Church of Christ Sermons & Lessons 2024

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Church of Christ Sermon Outlines

Sermon/Lesson Title

Category/Media

Serve One Another

Introduction: Jesus and his apostles were traveling to Jerusalem, where he would ultimately offer his life on the cross. An opportunity arises for him to impart a much-needed lesson on service. Consider Matthew 20:25-28. Spiritual greatness is not determined by the number of people who serve us but rather by the amount of service we give. Shortly before his death, he taught another profound lesson on service in Matthew 25:34-40. When we serve others, we are, in essence, serving the Lord. While God's word informs us of many ways to serve one another, let us focus primarily on two: being hospitable and visiting each other.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

A Christian’s Speech 

Introduction: I would imagine that if you asked the residents of almost any town whether they believe the Bible is indeed the word of God, most would say "yes." Yet, it is easy to see that their belief does not affect how they live daily. This is most evident in people's speech. Many believe there is nothing wrong with lying or taking God's name in vain, to name just a few examples. But what about the Christian? What should characterize his or her speech? It's to those questions in particular that we now turn our attention. 

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

The Christian At Work

Introduction: Jesus prayed for the apostles in John 17:15 as follows: “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in the world without becoming like it. We are not to wear our Christianity only inside the church building and then take it off outside. This is particularly important in the workplace. How do we navigate the workplace without becoming like many of our co-workers? How do we let our light shine at work? It is to these questions that we now turn our attention.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

A Living Sacrifice

Text: Romans 12: 1, 2

Romans chapter 12 is often referred to as “the Christian manual.” This chapter summarizes how a Christian is to live in this world. A pivotal verse (1-11) discusses the fundamental doctrines of the faith. Then, verses 12-16 focus on duties and applications based on those doctrines—“service.” Never forget that what we believe helps determine how we behave. For example, evolutionary teaching suggests no moral guidelines, equating animal behavior with human life that lacks value. Not only do we need to understand these doctrines in verses 1-11, but we must also allow them to change who we are and how we act. Knowledge by itself is not enough.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

What Can We Learn From Noah?

Introduction: Throughout the ages, men have discussed the question, " How is man saved?” Numerous opinions have been put forth. Some say man is saved by grace alone. Others say man is saved by faith alone. While others say works save us. Which one is it? Can we be sure?

The only answer we can be sure of is found in God's word. While we live in the gospel age today, we can still learn much about God's dealings with his people. In the Old Testament, we will focus primarily on Noah's life to see how he was saved.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

The Two Covenants

Introduction: Many questions come up when we talk with our religious neighbors. One very common one is, “Why do you go by the New Testament and not the Old?” Usually, they are asking, " Why do you base your beliefs and practices solely on the New Testament and not the Old? " This is a very important question—and answer to which we need to be able to give.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

The Providence of God

Introduction: Although the word Providence never appears in God's word, the subject is taught throughout scripture. This word comes from a Latin word meaning “to take thought for, foresee.” A good definition is “that preservation, care, and governance which God exercises over all things that he has created, so that they may accomplish the ends for which they were created.”

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

Jesus’ Attitude Toward Women

Introduction: This series of lessons on women in the Bible would certainly not be complete without at least a brief look at Jesus's attitude toward women. Throughout his life, he had encounters with various women, revealing how he viewed them in general.

   
Bobby Stafford
February 2025

And His Name Will be Called

Introduction: When men leave God, they often turn to superstition—mediums, Wizards, and spiritualists. These were all forbidden by the law of Moses (Leviticus 20 and Deuteronomy 18). If they were concerned about the future of the nation, they should turn to God and his word. If the truth is ignored, a dismal picture is displayed. Against that gloomy outlook, Isaiah describes a brighter day.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 9: 1-7

I will not go up in your midst

Introduction: God's people, the nation of Israel, had journeyed from the Red Sea, having experienced great miracles there, and arrived at Mount Sinai in the third month after leaving Egypt. Moses, the leader of God's people, is called to the top of the mountain by the Lord, where he receives the words of Exodus 20-23. Then, the critical event of Exodus 24: 3 happens. Then Moses receives the covenant on a very solemn occasion ( 24: 7-8). Following this, the events of 24:12 and 13 occur. Moses is there on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, where he receives instructions recorded in Max 25: 31. this helps prepare us for what happens next.

Tell Of God’s Wonderful Works (Psalm 105)

Introduction: each of us here today should recognize we all benefit from all the great deeds the Lord has done. This will serve as motivation and encouragement to live as a member of God's family. Psalm 105 is a “historical Psalm” that depicts the Lord's dealings with his people, especially those described in the 1st 5 Books of the Bible.

Text: Psalm 105

Some will depart from the faith
1 Timothy Series Lesson 9

Introduction: the theme of 1 Timothy is Christian conduct. The basis of that conduct is the truth, the faith of the gospel. The text shows the necessity of the truth and how destructive religious error is. If one believes in error, he will practice error. These verses show the necessity of vigilance, both by the individual Christian as well as the entire congregation.

February 9, 2025

Jesus, The Eternal One

The gospel of John was written to produce faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (John 20: 30-31). So, John begins his gospel with what is called the prologue (verses 1- 18). In this prologue, he makes several claims as to who Jesus was. The first such claim is about his eternality, his preexistence. It is to this claim that we now turn our attention.

Text: John 1: 1-5

Three Days and Three Nights

In Matthew 12:40, we read, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”    There is some confusion within the brotherhood on what day of the week Jesus died on the cross.  We all know that Saturday was the Jewish 7^th day of the week and Jesus rose on the first day of the week.  Jesus died before the Roman soldiers could break His legs on the evening before the Sabbath day.  So how do we get three days and three nights between the day Jesus died and the first day of the week?  The Purpose of this study is to examine the history of the Passover and the associated feast and use that help establish the precise day that our Savior died on the cross. 

The church of the Living God
1 Timothy Series Lesson 8

Introduction: Paul had just discussed two special offices or works in the Lord's church- elders and deacons. The conduct of both was essential for the proper functioning of the local church. Now, he turns his attention to the conduct of each church member, the family of God.  The idea of behavior or conduct is that of “walking within a designated area.” Paul first exhorts them to walk so, then says that their behavior is to be consistent with the truth and ends by stressing that the basis for this special conduct is the lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon text: 1 Timothy 3: 14-16

February 2, 2025

Qualifications of Overseers
1 Timothy Series Lesson 7

Introduction: The apostle Paul instructed Timothy to teach the Christians in Ephesus to conduct themselves as members of the Lord's church. The church needs to emphasize prayer ( 2: 1,2). Men and women have distinct roles in the church (2: 8-15). The church is to be led by overseers (3:1-7). Therefore, the church needs to understand the qualifications and work of these overseers.

Let's note that congregations of God's people are to be organized. Acts 14: 23- elders (plural), another name for overseers.   (Titus 1: 5) -appointing elders in every city was part of setting things in order. Second, the Holy Spirit makes one an elder (acts 20: 28 ). He does this by listing the necessary qualifications and describing their duties. This teaches us the only scriptural way one becomes an elder. One is an elder only if he meets the qualifications and is appointed to the work. A congregation calling someone an elder by appointing him does not make him one unless he meets those qualifications. Lastly, because of their work, these men must have high qualifications. But these are attainable; otherwise, the Holy Spirit would not have given them as being absolutely essential. Men in the 1st century were found who met these requirements so men can meet them today; it is not impossible. They were not looking for perfect men but ones who possessed these characteristics to a high degree.

Sermon text: 1 Timothy 3: 1-7; Titus 1: 5-11

   
 1.  
2.

Women and 1 Timothy 2: 8-15
1 Timothy Series Lesson 6

In our study of women's roles, we have seen that God has given men and women different functions and responsibilities and does not make one inferior. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul is writing to a young preacher and instructing him on how to deal with church life. He directs him to follow God's orders for the congregation and correct those who would teach something different. Notice 1 Timothy 3: 14, 15 and 1 Timothy 1: 3-7.

Our particular text for this lesson, 1 Timothy 2: 8- 15, Falls within a broader section—chapters two and three—that focus on worship and church organization. Both of these chapters deal with leadership among God's people.

Notice the verses right before our text (verses 1-7): teach that all of us must submit to God and Christ. He also informs his readers why they must listen to his instructions. He is an inspired apostle.

Text: 1 Timothy 2: 8-15

Bobby Stafford

January 12, 2025

Our Great and Awesome God

Text: Psalm 139

This psalm is sometimes called “the crown of the Psalms.”  David here paints a portrait of God probably surpassed in beauty. A tribute to Jehovah God in which David presents the makeup of God and his characteristics for all humanity to see. The rider pictures him as all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and finally, all-holy.

 
Bobby Stafford

Blessings Of Being Born Again

The apostle Peter is sometimes called “The apostle of hope.”  He often uses the word “hope” in 1 Peter, a letter written to those who had been born again (Christians) and had experienced the new birth. Notice his description of them in his introduction (1 Peter 1: 1- 2).

Peter described Christians as pilgrims—sojourners—temporary residents on earth. This is a reminder that their citizenship was in heaven. Peter also described Christians as the elect—or chosen ones. They had become the chosen ones when they answered the gospel's call as the Thessalonian Christians had ( 2 Thessalonians 2: 13, 14 ). Their sanctification began when they were born of water and the spirit in obedience to the spirit's teaching.

Lesson text: 1 Peter 1: 3-9. Peter now describes the many blessings that those who have been born again enjoy.

Bobby Stafford

Introduction:

In verses one and two, Paul exhorted prayers to be offered for all men, including civil authorities. The desired result was an environment of calm and peace, one conducive to spreading the gospel to all men.

1 Timothy 2:3-7
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle — I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying — a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Bobby Stafford

Pray for all men
1 Timothy Series Lesson 4

Paul's letter to Timothy presents a great guidebook on the life of the church—how to worship and serve God and how to live together. God desires that his people lead a certain kind of life. An essential ingredient for that was for them to pray for all men.

Text: 1 Timothy 2: 1, 2

December 22,  2024
Bobby Stafford

Wage the Good Warfare
1 Timothy Series Lesson 3

Paul's great concern for the congregation of the Lord's church is very apparent in these 3 verses. He knew there were some in the church at ephesus who had strayed from the truth and might influence others to do the same. He places responsibility upon Timothy to hold fast to the doctrine which taught men to put their trust in Christ.

Text: 1 Timothy 1: 18-20

Contending
For The
Faith

December 15,  2024
Bobby Stafford

Paul’s Prayer of Thanks
1 Timothy Series Lesson 2

Paul begins this letter to Timothy by urging him to command those in Ephesus to teach only the doctrine of Christ. It was the only thing that could save mankind. Read verse 11 aloud. Paul states that the gospel had been committed to his trust. Proclaiming that gospel was a grave responsibility and a wonderful privilege. The eternal destiny of many precious souls depended upon him preaching that glorious gospel, the doctrine of Christ. In the next few verses, 12-17, he shows his gratitude to God.

Lesson text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Prayer
Thanksgiving

December 8, 2024

The Doctrine Of Christ
1 Timothy Series Lesson 1

By the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, they had traveled together for many years. Paul had left Timothy at Ephesus and placed a great deal of responsibility upon his young shoulders. He was to teach the church there how to conduct itself, how to worship, how to treat one another, and how to evangelize. But Timothy was to accomplish this by means of sound doctrine. Paul says to use scripture, the word of God. It was to have the foremost place in his work.

Text: one Timothy 1: 3-7

Bobby Stafford
December 1, 2024

The True Light

Thus begins John's account of Christ's life. Jesus, the Messiah, is eternal. He is deity. He is God. He is the creator and the giver of life. He is also the light of men. Then the writer John tells of another John. He tells of one who came to bear witness of the light. The aim of his work was so that people would come to believe in Jesus as the son of God (John 1: 6- 8). This John is often referred to as the Baptist or the Baptizer. The Old Testament prophesied about his coming (Isaiah 40:3-5, Malachi 3:1, then John 1:19- 28).

Sermon text: John 1: 9-13

Jesus Christ

November 17,  2024

What Must I Believe To Be Saved? 

Many who claim Jesus Christ as their savior believe they are saved by faith alone.  They feel that by simply believing in Jesus as the Son of God and that He died for our sins will get them into heaven.   Believing in the original Greek can and often does mean more than a simple mental acknowledgment of facts.  God’s Word is written to others for us to read.  What it meant to them is what it must mean to us today.   

Lesson Text:  John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” “He who believes in Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47).  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Theme:  The purpose of this lesson is to examine what the NT writers wrote to their readership concerning believing in Jesus with the goal of determining what they needed to believe to be saved and then make the necessary applications to our own faith. 

Salvation

David Hersey

November 10, 2024

Abortion

Abortion is the intentional ending of a life in the womb. It is not the same thing as a miscarriage or contraception.  It would be murder To end the life of a one-year-old child.  How, then, would it not be murder to end the life of a child still in the womb?  Does God consider an unborn baby a child? You will not find a “thou shalt not have an abortion” statement in the Bible, but god's word does reveal his will on this matter. 

Ezekiel 16: 21, “that you have slain my children and offered them up to them by causing them to pass through the fire.” God speaks of us as my children.

October 27, 2024

Christ Our Passover

Jesus is the central figure in the Bible, especially in the Passover. Many principles in the Passover point to Christ.

1.      Exodus 12- the Passover begins

2.      The Passover and Christ (Exodus 12: 1-2)

Jesus Christ

Bobby Stafford
March 17,  2024

Speaker

Sermon/Lesson Title

Category/Media

October 20, 2024

The Kingdom Of God

Our savior used the word Kingdom over 75 times, as recorded in the New Testament. He sometimes called it the Kingdom of Heaven, and sometimes he called it the Kingdom of God. Note how they are used interchangeably in Matthew 4: 17 and Mark 1: 14-15. Kingdom refers to God's kingship or rule from heaven. Often, in the Old Testament, this idea of God's domain and rule is his rule over the entire world.

He sits upon a throne, Psalm 103: 19. The host of heaven surrounds him, 1 Kings 22: 19, and He appoints rulers in the world, Daniel 2: 37, 4: 17. He is the king of the entire world, 1 Chronicles 29: 11, and his rule is everlasting, Psalms 145: 13.

However, the Old Testament speaks much about a Kingdom being established in the future. Note Daniel 2: 44, these kings—the Roman kings—and Daniel 7: 13-14. This kingdom did not exist yet, yet God promised it would one day.

October 13, 2024

The apostle Paul writes a very personal and persuasive letter to his beloved friend Philemon. The subject of this letter is an extremely delicate one: slavery. This letter is a wonderful example of “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4: 15). It is a letter of courtesy, warmth, and politeness, but its message is weighty and its persuasion is powerful. The keyword is “receive.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change People

Text: Philemon 8-22

October 6, 2024

Beginning with the latter part of chapter 4 and continuing throughout the remainder of the book, Hosea often uses Ephraim as the designation for Israel, the northern Kingdom. Ephraim was the second son of Joseph- Manassa being first,  Genesis 41. But when Joseph's father Jacob blessed his two grandsons, Ephraim received the greater blessing. From the time of the exodus, Ephraim became one of the leading tribes. Possibly because Joshua, Moses' successor, was from Ephraim. In the land of Canaan, the tribe of Ephraim was given land in the central region- including Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem. When the Kingdom became divided after the days of Solomon, Ephraim went with nine other tribes and formed the northern Kingdom. They appointed Jeroboam, a man from Ephraim, as their king. Thus began Ephraim’s influence in the northern Kingdom.

Idolatry

September 15, 2024

What Are We Saved By?

A man and woman were eating dinner at home. Suddenly man clutches chest.  He was having a heart attack. The woman calls 911. The EMT arrive in an ambulance. They use defibrillators and start the man's heart beating again. Question- what saved the man?  His wife, telephone, ambulance, EMT, the defibrillator?  Which one could be left out and the man still be saved? So what saved the man? They all did!   So it is with man's spiritual salvation. It's impossible to say man is saved exclusively by one thing only. Many things are involved and necessary for one to be saved.

Salvation

September 8, 2024

When Life Gets Overwhelming

During our journey here on earth, times may become hard and discouraging. While these days are inevitable, we should not lose hope but look to God's word for hope. The Psalms in particular can lift us up when life becomes overwhelming.

Perseverance

August 25, 2024

God reveals Himself through his names.  It is important for us to study God's names. Through this, we come to know him more intimately.

1. He is almighty God

2. He is God most high

3.  He is holy God

4. God of Truth

God

August 18, 2024

Names Of God Part 3

Recall that Yahweh is the personal name of God. It means to be, or exist. Recall what he said to Moses in the burning Bush. I am that i am, exodus 3: 14, the eternal one – uncaused, John 8: 54-58.

This is the name used when God is making a covenant- Noah, Abraham, moses.

The name Yahweh. Each reveals something special about Jehovah.

God

A Christian’s Aspirations

Introduction:  what do you aspire to?  What is your ambition in life?  What do you want to accomplish?  The Holy Spirit instructs Christians to focus their ambitions on a certain direction, 1 very different than the world's.

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12

Christian Living

Introduction:  I was first introduced to this sermon by Jonathan Edwards in college. Edwards would later become president of Princeton University. This powerful sermon struck fear in the hearts of its listeners when delivered in 1741. There are several lessons from this sermon which are biblically relevant for us to hear. (Adapted from Jay. Brody)

Sin

The Assembling Of The Saints

Introduction:  There is a growing belief among those who claim Christ as Savior that the assembling of the saints is unnecessary. The American culture at large has slowly come to the place of believing that a person can be a Christian without regularly gathering together with other believers in worship and fellowship. This is just not the case. The Christian faith is an assembling faith. The very word church in the Greek is “Ekklesia” which, in the ancient Greek, denoted a group called out to come to the assembly. Assembly is in the word Ekklesia.

It is claimed by some that new testament Christians did not assemble for worship, therefore it is not a requirement today. 

Christian Living

Sermon On The Mount
Matthew 5:27-28
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
 

Christian Living

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus Forbids Oaths
33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

This man who died next to our savior teaches us many great lessons. This lesson will primarily focus on this man's attitude at the point of death.
Matthew 27:38-44, Luke 23:40-42

Salvation

Christian Living

Our Response To God's Revelation

God has spoken and we need to listen! Jehovah has refilled himself in both nature and in the Bible.  Psalm 19 describes both of these, plus what our response to God’s revelation should be.

 

Christian Living

Remember To Pray

Prayer is simply talking to God, Psalm 55: 16-17.   Prayer is a very natural part of our existence. Our heavenly father loves to hear our voices. We are encouraged to make our requests known to God the Philippians 4:6; To pour out our heart before him Psalm 62: 8.  We need to honor him by learning to speak to him according to how he has instructed us in this World - to learn the principles of prayer from scripture.

 

Prayer

The Value of Fellowship

It is easy to understand that fellowship has great value.  See Psalm 133: 1-3. Yes  the early church knew this as our text affirms.
Text: Acts: 23-37 

Christian Living

All Men To Be Saved

Christ purchased the church with his blood and he wants it to carry out his will on earth, 1 Timothy 2: 4.  God has given us this responsibility and we must take it seriously.

This was originally commissioned to his apostles and then to the whole church, Matthew 28: 18-20.  The primary emphasis is on the command to ”make disciples”.  This disciple making begins by being baptized. Then disciples are be taught to “observe all things that I have commanded you.”  Jesus wants his disciples to go and seek out others for discipleship. These new disciples are to come from “all nations".  See mark 16: 15.  What will help us to fulfill our responsibility?

 

Evangelism

Christian Living
Obedience
Work

Obedience

Christian Living

Christian Living

Perseverance

Obedience

Restoration

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Beatitudes

Christian Living
Bible

Christian Living

February 18, 2024

Evangelism

 

Christian Living

Christian Living

Most of us feel pressed for time; too much to do and not enough time to get it all done.  God has instructed Christians about time management; Ephesians 5:17-21. 

No doubt we live in evil times period as a result, we must use our time here wisely so as to conduct our lives in a godly way, Hebrews 3:12-13.

Christian Living

Sin

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Nehemiah

Bible

Book of Titus

Bible

What motivates you to attend services?  What motivates you to live a godly life?  What motivates you to maintain good works?  The text for this lesson is a motivational one to inspire us to live a more dedicated life.
Titus 3:3-8

Book of Titus

Paul instructed Titus to teach Christians on Crete to LIVE above the world. The world's behavior is sick, immoral and corrupt. A Christians behavior should be healthy, sound; Setting an example of good works based on pure motives- love of god and love of fellow man.
Titus 3:1-3

Book of Titus

Paul has been instructing Titus on the proper conduct required for Christians of all ages and gender. So why should men conduct themselves in a godly manner? Because of the grace of God!
Titus 2:11-15

Book of Titus

Paul brings his letter to Titus 2A close by advising him on how to avoid division in the church and by expressing gratitude for faithful workers.

Christian Living

Book of Titus

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