesus I have centered this morning on a piece of music that actually comes out of South Africa, my reasoning being that we are to praying for the Malawi territory as part of our prayers. written by a man by the name of Johnny Clegg, a 63 year old Anthropologist, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Salvation Army

Why Jesus Warned People Against Being Flavorless

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Jesus cautioned people against being "good for nothing" because He wanted them to make an impact on their communities. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness; how can it be made salty again?

Why Jesus Warned People Against Being Flavorless Illustration;Did you hear about the clever salesman who closed hundreds of sales with this line: "Let me show you something several of your neighbors said you couldn’t afford." Source Unknown. Let us present Christ as one who offers something no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hanging On Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

CLINGING TO HOPE IN PROLONGED TIMES OF TROUBLE

BIG IDEA: CLINGING TO HOPE IN PROLONGED TIMES OF TROUBLE Context: Trouble in the form of unwarranted persecution 7 STEPS: I. (:1-3) TAKE REFUGE IN THE LORD “In Thee, O Lord, I have taken refuge” Goal: "Let me never be ashamed" (chiastic structure) A. 2 Reasons for Hope 1. The righteousness of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:1-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible