Free Sermon Outlines by David Padfield, Church of Christ

Free Sermon Outlines by David Padfield

Wedding And Funeral Sermons, a collection of wedding and funeral sermons by David Padfield, Wayne Greeson, Harry Lewis, Brian Sullivan, Wayne Walker, Gene Taylor, and Robert Welch. (PDF file size: 144k)

In The Fullness Of Time

In The Fullness Of Time. Our Lord came into the world at the perfect moment in human history, or, as Paul would say, He came “in the fullness of time” (Gal 4:4). Bible students can see God’s providential hand moving behind the scenes of human history to direct world events to prepare for the coming of His Son. Throughout the centuries, God’s divine oversight of the world’s affairs had prepared men and nations for the Messiah and the proclamation of the gospel. This book contains nine very detailed sermon outlines that explain why the first century AD was the perfect time for Christ to come into the world (80 pages with 20 color photographs; PDF file size: 16 MB).

Location Matters is a new sermon outline book that examines several New Testament stories and shows how the location of the event has a great deal of bearing on our understanding of the story. These sermons discuss the "background story" at Bethabara beyond the Jordan, Capernaum, Nain, Caesarea Philippi, Antioch of Pisidia, and Athens (13 pages; PDF file size: 997k).

The Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem was the highest religious, political, legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews during the Second Temple period. This body was composed of 71 members, presided over by the High Priest. The Sadducees, a sect mainly composed of priests, dominated the Sanhedrin, but the Pharisees were also represented. This book contains six sermon outlines dealing with the history, organization, and power of the Sanhedrin. It also covers the trials of Christ and His apostles (45 pages; PDF file size: 4.5MB).

Lucius Aelius Sejanus was executed for treason on October 18, AD 31, and just a year and a half later, on April 3, AD 33, our Lord stood before Pontius Pilate. Sejanus is not mentioned in any of the four gospels, but his shadow is seen in Pilate's judgment hall (12 pages; PDF file size: 811k).

Written For Our Learning. This book of sermons contains some of David's favorite lessons dealing with Old Testament themes. You will probably find many things mentioned in this book that you have never heard anyone preach on before—and that his my goal. I have no desire to preach “new doctrines,” but I do enjoy preaching on topics that many brethren have neglected over the years (32 pages; PDF file size: 729k).

Jewish Sects of the Second Temple Period, contains a series of sermons on Jewish sects. Nearly every Bible student is familiar with as least two of the sects of the Jews that are mentioned in the New Testament, i.e., the Pharisees and the Sadducees. A careful reading of the Gospels reveals two other powerful parties—the Herodians and the Zealots. From ancient Jewish sources and secular history, we learn of two more sects—the Essenes and the Sicarii. In this study, we examine the six main Jewish sects of Second Temple Period (i.e., the period in ancient Israel between the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 516 B.C. and its destruction by the Romans in A.D. 70). These outlines include much more information than was presented in the lessons—this is for the benefit of students who are not afraid to delve into the weightier matters of Biblical studies. These outlines also include additional source material to which many Bible students do not have ready access (30 pages; PDF file size: 627k).

Justin Martyr And Messianic Prophecy. Justin Martyr’s First Apology was addressed to Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, who ruled from AD 138 to 161. Justin posed the question, “How do I know that Jesus is not a fraud?” He then proceeded to prove Christ's deity by making arguments based on the writings of the Old Testament prophets. Justin’s arguments concerning Christ's deity still hold true today. This paper examines four of the arguments Justin advanced (10 pages; PDF file size: 6.3MB).

Qualified Overseers is an exegetical study of the qualifications of an elder. This book contains four sermons on these qualifications and explores in great detail the meaning of each of the attributes set forth in Scripture. Instead of just quoting from Greek lexicons to find the meaning of the words found in the Greek text, this study focuses more on how the words have been rendered in over twenty English translations of the Bible (30 pages; PDF file size: 687k).

Prophets of Pentecost. An examination of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the establishment of the church and the coronation of the Messiah. This book contains six detailed sermon outlines. The first lesson explains what happened on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2, then the following lessons look at the prophecies of Joel, Isaiah, Daniel, and David. The final lesson discusses how Christians reign with Christ right now. (37 pages; PDF file size: 732k)

Days Of Vengeance. Jesus called the destruction of Jerusalem the "the days of vengeance" (Luke 21:22). The destruction of Jerusalem was an act of God's vengeance and judgment, not Rome's. The destruction of the holy city was not an accidental or arbitrary act, but the just recompense of reward for those who rejected God's Son. This book is a very detailed examination of the destruction of Jerusalem and a look at the events which followed. (32 pages; color photographs; PDF file size: 767k)

Bible Covenants (second edition, 2018). In the simplest form, a covenant is an agreement between two parties. The idea of a covenant between a holy God and His people is one of the central themes of the Bible. The extraordinary thing about God’s covenant with His people is that God is holy, all-knowing, and all powerful; but He condescended to enter into covenant with weak and sinful men. This new booklet discusses five great Bible covenants: Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic and the Covenant of Promise. (PDF file size: 786k)

Every Man Under His Fig Tree: Glimpses Of Life In Bible Times. This series of sermons draws valuable lessons for us from life in Bible times. The sermons include: 1) "Every Man Under His Fig Tree," based on Micah 4:4. It discusses the peace that only God can provide. 2) "The Potter And The Clay," based on Jeremiah 18:1-10, where God told Jeremiah to visit the potter's house and learn a lesson on how He deals with men and nations. 3) "Women Grinding At The Mill," based on Matthew 24:36-42. The lesson deals with the return of Christ. 4) "On The Door posts Of Your House," based on Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which is the opening of the Shema, the fundamental creed of Judaism. 5) "What The Centurion Saw," based upon the centurion's confession that Jesus is the Son of God. Normally, as we discuss the death of Christ we approach it from the standpoint of Messianic prophecy, but the Centurion at the cross knew nothing about the Old Testament. How did he conclude that Jesus Christ was indeed the Son of God? (PDF file size: 572k)

The Early Years Of Saul Of Tarsus. On the great day of Pentecost, Jews from throughout the Greco-Roman world traveled to Jerusalem to worship God. While Jews were found in every nation throughout the civilized world, anti-Semitism flourished. Among the nations of antiquity, no nation was ever hated as much as Israel. If Christianity were ever going conquer the world, then someone would have to bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles. In the providence of God, Saul of Tarsus was selected. This new book focuses on Saul's Jewish roots, his birth in Tarsus of Cilicia, and his education "at the feet of Gamaliel." This book contains numerous color photographs from Tarsus of Cilicia (modern day Turkey). (PDF file size: 1.3MB)

The Abominations of the Canaanites. The book of Deuteronomy contains a remarkable passage that explains the origin of the prophetic institution in Israel. The passage also stands as a warning to the Israelites who were about to enter Canaan, for there is a long list of the abominations of the Canaanites described here as well. The destruction of the Canaanites was not an attack on an innocent people; instead, it was God's righteous judgment against abominable sin. This free booklet describes what the "abominations of the Canaanites" actually involved, and then it shows how Moses was different from all of the other Old Testament prophets of God. The final section shows how Jesus Christ was "the Prophet" that Moses said would come after him. (PDF file size: 249k).

"Flesh And Blood Hath Not Revealed It" (second edition, 2019). Before His final trip to Jerusalem, Jesus chose the region of Caesarea Philippi to ask His disciples, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" If you were present on that occasion, listening to that lowly Galilean carpenter, would you, like Peter, have boldly confessed Him to be the Son of God? This new booklet by David Padfield examines the evidence that Peter could have used to come to his conclusion about the deity of Christ. The sections include: 1) the prophecies Jesus fulfilled, 2) the claims Jesus made, 3) the testimony of John the Baptist, and, 4) the miracles Jesus performed. (PDF file size: 368k)

The Beatitudes: The Path To A New Life, (second edition) a series of nine expository sermon outlines from the preamble to the Sermon on the Mount. (42 pages; PDF file size: 451k)

Against All The Gods Of Egypt (2nd edition, 2015). A six lesson series on the plagues Jehovah sent to punish the land of Egypt and her gods during the time of Moses. Special emphasis is given to showing how each plague was a direct insult to the gods in Egypt (56 pages with color photographs; PDF file size: 3.2MB).

The Truth About Mormonism, the largest of all American cults, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) has grown to a worldwide membership of over 11 million people—yet it began in 1830 with just six members. This sixteen page booklet contains two sermon outlines on this cult. (PDF file size: 264k)

The Suffering Servant, an expository sermon outline based on the four "suffering servant" passages in the book of Isaiah. From these passages in Isaiah we are given a view of our Lord's life and character in the days of His flesh, His tenderness as well as His power, and the great deliverance He would bring, not only for the Jews, but for all the world. (PDF file size: 324k)

Expository Sermon Outlines. For several years Jeff Asher, Gene Taylor, and David Padfield operated a separate website that featured expository sermon outlines—all saved in individual PDF files. That website is now closed, but we took over 100 of their favorite sermons and put them into this ZIP file. Once you download and decompress this file, you will have several folders full of PDF sermons. (ZIP file size 10.4 MB)

Adorning The Word (Vol. 3), is a collection of more than 30 charts for use in church bulletins and overhead transparencies. Topics include: baptism, faith, abortion, growth, and the kingdom. (PDF file size: 252k)

Adorning The Word (Vol. 4), is a collection of expository sermon outlines on Bible Characters. Contributors to this work include: Gary Fiscus, Wayne Greeson, Jeff Asher, Ron Roberts, Randy Blackaby, Rob Harbison, Terry Sanders, Wayne Walker, Larry Curry, Ed Dye, Gene Taylor, Carl Mullins and David Padfield. (PDF file size: 252k)

Adorning The Word (Vol. 5), by David Padfield and Jeff Asher. A series of free sermon outlines in a very detailed format. (PDF file size: 248k)

Adorning The Word (Vol. 6), this book contains nearly 30 detailed expository sermon outlines. Most outlines are in near manuscript format. Topics include: Soldiers of Christ; The Deity of Christ; The Compassion of the Pharisees; Forgiveness; Paul's Joy In Christ; The Mind of God; The Prodigal Parents; and many more. (PDF file size: 360k)

Individual Outlines by David Padfield

There Is Still Room: The Parable Of The Wedding Feast. In our Lord's parable of the wedding banquet, the king extended a kind and gracious invitation in offering people an opportunity to share in the joy of his son. The ungrateful people who had been invited twice dishonored both the king and his son. The furious king dispatched those thankless people and invited others to a great banquet so his son would be honored. This booklet contains an in-depth look at the social and historical setting of the parable of the wedding feast (15 pages; PDF file size: 513k).

Your Closest Friend. This outline focuses on a relatively obscure ritual from the days of Moses. The fifth chapter of the book of Numbers contains what is sometimes called the “Law of Jealousy” or the “Law of Sotah.” The passage discusses what to do when a Jewish man suspected but could not prove that his wife had been guilty of adultery. How would a faithful wife, suspected and slandered by a jealous husband, vindicate her good name? (PDF file size: 1.2MB)

The Gospel Armor (2nd edition), an expository sermon outline comparing the armor worn by Roman soldiers to the "gospel armor" that is to be worn by Christians. Includes photos of Roman military uniforms from throughout the Roman empire. (PDF file size: 844k)

The Praetorian Guard. The outline discusses the importance of the Roman Praetorian Guard and how they had an impact on the life of Paul and the growth of the New Testament church. The Praetorian Guard’s primary role in the New Testament age was to protect the emperor and imperial family and to quash any potential rebellions, and they were the only military force allowed in the capital. Prisoners sent to Rome from the provinces in appeal cases, like the apostle Paul, were entrusted to the care of the prefect of the praetorian guard. (PDF file size: 2.3MB)

God And Government. Is it sinful for a Christian to serve in the military? This three-part sermon discusses the role of government and proves that it is lawful to service as a police officer or a member of the military. Three full-length sermon outlines in a 22 page booklet. (PDF file size: 553k)

Why Are There So Many Churches? Twelve charts used in an initial Home Bible Study. Shows history of denominationalism and makes a plea for a return to New Testament Christianity. (PDF file size: 104k)

Letting Your Light Shine (or, How To Be A Christian Without Embarrassing God). A detailed sermon outline showing that while we are to "let our light shine," God does not expect His people to live, act or dress like freaks. (PDF file size: 76k)

Matters Of Conscience: A Study Of Romans 14. Do Christians have the right to observe special days of devotion "unto the Lord"? The apostle Paul said, "Yes." This detailed sermon outline contains an exegesis of Romans 14 and notes the problems surrounding the observance of special days. The lesson also discusses the right of individual Christians to observe special days and other matters of conscience. (2023 edition; PDF file size: 400k)

Tolerance Without Sacrificing Conviction. Transcript of a lecture presented to 2,000 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, given at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 12, 2000. Muslims from throughout the world were present. The lecture gives a partial history of the city of Zion, Illinois and of it's founder, Dr. John Alexander Dowie. (PDF file size: 120k)

The Religion Of The Masonic Lodge, a very detailed sermon outline which explains that the Masonic Lodge is a religion—a religion that is not compatible with the religion of Jesus Christ. The lesson explores the "secret" ritual of the Blue Lodge and the barbaric oaths that are taken at the Masonic altar (PDF file size: 292k)

Will We Recognize Each Other In Heaven? At one time or another, I suppose that nearly every Christian has pondered the great question, "Will we be able to recognize each other in heaven?" In death's dark hour, can I comfort the relatives of those who "died in the Lord" with the hope of a future reunion in heaven? The Scriptures assume we will know and recognize one another in heaven. (PDF file size: 318k)

"Withdrawing Fellowship". The subject of church discipline has caused no end of discussion among faithful brethren. Anyone even remotely familiar with the New Testament recognizes the Bible does speak on this subject. The problem comes in our application of what the Scriptures teach about it. The phrase most of my brethren like to use is “withdrawing fellowship.” Unfortunately, this phrase is not found anywhere on the pages of Sacred Writ. Beyond this, the way most congregations practice “withdrawing fellowship” is not even remotely connected with New Testament commands or approved examples. This booklet contains a very detailed sermon outline on the subject of corrective discipline within a local congregation. (PDF file size: 238k)

The Genealogy Of Christ. When most people read the Bible, they skip the over sections that deal with the genealogies of Bible characters. However, the Bible places great emphasis upon the ancestry and genealogy of Jesus Christ. The genealogy of Christ is often neglected, and yet it was (and is) of vital importance to those concerned about salvation. The study shows how the genealogy of Christ proves the following points: 1) God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, 2) Christ's right to be King on David's throne, 3) Christ's throne is not on this earth, 4) The importance of women and Gentiles, and 5) The end of the Levitical priesthood (PDF file size: 579k).

In God We Trust. This download is a detailed sermon outline on religion in American society. It contains a history of how "In God We Trust" came to be engraved on our currency and became our national motto. Did you know that for over 300 years the Bible was used as a textbook in public schools in America? How did we reach the point where God has been banned in America? (PDF file size: 247k)

The Kingdom Of Promise And Prophecy. Sixteen sermon charts showing that the church was established as a result of Divine prophecy. Discusses passages such as Daniel 2, Isaiah 2 and Joel 2 (PDF file size: 114k).

Jehovah: An Eternal King. Seven sermon charts showing how God has always had a kingdom, and has always been a sovereign king (PDF file size: 45k).

The Throne Of David. Fifteen sermon charts showing how Christ was seated on David's throne when He ascended into heaven. His being seated at God's right hand is a fulfillment of 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (PDF file size: 82K).

Reigning With Christ. Eight sermon charts showing how Christians reign with Christ right now, as spoken of in 2 Timothy 2:11-13 (PDF file size: 75k).

Matthew 24 And The Destruction Of Jerusalem. Nineteen sermon charts explaining how Matthew 24 was fulfilled when Titus destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. (PDF file size: 101k).

For further study