Sermons on Apparent:

Praying Like You Mean It Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 14, 2019

God says that we need to pray like Elijah did. But Elijah seems so far above me I'm not sure I could pray with the same power as he did. But apparently I can. Do you know why?

I read the true story of a couple of men from Alberta, Canada who were driving home late one night. The weather was freezing - well below zero. Somehow, they ran off the road and got stuck in a ditch. And – as far as they could see – there was no one around for miles. They knew they were in danger ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18, 1 Kings 18:41-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

False Start Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Feb 13, 2025

Moses had not wanted this assignment, but after some convincing, he had gone before Pharaoh and thrown down the gauntlet, but instead of crumbling, Pharaoh had taken up the challenge and thrown the first punch, apparently unafraid of the insignificant shepherd and his desert God.

February 15, 2025 Last week, when the Children of Israel were told that Yahweh had seen their misery and was concerned about them: “They believed and bowed down and worshiped” It was a great 1st start. Now all Moses and Aaron had to do was convince Pharaoh. I am not sure what they were ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Perplexing Problems Of Sovereignty Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 1, 2009

After acknowledging God’s ultimate justice the prophet humbly asked in worship the hard issue of how the wicked could be used to punish those less evil than themselves (CIT). He said this apparent moral contradiction needed further clarification from God

Habakkuk 1:12-2:1 PERPLEXING PROBLEMS WITH SOVEREIGNTY [1 Chronicles 29: 11 & 12] Habakkuk is a profound book that delves deeply into the mysteries of God. This passage is Habakkuk’s response to the preceding divine revelation concerning God’s future plans to bring about correction. God’s ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-12, Habakkuk 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Prophesying God's Judgment Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Sep 22, 2009

Jesus came as a Savior during His first coming. Saving grace has been available since then. Apparently that grace will come to an end when Christ returns and His Judgment will kick in. This is the reason we must get the Word out to all the perishing souls

Opening illustration: D.L. Moody was a great evangelist from Chicago. He went to England once and met a young man there that wanted to preach in his church. Moody agreed thinking that he would never see him again. To his dismay he received a letter that said the young man would be in his town ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:14-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Saved From Hell

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 6, 2009

Many pastors do not want to preach on HELL fearing they’ll not appear relevant. It’s pressure from the culture to not speak anything negative. Apparently we have begun to deny hell. There’s an assumption that everybody’s going to make it to heaven somehow

Opening illustration: Video of ‘HELL’ from center of the earth. Introduction: Many pastors do shy away from the topic of everlasting damnation. "It’s out of fear they’ll not appear relevant. It’s pressure from the culture to not speak anything negative. I believe we’ve begun to deny hell. There’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Step Of Faith Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Feb 12, 2012

Stepping out in Faith can be pretty scary. There is so much apparent uncertainty, and often a lack of ability to see where our foot will land. Peter took some amazing steps of faith that led him to be able to walk on water! What are the things we can l

Steps along Life’s Journey A Step of Faith – Sermon 2 Matthew 14:22-33 Taking a Step of Faith requires Courage (14:27) Desire (14:28) Obedience (14:29) Obedience to Jesus’ Commands appears Risky Dependence on our own wisdom actually is Risky Succeeding in a Step of Faith requires Perseverance ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Healthy Church? Series

Contributed by James Parker on Apr 29, 2011

I want to begin a new series, not very long, but long enough. Several months ago, I noticed that I was reading quite frequently about churches closing the doors. This bothered me then, but apparently not enough to preach about it. But God has brought it t

I want to begin a new series, not very long, but long enough. Several months ago, I noticed that I was reading quite frequently about churches closing the doors. This bothered me then, but apparently not enough to preach about it. But God has brought it to my attention again. I kind of feel like ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

Super Abundant Grace - Romans 5:20 Series

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Apr 15, 2022

Romans 5:20 But then Law came in, [only] to expand {and} increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased {and} abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it {and} increased the more {and} superabounded,

Romans 5:20 But then Law came in, [only] to expand {and} increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased {and} abounded, grace (God's unmerited favor) has surpassed it {and} increased the more {and} superabounded, According to our text, Grace is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Lesson 35: Preach A Hegelian Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 13, 2018

Solve a seeming contradiction, the Hegelian thesis, antithesis and synthesis

Lesson Goal I hope to encourage preaching a sermon solving a contradiction. Lesson Intro Non-Christian skeptics love to point out apparent contradictions in the Bible, the Church, Christian history or even Christian propositions like morality. Sometimes the point is valid, sometimes not. For ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 26:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

Overreacting To Elijah's Declaration Of Despair

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Feb 6, 2015

Overreacting To Elijah's Declaration Of Despair

A Facebook theologian has commented in agreement with Christian broadcaster Chuck Swindoll that we should never pray for God to take a loved one home to eternity. It is contended doing so can apparently derail His sovereignty. Apparently, if we believe that He is sovereign, we should know that He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Paradox Of Christ

Contributed by Paul Cull on Oct 9, 2006

Jesus is both superior to the angels and lower than the angels - a contradiction or a paradox?

Hebrews 1:1 – 2:12 The Paradox of Christ Introduction In many pubs, politics and religion are banned subjects for conversation. Probably with good cause, because these are subjects that people take very seriously. However, if by chance you should stray from the rule, you will often hear a ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

What Timothy Might Say To His Mother Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 25, 2020

If Timothy could have sent his mother, Eunice, a nice Mother's Day card, he might have said something like this.

(Note: this edited message is intentionally somewhat brief, in order to provide time for honoring mothers on Mother’s Day such as flowers, other awards, and so forth.) Introduction: Timothy was one of Paul’s co-workers. He traveled with Paul to many places, assisting in Paul’s ministry, and even ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-5, Acts 16:1-2, 1 Samuel 1:28, Hebrews 13:23

Denomination: Baptist

The Best News Ever Heard Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 24, 2011

This sermon examines three reasons why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best news ever heard.

Introduction What is the best news you have ever heard? If you are a young child, the best news you have ever heard may be that your family is going on a vacation to Disney World. If you are a high school senior, the best news you have ever heard may be that you got accepted to the college of ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When God Fails Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Jun 22, 2004

Part 3 of study of Philippians

THE PASTOR’S POINTS Bible Teaching Ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC Dr. Russell Brownworth, Pastor ----------------- It was difficult for Harry Truman to fill President Roosevelt’s shoes. America craved change, and that November election night in 1948 everyone went ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-18

Denomination: United Methodist

The Son Rise Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 11, 2003

The Resurrection is the one event in all history that can turn gloom to joy, make meaningless lives meaningful, and make the followers of Jesus Christ more than conquerors.

The Son Rise (Matt. 27:62-28:15, Mark 16:1-11, Luke 23:56-24:11, John 20:1-18) Bulletin insert I wrote for this sermon; it has helpful info. Sermon outline follows it. Resurrection: The Ultimate Victory The four Gospels each contain bits of information about the events occurring after the ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible