Sermons on Western Philosophy:

Following Jesus: Mark 1 Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Dec 19, 2022

Part 1 of 16. In this series, we follow Jesus chapter-by-chapter through the Gospel of Mark. This is Mark 1.

Following Jesus (1) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 1/1/2017 ILL. I read a story earlier this week about a high-school graduate applying to college. As she filled out her application she came across a question that made her heart sink. “Do you see yourself as a leader or a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian Church

Reading Light, Leading Light Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

People see the world from different angles. I’d like to suggest that the Holy Spirit gives us Christ’s perspective. We need to start seeing the world through Christ-colored glasses, which is not the same as rose-colored glasses. Jesus saw compassionately, but he also saw clearly and realistically.

How many of you own a flashlight? I probably have half a dozen, and most of them have dead batteries in them. I’d be lost without the flashlight app on my smart phone, because it’s always charged. It works. It helps me see where I’m going. It is, to use Jesus’ word, healthy. I think you can all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:22-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Making Sense Of Life Prt 1- The Problem Of Evil

Contributed by Brian Williams on Aug 14, 2023

The existence of evil is one of the most vexing challenges a Christian—or any person for that matter, must grapple with.

Making Sense of Life The Problem of Evil - Part 1 13 Aug 2023 When trying to reconcile the existence of a good and all-powerful God and the problem of evil, it can be a difficult conversation. One doesn’t need a Ph.D. in theology or philosophy to realize something is desperately wrong with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Life Of The Kingdom Begins Now

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 4, 2023

We are often guilty of limiting the Kingdom of God as being some future reality. But there is an aspect of the kingdom in the present. What foes this tell us.

The Kingdom of God Begins Now Romans 13:8-14 In times of distress, we often dream of heaven. We cry out “Maranatha” (O Lord Come). We think of the millennium and a reign of the Prince of Peace while we seem surrounded by the noise of war. We await justice while we live in a world where justice is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Follow The King Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Oct 25, 2022

Jesus is calling true worshipers from every nation and every tribe and every people to follow the only true God, the only King of kings.

Today we are continuing our study in the Gospel of John. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John wrote: “...these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Everything Jesus did was ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Consider The True Glory Of Our King!

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Oct 23, 2023

In His "state of humiliation" as theologians say, Jesus' glory was most deeply hidden! Through these verses from Colossians we are invited to see the true glory of King Jesus!

“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” All four of the Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) tell us about the written notice of the charge against Jesus—and for which Pontius Pilate crucified him. It’s a small but important detail from the Friday that we call good. Does anyone ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Rest For Your Souls

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Feb 29, 2024

Do you ever feel weary and worn-out deep in your soul? In Matthew 11, Jesus invites us to find rest for our souls. This powerful message reveals that we must Come to Jesus, Connect to Jesus, and Conform to Jesus in order to discover deep, abiding rest for our souls.

Rest for Your Souls Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 12/31/2017 If you’re anything like me, now that we’re looking at Christmas in the rearview mirror, you’re probably ready for a little rest and recovery! The thought of rest is one that seems all too elusive in today's ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Christian Church

Unknown God

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jan 27, 2026

Paul on Mars Hill shares the gospel and shows them they can know God

Knowing the unknown God Acts 17:16-33 Good morning, please turn to the book of Acts chapter 17- I am excited to be home from a bucket list vacation to Greece and Turkey to experience the footprints of Apostle Paul as he journeyed on his second missionary trip to spread the gospel. His ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-33

Denomination: Nazarene

Godly Wisdom Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jan 22, 2025

There is only two kinds of wisdom...Godly and manly. They are not the same.

Opportunities Series Godly Wisdom Good Morning everyone…glad that you have joined us. Proverbs 1:1-7 Read from Bible We continue our series Opportunities- You and I taking advantage of the opportunities that come our way. Many people say they need a break in life to go to the next level in life. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

A Disagreement Between Church Leaders Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Feb 1, 2025

Acts 15:36-41 teaches us that disagreements in ministry, while challenging, can serve God’s greater purpose when approached with humility and a focus on the mission.

Introduction John Adams and Thomas Jefferson's disagreement was deeply rooted in their contrasting political philosophies, visions for the United States, and even personal rivalries. Their differences played out over decades, from the American Revolution to their presidencies. John Adams, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Antioch Concept

Contributed by Tom Anglin on Feb 21, 2002

A challenge to the Church, to take up where the church at Antioch left off, the task: the unfinished business of taking the Gospel to the ends of the Earth!

Percentage of new church members who have come from another church: 80 -- Pentecostal Evangel, 3/210/92. "To Verify," Leadership. The church is the only cooperative society in the world that exists for the benefit of its nonmembers. -- William Temple, Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 4. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 13:2-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Turning Your World Upside Down

Contributed by Tj Tipton on Mar 31, 2001

How to let the Holy Spirit use you to change the world for Jesus

Turning Our World Upside Down Charles H. Spurgeon in training young ministers said to his students, "When you talk about heaven let your face light up with a heavenly glory. When you tell about hell, your everyday face will do. Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:12, 2 Corinthians 4:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

The House On The Rock

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Only a life built on Jesus Christ will endure.

Thesis: Only a life built on Jesus Christ will endure. Intro.: Opening Illust. In 1174 the Italian architect Bonnano Pisano began work on what would become his most famous project: A separately standing bell tower for the Cathedral of the city of Pisa. The tower was to be eight-stories and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27

Confess Your Sins To One Another

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Intro.: 1.

Intro.: 1. This A.M. we continue our series on "OA Passages" of NT. 2. Read James 5:13-16. a. Questions that come from reading this passage. b. Three (3) things this passage does NOT say. c. Some reasons why we should "confess our sins to each other." I. QUESTIONS COMING OUT OF THIS ...read more

Confess Your Sins To One Another

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Intro.: 1.

Intro.: 1. This A.M. we continue our series on "OA Passages" of NT. 2. Read James 5:13-16. a. Questions that come from reading this passage. b. Three (3) things this passage does NOT say. c. Some reasons why we should "confess our sins to each other." I. QUESTIONS COMING OUT OF THIS ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-16