Sermons on Abusive Power:

Faithfulness Yields Fruitfulness

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Nov 23, 2007

End Time 3 (A) - Believers are reminded that faithfulness yields fruitfulness. This means we are to always use God’s gifts and never abuse God’s gifts.

FAITHFULNESS YIELDS FRUITFULNESS (Outline) November 18, 2007 - END TIME 3 / SAINTS TRIUMPHANT - Matthew 25:14-30 INTRO: Jesus uses another parable to teach us about the seriousness of his judgment on the Last Day. Last week the parable of the ten virgins taught us to be prepared by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Fourth Sunday In Ordinary Time- The Real Meaning Of "blessed Are The Poor In Spirit.”

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 22, 2022

The other, more important meaning, is that there will be a coming reversal of circumstances for those who are unfortunate, the marginalized, the abused, those who live in poverty, so these beatitudes are not just virtues to attain in this life.

Dear Abby, the popular advice column in the newspaper still published today with authorship changes, once received a letter that describes the "if only" attitude: "It was Spring, But it was Fall I wanted, the colorful leaves and the cool dry air. It was Fall, but it was Winter I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 5:3

Denomination: Catholic

A Prosperous Hand Is Seldom Pious

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 13, 2019

Should we not resist to flaunt wealth or even seek it as a pastor when the world and even poor Christians think we lack integrity loving mammon rather than God?

"Piety and prosperity seldom go hand in hand..." "We live in a day when the temptation to the indulgence of the flesh is very great. Luxuries are common. Piety and prosperity seldom go hand in hand, and in many a case the prosperity that piety and power have brought has been the ruin ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3, Luke 16:10-13, 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, Philippians 3:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

"Looking At Jesus From Behind Prison Bars"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Dec 8, 2010

A sermon which asks the question, "Where do we find ourselves this Christmas season?"

Matthew 11:2-11 “Looking at Jesus from Behind Prison Bars” By: Ken Sauer, Pastor of East Ridge United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN www.eastridgeumc.com An amateur actor friend of mine told me about an experience she had while performing in a local play. Now, even though she ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Prayer Of The Righteous Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 28, 2014

1) Comfort (James 5:13), 2) Restoration (James 5:14–15), 3) Fellowship (James 5:16a), and 4) Power (James 5:16b-18).

Iraqi Christians were forced to flee the northern city of Mosul under threat from Islamic extremists described on Tuesday leaving behind all their possessions. Signs emerged that the crackdown on the minority was causing tensions between the radicals and Sunni allies in the insurgency. The ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Other

"unlocking The Power Of Spiritual Gifts And The Five-Fold Ministry”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jun 23, 2022

The word declares the five-fold ministry was bestowed upon the church until it attained the fullness of Christ's stature. It is imperative for the upcoming confrontation with the kingdom of darkness, and the church must ensure that it is in place to face any challenges with confidence.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Joel 2:28) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:10-14, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Joel 2:28, Romans 12:3-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Modern-Day Reflection On Job's So-Called Comforters Or Friends. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 31, 2025

In the biblical account of Job, we find a poignant example of how friends can sometimes exacerbate our suffering instead of alleviating it.

In the biblical account of Job, we find a poignant example of how friends can sometimes exacerbate our suffering instead of alleviating it. Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort him in his time of need, but instead, they ended up criticizing and judging him (Job ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:39

Perverting God's Grace (2)

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Feb 8, 2022

God has poured immeasurable grace on his church. This grace should not be abused by church leaders. Pride in the house of God has led many to pervert the grace of God. God is not pleased.

TEXT: 3 JOHN 1:9-11 (NIV) "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-11, 1 Peter 5:5-6, 2 Timothy 2:19

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pray For The Impossible

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 11, 2010

The book of Nehemiah is about building a work for God, and behind every great work of God there is somewhere a KNEELING figure. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Pray for the Impossible Nehemiah 1:5-11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PrayForTheImpossible.html A Jew being the cupbearer to Artaxerxes, the Babylonian King, is an impossible thought to ponder. How could this possibly be? It was an impossible situation...but we serve the God of the impossible! ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

Helping Others As Jesus Helped Others

Contributed by Craig Condon on Apr 6, 2015

The “little ones” Jesus refers to are frequently the scapegoats or victims in our society. They are the powerless, the weak, the hurting, the abused, the abandoned, the elderly or children, and they are often the easiest targets for our wrath.

A successful man known for his generosity was driving his new car through a poor part of town. A boy tried to flag him down. The man didn’t want to get involved, so he pretended he didn’t see the child. As he slowed for a red traffic light, he heard a loud crash. Someone had thrown a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Anglican

Anger, Hostility, And Resentment Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Dec 29, 2000

Anger, hostility, and resentment when not directly dealt with, can unknowingly get buried deep inside. Being stuck in a relationship of abuse or neglect can cause you to suppress anger.

Being stuck in a relationship of abuse or neglect can cause you to suppress anger. Suppressed anger, in time, will break out of your weak restraints and display itself in many self-destructive ways. It can turn into resentment or bitterness, gradually simmering to the boiling point-at which time ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20, Ephesians 4:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Words: Speaking Life In A World Of Negativity Ephesians 4:29 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 7, 2024

Ephesians 4:29, explores how our words can be instruments of grace, encouragement, and healing. In a world filled with negativity and harsh speech, we are called to a higher communication standard.

The Power of Words: Speaking Life in a World of Negativity Ephesians 4:29 Introduction: Today, we will delve into the profound message of Ephesians 4:29, exploring how our words can be instruments of grace, encouragement, and healing. In a world filled with negativity and harsh speech, we are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 18:21, Colossians 4:6, Hebrews 10:24-25, James 1:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Clashing Of The Kings

Contributed by Craig Benner on Dec 15, 2012

Two kings existed a long time ago that were so opposite. Today, there are two who want to be king of your life. Which one will you place upon the throne?

Clashing of the Kings (El Choque de los Reyes) Mt. 2:1-16 The idea of a scrooge is not new. It is as old as the Bible. On that very first Christmas, there was a man who tried to kill all that is central to this special holiday. He is not ficticious. He was a man who became king, but was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Thank God For The Monarchy Of Our Merciful King Jesus

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Nov 16, 2020

King Jesus will do away with all power and authority. Thank God!

November 22, 2020 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came by a man, the resurrection of the dead also is going to come by a man. 22 For as in Adam they all die, so also in Christ they ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Are We To Be Prepared To Face Doom Or Deliverance?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Feb 11, 2024

In this passage of Scripture, God is placing judgment on a sinful world. Assyria had been a powerful nation. They were proud of themselves at how they conquered the various lands and its people.

The Patience and Power of God: Like Jonah, Nahum was a prophet to the capital of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh, and he prophesied somewhere in the range of 663 and 654 B.C. Jonah had seen the city atone a century sooner, however it had fallen once more into devilishness. Assyria was controlling the ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible