Sermons on The Local Congregation:

Rules Are Rules Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 1, 2014

The Pharisees of Jesus' day died long ago. But their spirit lives on in congregations across the land. How can we recognize if we have become like the Pharisees, and what did Jesus teach us about what we need to know to avoid becoming like those men?

(Before reading the text I noted that the stories in this section of Mark detailed the conflict between Jesus and a religious group known as the Pharisees… and I emphasized the word "Pharisees" as I read through the text) OPEN: Back in the 1980’s, the Minnesota Twins had this ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The House Of God Lives Series

Contributed by Bobby Gilles on Sep 23, 2014

How can we love each other well? How do we not only tolerate diversity, but celebrate it? How do we not only celebrate it, but pray for more of it – much more than we currently see in our congregation? The answer is in God's word ...

My wife Kristen and I often watch a sitcom on Netflix at the end of a long day. I like Cheers; Kristen likes The Andy Griffith Show. So we compromise on one or the other. Andy Griffith takes us back to a simple time and an idyllic, small North Carolina community, where people sang country gospel ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

"Galatians: Fighting For The Gospel” Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jan 5, 2023

Tis message is not about "our Walk" nor "the Way" to have peace with God. It is an overview of Galatians and the person of Paul. I have comments about our multi ethnic ministry, as was the congregation in Galatia. Encouragement to read more in the bible this year, a goal.

In Jesus Holy Name January 8, 2023 Text: Galatians Series Galatians 1:1-5 Redeemer “Galatians: Fighting For the Gospel” My wife, Colleen, volunteers at the Mercy Hospital Cancer Center in Merced. She greets people, helps them check in or fill out ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-5, Galatians 1:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Doctrines & Demons

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 2, 2015

1) The Predictability of Apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1), 2) The Purveyors of Apostasy (1 Timothy 4:2), 3) The Principles of Apostasy (1 Timothy 4:3a), and know: 4) The Response to Apostasy (1 Timothy 4:3b–5)

1 Timothy 4:1-5. [4:1] Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, [2] through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, [3] who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Other

Looking Back, Looking Ahead Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

Allow the truth of the WORD not the attraction of the WORLD to determine your life’s pursuit.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead Acts 20:17-25 We arrive at Acts 20 in our ongoing series through the book of Acts this morning. My goal has been complete this series by Christmas. We have 10 Sundays, including today, until Christmas - and we have 9 chapters remaining in the book of Acts. We're ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-25

Denomination: Baptist

Championing Stability-2 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 1, 2017

2 of 2. The Psalmist Championed the stability & security of God’s people. The Holy Spirit champions the stability of God’s people. But When or Where does that occur? The stability of God’s people is championed within...

CHAMPIONING STABILITY-II—Psalm 119:165 Began this sermon for Veteran’s Day. Completed for Thanksgiving. Attention: God’s people are to be Champions(protectors/fighters for) of Stability! Thanksgiving is a time that has been set aside to reaffirm our thankfulness to God for His magnanimous & ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Discouragement

Contributed by Dennis Nolan on Oct 18, 2000

Text 1 Samuel 30 v 6 David found strength in the Lord his God Having been a preacher now for well over half of my life it would be wonderful to stand before a congregation and say that one always preaches or lives life from the point of view of victory.

Text 1 Samuel 30 v 6 David found strength in the Lord his God Having been a preacher now for well over half of my life it would be wonderful to stand before a congregation and say that one always preaches or lives life from the point of view of victory. That would however be untrue. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6

Denomination: Baptist

A Culture Of Vulgarity

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 24, 2025

Christians must turn from embracing the things of this world, deliberately choosing to seek the things that are above.

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” [1] Since the fall of our first parents, for as long as mankind has existed, vulgarity has plagued the race. What do I mean when I use the term “vulgar?” The ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5

Denomination: Baptist

Handling Negativity In Relationships

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Sep 12, 2020

Whether it is family, friends, congregation, coworkers, strangers or random people online, we all encounter negativity in relationships somewhere along our journeys. How will we answer when we encounter it? Will we allow our flesh to dictate our answer or will we give an answer that honors the Lord?

Today we are going to talk about how to handle negativity in relationships. Whether it is family, friends, congregation, coworkers, strangers or random people online, we all encounter negativity in relationships somewhere along our journeys. How will we answer when we encounter it? Will we allow ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:4, James 3:5-6

Denomination: Charismatic

I Didn’t Mean To

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 25, 2018

A study in the book of Leviticus 4: 1 – 35

Leviticus 4: 1 – 35 I didn’t mean to 4 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the LORD in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them, 3 if the anointed priest sins, ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Tell-Tale Life Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 27, 2018

Those who are twice-born reveal divine parentage through life, through confidence and through victory.

“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” [1] Some truths cannot be hidden. Though an evil individual may attempt to hide the evil that contaminates the soul, the sinful proclivity ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Some People Have Entertained Angels Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Aug 29, 2021

There are a few people that come to you for help and you would prefer not to help them since you don't have any acquaintance with them or they don't have a place with your congregation, yet you have failed to remember that those individuals might be a heavenly messenger of your life.

There are a few people that come to you for help and you would prefer not to help them since you don't have any acquaintance with them or they don't have a place with your congregation, yet you have failed to remember that those individuals might be a heavenly messenger of your life. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:6, Hebrews 13:2

"Rescue Of Martin Luther, Valentina And Us”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 24, 2023

Rescue. From a cave. From terrorist. From God's wrath. It is reformation. We remember that God rescued Martin Luther from spiritual despair, thus rescuing a "Church" that had lost the gospel. As a congregation are "rescuing" a child with "Child Beyond Borders"

In Jesus Holy Name October 29, 2023 Romans 3:22-25a Reformation Redeemer “Rescue of Martin Luther, Valentina and Us” Rescue. The news media loves to tell us stories about rescue, whether from a deep cave in central Turkey or from ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:22-25, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:31-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Who In The World Do You Think You Are? Series

Contributed by Tim Vamosi on Apr 6, 2010

This sermon is an introductory sermon for a series in Ephesians. If focuses on the beleiver's identity and meaning this has on our lives.

Who In The World Do You Think You Are? Ephesians 1:1-2 September 28, 2008 Open: Everyone one of us struggle from time to time with the issue of forgetfulness. We forget little things – where we placed our glasses and our keys, etc. Have you ever the experience where you are driving down ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Not Of This World!

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Jul 22, 2023

All of us, at some point in time, have a mutual desire. To be accepted. To feel wanted, loved and appreciated. Most of us want it so bad, we lose sight of our faith in the Lord. My Pastor has said on many occasions, "Compromise with the world is treason in the courts of Heaven."

All of us, at some point in time, have a mutual desire. To be accepted. To feel wanted, loved and appreciated. Most of us want it so bad, we lose sight of our faith in the Lord. Paul warns us about this very thing in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal