Sermons on Accepting Difference:

The Hero, The Knight And The Good Samaritan: There's One Big Difference

Contributed by Philip Gill on Jul 13, 2007

From time to time we hear of many heroic actions of those who risk themselves to help others. These people are often called ’Good Samaritans’. This sermon explores Jesus’ challenge to act positively in the lives of the despised and rejected.

The hero, the knight, and the Good Samaritan: There’s one big difference. As our Gospel this morning we have heard a story that has seared its characters onto the consciousness of countless generations. Only recently we have had cause to use the term “Good Samaritan” in relation to the events of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Anglican

Getting Past The Glitter #1 - Thinking Differently About Christmas Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Nov 27, 2004

First message in series geared toward helping Christians get past the decorations to making Christmas meaningful.

Getting Past the Glitter # 1 - Thinking Differently about Christmas Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-16 November 28, 2004 Introduction Ah, it’s Christmas season. The air’s getting colder, and the snow’s about to fly, and our thoughts turn to the meaning of Christmas - lots of loot. Not really, at ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:15-16

Denomination: Wesleyan

Getting Past The Glitter #2 - Speaking Differently About Christmas Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 5, 2004

Number 2 in the series about getting Christians to go about Christmas differently than the world does.

Getting Past the Glitter #2 - Speaking Differently about Christmas Romans 12:2, Luke 2:8-14 December 5, 2004 Introduction Have you noticed how hard it is to find anybody willing to say "Merry Christmas" anymore, especially people in public places like government offices and retail stores? I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

In Tandem With God: Including Others, Especially Those Who Differ Series

Contributed by Richard Schwedes on Aug 22, 2008

A sermon that encourages us to see that God includes people of all types into His family.

Dr Seuess’ story the sneetches highlights something that seems to be part of every human being. The desire to be different and to use that difference to show how we are better than others. In the sneetches it was we have stars and you don’t. Then later on it was don’t have stars but you do. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Christian Challenge Sermon Ii: Positive Influence Makes A Difference Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Dec 11, 2019

In times like these, a positive Christian influence openly and unashamedly preserves Christian ideals by reflecting the character of Christ to draw folks to Him who is the Light of the World.

CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE SERMON II: POSITIVE CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE At his funeral service, Dean Smith the legendary basketball coach of the University of North Carolina for thirty-six years was eulogized as “more than a coach” by players including greats like Michael ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Called To Live Differently: Counter Culture Lifestyle In A Dark Society

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 27, 2021

Jesus has changed the world. The God who came, has come. We face a daunting task of carrying the gospel to the world. But in his power we can do just that.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV Jesus has changed the world. The God who came, has come. We face a daunting task of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:9, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 13:4, 1 John 3:6-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Difference Between God's Approval And Human Approval Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 5, 2024

we'll explore the difference between what's approved by the world and what's approved by God.

As Christians, we often find ourselves torn between seeking approval from others and seeking approval from God. The world around us may applaud certain actions or decisions, but does that mean they align with God's will? In this sermon, we'll explore the difference between what's ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 John 2:17, 1 Corinthians 3:19

From Chinese Whispers To A Whisper That A Different Way Might Be Possible

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Sep 14, 2024

From the fire that burnt down Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to riots that spread across the Uk in the summer of 2024 as a result of a false rumour to the cruel words that echo around inside us and cause so much damage - and then a different way forwards.....

This sermon was preached on 15th Septemeber 2024 - first in the morning at St Barnabas Church Northolt and then in the evening at All saints Church High Wycombe at their "Led by the Spirit" service. It is on the James 3 reading taken from the lectionary for 24th sunday in ordinary time ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12, Luke 1:27, Acts 2:41-47, Romans 12:7, Mark 8:27-38, Isaiah 50:4-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

How Would We Live Differently If We Knew It Was Tomorrow?

Contributed by Howard Green on Oct 21, 2024

How would we live differently if we knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow? It would radically alter our priorities and what matters.

Illustration: Imagine knowing about October 7th, the Indian Ocean Tsunami, 9-11, Pearl Harbor, or the Titanic on the day before they happened! Consider the importance of knowing what was coming and the chance to heed the warning. Knowing about these events the day before would have changed the way ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-39

How Do We Differ From The Forgiver That Would Not Forgive?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Apr 15, 2024

What if God did to us what this man did to another?

This passage of Scripture responds to Peter's inquiry concerning how often he ought to pardon a brother (or sister) who sins against him. Jesus explains with an illustration concerning the servant and a king. The king excuses the man's tremendous, unpayable obligation. However, the servant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God With Us Sermon Vi: Blessed Be The Wise Who Accept Christ As Savior And Lord Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Sep 12, 2020

In times of trouble fomented by anti-Christian and anarchist rulers of darkness, mature Christians share the Hope of the world with others in the hope that they too will affirm Christ Jesus as personal Savior and Lord of life!

BLESSED BE THE WISE WHO AFFIRM JESUS AS THE CHRIST AND ACCEPT HIM AS THE SAVIOR Bright is the Light of Hope at the start of yet another Year of our Lord! This Year, worry if you must – but be brief. Constant worry solves few if any problems, but exacerbates ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Are You Acting In The Power Of The Spirit Or Just Acting? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012

The Holy Spirit lives in everyone who believes and we are meant to act in the Power of the Spirit. We are meant to act in His Power and we have a purpose - We are to be witnesses.

Are you acting in the power of the Spirit or just acting? This is the seventh month in our Fresh Fire Series So far we have thought about: The Holy Spirit in the World Today The Spirit in the Pentateuch The Spirit in the History of Israel The Spirit in the Writing Prophets The Spirit in the Life ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Just Like Everyone Else

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 13, 2013

We are called to be different.

Just Like Everyone Else I Samuel 8:1-22 In a way, we can’t blame Israel for wanting a king. They had gone through hundreds of years of anarchy. The book of Judges which precedes 1 Samuel historically started off on a good note but progressively deteriorates into periods of captivity because of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christ Is Our Cornerstone Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 11, 2019

Consider the truth that Christ is our Cornerstone.

Christ is our cornerstone We continue in our theme Dare to be different and this month we have been looking at Different Foundations. This morning I want us to consider together the truth that Christ is our Cornerstone. Listen to the words of the first verse of the song in Christ alone: In ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11, John 14:6, Acts 4:12, John 3:16-18, Romans 10:9-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

You Are A Child Of God Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 17, 2019

Biologically all of us have an earthly father. Spiritually we have a heavenly Father.

It’s Fathers day, and tonight I want to simply remind you that you are a child of God. We are all children no matter how old we are. You and I, in a sense, will always be a child. Biologically all of us have an earthly father. Spiritually we have a heavenly Father. You and I did not just ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:11-12, James 1:17-18, Proverbs 3:1-18, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Denomination: Pentecostal