Sermons on Asking Forgiveness:

Answering Why

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Jan 27, 2013

In tragic times, we are tempted to ask why. The question itself is not wrong-after all Jesus asked it of his Father while on the cross, but it may not be the most appropriate question or lead to the best end.

Introduction: A. When tragedy strikes, we either grow bitter toward God or draw closer to him. B. Can God prevent tragedy? Yes. Why doesn’t he always? We can’t answer that. C. God is imminent and transcendent, but he’s not always imminent when we want him to be. D. As the writer ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 14 – Psalm 130 – From Out Of The Depths To God’s Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Sep 7, 2023

There are times we cry to the Lord in distress or because of sin. The Lord always hears us. We have a loving compassionate God who forgives our sin. All of us stand condemned but the Lord opened God’s presence for us. Our sins are remembered no more.

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 14 – PSALM 130 – FROM OUT OF THE DEPTHS TO GOD’S FORGIVENESS Just a reminder that this Psalm forms a collection of 15 psalms that were sung by the pilgrims travelling each year to the feasts of Jehovah in Jerusalem and they came as representatives from all over Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 130:1-2, Jonah 2:1-3, Psalm 69:1-3, Psalm 130:3, Ezekiel 18:20, Genesis 2:17, Psalm 130:4, Colossians 2:14, 1 John 1:8-9, Revelation 20:11-15, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 130:6, 2 Timothy 4:8, Psalm 119:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Have (Just) My Word

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Sep 23, 2011

Why do we not trust God's word when he says we are forgiven?

You Have (just) My Word Sept 18, 2011 John 4:43-54 Intro: What would you accept from someone else at just their word? A promise to meet up for coffee? – probably yes. A friend who needs $50 to make it to payday, but will pay you back as soon as he gets paid? – maybe yes, if you ...read more

Scripture: John 4:43-54

Denomination: Baptist

Extravagant Love

Contributed by Michael Hensley on Apr 11, 2001

Four facts of Extravagant Love

Here is a true story about a nine-year-old boy who lived in a rural town in Tennessee. His house was in a poor area of the community. A church had a bus ministry that came knocking on his door one Saturday afternoon. The kid came to answer the door and greeted the bus pastor. The bus pastor ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Grace Is With Us! Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Aug 13, 2023

By God’s grace the “what ifs” of life and their associated doubt can be casted into the sea and replaced with the glorious truth that the Lord will grant any request we have as long as it is done in His name and in accordance with His will!

God’s Grace is With Us! Exodus 4:1-12; Mark 9:24; Romans 8:14; Luke 12:12 If the Lord appeared to you tonight in a dream like He did king Solomon and said, “ask for whatever you want” (1 Kings 3:1-15), what would be your request be? For some maybe you would ask for a larger bank account, for ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-12, Mark 9:24, Romans 8:14, Luke 12:12

Denomination: Baptist

A Higher Standard

Contributed by Troy Richards on Apr 26, 2011

A look at raising the bar as described in the Sermon on the Mount.

-for the last few weeks here at Fishers UMC we have been taking a look at Jesus’ famous Sermon On The Mount found at the beginning of Matthew. It’s really one of the few times where we have an actual “sermon” from Jesus. Most other teaching came in the form of Him talking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Methodist

Last Things Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Mar 11, 2017

John's gospel ends, leaving us reassured in our faith, so we can pray for leaders at all levels in church – that they humbly serve their flocks, and we can all re-fix our eyes on Jesus in love, and follow him, relieved of distracting comparisons.

Sermon by Rev Ruth Newmarch You know how in some movies, the music tells you the end has come, but sometimes the ending has been so dramatic, that you are still taking it in...the implications and emotions are swirling around the audience. Then credits start to roll, but the director has added in ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-25

Denomination: Anglican

Judas Wasn't Christ's Only Betrayer

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Mar 30, 2021

A Sermon for Holy Wednesday exploring the concept of Betrayal from Judas and the other disciples right through to us. An opportunity for us to think about the true price of the cross for us all.

Lord, as we continue to travel through this Holy Week towards the cross with you, may you open our hearts and minds as we experience the joys and sorrows with you. Amen. Betrayal, distrust, sadness and hurt. Four things that immediately come to mind when we think about this passage! Let me ...read more

Scripture: John 13:21-32

Denomination: Anglican

Refresh My Heart

Contributed by Patty Groot on Sep 8, 2025

This sermon shows how Paul’s opening words to Philemon (vv. 1–7) model grace-filled leadership, reminding us that our reputation in Christ matters, forgiveness is the mark of maturity, and we are called to refresh others’ hearts with the same love we’ve received.

Sometimes the most powerful messages come in the smallest packages. That’s true in life, and it’s certainly true in the Bible. Philemon is the shortest letter Paul wrote, just 25 verses. You could read it in under two minutes. But in those 25 verses, Paul lays out a powerful, personal, and deeply ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

"How Do You View God"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Oct 14, 2011

How we act in life has a lot to do with our view of God. This lesson will give us a new perspective on the awesome God we serve.

How we treat others and how we act is an outward expression of how we view God. If you view God as a loving Father then chances are you will love unconditionally. If you view God as only a just God that will just punish sin then you may view people with little tolerance. I have been to some ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 143:8-10

Love Is Relational

Contributed by Jim Keegan on May 8, 2021

Love is all about relationships. The cross itself speaks of the two dimensions of love, vertical and horizontal, divine and human love. And where they intersect most powerfully is in relationships.

Love is Relational John 21:15-17 (Read text.) I remember hearing missionaries to the Congo talking about the need for long-term missions, especially the importance of learning the language and the culture of the people. “Language and culture are important,” they said, “because they facilitate ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-17

The Ultimate Experience: How Not To Miss It! Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Oct 22, 2018

Some people miss the ultimate experience, in fact, any experience of God whatsoever--even those who claim to be born-again Christians. Why? It comes down to one little word that is pivotal, according to Jesus, in our experience of God.

Have you ever experienced God? Sometimes it's an unsettling question, isn't it? As born again Christians, we often bristle when people accuse us of being religious. At least I do. When they say something like that, I'm quick to explain to them that I don't think of myself so much as having a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-49, Acts 2:36-38, James 2:14-26, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Bible Church

The Urgency Of Repenting Today

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

Now—and not later—is the time to begin a different way of life. And what makes this call so urgent? It is this one, undeniable fact: Christ is on his way.

The men who bring God’s Word have a difficult job. It’s not the years of study before entering the ministry. It’s not the many hours spent writing sermons. It’s not even getting over the fear of public speaking. Bringing God’s Word is difficult because of what that Word means. It’s a serious Word. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-20, Luke 3:7-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 26, 2007

Friend of Sinners. Pt. 2

Blessed are Those Who Mourn (LUKE 7:36-50) Every Saturday, a man goes into his barber shop. So this one Saturday he told his barber that he was going to Rome. The barber asked what flight he was going to take. The man responded “A-1.” The barber yelled, “A-1!? Are you crazy?! That plane's food ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Increase Your Faith

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 7, 2014

During our walk with Christ many doubt their faith and even think whether they really have a bit of it or not! They are so careful and fearful about everything they do that they miss out on all the excitement of the faith walk and having a personal ...

Opening illustration: Many years ago a shoe company in England sent one of its sales people to Africa to start a business. After a few months this salesperson sent a message back to his head office telling them that he is coming home as nobody in Africa wear shoes and therefore it is a waste of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational