Sermons on Water:

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Ironies Surrounding Jesus’ Crucifixion

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 28, 2021

1 of 1. Luke wrote a true account of some events that surrounded Jesus’ crucifixion, & in so doing recorded some of the ironies present in Jesus’ death. *What are some of those ironies? Ironies surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion are hidden/revealed in...

IRONIES SURROUNDING JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION—Lk. 23:26-46 Irony—An “incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events & the normal or expected result.”—Merriam-Webster Dictionary Luke wrote a true account of some events that surrounded Jesus’ crucifixion, & in so doing recorded ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:26-46

Denomination: Baptist

This Infinite, Intimate God Of Psalm 139 Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on May 4, 2021

Getting to know the Infinite, Intimate God of Psalm 139, will bring you into what the essence and experience of eternal life is all about!

There is hardly a week that goes by, that I don’t in some way, shape, or form, remind those who are under my ministry, that the fundamental principle of Christianity is this: Christianity is not a religion Religion [Webster]- An organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Slavery Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2020

Christians are obligated by God's character to free those enmeshed in slavery. Among the enslaved in North America are those participating in the scourge of pornography and prostitution, which Christians must avoid and resist.

“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:23-25

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Not Nice To Confuse The Saints Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 18, 2015

A study of the book of Ester chapter 3 verses 1 through 15

Ester 3: 1 – 15 It’s Not Nice To Confuse The Saints 1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s ...read more

Scripture: Esther 3:1-15

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

Motivational Atrocity-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Mar 9, 2019

1 of ? Amos declared God’s wrath to be justified/warranted due to nationally motivated atrocities. Why/When/How do nationally motivated atrocities move God to anger & retribution? National atrocity motivates God’s retribution when that nation endorses...

MOTIVATIONAL ATROCITY-I—Amos 1:3--2:5 OR--Indefensible National Atrocities/Pride Attention: The Pastor’s Cat… A pastor had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his yard & then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. The kitty would not come down. The tree was not ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Well-Known, And Yet Unknown

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2019

The life of Patrick, evangelist to the Irish, exemplifies the impact of obedience to Christ's call to evangelise. Christians are charged to carry the message of life to all mankind.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” [1] Cities dye their rivers green in his honour; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Weaponised Narratives

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 6, 2019

We must guard against creating a narrative as a mask of the truth of God's Word.

“If our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Father Of Lights Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 2, 2020

Someone shows that they are a follower of the "Father of Lights" through their: 1) Words (James 1:19-21), 2) Walk (James 1:22-25), and 3) Works (James 1:26-27).

James 1:17-27 [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. [18] Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. [19] ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17-27

Denomination: Other

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 24, 2020

Without a doubt the most difficult challenge that you will ever face as you strive to live out God’s kind of love… IS WHEN - somebody hurts you, when they do you wrong, when evil is done to you or to those we love.

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

From Darkness To Light Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 14, 2020

In Acts 26:16-32, we see how one can turn “From Darkness to Light” beginning from: 1) The Appearing of Light (Acts 26:16–18), 2) Proclaiming the Light (Acts 26:19–23) and 3) 3) Persevering in the Light (Acts 26:24-32)

Acts 26:16–32 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:16-32

Denomination: Other

Breakthrough In Relationships Pt 4 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 8, 2020

Breakthrough is possible in most relationships if we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us key relationship skills. God designed us all to be in relationship with Him and with each other and he will help us get breakthroughs in our relationships if we ask Him for help.

Transition Song: Hurricane by Natalie Grant Our Theme this year - Breakthrough 2020 Thesis: In 2020 we are looking for spiritual breakthroughs in our lives, our relationships, our souls, our families, our church, our school, and our community. This is our vision and prayer! But to get the desired ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:30, 1 Corinthians 3:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Beware Of Favoritism

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Aug 7, 2019

A study in the book of James 2: 1 – 26

James 2: 1 – 26 Beware of Favoritism 1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay ...read more

Scripture: James 2:2

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

O Lord, Just Kill Me!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 22, 2019

God's mercy and our anger can often be in conflict. Such conflict can lead to discouragement that in turn can lead to despair. The child of God must guard his/her heart to avoid falling into deep gloom leading to thoughts of suicide.

“[God’s mercy toward Nineveh] displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist