Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/y25gCnePW3Q

Title: One More Night with the Frogs (Getting Unstuck)

Main Text: Exodus 8:1–15

I. Introduction: The Danger of Ignoring Signs

• The Mount St. Helens Illustration (May 18, 1980)
  
  
  • The mountain gave warning signs (swelling, heat) long before it blew.

  • Harry Truman (The Lodge Owner): Despite warnings, he refused to evacuate his home at Spirit Lake.

  • The Result: He perished under 150 feet of ash and debris because he refused to move.

• The Spiritual Application
  
  
  • People make decisions every day that are spiritually reckless.

  • Every person is teetering on the edge of eternity (Heaven or Hell).

  • The difference in destination is determined by the decisions we make to move or stay put.

II. The Warning: We Are Not Without Notice

• Scripture: Exodus 8:1–2
  
  
• The Context:
  
  
  • God told Pharaoh exactly what would happen: "If you refuse to let them go, behold I will plague all your country with frogs."

  • The arrival of the frogs should not have been a shock; it was a promised consequence.

• Application:
  
  
  • We live in a world of warning labels (some silly, some serious).

  • God has given us clear warnings through His Word (the Bible).

  • We often get "stuck" because we ignore the warning signs until we fall into the hole.

  • Key Truth: Change cannot happen until we admit we ignored the warning. We must stop blaming others and take responsibility.

III. The Pride: Making the Problem Worse

• Scripture: Exodus 8:5–7
  
  
• The Magicians' Response:
  
  
  • Instead of removing the frogs, the magicians used their secret arts to bring more frogs upon the land.

  • Reference: This follows the pattern of Exodus 7 (turning staffs into snakes), though eventually, they fail to replicate God's power (referenced Exodus 8:18 regarding the gnats).

• The "Run the Wheels Off" Mentality:
  
  
  • Human nature dictates that when we mess up a little, we might as well mess up a lot (e.g., cheating on a diet or relapsing in addiction).

  • Pharaoh’s magicians tried to disprove God rather than help the situation.

• Key Quote: "Circumstances can make you a victim, but only pride can keep you one."
  • Fighting against God is a losing battle; you cannot outsmart Him.

IV. The Procrastination: Choosing "Tomorrow"

• Scripture: Exodus 8:8–10
  
  
• The Absurd Exchange:
  
  
  • Pharaoh asks Moses to plead with the Lord to remove the frogs.

  • Moses asks, "When?"

  • Pharaoh answers, "Tomorrow."
    
    
• The Logic of Being Stuck:
  
  
  • Why spend one more night with frogs in your bed?

  • We often choose to stay in our mess because it is familiar (The "warm poopy diaper" analogy).

  • We want to hang on to a shred of control.

• The Turning Point:
  
  
  • There is a difference between "I want it fixed" and "I want to fix it."

  • Scripture: Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son). The change happened when he "came to himself" in the pig pen.

  • The hardest step is always the first one—moving from the unknown into action.

V. Conclusion: The Danger of Relief

• Scripture: Exodus 8:12–15
  
  
• The Outcome:
  
  
  • God did exactly what Moses asked; the frogs died and were gathered into stinking heaps.

  • However, when Pharaoh saw there was a "respite" (relief), he hardened his heart again.

• Final Challenge:
  
  
  • Don’t be like Pharaoh. Don't wait for "tomorrow" to deal with your spiritual condition.

  • God is capable of bringing better things, but we must be willing to get unstuck.

  • Consequences may remain (the land still stank), but the heart can be healed.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8cmv3NWIQq8

Summary of the Sermon: “God’s Plot” & “A Tool in God’s Hands”

Introduction – The “Brookie”

• People often struggle with decisions, like choosing a dessert.
• A “brookie” (brownie + cookie) is the result of not choosing—and this sermon is the same: two messages blended into one.
• Both come from Acts 9 and the story of Saul’s conversion.

SERMON 1: “God’s Plot”

1. God Uses Unlikely People (Acts 9:1–2)

• Saul was a violent persecutor of Christians—the last person we would choose.
• Scripture shows God repeatedly chooses the unlikely (e.g., David overlooked by his own family).
• God’s choices don’t align with ours; He sees the heart.

2. God Uses Unlikely Circumstances (Acts 9:3–6)

• Saul’s change began with a dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus.
• Ministry often happens in strange, unexpected situations—Facebook posts, random meetings, unusual life moments.
• What looks unpromising to us is often exactly the place where God works.

3. God Brings Others Into the Story (Acts 9:10–14)

• Enter Ananias, the reluctant helper.
• God always provides people at the right time (like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch).
• Ministry is interconnected—God uses people to reach people; we are not meant for isolated Christianity.

4. People Still Must Choose (Acts 9:17–19)

• Even after the encounter, Saul still had to respond—he had a choice.
• Ananias obeyed regardless of how Saul responded.
• God brings opportunities, but He does not remove human responsibility.

5. People Really Can Change (Acts 9:20–22)

• Saul immediately began preaching Christ.
• People were shocked—“Is this the same man?”
• Transformation still surprises people today, but God can radically change lives.

Summary of God’s Plot:
Unlikely people, unlikely circumstances, unexpected helpers, personal choice, and real transformation—all repeated over and over again. God’s plot hasn’t changed.

SERMON 2: “A Tool in God’s Hands” (Shorter Sermon)

1. Saul Was a Chosen Tool (Acts 9:15–16)

• God calls Saul a “chosen instrument”—meaning a tool designed for a specific job.
• Like a surgeon’s instrument or a custom-made tool, Paul was crafted for a particular purpose.

2. We Are God’s Tools Too (Ephesians 2:10)

• All Christians are God’s workmanship—created to accomplish good works prepared in advance.
• God designs us uniquely for the assignments He intends for our lives.

3. Tools Sometimes Get Worn or Hurt (1 Peter 4:12–16)

• Being used by God often involves struggle, hardship, and spiritual “pressure.”
• Suffering for Christ is not strange; it’s part of being a tool in God’s hands.
• Paul himself endured hardship (2 Corinthians 12:7–10).

4. The Worst Thing for a Tool Is Not Being Used

• A tool left on the shelf becomes wasted potential.
• Christians are meant to serve, act, go, shine, and endure—not sit unused.

Conclusion – “Are You Really That Different From Paul?”

• Paul’s story shows a pattern God still uses:
  • An unlikely person
  • In an unlikely situation
  • With another person involved
  • Who had to make a choice
  • And who shocked others with real change
• That same pattern is seen in our lives.
• God designed each of us as a tool for His purposes—large or small.
• Whatever someone needs (help, prayer, support, answers), God loves them, the church loves them, and the invitation is open.

If you'd like, I can also:
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Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/0-xJ7lnlAXI

"Being Certain Not Circumstantial," is a sermon delivered at the West Side Church of Christ. The speaker uses a real-life survival story and the biblical book of Habakkuk to discuss maintaining faith during hopeless situations.

Summary of the Sermon:

• Opening Story of Survival: The message begins with the story of Briana Cassell, a woman who crashed her car into a drainage ditch in rural Illinois. She survived for six days with two broken legs, drinking water wrung from a hoodie, before being discovered by a contractor [00:11]. The speaker uses her ordeal to illustrate feelings of hopelessness and the sense that no one is coming to save you [03:30].
• The Prophet Habakkuk's Complaint: The sermon transitions to the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk, who lived during a time when it felt like evil was winning and God was silent. Habakkuk cries out, asking how long he must call for help while God seemingly does not listen [04:21]. The speaker notes that despite appearances, God always knows and cares about our situation [08:11].
• Waiting on God: Although Habakkuk struggles with God's plan (using a wicked nation to judge His people), he decides not to abandon his faith. Instead, he chooses to "stand at [his] watch post" and wait for God's answer, demonstrating patience and a willingness to listen rather than just complain [13:08].
• Certain vs. Circumstantial Faith: The climax of the message focuses on Habakkuk's prayer in Chapter 3. After recounting God's power, the prophet declares that even if the fig tree does not blossom and the fields yield no food, he will still rejoice in the Lord [18:07]. The speaker argues that true faith, love, and trust must be certain (unwavering) rather than circumstantial (dependent on things going well) [18:48].
• The Example of Job: The sermon concludes by referencing Job, whose faithfulness was tested to prove he didn't just love God for the blessings ("stuff") he received. The speaker challenges the audience to consider if their own faith would survive if their circumstances fell apart [20:22].

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/2ky3DZBk1bo

"What to do when you don’t know what to do."

The Opening Illustration: The Impossible Rescue

The sermon opens with the dramatic true story of the 2018 Thai Cave Rescue. Twelve members of a youth soccer team and their coach were trapped by monsoon floodwaters deep inside a cave system.1

• The Dilemma: The situation was impossible. The water was rising, the boys were trapped miles in, and professional Navy SEALs were struggling to navigate the currents.

• The Solution: It required admitting they couldn't save themselves. They had to call in outside specialists (cave divers and an anesthesiologist). The risky plan involved sedating the boys and dragging them out underwater—something that seemed impossible but was their only hope.

• The Spiritual Bridge: Just as those boys were trapped and helpless, we face moments in life where we are "between a rock and a hard place," powerless to save ourselves.

The Biblical Context: 2 Chronicles 20

The sermon transitions to the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

• The Situation: Judah is being surrounded by a massive alliance of armies (Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites).

• The Crisis: Jehoshaphat is afraid.2 He is outnumbered, outgunned, and facing a "monsoon" of enemies. He cannot fix this problem on his own.

• 
  

The 4 Steps: What to Do When You Are Powerless

The preacher outlines four practical steps based on Jehoshaphat’s reaction in 2 Chronicles 20:

1. Assess the Problem (v. 1-4)

You must distinguish between problems you can fix (like putting antifreeze in a truck) and problems that are beyond your human ability.

• Key Takeaway: When you realize the problem is bigger than you, stop running around trying to fix it and making a bigger mess. Admit you are powerless.

2. Communicate & Focus on God (v. 5-12)

Jehoshaphat "set his face to seek the Lord." This wasn't just a casual prayer; it was a total shift of focus.

• Key Scripture: "We are powerless against this great horde... We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (v. 12)

• Key Takeaway: When you don't know what to do, you need to know where to look. Focus on the One who can solve it.

3. Listen (v. 13-17)

Communication is a two-way street.3 After praying, you must listen for God’s answer. God speaks through:

• His Word: The Bible.

• His People: Wise counsel and other believers (Proverbs 11:14).

• The Message Received: God tells them, "Do not be afraid... for the battle is not yours, but God's."
  
  

4. Worship (v. 18-21)

Before the battle was even won, the people bowed down and worshipped. They sent the choir out in front of the army.4

• Key Takeaway: Worship God not just for the outcome you want, but because He is worthy. The result of this worship was that the enemy armies turned on each other and destroyed themselves.

The Conclusion

The sermon concludes with the comforting realization that while we are on the battlefield, the battle ultimately belongs to God. Just as the Thai boys had to trust the divers completely to carry them out, we must trust God to carry us through "valleys of the shadow of death."

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/ZVDa3xPFXlw

Summary: “Be Careful How You Treat Them”

Introduction: The Power of Simple Kindness

• The sermon opens with a true story of Ruth Reed, a woman in New Jersey who made a resolution to bless others.
• One day she paid for a man’s food at Wawa—who turned out to be country singer Keith Urban.
• The story illustrates that the world is starving for kindness, and small acts of compassion can shine light into darkness.
• Jesus calls His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16 ESV).
• The preacher asks, “How will they taste and see without kindness?” Kindness is how the world experiences God’s love through us.

Personal Story: A Stranger Named George

• The preacher recalls meeting a man named George Rolls, a traveling drifter who claimed the Holy Spirit brought him to church.
• George was warmly welcomed by the congregation, stayed a few days, and deeply appreciated the kindness shown to him.
• Later, the preacher saw George walking down the road pulling a cart that said “Jesus loves you” and “John 3:16.”
• This encounter led to reflection: What if this man was more than he appeared?—prompting the message “Be Careful How You Treat Them.”

1. They Might Be Angels

• Scripture: Hebrews 13:1–2 ESV — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
• The focus is not just on angels, but also on love and hospitality—meeting others with generous enthusiasm.
• The preacher compares this to “mystery shoppers”: What if God sends “mystery visitors” to test our compassion?
• The lesson: Be kind to all, because we may never know who God has sent across our path.

2. They Might Be God (or His Concern)

• Scripture: Luke 2:41–47 ESV — Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple.
• For three days, people in Jerusalem likely fed or sheltered the Son of God without realizing it.
• The preacher emphasizes God’s love for children, quoting passages about protecting “little ones.”
• Lesson: Be careful how you treat the young and vulnerable—God cares deeply for them.

3. They Might Be “Nobodies”

• Scripture: Matthew 25:31–40 ESV — “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
• Those considered “nobodies” by society are precious to God.
• Showing compassion to the overlooked reveals a heart aligned with God’s love.
• True kindness isn’t natural—it’s spiritual, learned from God, not the world.

4. They Might Give You a Chance to Serve

• Scripture: Luke 10:25–37 ESV — The Good Samaritan.
• Serving others rarely happens at a convenient time.
• The Samaritan was busy, yet stopped to show mercy—just as Jesus gave His time on the cross when it wasn’t “convenient.”
• Every act of kindness may be a God-given opportunity to serve Him and to grow in faith.

5. They Might Become the Next Christian

• Scripture: John 4:1–42 ESV — Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
• Jesus reached across social barriers, offering living water and transforming her life.
• She became a witness, leading many others to believe.
• Lesson: We never know who might respond to kindness and become a follower of Christ through our compassion.

Conclusion: Kindness as a Vessel for the Gospel

• Kindness opens the door for people to see Jesus through us.
• It is how we reflect His love, break through bitterness, and invite others into the family of faith.
• The closing appeal: “Be careful how you treat them.”
  Every person—angel, child, stranger, or “nobody”—could be part of God’s plan.

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/HN2l70OPbsE

Summary: “How to Be Thankful”

Introduction: Gratitude in Worship

• The speaker begins by thanking the congregation for investing effort into worship, particularly in making communion meaningful.
• He notes that even the communion bread was homemade, showing love and devotion to God through service.

Story of Corrie ten Boom

• Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker and author, and her family helped hide Jewish people during World War II.
• They were eventually caught and sent to a concentration camp where living conditions were horrific—especially because their hut was infested with fleas.
• Corrie’s sister Betsy reminded her of 1 Thessalonians 5:14–18, emphasizing:
• “Rejoice always… give thanks in all circumstances” (ESV).
• Betsy insisted they should be thankful even for the fleas, though Corrie initially couldn’t.
• Later, they discovered that the guards avoided entering their hut because of the fleas—allowing them to hold daily Bible studies freely.
• Corrie realized God had used even the fleas for good, teaching true thankfulness.

Transition: Thanksgiving as a Way of Life

• The speaker points out that Thanksgiving should not be a single day, but a lifestyle.
• True gratitude is shown through action, not just thought or feeling.

Psalm 100 – “A Psalm for Giving Thanks”

• Psalm 100 is unique because its title is part of the original text, not a later addition—it was literally written for giving thanks.
• In only five verses, there are seven action verbs—showing that thankfulness involves doing, not just thinking.

1. Make a Joyful Noise (v. 1)

• The Hebrew word means “to shout a proclamation,” like a herald announcing news from the king.
• Gratitude cannot be hidden—it should be expressed outwardly.
• The speaker gives an example of writing “Praise the Lord” on a car part, simply to express thankfulness.

2. Serve the Lord with Gladness (v. 2a)

• Gratitude naturally leads to service.
• Service must be done with gladness, not out of obligation.
• Examples:
  • Job—served God faithfully even through suffering.
  • Paul and Silas—sang and prayed while imprisoned (Acts 16:25).
• Choosing joy and focusing on blessings helps maintain thankfulness even in hardship (“We got fleas… but the guards won’t come”).

3. Come into His Presence with Singing (v. 2b)

• Coming before God is intentional, not accidental—it requires preparation and a right heart.
• Worship should be approached joyfully, not out of duty (“I get to worship,” not “I have to”).
• The congregation participates in a song to demonstrate heartfelt worship.

4. Know that the Lord Is God (v. 3)

• Thankfulness begins with knowing who God is:
  • He is Creator (Ephesians 2:10).
  • We belong to Him—“we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
  • Recognizing we are sheep keeps us humble and prevents self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).

5. Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving (v. 4)

• Thankfulness must be expressed directly to God—say “thank You.”
• Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19).
• Everyday blessings—warm homes, food, safety—should inspire daily gratitude.
• Remember that every good thing comes from God (Psalm 50:10).

6. The Reason for Gratitude (v. 5)

• Even when life is difficult, God’s goodness and faithfulness remain constant.
• Life’s valleys are temporary—“I walk through the valley…” (Psalm 23:4).
• This hope is reason enough to be thankful.

Conclusion: Living Thankfully

• Thankfulness isn’t a reaction to comfort—it’s a deliberate act of faith.
• Like Corrie ten Boom, we can find gratitude even in “the fleas.”
• The invitation is extended for anyone who needs prayer, encouragement, or help to find that thankful heart again.