Sermons on Asking Why:

Best Laid Plans

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Feb 2, 2013

Continuing a series in the letter of James I ask to what extent our plans match up with God's plans.

We come to the 10th episode of our series in the New Testament letter of James. His Hebrew name is Yaakov. He was a half-brother of Jesus, and he was one of the earliest leaders of the church in Jerusalem after the resurrection of Jesus. In this section James (4:13) addresses believers who have ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Anglican

So Great Salvation! Series

Contributed by Stephen Wright on Mar 14, 2004

What does the Bible mean by salvation and why is it so great?

Hebrews 2:3 So great salvation! Salvation What do we mean when we use the word salvation? We use it frequently, but what does it really mean? In normal English we might say Barney saved Fred when his yacht overturned. We mean that Barney rescued Fred from drowning. The way that it is used in the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:3

Denomination: Baptist

Love Yourself

Contributed by Steve Gladwell on Oct 20, 2002

Why should we love ourselves? Are we worth loving?

As yourself! How many of you remember the stories about Narnia? I have learnt about them again fairly recently as my son has become interested in the series. We are reading the Magicians Nephew together at the moment, and Thomas has recently been watching the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

"Put God First In 2008"

Contributed by Curtis Smale on Dec 31, 2007

Why God should be number one in your life in 2008.

"The Patriots are number one! 16-0. Undefeated! The champions!!" I have heard this a lot in the last few days. People like the idea of an unbeatable champion. People, especially American people, like to figure out who is the best, and then give awards and praise to "The Best." The Best Team, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Was It Your Will That An 18 Yr Old Girl Got Cancer And Died? Series

Contributed by Bradford Robinson on Mar 11, 2003

This is a sermon that dealt with a question about the death of an 18 yr old girl who passed away after battling cancer for 2 years. A member asked if I would address this topic.

Intro: 1) Explain the difficulty of this series and the struggle I had w/ this sermon. 2) Tell the story of Tonya Nowell 3) Debbie asked this difficult question, “Was it God’s will that this girl got cancer and died? 4) This leads to even more questions. Could God have stopped ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

Proof Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Feb 6, 2022

We are sometimes asked how to know when we have been filled with the Holy Spirit. These are my thoughts.

Has anyone here ever grown fruit trees? Maybe an apple tree or a cherry tree. I am not a farmer or a gardener, but in 1990 we moved into a rented house we were told had five different fruit trees in the backyard.  When I heard that I thought, “wow that’ll be cool.” The day we arrived, one of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Galatians 5:22-23, Colossians 1:3-10

Denomination: Wesleyan

Is The Judge Unjust?

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 19, 2011

Why does a just God delay justice? How can a loving God allow evil? Why do we think we can judge God by our standards?

Have you ever felt that God was just like the judge in Luke’s parable? Perhaps you have a problem, a need, a pain, a burning question; you bring it before God, and - nothing happens. You remember what Jesus said about persisting in prayer, so you go on battering at the heavenly gates - for ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christian-Atheist Dialogue

Contributed by Coz Von on Jul 24, 2018

is it possible for Christians and atheists to have meaningful conversations?

It was billed as “A Discussion between Science and Religion about Origins,” but it was nothing of the sort. The scientist refrained from attacking the biblical account, but he kept stating that science demonstrated the earth to be billions of years old and that settled it. The pastor, defending the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Strategy Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Oct 27, 2023

After modeling going and preaching the kingdom of heaven, Jesus sends his disciples out to do the same. He is sending them out two by two, to preach repentance from town to town. Jesus had purpose in all he was doing. Jesus is the expert mission strategist.

Jesus had a three-year ministry. He accomplished everything he set out to accomplish. His entire ministry was done according to his strategic plan. Nothing was left to chance. He prayed all night before he chose his disciples. These disciples were the ones he was preparing for three years to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

A Word From God

Contributed by Douglas Kinney on Dec 27, 2007

Why did Abraham believe God? Why did he call those things which were no as though they were? This sermon looks at the real elements of Faith.

The Word FROM God Romans 4:17 17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Why did Abraham believe God? Why did he call those things which were no as though ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Danger In The Drift

Contributed by Tom Etterlee on Jul 14, 2007

Why do people commit spiritual adultery? Why do people become fallow (hard toward God, neglectful, weeds of sin)? Because they begin to drift.

I. Drifting – Hebrews 2:1 – (lest happily we drift away from them) a. Drifting requires no effort 1. Just stop oaring (working) 2. We ought to give the most earnest heed b. Drifting can be an unconscious process 1. It is possible to drift unaware 2. When ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Importance Of The Resurrection

Contributed by Joseph Mcculley on Feb 17, 2006

This message attempts to make it clear why resurrectionof Jesus was the most important historical event of all time, and why a belief in the resurrection of Jesus is so vitally important.

1 Cor. 15:12-19 (Easter 2005) The Importance of the Resurrection Intro: Friday I was listening to the radio and I heard a really short Easter Sermon. It lasted only about eight seconds on Paul Harvey. It went like this: “Jesus lived a good life in a wicked world – to show us it can be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Preparing The Way For Christ

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 1, 2022

Is believing without repenting valid? Why did both Jesus and John the Baptist preach repent? Let’s learn why in Matthew 3:1-12.

Is believing without repenting valid? Why did both Jesus and John the Baptist preach repent? Let’s learn why in Matthew 3:1-12. Preaching & Teaching (vs 1) In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea (Matthew 3:1) In the Bible the word "preach" means ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Team Sport Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on May 13, 2020

Holiness is often misunderstood. It has been abused to try to enforce rules. So, what is Holiness? Is it possible? Why is it so difficult? Why does it seem to be such a mess?

Pt. 2 - A Team Sport I. Introduction Last week we talked about the Hall of Fames that over 200,000 people visit annually to catch a glimpse of a glove or a helmet. Have you ever watched one of the induction ceremonies? Individuals stand on a stage receiving the honor of a lifetime and they spend ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Do You Really Care?

Contributed by Judah Thomas on May 17, 2002

We ask people how they are doing, but do we really care? This message is to inspire people to reach others.

Tell a story of when you did help someone in need. [Romans 12:9-11] Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. (What do people answer when asked, “How are you doing?” When we ask the question do we really care?) Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. {10} Love each ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational