Mike Riley Sermon Outlines, Articles, Lessons, etc.

The following nursery rhyme entitled, “For Want Of A Nail” reads: “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost.

The story is told of a successful businessman who made this statement: “Almost every religion talks about a savior coming. When you look in the mirror in the morning, you’re looking at the

The story is told of a little girl who once crawled up into her father’s lap while he was reading a newspaper, and told him how much she would like for him to build her a dollhouse. Like the importunate widow in Luke 18:1-8, the little girl continued asking until her father finally said, “Yes, […]

At some time in our life, we will more than likely be affected by depression. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness.

There are some engines designed to run at a certain speed in order to reach maximum power output. In order to maintain a constant rate of speed, a mechanical device called a “governor” is used.  When properly

Brother Ed Boggess, pulpit minister for the Winchester congregation located in Winchester, Tennessee, and one of the authors in “The Fellowship Room,” recently posted some practical advice for handling anger in his “Just-A-Minute“ series of posts (May 23rd posting). So practical in fact, that I wanted to share his thoughts with my readers:

Brother Al Diestelkamp, one of the writers for the “Think On These Things” publication, has produced an article entitled, “Desperately Seeking Comfort On Earth,” in which he emphasizes the fact that seeking comfort on earth should not be the primary goal of a Christian.

Whatever we do or fail to do and say in life, has such subtle and far-reaching influence, that we can never predict with accuracy what the results will be (Genesis 50:14-21). Our shadows fall where we may never be (Hebrews 11:4). A simple word or deed may set in motion forces that change the history […]

The following are seven indispensable things that we as children of God must have in order to gain entry into heaven:

Since growing up on a farm years ago, this writer has tried to maintain an attitude of “simplicity” toward life and it’s problems. I’m reminded of a news story about a woman in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada who received a letter in the mail. After opening it, the woman set the letter down on the table […]

Is there really a blessing in not knowing? Are we better off to “tend to our own affairs” and pass through life blissfully unaware of facts and obligations that might “bother us”? Many have this selfish attitude, and some even offer scriptural “proof” (It is nice to know just enough to know one does not […]

Discipline is an integral part of a successful Christian life (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). This morning I’m posting a link to Michael Hyatt’s web site where he presents 5 Steps To Developing More Discipline. I’ve added some appropriate Scriptures.

There is a sense in which the Word of God is lost today. When one puts aside (or hides) any of God’s instruction, that instruction becomes of no effect to that person. The person is like many of the Jewish leaders in Christ’s day:

A querist asks, “In 1 Timothy 2:8, where it says ‘lifting up holy hands,’ why do we ignore the command for men to raise their hands in prayer?” Using the American Standard Version of 1901, the text in 1 Timothy 2:8 ASV reads: “I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up […]

Have our eyes ever looked up into the heavens at night and our breath be taken away because of the majesty we see in God’s creation?

The following is a chart of information concerning the New Testament church as described in the scriptures. It was constructed by Bro. Charles Burke, minister for the congregation in Bisbee, Arizona. It is an excellent teaching tool for use in teaching the establishment and organization of the Lord’s church. 1) The Reign Of The New […]

The doubter asked for a sign from God; He waited diligently each single day. The sun arose at dawn like a giant pearl; At night the stars appeared in bright array.

One of the pitfalls of living in our troublesome world is that we can become problem-centered rather than God-centered. When this happens, we lose proper

A querist asks, “From 2 Chronicles 34:2, can you please explain what is meant by the phrase, “he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left”?

When brethren love the Lord “a little”: 1) Just “a little” rain, “a little” heat, “a little” cold, “a little” company, “a little” excuse, can keep them from attending church services. 2) “A little” money is given to the Lord; “a little” half-hearted service is rendered.