Bible Quiz: Philemon 1–7

[54 words] Who wrote this letter? To whom is the letter addressed? Paul said he alway made __ of them in his __. “…hearing of your __ and __ which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the __…” “For we have great __ and consolation in your love, because the hearts of…

Bible Quiz: Philemon 8–16

[98 words] True or False: Paul could have commanded Philemon to free Onesimus. “I appeal to you for my __ Onesimus, whom I have __ while in my chains…” Paul says Onesimus, though once unprofitable, was now __ to both himself and Philemon. “I am sending him back. You therefore __ him, that is, my…

Bible Quiz: Philemon 17–25

[65 words] True or False: Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus just as he would Paul himself. “But if he has wronged you or __ anything, put that on my __.” Paul said it would __ his heart in the Lord if Philemon obeyed. “Having confidence in your __, I write to you, knowing that…

Bible Quiz: Titus 1:1-9

[78 words] “Paul, a __ of God and an __ of Jesus Christ…” Paul says God cannot __. “For this reason I left you in __, that you should set in order the things that are __, and appoint __ in every city as I commanded you…” “For a __ must be __, as a…

Quotes and Sayings (May 2023)

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” ― Zig Ziglar “The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible.” ― Arthur C. Clarke “Don’t fear failure. Not failure, but low aim, is the crime.…

On the Lighter Side (May 2023)

You Know You’re a Mom When… You know you’re a mom when you’re up each night until 10 PM vacuuming, dusting, wiping, washing, drying, loading, unloading, shopping, cooking, driving, flushing, ironing, sweeping, picking up, changing sheets, changing diapers, bathing, helping with homework, paying bills, budgeting, clipping coupons, folding clothes, putting to bed, dragging out of…

Planting Seeds

[368 words] I’m no poet, but I certainly appreciate those who can create thought-provoking and vivid images with the words that they write. I came across an ever-so-brief poem recently that has made quite an impression on me. It is called, “Forecast” by Luci Shaw: “Planting seedsInevitablyChanges my feelingsAbout rain” There are numerous helpful insights…

Freeing Me by Freeing You

[381 words] Slavery of the mind commonly is more horrible than slavery of the body. Frequently, an enslaved mind enslaves the body. Damaged emotions and distorted perspectives condemn the body to an unfulfilled, joyless existence. Such a mind and body experience pain frequently and contentment rarely. Everyone sees such slavery. Consider persons enslaved mentally and…

Bridles Are Not Just For Horses

[329 words] In the traditional sense, riders use a bridle to direct their horse where they want it to go. They use this small but effective tool to control a powerful, 1000-pound animal with ease. James compares it to the influence we wield with the tongue, one of our smallest muscles: “If we put bits…

‘Go Ahead and Use Some Profanity’

[421 words] Several years ago a friend of mine was being transported by ambulance for treatment at an emergency room. He was suffering with intense pain. One of the attendants on the ambulance, as he sensed my friend’s discomfort, suggested to him, “Go ahead and use some profanity.” He assured my friend this would make…

It’s Bean a Problem

[286 words] If you struggled in geometry, you may not like the name Pythagoras. However, he is an interesting fellow. Now it is hard to separate the myths from the facts when it comes to the ancient Greek philosopher, but his influence, not only in math, but in science, music, ethics, and religion are remarkable.…

The Case for a Paper Bible

[562 words] First things first: I am not anti-electronic Bible. In fact, I know people who basically must use one if they are going to be able to read the text. A lot of older people with failing eyesight have been blessed by being able to blow up the font size on a tablet to…

100 Percent Chance We’ll Be Right Back

[492 words] Recently, while watching “The World’s Funniest Weather” on The Weather Chanel, while going to commercials, the announcer proclaimed, “There’s a 100% chance we’ll be right back.” On a different episode, it was said, “Don’t go away. We’ll be right back in fact.” Another episode proclaimed, “Weather permits, we’ll be right back.” Likely, those…

The Great Need

[343 words] “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn…

Why Do Some People Take So Long?

[286 words] “In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” — Blaise Pascal Physicist Pascal hit the nail on the head with this quote. Anyone who has taught and prayed for a loved one to obey the gospel – only to hear excuse after…

Just What the Doctor Ordered

[161 words] Some years ago, a doctor called in his staff to tell them of a medical experiment he wanted to conduct in his clinic. All their patients were to be treated with massive doses of kindness, care, and concern. As he expected he discovered that this love that was shown was conducive to healing.…

What is the ‘One Baptism’ in Ephesians 4:5?

[425 words] There are several baptisms mentioned in the New Testament: John’s baptism (Luke 3:16), baptism of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16), baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11), and the baptism of the great commission (Acts 8:36-39). But Ephesians 4:5 says there is one baptism. Which of these is the one baptism in Ephesians 4:5? John’s…

Finding It Hard to Accept

[212 words] A college student in a philosophy class was taking his first examination. On the paper there was a single line which simply said: “Is this a question? —Discuss.” After a short time he wrote: “If that is a question, then this is an answer.” The student received an “A” on the exam.  God…

God’s Word is Beyond Wonderful!

[339 words] In Psalm 19:7-11, we can read of some of the incredible aspects of God’s word: “The law of the LORD1 is perfect2, converting the soul3; The testimony of the LORD is sure4, making wise the simple5; The statutes of the LORD are right6, rejoicing the heart7; The commandment of the LORD is pure8,…

What God Has Given, Man Must Receive

[467 words] Joshua 6 is where Israel “fights” the battle of Jericho. In reality, even though Israel took the city, there would be no taking if God had not first given. Hebrews 11 tells us that the faith that took the city of Jericho was the faith that caused the walls to fall down (Heb.…

He Brings Good Things To Life

[195 words] There are those times when it all seems too much. Paul wrote about a time he was in that place in 2 Corinthians 7:5. Worn out physically, surrounded by problems, “conflicts without, fear within”. You probably know that feeling. When it seems the whole world is against you and that includes you. Depressed. Downcast.…

Deacons Are Needed

[307 words] The best definition I have ever heard to describe a deacon is a man chosen to serve or do a job related to the congregation that is too important to be left up to chance. This seems to be what is taking place in Acts 6:1-6; the choosing of “the seven” to help…

Now That’s Love

[89 words] Recently in Japan, a man and his nine-year-old daughter were caught in a terrible blizzard. Their car disabled, they began to walk to where they were going. As the storm intensified, the father wrapped his coat around his daughter and hunched over her against a concrete wall to shelter her from the cold.…

Improvement Requires Focus

[78 words] Warren Buffett reads all day to build the knowledge necessary for his investments. Stephen King writes 1000 words a day, 365 days a year. Athlete Eliud Kipchoge makes notes after each training session to establish areas that can be improved. Habits, repeated hundreds of times over years, are powerful. The benefits of these…

Good Advice for Social Media

[20 words] • Before you assume, learn the facts.• Before you judge, understand why.• Before you hurt someone, feel.• Before you speak, think…. We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or…

Overheard in an Orchard

[48 words] Said the Robin to the Sparrow:“I should really like to knowWhy these anxious human beingsRush about and worry so?” Said the Sparrow to the Robin:“Friend, I think that it must beThat they have no heavenly FatherSuch as cares for you and me.” Elizabeth Cheney… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual…

The Colors of Love

[146 words] Purple was the robe,the beaten Jesus wore (John 19:2)Brown, the thorny crownwhich in much pain He bore (Matt. 27:19) White, the sinlessnessfrom which He didn’t shrink (Heb. 4:15)Yellow, the bitter gallthat He’d refuse to drink (Matt. 27:34) Green, the lovely plantsnearby Calvary’s hill (John 19:41)Red, the precious bloodthat today heals us still (1…

Life, A Fragile Thread

[52 words] I just unwrapped a new calendarThree hundred sixty-five pages smooth and coldI fanned them through my fingersAnd wondered what each day would hold.Joy, happiness, death—the sod?There’s no way one can knowBut the answer lies in walking daily,By the side of the living God. Benny B. Bristow… We are sorry, but this content is…

He Chose to Take the Nails

[193 words] His friends turned against HimIn a brutal act of betrayalBut, His love enduredAnd, He chose to take the nails. To the ground from his browHis sweat drops of blood fellFor He knew His life on earth was overAnd, He chose to take the nails. Soldiers approached Him from all sidesAnd, to the ground…

The Very Least I Can Do

[105 words] Jesus has created in me a marvelous new life…the least I can do is to always for Him be living Jesus have given me many wonderful blessings…the least I can do is pass that on in blessed giving Jesus have lovingly pardoned all of my sins…the least I can do is show compassion…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 22:1-5

[71 words] The river or water of life was clear as __. What was in the middle of the street? “The __ of the tree were for the __ of the nations.” “And there shall be no more __, but the __ of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 22:6-11

[80 words] “And the Lord God of the holy __ sent His __ to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.” “Behold, I am coming __! Blessed is he who keeps the __ of the __ of this book.” Did the angel allow John to worship him? “For I am your fellow…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 22:12-17

[63 words] “And behold, I am coming __, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his __.” Jesus said He is the __ and the Omega, the Beginning and the __, the First and the __.” This who do His commandments will have the right to the __ of…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 22:18-21

[63 words] “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the __ of this a __…” “If anyone __ to these things, God will add to him the __ written in this book…” Those who take away from the words of the book God would take away his __ from the Book of…

Quotes and Sayings (April 2023)

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” — Leo Tolstoy “Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed… Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.” — Henry David Thoreau “If people…

On the Lighter Side (April 2023)

Garden Time My gardener talked to me about edible herbs I can grow. It was sage advice. — I started growing some fungi in my garden, but it failed miserably. I guess there is mushroom for improvement. — So my neighbor sees me kneeling down, busy in my garden and asks what I’m doing.”I’m putting…

Proving the Will of God

[278 words] When you were in school, didn’t you just love it when your math teacher would give you a problem to solve and say, “Show your work?” That meant she wanted you to not just give the correct answer, but to demonstrate the process by which you came to that answer. Christians are commanded…

She Directed Her Child’s Steps

[152 words] There once was a church pouring new cement for the walkway to the meeting house.  One of the young mothers of the congregation took her 2-year-old baby and imprinted his hand in the wet cement pointing to the door of the building.  She wanted a constant reminder to herself and everyone else that…

Ears, Hands, and Feet for God

[330 words] We tend to think that books like the Old Testament book of Leviticus are not relevant for us today. But we need to remember Paul’s words in Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”…

Being Habitually Late

[168 words] Sometimes things happen that are outside of our control, causing us to arrive late for certain events, but what about someone who is habitually late for spiritual events when they did not have to be? Being habitually late generally indicates several things:  • Selfishness• Laziness• Disrespect for other people• Disrespect for God• Misplaced…

Benevolence in the Old Testament

[313 words] We all know that Jesus taught us to care for the poor and needy. Benevolence is to be an active part of every Christian’s life. However, giving to those in need is not only a New Testament practice. God has always required His people to care for the less fortunate. God required His…

Try + Umph = Triumph

[226 words] Dad always used to say “Can’t never could do nothing.” I know that isn’t grammatically correct but it is correct when it comes to life. If we think it can’t be done, we prove it to be so, even if it wasn’t true to begin with. However, it isn’t just can’t that will…

What is in Your Heart?

[313 words] Listen to these words: “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you…

A Chalk-Board Lesson

[551 words] On the blackboard in the classroom adjacent to the foyer hallway was this writing: “God isn’t good, He’s GREAT!!” Clearly the expression is to elevate the Lord to the highest of the highs. If “good” is high, then “great” is even higher. At least, that is the way most will understand it in…

Holy Rest

[192 words] We know that under the old covenant, God commanded the Jews to keep a Sabbath rest (Exodus 20:8-11). But did you know that God also commanded that the Jews take various weeks off, too? (Leviticus 23:4-8, 34). These “Sabbath weeks” are similar to our vacations. Today, God no longer requires Sabbath-keeping under the…

You Can’t Push a Chain

[192 words] A chain is a handy device. You use it to pull a car out of the ditch. You can hoist a heavy item. You can use one to anchor a boat or secure a gate. But can’t push with a chain. It will pull or hold but try to push and it’s pretty…

Are You ‘In Love’ With Your Brethren?

[307 words] It has been said that you should never fall in love with a tennis player—to them, love means nothing. Love should mean something to us. Love is an important concept to God and it should be to us, as well. A common phrase we use is “in love” meaning that we are in…

A Sound Mind

[469 words] There is a real need for us to take care of our bodies. The Bible teaches that we are to “glorify God” in our bodies, and that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 12:1). Both of these passages enjoin upon us the responsibility to…

Church Hurt

[465 words] Nearly twenty years ago, I was on the phone with someone in the congregation where we were attending at the time. I made the phone call while on my break at my workplace. Unbeknownst to me, one of my coworkers was listening to the conversation. Well, he could only hear me talking with…

Getting the Most Out of Sermons and Bible Lessons

[329 words] Have you ever left a Bible class or worship service and thought, “I just didn’t get much out of that.” I daresay we all have at one time or another. Let me offer some suggestions that may help us. • I know it’s not always possible, but come to worship or Bible class…

Today’s Sins

[516 words] Though I cannot recall the source, I remember the following illustration and its applicability to the topic at hand. Jewelers display diamonds and pearls on black cloth to create great contrast and thereby enhance the brightness of the jewels. In the first three chapters of Romans, Paul lays out the black cloth. In…

A Son Not Like His Father

[657 words] “She is just like her mother.” “He is exactly like his dad.” It is amazing how much children favor their parents, especially when they become adults. They look like their parents. They talk and walk and sit like them. They respond with the same words, gestures and facial expressions. For good or bad,…

A Warning from the Past

[498 words] As one studies the book of Hebrews one of the things he will be impressed with is the superiority of Jesus. Specifically, we see the superiority of Jesus over one of the most influential individuals in the Old Testament, Moses. Moses was the author of the first five books of the Bible—the Torah.…

Know the Enemy

[469 words] In order to be successful in battle, it is imperative that one knows his enemy. He must know the way the enemy thinks and acts. The more one understands the maneuvers of his foe the better equipped he will be to counter them. The adversary of every child of God is Satan. The…

Lessons from the Eunuch, Part 2 of 5

[111 words] Open hearts are needed to hear God’s truth! While traveling, the eunuch was reading from the book of Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked him if he understood what he was reading. Some people may have taken offense at the question, but the eunuch instead said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” The…

Lessons from the Eunuch, Part 3 of 5

[94 words] Teachers are needed! When Philip asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, the eunuch said, “How can I unless someone guides me?” He was in need of someone to help clarify the scriptures! Granted, he was reading an Old Testament text without the New Testament revelation, but nevertheless, as Romans…

Lessons from the Eunuch, Part 4 of 5

[72 words] You can’t understand the Old Testament without the New! In Acts 8:30, the eunuch was reading from Old Testament prophet Isaiah, but he couldn’t understand fully without the revelation that Jesus the Messiah had come. Philip preached Jesus to him and in effect removed the veil from his eyes (2 Cor. 3:14). The…

Lessons from the Eunuch, Part 5 of 5

[70 words] Baptism is essential to salvation, and the preaching of the gospel! When Philip “preached Jesus” to the eunuch, his response was to say, “See, here is water, what hinders me from being baptized?” (Acts 8:36). Baptism in water is man’s response to the preaching of the gospel. Jesus Himself declares this (Mark 16:16;…

Hidden Treasures

[107 words] A South Dakota rancher and his bride received a nice Bible as a wedding gift from his grandfather. They wrote a thank you note and stowed the Bible in a closet. The grandfather asked every so often how they liked it. Eventually, they became curious, dug it out, and leafed through it. They…

Trust

[102 words] He holds the key to all unknown,And I am glad;If other hands should hold the key,I might be sad. What if tomorrow’s cares werehere without its rest?I’d rather He unlocked the dayAnd as it’s hours swung open,say “My will is best.” I cannot read His future plans,But this I know,I have the smiling…

Still Together

[134 words] Let me hold your hand, as we go downhill,We’ve shared our strength, and we share it still,It hasn’t been easy to make the climb,But the way was eased by your hand in mine. Like the lake, our life, has had ripples too,Ill health and worries, and payments due,With happy pauses along the way,A…

Afterwards

[74 words] Light after darkness, gain after loss,Strength after weakness, crown after cross;Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,Home after wandering, praise after tears. Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,Sight after mystery, peace after pain;Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last. Near after distant, gleam after gloom,Love after loneliness, life after…

The Precious Book Devine

[43 words] How precious is the Book divine,by inspiration giv’n! Bright as a lamp its precepts shine,to guide my soul to heav’n. Holy Book divine!Precious treasure mine! Lamp to my feet and a light to my wayto guide me safely home.  John Fawcett1739-1817… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 20:7-15

[92 words] After one thousand years, __ would be released from prison to go out and deceive the nations. The number of the nations in the battle would like the __ of the __. “They went up on the breadth of the earth and __ the camp of the __ and the beloved city. And…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 21:1-8

[80 words] The first heaven and the first earth had __ __. “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New __, coming down out of __ from God, prepared as a bride __ for her husband.” God will wipe away every __ from their __. “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 21:9-16

[46 words] How many angels, bowls, and plagues are mentioned? “Come, I will show you the __, the Lamb’s __.” “Her light was like a most precious __, like a __ stone, clear as __.” How many gates were there? “The city is laid out as a __; its __ is as great as its…

Bible Quiz: Revelation 21:17-27

[78 words] The wall measured __ cubits. “The construction of its wall was of __; and the city was pure __, like clear __. The twelve gates were of what previous gem? “The city had no need of the __ or of the __ to shine in it, for the glory of God __ it.…

Quotes and Sayings (March 2023)

“Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.” — George S. Patton “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow men. True nobility lies in being superior to your former self.” — Ernest Hemingway “I firmly believe that any man’s finest…

On the Lighter Side (March 2023)

Lesson Learned! A businessman was driving home from work when he was pulled over for not wearing a seat belt. Two days later–same ticket, same cop. “So,” the officer said, “have you learned anything?” “Yes, I have,” said the man. “I’ve learned I need to take a different way home from work.” — “If you…

Kyle Butt to Debate Skeptic at Faulkner

Montgomery, AL — Kyle Butt, a Christian apologetics writer and speaker, will debate skeptic Michael Shermer on October 25, 2023 during the Faulkner Bible Lectureship. Butt is well-known among churches of Christ for his work with Apologetics Press, an organization dedicated to producing scripturally sound and scientifically accurate materials in the field of Christian…

Illustration: Young Boy Taking Initiative

Talk about taking initiative! An 8-year-old boy wrote and illustrated his own book, and snuck it onto the shelves of the Lake Hazel Branch of the Ada Community Library in Idaho. Instead of getting rejected, the book built up a waiting list of 135 people wanting to check it out. The story is here and…

Sermon Outline: Anything is Wrong That is Almost Right

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This devotional or sermon outline is by Bill Dillon, a gospel preacher for many years. He left this earthly life in 2020, but his lessons and sermons still live on. This one is found in his book, Gospel Gems Volume 1.] Introduction. Men’s choices in religion are limited to two: the right way…

Outlines: Five W’s of the Second Coming

From God’s Perspective: WHO: Jesus (Matt. 25:31; Acts 1:11; 2 Thess. 1:7)WHAT: Coming Again (John 14:3; Heb. 9:28; 1 John 3:2)WHEN: The last day – a day that God has appointed (John 6:40; John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31)WHERE: In the clouds (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 1:7).WHY: To judge the world and to deliver the…

Outline: Plant the ‘Let Us’

With spring around the corner, early season crops can be seeded in the garden, such as lettuce. Using a play on “lettuce,” a sermon on the “let us” passages could be used in a sermon encouraging Christians to take action. Hebrews uses the phrase 13 times. Hebrews 4:1 — let us fear lest any of…

Outlines: Four Arguments Against Gambling

Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). In order to win, someone must lose their money. If you don’t want to lose your own money, you shouldn’t take that of others. Stewardship (1 Chronicles 29:10-15). Since every good gift comes from God (James 1:17), and all things belong to Him (1 Chronicles 29:14), we are duty-bound to use…

Outlines: Why Christians Sing

1. To Teach (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Acts 16:25) 2. To Imitate Jesus (Romans 15:8-9; Hebrews 2:11-12; Matthew 26:30) 3. To Worship (Hebrews 13:15; Genesis 4:3-4; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 14:15; 1 Corinthians 14:6; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) 4. To Express Our Joy (James 5:13; Psalm 28:7)… We are sorry, but this content is for…

Outlines: Why It Is Important to Persevere

1. Salvation Requires Continuous Faith (1 John 1:7; Rev. 2:10). 2. Life is Uncertain (James 4:13; Job 14:1-2; Psalm 102:3). 3. Jesus is Coming Back (2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 1:7). 4. Judgment is Ahead (Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:9-10). 5. God is Worthy of Our Obedience (Rev. 4:11; 1 John 4:19; John 14:15)…. We are…

Outline: The Five B’s of Baptism

1. Buried — Buried or immersed in water (Romans 6:3-4) 2. Believers — For those who are able to understand and believe (Mark 16:16) 3. Before — Baptism comes before forgiveness (Acts 2:38) 4. Birth — Baptism is the new birth, the birth of a Christian (John 3:5) 5. Blood — The blood of Christ…

Outline: You Never Know Where It Will Grow

[EDITOR’S NOTE: With spring just around the corner, it might be a good time to encourage your congregation to engage in seed planting! Here’s a sermon that discusses the different ways that seeds are planted.] Introduction. A man planted some cherry tomato plants in his back yard. Instead of removing the entire plants at the…

Illustration: Lies, Deceit, and the IRS

After hearing a sermon on Psalm 52:3-4 (lies and deceit), a man wrote the IRS, “I can’t sleep knowing that I have cheated on my income tax. Enclosed is a check for $150. If I still can’t sleep, I’ll send the rest.”… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only.…

Illustration: A World of Gold

According to Discover Magazine, 99 percent of the gold on this planet is found in the Earth’s core. They say there is enough of the precious metal there to coat the entire surface of the earth 1.5 feet deep in gold. Even so, there is not enough treasure on this earth to outweigh what God…

Illustration: German Chocolate Assumptions

Do you like German Chocolate Cake? Well, it was actually invented in Texas, not the European country. It was named after Sam German, who in 1852 created a formula for a mild dark baking chocolate bar which was later sold by Baker’s Chocolate Company under the name “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate.” Much later, in 1957,…

Outline: The Cross Speaks

According to Romans 5:6-10, the cross says: 1. God Had a Plan (5:6) 2. Man is Sinful (5:6) 3. Man Cannot Save Himself (5:6) 4. Man is Condemned (5:9) 5. Man is Separated from God (5:10) 6. God Loves Man (5:8-9) 7. There is Reconciliation Because of Christ (5:10-11)… We are sorry, but this content…

Outline: Tools for Effective Prayer

Reverence (Matthew 6:9, Psalm 111:9).  Faith, Trust, Confidence (James 1:5).  Sincerity (Matthew 6:5-6).  Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:20).  Humility (Luke 18:9-14).  Forgiving Spirit (Matthew 6:14-15).  Confidence (1 John 5:14). … We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email…

Outline: Things That Aid Our Prayers

Proper living (1 Peter 3:12).  Proper authority (Colossians 3:17).  Proper frequency (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Proper motivation (James 1:5-7). … We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have not received your…

Outline: Things That Hinder Our Prayers

Lack of faith (James 1:5-7) Full of iniquity (Psalm 66:18) Addition of selfishness (James 4:3) Damaged relationships (1 Peter 3:12))… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your email address (Check your email), or we have not…

Outline: Winning Against Self

One of the biggest competitions we engage in is the struggle against self. To win this contest, implement these phrases from Luke 9:23. 1. Decision — “If anyone desires to come after Me,”2. Discipline — “let him deny himself”3. Devotion — “and take up his cross daily”4. Determination — “and follow Me.”… We are sorry,…

Outline: Winning Against Negativity

There are many forces in this world that try to influence a Christian toward negativity. Victory happens by… 1. Your Decision (Deut. 30:19)2. Your Devotion (Psalm 119:11)3. Your Diligence (Proverbs 11:27)4. God’s Direction (Psalm 32:8)… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member…

Outline: What Would Unity Look Like?

As found in John 17, true unity would look like: 1. Separation from the World (John 17:14-19)2. Agreement on the Word (John 17:20-21)3. Loving as Christ Loves (John 17:26)… We are sorry, but this content is for Annual and Lifetime members only. You either are not yet a member (Register), have yet to confirm your…

Outline: All the Will of God

This sermon starter was contributed by Randal Matheny.  “Epaphras greets you. He is one of your own and a servant of Christ Jesus. He is always wrestling in his prayers for you. He wants you to stand complete, totally sure of everything that God wants” (Colossians 4:12 PEB) 1. Maturity brings full conviction and not…

Outline: Don’t Fool Yourself

Three times in the first chapter of James we are warned about being deceived. A sermon on this topic might contain these three points: 1. We deceive ourselves when we blame God for our sin and the consequences thereof (James 1:16). 2. We deceive ourselves when we hear the word of God but fail to…

New: Sermon Outlines and Illustrations

We have now begun uploading and categorizing sermon outlines and illustrations for our Annual and Lifetime members to use. These can be found on the new Sermon Outlines and Sermon Illustrations pages. The beauty of this is that the outlines and illustrations can be marked as “used” or “unused” just like regular articles, so preachers…

Illustration: Whatever It Takes

The great painter Henri Matisse was in his 80’s when his health because such that he could no longer stand or sit to paint on a canvas. Instead of quitting his beloved occupation, he attached a brush to a long stick and painted while lying in bed. Perseverance and dedication to craft!… We are sorry,…

Illustration: Great Leadership

Alexander the Great was known as a great leader, and he demonstrated why during a brutal trek through a desert. While all of his men were struggling with thirst, Alexander was offered water by one of his soldiers. Instead of drinking the water, Alexander asked the man if there was enough for the entire army.…

Illustration: Where Are Your Mittens?

This humorous illustration could serve as a jumping off point for a sermon on patience, something we all need a lot of, especially these days! Once upon a time, there was kindergarten teacher in Texas, who was helping one of her students put on his cowboy boots. He asked for help, and she could see…

Outline: Starving Christians

Hopefully we are coming out of the Covid era, time will tell. But during the last two years, many Christians have been starving themselves. A man named Nisraddin Hoca lived in Asia about 700 years ago, and he had a donkey with a big appetite. He wondered if by gradually reducing the animal’s food every…

Outline: Spiritual Checklist

Dwight Fuqua wrote a bulletin article entitled “Spiritual Checklist.” In that article he stresses the importance of making lists to make sure we get things done. He said he has a fondness for Bible passages where a number of characteristics or goals are grouped together in a single passage. Perhaps one could fashion a sermon…

Outline: Forbidden Love

With Valentine’s Day coming up, a lot of people will be thinking about the concept of love. Among the usual kinds of sermons for the month of February, maybe a sermon on “forbidden love” might draw some interest. Using 2 Timothy 3:1-5, three kinds of forbidden love: 1. Love of Self (2 Timothy 3:2) 2.…

Outline: Refuge, Strength, Help

Psalm 46 is a powerful statement about God’s protection for His people. A sermon on verse one could have the following points, with a few suggested scriptures to spark further thinking: 1. God is our refuge (Psa. 91:1-2; Prov. 18:10; Heb. 6:18). 2. God is our strength (2 Sam. 22:17-20; 2 Tim. 4:17; Eph. 3:16;…
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