Sermons on Arthur C Clarke:

Strong Drink Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Jesus knew about strong drink. His whole life was but a preparation to drink, not a jigger, but a full cup down to the last dregs.

Introduction Some people questioned me about the title of this sermon, “Strong Drink.” How much do I know about strong drink? Actually, nothing; not because of virtue so much as repulsion. Those shows that show a guy tossing down a jigger of whiskey, then shaking his head and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Mercy Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Jesus' mercy is only for those who say, “Have mercy.”

Introduction “No mercy” is a popular slogan seen on bumper stickers and t-shirts. Sports fans like to display it. No mercy for the other team! My guess is that pro wrestling has helped to popularize the concept with its tough guy/bad boy image of wrestlers who mercilessly attack one ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Good Worship Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Good worship springs from the heart and is guided by the Word.

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Introduction We begin this morning the final section of Mark’s gospel. Chapter 1- 8:26 is the first section, in which Mark presents ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Bad Worship Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

What is the difference between good worship and bad worship?

Introduction What is the difference between good worship and bad worship? In our previous text we considered the elements of good worship that the people, knowingly or unknowingly offered to Jesus. It was good worship from the heart and the head. It was given out of sincere joy and desire to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:11-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Faith And Love Matter Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

if you have a real relationship with God, you will have faith in his power and love for his people.

Introduction Jesus’ first full day in Jerusalem has not started off on a pleasant note. He began the morning by cursing a fig tree and ended it by knocking over tables and accusing the Jewish authorities of turning the temple into “a den of robbers.” This got the attention of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:20-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus’ Warning Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Anytime I, or you, pare Jesus down to a figure that we can be comfortable with, we are guilty of murdering him.

Introduction There was one club in college that never enticed me to join; that was the Debate Club. My heart beats rapidly enough raising an objection in a meeting! The excitement of public debate is not the kind I care for. I am the kind of person who thinks best at least two days after ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Flip Of The Coin Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Jesus’ answer forms the foundation of understanding the Church’s & the Christian’s role in the world, politics, and government.

Introduction This is the most famous of the debates because of the brilliance of the answer. Indeed, it is an answer that forms the foundation of understanding the Church’s & the Christian’s role in the world, politics, and government. Text 13 Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Good Question, Jesus Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

We need to hear and reclaim the message of Jesus' ascension as Lord.

Introduction Jesus has answered every question put to him, whether they were from hostile intentions such as the first three, or from a sincere desire to learn such as the last. Those who tried to shame him found themselves shamed; the one seeking wisdom found himself affirmed. Whatever the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:35-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus' Poor Money Sense Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Don’t hire Jesus to be a fundraiser; he just doesn’t seem to have good money sense.

Introduction One of the characteristics that makes our country great, as seen in the recent tragedy, is the pleasure people take in giving to worthy causes. People like contributing to something that makes a positive difference. Good fundraisers know this; that is why most of them feel good ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-45

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Birth Pains To Come Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 31, 2012

I will be today and next week presenting the four or five views of what the end time entails.

Introduction I cannot think of more exciting time in my life than the summer of 1972 as a rising high school senior. I had attended Explo ’72, a nationwide week-long conference of high school and college students. About 80,000 attended. I came back fired up for the Lord. Another friend ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Good Soil Of Mother Emanuel

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Jun 24, 2015

This sermon reflects on the response of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC to the killings that took place June 17. It shows the power of grace and forgiveness.

The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:14-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus, His People, The Local Church

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Mar 6, 2017

Who are you? How you answer that question guides how you live your life. In our text this morning, John lays before us the identities of three parties: that of fellow Christians, of Jesus, and of the local church.

Revelation 1:9-20 Jesus, His People, the Local Church 3/5/17 D. Marion Clark Introduction Who are you? How you answer that question guides how you live your life. In our text this morning, John lays before us the identities of three parties: that of fellow Christians, of Jesus, and of the local ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Clash Of Cultures

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 12, 2016

The episode of Dinah reveals the clash of two distinct cultures. Their different world-views, especially about sex, reflect the growing gap today between Christian culture and secular culture.

Genesis 34:1-31 Clash of Cultures 9/11/16 D. Marion Clark Introduction James Boice, in his sermon series through Genesis, introduces our chapter by noting the difficulty of the subject matter. He referenced two commentators who simply skipped it. Another was willing to make some comments but ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 34:1-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Isaiah's Commission Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 18, 2016

What this passage of Isaiah’s commission is intended to teach us is that God is in control.

Isaiah 6:8-13 Isaiah’s Commission 11/26/00e D. Marion Clark Introduction review Isaiah’s atonement the strangest call Text Verse 8 starts off with a positive call and response: 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:8-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Upraised Hand

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 18, 2016

God does not lower his hand saying that he will try to be more understanding. He lowers his hand against us because he raises it against his Son Jesus Christ, who gladly receives it for our redemption.

Isaiah 9:8 – 10:4 The Upraised Hand 2/25/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction The passages about the Messiah and his kingdom are refreshing. They lift our spirits as we think about the glory of our Redeemer and that redemption he brings. But as much as we like, we are continually brought back ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed