In Sermons: showing 16-30 of 765

Does The Virgin Birth Matter?

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 18, 2023

(I borrowed a lot of this sermon from a sermon written by Tommy South) Skeptics make fun of the virgin birth and some believers are embarrassed by it and think it should be dropped. I believe that the virgin birth matters a great deal and we must believe it and proclaim it.

Introduction: A. Once there was a Sunday school teacher who asked her class of kindergarteners to draw a picture of the manger scene when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. 1. All the children went to work immediately on their pictures. 2. As the teacher moved from student to student looking at their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 7:14, John 1:1-4, John 1:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keeping Our Focus

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 11, 2023

In order for churches and Christians to accomplish God's mission, we must have a shared vision from God. Jesus offered important direction when He told us what the most important command is.

Introduction: A. We just finished a long and I hope wonderful series about Jesus our King from the Gospel of Mark. 1. Before we start a new sermon series in January, I want to explore a few things before the Sunday of Christmas eve when we will focus on the birth of Jesus. 2. Today, I thought it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Happiest Of Endings Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 4, 2023

Mark concludes his Gospel in chapter 16 with the angel's announcement at the empty tomb, and then the appearances to Mary, the two disciples, and then the eleven apostles. Finally, he declares Jesus return to heaven and His work in and through the apostles as they carried out His mission.

Introduction A. In an old poem called “The Widow in the Bye Street,” John Masefield depicts a scene of heartbreaking agony. 1. He depicts a young man about to be executed by hanging for crimes he had committed. 2. In the crowd witnessing this fatal event was his mother. 3. As the trap door ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Day God Died Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 27, 2023

Mark's version of the crucifixion of Jesus is concise and focuses mostly on the people who witnessed the crucifixion and their response to it. We too must respond to the crucifixion of Jesus and it is something that we must do daily.

Introduction A. I want to begin with a true story about a girl named Donna and a boy named Felipe. 1. Donna Ashlock and Felipe Graza were high school freshman in a small farming community near San Francisco. 2. Felipe was infatuated with Donna and considered her his girlfriend. 3. He would often go ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:20-47

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus On Trial Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 20, 2023

This sermon covers Mark's sequence of events from the Judas' betrayal through Pilate's handing over of Jesus for crucifixion. Jesus is so strong and amazing in the midst of injustice, abuse, and the desertion of the apostles.

Introduction A. I’m sure you are aware that jury trials can be conducted with great precision and the highest ethical standards or they can be conducted otherwise. 1. For instance, in one Massachusetts trial, and lawyer was cross examining the medical examiner with this line of ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Final Preparations Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 13, 2023

Preparation is so important. In Mark 14, in Jesus' final days before His crucifixion, we see Him making final preparations for Himself and His disciples. If we haven't made spiritual preparation in advance, then i will be too late when the storm arrives, or the battle begins.

Introduction A. The story is told about a football game that took place between the big animals and the little animals. 1. As you might expect, the large animals had a big lead going into halftime. 2. With a big lead, at the start of the second half, on first down, the big animals called a running ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:11-13, Mark 14:12-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Love And Hate Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 6, 2023

In Mark 14, Mark places the themes of love and hate alongside each other to create a sharp contrast. The hatred of the Jewish leaders, is followed by Mary’s loving act, which is followed by Judas’ betrayal. These stories challenge us to examine our feelings and actions toward Jesus.

Introduction A. I heard the true story of a woman who took a number of children to see a movie. 1. Before going into the seating area, they stopped at the concession stand and the woman offered to buy popcorn for the children to share. 2. One of the children objected declaring, “I hate ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trusting God In Turbulent Times

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 30, 2023

What should Christians think and do about the conflict in the Middle East. Does God still have a plan for the nation of Israel? These are important questions. Trusting God and praying for peace are the most important things we can do.

Introduction: A. Today, we are stepping away from our sermon series on the Gospel of Mark in order to address the heartbreaking current events in the Middle East. B. I’m sure that all of us have been horrified by the recent outbreak of violence and military strikes taking place between Hamas and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:3-4, Psalm 46:1-3, Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 17:7-8, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Deuteronomy 6:10-16, Deuteronomy 28:1-21, 1 Kings 9:3-7, Romans 11:22-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preparing For The Future Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 23, 2023

In Mark 13, Jesus prepared His disciples for two future events: the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. The first event would come with warnings, but the second will be a surprise. Readiness and alertness and trust in the Lord were necessary for both.

Introduction A. One day there was an airplane that was having engine trouble, so the pilot instructed the cabin crew to have the passengers take their seats and get prepared for an emergency landing. 1. A few minutes later, the pilot asked the flight attendants if everyone was buckled in and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Cardinal Rule Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 16, 2023

In this section of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus clarifies what the most important command is. It is to love God and to love others. Wholeheartedly loving God means that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. That kind of love is illustrated in the widow's gift.

A. Knowing what the most important rules are in any given context is very helpful. 1. What are the most important rules for the classroom? a. Listen carefully. d. Raise your hand if you have something to say. b. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. e. Show respect and kindness to your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finalizing His Authority Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 9, 2023

In this section of Mark's Gospel, we see Jesus finalizing His authority. We see His superior wisdom, knowledge and power as He is confronted by three groups of Jewish religious leaders and rises above each confrontation.

Introduction: A. Christian Herter was governor of Massachusetts back in the 1950s and one day when he was campaigning for a second term in office, he went looking for votes at a church barbecue. 1. Herter was famished and as he moved through the serving line, he held out his plate to the woman ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Claiming His Lordship Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 2, 2023

When Jesus entered Jerusalem for His final week, He fulfilled prophesy and claimed His Lordship. He is Lord of all, but we must make Him our personal Lord.

Introduction: A. I want to begin with an illustration from Bruce Larson’s book, Believe and Belong. 1. For many years, Bruce worked in NYC and when people were struggling with whether to surrender their lives to Christ, he would take them on a walk from his office to the RCA building on Fifth ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

On The Road To Jerusalem Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 25, 2023

This is the last section of Mark before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Mark gives us a picture of Jesus on the road to Jerusalem with courage and determination. Along the road to Jerusalem we learn lessons about greatness and service.

Introduction: A. If you would humor me, I’d like to start with a little bit of “road” humor. 1. Why did the chicken cross the road? I don’t know, why? I don’t know—I asked you first! 2. What do you call a chicken crossing the road? Answer: Poultry in motion. 3. Why did the bubblegum cross the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-52, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lessons About Little People And Big People Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 18, 2023

In this section of Mark, Jesus encounters mothers and their children, and then a rich, young ruler. Both encounters give Him the opportunity to teach lessons about little people and big people.

Introduction: A. One day, a 3 year-old girl named Charlotte received a certificate of achievement following her last swimming lesson. 1. When her dad came home from work that evening, her mom handed her dad the certificate and said to the little girl, “Charlotte, would you like to tell your daddy ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Answers The Divorce Question Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 11, 2023

When Jesus returned to His public ministry in Mark 10, the Pharisees tried to trap Him with a question about divorce. Jesus dealt with their question by directing them back to God's original design and intent in creation.

A. In the last two sermons in our sermon series on the Gospel of Mark, we have been watching Jesus privately teaching His disciples some very important lessons on discipleship. 1. The topics He discussed with them were about prayer, the passion of Jesus, pride and prejudice. 2. I trust that we have ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ