Sermons from the Cleveland, Ohio congregation

Renewing “Again”

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
February 28, 2026

There is a definite pattern of repetition in the annual observances God commands for His people. We repeat the pattern every year, no matter how many times we’ve done it before. If we talk about people repeating things over and over, we might say they’re being “redundant.” Yet God use that very pattern to help us. How can we make th...

Building Service-minded Character

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
February 14, 2026

More than one writer or podcaster has noticed the connection between literal shepherds (of sheep) and “shepherds” of other humans (such as pastors!). But the lessons learned from a shepherd’s mindset go even deeper. After all, who is the “Great Shepherd” and what are we learning about caring for others from His example?

Clothed with Humility

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Gabe Ellis
January 31, 2026

A common piece of clothing used by a waiter, waitress, or server is an apron. How does wearing an apron relate to our spiritual life? What is the connection between wearing an apron and the character quality of humility?

A Labor of Love

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
January 31, 2026

History is filled with astonishing examples of the best and worst of human behavior. Astonishing examples of courage and ingenuity involved in efforts to rescue Jewish children at risk in pre-World War II Europe (known as the Kindertransport) comprise some of the “best” side of human conduct. But God has in mind a much greater rescue effort—involving the entire human race!...

Freedom in Obedience

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
January 24, 2026

Human history is filled with examples of people fleeing captivity to rejoice in freedom. Some of those stories are relatively recent, while others are ancient, including familiar biblical epics, like Israel’s flight from Egypt to the Promised Land. But what about our lives? Do we know all we should about our own flight from captivity to freedom? Do we know w...

Aloneness Vs. Fellowship

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
January 10, 2026

Do current societal trends make you ask yourself where our world is headed? One perceptive researcher has come up with a phrase he says defines that direction: he labels our era “The Anti-Social Century.” A scary thought! What’s the biblical answer to the plague of loneliness in our world? What can combat the solitude of “aloneness by choice?” Enter the...

Resolution or Repentance?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
January 3, 2026

Ever heard of “Quitter’s Day?” Apparently it’s what some call the second Friday in January. You can probably guess the connection—to the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” and just how long they sometimes last! Could treating the concept of personal change in such a trivial fashion hide what God expects to see in His children?

Think on These Things

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Bill Johnson
December 13, 2025

Our minds run on constant “loops,” and what fills our hearts will show up in our thinking, speaking, and actions. Paul gives eight non-negotiable filters in Philippians 4:8—true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, and praiseworthy—within a pathway of rejoice → pray → think → practice that moves us from anxiety to peace and ultimately to “the God of peace” being...

What Happened Before the Earth Was Created?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Hal Henderson
December 13, 2025

Ever wonder what was going on in the spirit world before the earth was created? The Bible gives evidence of meticulous planning for a place and process where mankind could live, grow, and mature toward eventually becoming spirit-born children with eternal life in the Family of God.

Are You Discouraged?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
December 6, 2025

All of us have our “ups and downs” in life. But what if it goes beyond that, to a more emotionally and spiritually crippling state of deep discouragement? There are unseen forces that the Bible warns us are at work in our world—from the enemy of God. How can you and I use the powerful message of hope from God’s Word to...

Words of Wisdom and Thanks

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
November 22, 2025

The national holiday of Thanksgiving reminds us of an important quality of character—gratitude. “Quotable Quotes” from public figures, known and obscure, may help us focus on important qualities from God’s Word.

Blind Spots: A Spiritual Analogy

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
November 8, 2025

The human eye, as marvelous as it is, has a “blind spot”—a little spot called the “optic disk” (on the retina), where the optic nerve exits the back of the eye. Because this tiny place has no cones or rods, there is no pathway to relay images to the brain. Physically, God designed our bodies in a way that it doesn’t g...

Can You Spot the Counterfeit?

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
November 1, 2025

Counterfeiting (especially when it comes to money!) has been with humans for many centuries. But that’s still physical, even if anything that has to do with money interests almost everybody! But are there such things as spiritual counterfeits? Where would those come from? And if they exist, can you spot them?

This is the Way

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Doug Johnson
October 25, 2025

Our future responsibilities in the Family of God are illustrated in the prophecy of Isaiah 30 with the familiar words of the title of this sermon. Does our daily life reflect the “teacher training” God is showing us now? Is walking this path (“way”) our constant companion?

Character, Competence, and Leadership

Cleveland, Ohio
Given by Gabe Ellis
October 25, 2025

The world lacks strong Godly servant leadership. We are preparing now to be effective Kings and Priest in the Kingdom of God. What does the Bible say about leadership? What are the qualities of leadership we need? How can we identify poor leadership? Who is the model we should imitate to develop Godly leadership qualities?