Sermons on Usefulness:

Will Anything Really Change?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 2, 2010

Revised from an earlier message for a church making a major turn in direction and leadership. Change is hard for us, for some of us fear change, some of us do not think change is real. But God is able and willing to complete what He begins among us.

Bethesda First Baptist Church, Bethesda, MD, September 19, 2004 Will anything really change? I mean, really?! So often change is only apparent, and not real. So often we tinker with things, but we do not really change them. We lack the will to change things, really. We lack the imagination ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Making Long-Term Investments

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 31, 2016

We are really good at accumulating stuff. But how often do our possessions begin to possess us? Jesus warns us about the dangers of greed and calls us to be more than our net worth, challenging us to invest rather in godly pursuits.

Luke 12:13-21 Making Long-term Investments Wow! Today’s passage is a little shocking for those of us who enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this greatest nation on God’s green earth. By world’s standards, we are the richest of the rich. We may not be one ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Most Heavenly Place On Earth Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 4, 2017

1. God wants us to be united (vs. 32). 2. God wants us to be unselfish (vs. 32b & 34-35). 3. God wants us to be unleashed (vs. 33). 4. God wants us to be uplifting (vs. 36-37).

The Most Heavenly Place on Earth Acts 4:32-37 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Aug. 4, 2013 *We used to go to Heavenly Ham a good bit. And the ham was very good, but I wouldn't say it was heavenly. On Friday I plugged the word "heavenly" into Google and got over 51 million hits. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-37

Denomination: Baptist

Mother’s Day 2017

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 19, 2018

God knows us before He places us within our Mothers. He knows full well the prefect woman to be our Mother. How her character and nature will be imprinted upon us in order to give us our unique traits and features.

Mother’s Day 2017 Our Bible contains all kinds of events about Kings and Queens and Prophets and Priests. We can read of great warriors and wealthy merchants as well as the lives of many ordinary people. After reading about all of these lives you will find that God has also given special ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When The Brook Runs Dry

Contributed by Greg Yort on Apr 23, 2018

I. God sends us out to confront and counter the sins of our nation II. God tests us through His guidance III. God tests us in our hiding place IV. God tests us when the brook runs dry

Introduction One of the new terms of our day is “virtual reality.” We live in a day and time filled with imaginary stories, characters, and scenes. These transport us into unreality, a world of make believe, even a world of science fiction that catapults us into another world. We go to an IMAX ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1-7

Denomination: Church Of God

How Jesus Turns Trash Into Treasure Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 29, 2021

1. Jesus finds us (vs. 9). 2. Jesus urges us to follow Him (vs. 9). 3. Jesus fellowships with us (vs. 10). 4. Jesus functions as a doctor to heal us from our sin (vs. 11-13).

How Jesus Turns Trash into Treasure The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 9:9-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared September 29, 2021) BACKGROUND: *Today in Matthew 9, we will see how Jesus called the man God used to write this book of the Bible. His name was Matthew Levi, and he was a much-hated tax ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Togetherness Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Nov 14, 2017

How does the Christmas story remind us about the value of relationships? When relationships get difficult, Jesus brings us together. When we feel isolated, Jesus brings us together. When Jesus brings us together, that is something to be treasured.

December 18 Togetherness Luke 2:1-20 How does the Christmas story remind us about the value of relationships? 1. When relationships get difficult, Jesus brings us together 2:1-5 (on screen) Matthew 1:18-21 2. When we feel isolated, Jesus brings us together 2:6-15 (on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The 5 Devices Of The Devil

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 24, 2019

There are five methods or devices the devil employs to tempt, hinder, discourage or bring down the believer. He renames sin, attacks our strengths, uses people, pretends defeat, and uses procrastination. God wants us to use all the means of grace at our disposal.

THE 5 DEVICES OF THE DEVIL 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:10-18 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: DIVORCE BECAUSE OF A 2-STORY HOUSE 1. Vicky asked for a divorce and appeared before the judge. The judge asked, "So tell me in your own words, Mrs. Franks, why are you seeking a divorce?" 2. "I'm ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:11, Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Our Omniscient Or All-Knowing God Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 9, 2019

To understand the depths of God's knowledge of us. Our amazing God cares about us so deeply that He has researched us and knows everything about us. The all-knowing God totally knows and completely understands each individual.

Our Awesome God Series: OUR OMNISCIENT OR ALL-KNOWING GOD PSALMS 139: 1-6 There is an old Norwegian tale of a boy who found an egg in a nest as he was climbing up the rocky cliffs near his home. He took it home and placed it with the eggs under a goose; it hatched out--a freakish creature! ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Finding The Faith Of Our Heroes - Part 2: Great Truths From Enoch's Godly Faith Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 30, 2023

1. Faith lets us walk with the Lord. 2. Faith makes it possible for us to please God. 3. Faith lets us profit from God's prophecies. 4. Faith reassures us about God's rewards.

Finding the Faith of Our Heroes Part 2: Great Truths from Enoch's Godly Faith Hebrews 11:1-6; Genesis 5:18-24; Jude 1:14-15 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared August 30, 2023) BACKGROUND: *Today in Hebrews 11, we continue our study of some of the greatest Old Testament heroes of our faith. But ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6, Genesis 5:18-24, Jude 1:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Closing In On The Cross Of Jesus Christ - Part 10: Our Lord's Last Hours Before He Died Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on May 8, 2023

1. Jesus was abused for us (Matt 27:26-31). 2. Jesus was assisted for us (Matt 27:31-32). 3. Jesus was in agony for us (Matt 27:33-36). 4. Jesus was antagonized for us (Matt 27:37-44). 5. Jesus was absolutely willing to save us (Luke 23:34-43).

Closing in on the Cross of Jesus Christ Part 10: Our Lord's Last Hours Before He Died The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 27:26-44; Luke 23:34-43 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared May 8, 2023) MESSAGE: *Today we continue our look at the darkest day in history. In these verses God's Word shows ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:26-44, Luke 23:34-43

Denomination: Baptist

The Friend Factor – Week Three

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Nov 18, 2025

Week One taught us that He’s that kind of friend. Week Two showed us He’s our Keeper. But now in Week Three, we step into another dimension: He doesn’t just walk with us. He doesn’t just keep us. But, He also defends us. (Bible Study)

Series: The Friend Factor – Week Three He’s My Defender Isaiah 59:19 —When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Week One taught us that He’s that kind of friend. Week Two showed us He’s our Keeper. But now in Week Three, we step into ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:19

Denomination: Baptist

What The Body Of Christ Needs

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 11, 2003

Using the metaphor of a body, I believe that for this church to function properly as Christ would have it function, as well as each us individually, there are certain body parts that ALL of us must possess.

WHAT THE BODY OF CHRIST NEEDS I CORINTHIANS 12:12-18 INTRODUCTION: Throughout the New Testament the church is likened to a physical body made up of many members each functioning in a different capacity but all being part of the same unity and working together for the proper functioning and benefit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

Www - Who, Witness And Wonder

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Jan 4, 2003

Christmas 2: John the Apostle tells us WHO is the Christ Child; He tells us about Christ’s WITNESS; and He tells us about the WONDER of the Christmas story.

In our world today, the initials www are almost instantly recognized. They stand for ‘world-wide-web.” For those who surf the ethereal electronic medium called the Internet, www is well familiar. But today, I’m going to propose a different meaning for you. I hope and pray that we can use these ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

What Burns Your Heart?

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

"They said one to another, did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24:32).

A. INTRODUCTION ( Luke 24:13-21) On Easter Sunday afternoon, Jesus met two disciples who were returning home from Jerusalem. The reports of the empty tomb confused and discouraged them. Jesus explained to them the message of the resurrection. "They said one to another, did not our hearts burn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-21

Denomination: Baptist