Sermons on Asking Why:

Coming Clean

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 8, 2025

Psalm 32 is a good introduction to the idea of confession. It’s a primer on penitence, the ABC’s of contrition. It teaches us why we should confess our sins, how to do so, and what we get out of it.

We live in a confessional culture. It’s been called the "Urge to Purge." Or even "Psychic Bulimia." I can remember back when Phil Donahue was shocking. But these days the things people have to display to get on Jerry Springer or Sally Jessie Raphael hardly raise an eyebrow in ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus, John, And Joy: Listening To The Right Prophet

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Dec 22, 2019

Sermon for Advent 3, year C. John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus wanting to know why Jesus allowed him to remain in jail. Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah back to him, and said, "rejoice."

Preparing for 2020 John, Jesus, and Joy: Listening to the right prophet. I do not wear pink very often (unless I lose a bet, like today…). But, there is one service in the church year where the priest can wear pink vestments. Rose Sunday, or the Sunday of Joy… Today. I didn’t want to wear ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-12, Isaiah 11:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal

Take This Cup From Me - Mark 14:32-36 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 12, 2024

One preacher said, “Prayer is not about getting God to do what you want. It’s about getting you to do what God wants.” But if that’s the case, why make requests? What is the real purpose of prayer?

Introduction: Unanswered Prayer Does prayer work? We all know the right answer: “Yes, of course it works. Prayer changes things!” But what about when you pray and nothing happens? Let me ask you this: Did Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane work? To answer the question of whether prayer ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-36, Matthew 26:36-39

The Trek To The Throne

Contributed by Jay Yousling on Jan 4, 2021

God calls us to approach His throne of grace. In Hebrews 4:16, we are instructed to approach Him in confidence. James instructs us to approach the Father with faith. Let's take a 10,000 foot view of what the Word of God says about approaching the Father.

THE TREK TO THE THRONE Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." One angle to tie these attributes, these qualities together is to relate it to a backpacking trip. People ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:4, Psalm 42:1, John 4:23, John 14:13, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 18:19, Romans 15:30, Acts 12:5, 2 Corinthians 10:4, Isaiah 50:4, Psalm 5:3, Isaiah 64:4, John 10:27, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 40:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, Luke 11:8, Mark 11:24, John 14:13-14, John 14:14, 1 John 5:14, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 50:15, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 62:8, Psalm 139:1, Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 4:16  (view more)  (view less)

Unto You Is Born - The Lord Series

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Dec 17, 2023

In the 1980's there was a television program called “Who's the Boss?” That question could be asked of any person's life. Who is it that calls the shots? Who gives direction? Who is in charge? Frank Sinatra sang, “I did it my way”. But sadly, that does not always work out well.

Alba 12-17-2023 UNTO YOU IS BORN – THE LORD Luke 2:10-11 If you have ever worked for a boss, you know that you are expected to do whatever the boss tells you to do. Some bosses are good, and some bosses are bad. Readers Digest had an article about bad bosses. Gail Snyder from Georgia told ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Mother's Love

Contributed by Joey Nelson on May 12, 2003

I have often told the kids: “If you ever get lost in a crowd and separated from us, there is one thing that you must do. You find a mother with children or pushing a stroller and you go ask her to help you find your mother and 99% of the time, you’ll be s

SERMONIC THEME Opening Statement: I have often told the kids: “If you ever get lost in a crowd and separated from us, there is one thing that you must do. You find a mother with children or pushing a stroller and you go ask her to help you find your mother and 99% of the time, you’ll be safe and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:16-28

Relational Living: Love Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 7, 2021

Let me ask you, “Are you disappointed in the way your relationships are turning out? Do you long to go deeper with those around you? If so, listen and learn from the words of Jesus as He explained the dynamics of love. Our Scripture passage this morning comes from the Gospel of John 15.

For the next 6 weeks, I want to take a close look at relationships. Let’s face it, relationships seldom seem to last or at least be what they once were when a relationship began. I’m not just talking about when two people meet and fall in love. I’m talking about all relationships where we become ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Hope In The Battle Series

Contributed by Rev. Timothy Porter on Jul 18, 2021

The question I wanna ask today, and I guess you could use it as a title for the message is it's wise to choose your battles when you can. But what do you do when your battle chooses you? This is the sermon that inspired Pastor Tim to write the book Hope in the Battle

SUMMER IN THE PSALMS WEEK 2 - HOPE IN THE BATTLE Pastor Timothy Porter Text: Psalms 27:1-6 INTRODUCTION: So they tell you choose your battles. Let your kids play the music too loud every once in awhile. Choose your battles. Don't get tripped up over little things. Choose your battles. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Knowing Your Gifts Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Oct 10, 2006

What you don’t know can hurt you and certainly won’t help anyone else. The Apostle Paul said that he didn’t want us to be "ignorant" about our spiritual gifts. So why are we?

1. Overview and Introduction a. Promise of Power – do you want a religion that is just that…a religion? Or do you want to experience the Supernatural power of God in daily life? b. Would you like to experience the promise of Pentecost which isn’t found in works and the power of what we can do, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Free Gift

Contributed by Timothy Proctor Sr. D. Min on Jul 13, 2011

God has given us his very best, and it didn't cost you a thing, So why don't you try doing the same thing, and give your very best when it's time to.

“The FREE Gift” John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Introduction: We’re living in a day and time when one frequently receives a card in the mail, or hear a message ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: *other

The Cry Of Loneliness

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 29, 2005

Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” is a desperate cry of loneliness. I believe this was the worst and the most horrible moment of the crucifixion of Jesus. When sin invaded His life and the Father walked away!

The Cry of Loneliness Thesis: Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” is a desperate cry of loneliness. I believe this was the worst and the most horrible moment of the crucifixion of Jesus. When sin invaded His life and the Father walked away! Scripture Text: Mark 15:33-39 33At ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Give Your Christian Testimony - Part 1

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 17, 2009

What if no one had ever shared the gospel with you? You would be hopeless, lost and unforgiven. This is why God wants us to share our faith. God wants you to give your Christian testimony, and Paul shows us how.

How to Give Your Christian Testimony - Part 1 Acts 26:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - March 26, 2008 (Background Acts 25:11-27) *What if no one had ever shared the gospel with you? -Everything would be different! -- No purpose, no meaning, no spiritual help, no foundation ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rebuilding The Marriage Border

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Sep 8, 2023

The reason that the biblical borders of marriage are broken is because men and women have refused to take the responsibility to maintain a healthy marriage. It's not that we don't know what to do, it's that we've not willing to do what God's asked us to do.

The reason that the biblical borders of marriage are broken is because individuals, men and women, have refused to take the responsibility that is upon them to maintain a healthy marriage. It's not that we don't know what to do: it's that we've not willing to do what God's asked ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Complaint Department Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jan 1, 2014

But what do we do when we have a complaint in life? Where do we turn? The Psalmist tells us. 1- We pour out our complaints to the Lord 2- We confess the Lord as our refuge 3- We ask for the Lord’s help in time of need

INTRO.- ILL.- A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?" The monk replied, "Food bad." After another 10 years the monk again had opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard." ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 142:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Origin Of Marriage Series

Contributed by Chris Kelly on Oct 21, 2008

Why is marriage between a man and a woman so important? The true meaning of anything is permanently connected to it’s origin, so let’s go back to the ’book of beginnings’ (Genesis) to find out God’s purpose for marriage.

The Origin of Marriage Series: Origins October 19, 2008 Pastor Chris Kelly Video Clip “The Princess Bride” In case you didn’t recognize it, that’s a famous scene from the movie “The Princess Bride”. Westley is attempting to save his beloved, “Buttercup” from being married to the evil Prince ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-25

Denomination: Wesleyan