Sermons on Background Material:

Set Your Heart On Heavenly Treasure

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Aug 4, 2025

Jesus warned his followers that they would be tempted to “set their hearts” on things of little value. If they did that they would not “set their hearts” on what is priceless. Jesus used similar words but in reverse to say that what we treasure will be where our heart goes.

In 1799, twelve-year-old Conrad Reed, skipped Sunday School to go fishing. He found a place to fish along Little Meadow Creek on his family’s farm in North Carolina. While standing by the creek, young Conrad saw what he thoughts was a “yellow rock shining in the water.” With some effort he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Never Enough Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Can we recognize God's gifts for what they are?

Have you ever made a bargain with God? Have you ever said, “God, just get me out of this and I’ll never ask for anything again!” Or “God, if you help me pass this test I’ll come to church every Sunday for a year!” Or “God, if you get me this job I’ll never call in sick again!” If you have, you’re ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Prayer Of Thanks Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Nov 13, 2024

The main idea is to learn to be grateful for what we have and find contentment in it, rather than constantly wanting more.

Hey guys, let's talk about something we all struggle with - always wanting more. You know, that new phone, the latest sneakers, or even more followers on Instagram. It's like we're stuck on a treadmill, always chasing after the next big thing. But have you ever stopped to think about what you ...read more

Topics: Materialism, Consumer Culture, Mindful Living, Simplicity

Unknown God

Contributed by Tim Zukas on May 4, 2005

Paul in Athens - heavy on background - witness in the marketplace

Two preachers were on the roadside with a sign that read, "The End is Near – Turn Back Now". A passing driver yelled "leave us alone you religious nuts". Then the preachers heard squealing breaks followed by a loud splash. One preacher said to the other, "I told you we should have just said "Bridge ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Sovereign Lord Judges Idolatry

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

BACKGROUND (1:1) -- Gives the Coordinates: A.

BACKGROUND (1:1) -- Gives the Coordinates: A. Personal word of the Lord to prophet Micah = "Who is like Yahweh?" how can idolatry even be an option in light of the uniqueness and majesty of our God? We should listen because the message has divine authority B. Geographical Moresheth -- SW Judah on ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Introduction To The Book Of Daniel Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 30, 2021

A few background details before getting into the study.

Tonight, we begin a more detailed look at the book of Daniel. I’m not exactly sure where God will lead us in this study. There are only 12 chapters in the book of Daniel but I’m not sure how detailed God will get us. But I anticipate this study taking 5-6 months or longer. So, hang on. Fasten ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Examen: Prayer At The End Of The Day Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Mar 9, 2023

This sermon looks at the background and steps involved in the Examen

March 8, 2023 The second in a Lenten series on Prayer Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Psalm 139:23-24; Romans 12:2 The Examen: Prayer at the End of the Day Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. The philosopher Socrates ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Lutheran

What Does "morality" Even Mean?

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Nov 24, 2019

How do we define morality in an increasingly relativistic, materialistic world? When we realize our inherent blind spots, we find that morality must be rooted in something outside of ourselves, and only the example of the incarnate Christ is firm foundation enough for discerning right from wrong.

A CLASH OF WORLDVIEWS In our passage this morning, Paul is speaking to the faithful in the church at the Greek colony of Colossae, now in modern day Turkey. Many of these believers came from a pagan background. They didn’t grow up with the benefit of stories about God’s providence or saving work ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-23, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Denomination: Nazarene

Walking In The Light

Contributed by Neil Richardson on Mar 12, 2008

Background to 1 John, considering the people, places, subjects, style and purpose.

WALKING IN THE LIGHT (1 John 1- 2:17) Background to John’s Epistles and Revelation [All quotations from A. Plummer, The Epistles of St John, 1954 unless otherwise specified.] PLACE: EPHESUS • John ended his days at Patmos, then Ephesus (c. 100AD?) • Ephesus: the first of all and greatest, the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Our Forefathers' Legacy Of Abundance

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 16, 2025

Abundance is not always material.

1. Some years ago, a radio station invited people to call in and tell them the first thing they had said in the morning, and the third caller would win a cash prize. One guy said, "Do I smell coffee burning?" Another one said, "Oh no, I'm late for work." The winner that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:34-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Investigating The Hero King - An Introduction Series

Contributed by Rob Woodrum on Oct 21, 2010

Introducing Luke's gospel, considering the background and purpose, as well as the first four verses.

Luke 1:1-4 “Investigating the Hero-King” What is significant about the date 9-11-01? Do you remember where you were when it happened? What kind of impact did that event have on the world? What changed because of it? It’s safe to say that the terrorist attack that destroyed the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Kept His Disciples United

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Every group contains of a wide variety of personalities, interests and backgrounds.

Every group contains of a wide variety of personalities, interests and backgrounds. When Jesus brought people together with such stark perceptional differences, He knew that in fighting might become a real problem. Instead of insisting that the disciples be unified, Jesus pointed His men toward ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lesson 1 Witnessing To Mormons Series

Contributed by Jeffery Bixby on Oct 24, 2001

This is a Mulitple series on witnessing to mormons. The first lesson is background and termonology.

Witnessing to Mormons Lesson 1 Jeff Bixby March 8, 2001 Scripture: 1Timothy Ch.1:15-16 "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

American Idols: Baal And Molech Today Series

Contributed by Jamie Greening on Apr 27, 2004

This sermon covers the background and current application of Baal and Molech worship.

BC-Jeremiah 32:30-35 FC-Jeremiah 32:35 Motif-“Baal and Molech have long arms” Title-“American Idols: Baal and Molech in our Culture” Enhancer: Today’s we talk about two bad guys from the Old Testament; Baal and Molech. These guys were like old luggage—they never went away and were always a ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:30-35

Denomination: Baptist

Islam Vs. Biblical Christianity Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Apr 11, 2010

Looks at some facts and background of Islam and compares it to Biblical Christianity

Islam vs. Biblical Christianity What’s the difference? Slide Good morning, I am glad that you are here this morning. We are at the front end of a series called Faithology that is helping us to compare other religions to Biblical Christianity and to help us know the truth of what we believe ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational