Sermons on Bearing A Cross:

Transfigure Us

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Feb 19, 2023

maybe by transfiguring ourselves we can become what Jesus wants

Matthew 17:1-9 This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent; that makes this Sunday the last Sunday of Epiphany, the Sunday on which we celebrate the transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus' transfiguration marks the pivotal point in his story. Up to this moment, Jesus had gone about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Episcopal

Rahab PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 25, 2024

This sermon explores the symbolism of the scarlet cord in Joshua 2:17-18, emphasizing its representation of hope, salvation, and God's unwavering love.

Good morning, beloved family of God. Isn't it a blessing to be gathered here today, in the house of the Lord, surrounded by the warmth of our shared faith and the comfort of His everlasting love? Today, we are gathered to delve into the richness of His Word, to seek the wisdom that lies within, to ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:17-18

Topics: Scarlet Cord, Salvation

Our Disappointed God

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Aug 18, 2013

From the moment that he discovered that Adam and Eve were hiding in their nakedness to the moment that he hung on his cross, God has been disappointed in our choosing death over life. This magnifies his grace, even as it challenges our discipleship.

I came one day to this vineyard of mine; hoping, expecting that it would all be fine. The soil was rich, the corner... divine; I loved it, for sure- this vineyard of mine. The water was plenty, the sun warm and bright; I worked it by day and watched it by night. The hedge was protective, the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Dark Night Of The Soul

Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Jan 6, 2022

The phrase “dark night of the soul” comes from a poem by St. John of the Cross (1542-1591), a Spanish Carmelite monk. According to the poet, the “dark night of the soul” is synonymous with traveling the “narrow way” that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 7:13-14.

TITLE: THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL TEXT: 2 Cor. 4:7-10 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Surrounded By God’s Hedge Of Protection Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Aug 5, 2010

How God utilizes a variety of ways to teach us—and adversity is one of His most effective teachers.

INTRODUCTION School has started back and most folks are settling in to the school year routine. I have the utmost respect for schoolteachers. It’s tough being a schoolteacher, especially an elementary school teacher. Recently someone sent me a humorous list of seven ways to know if you’re an ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Needs A Break! Mark 7:24-37

Contributed by David Smith on Dec 14, 2006

Depictions of Christ suffering on the cross are common in Christian literature and iconography. Few though are the depictions of Jesus walking around exhausted, during his earthly ministry. Yet the tiredness of Jesus is seen commonly in the Gospels, and

Our Gospel reading this morning is from Mark chapter 7, where we come across a Jesus who is tired - tired, I think, to the point of exhaustion. This is not the sort of depiction of Jesus that is given much attention by the church. I’ve never seen a stained-glass window with an image of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-37

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Promise Of Life

Contributed by Brian Credille on Mar 4, 2001

As Jesus’ body hung lifeless on the cross on that Friday afternoon, "the promise of life" that He would rise again was a greater reality than anyone then imagined. "The Promise of Life" is still available today!

"The Promise of Life" Matthew 27:57-66 INTRODUCTION Jesus was dead! Those who hated Jesus and sought to destroy Him were relieved--they thought they were rid of Him. But even after Jesus died on Friday, there lingered the promise of Jesus that He would rise again on the third day! This promise ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

Denomination: Baptist

In Times Like These

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Sep 9, 2002

We are faced with new realities and possibilitites which make us ask the question, "What do you do in times like these". The world got the only true answer in the promise fulfilled by a cross.

September 8, 2002 Profound events drive us to sometimes larger-than-life actions. Almost a year ago my wife’s cousin, John was at his downtown New York office on a bright September Tuesday morning. There was a buzz of excitement as someone announced that one of “the towers” had smoke coming ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-47

Denomination: United Methodist

God's 'yes' And 'no'

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Feb 22, 2003

Epiphany 7: No is a difficult word for us to hear and even harder to accept. But through Jesus, God came to say, "Yes" - Yes to forgiveness, peace and to the heavenly Kingdom for all who trust in the Cross and Resurrection.

The words in our second lesson were written by St. Paul to the Corinthian believers. Let me read this lesson to you again using the New International Version of the Bible: 18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Denomination: Lutheran

The Weapons Of War

Contributed by Ron Hietsch on Dec 19, 2005

The battle is spiritual -- it is against the devil and, his hordes of demons, the powers of darkness and sin. We will all be tested -- everyone of us marked with the sign of the cross and confessing Jesus Christ as Lord are ENEMIES of the devil.

One of my favorite movies is “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo. This movie, about a family involved in organized crime,contains some very powerful lessons about the twisted thinking of those whose lives are controlled by Satan. One memorable scene shows a meeting called to make peace after a war ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Lutheran

The Charge

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 3, 2005

We are to live Godly lifes and continue in the ways that we have been taught from our elders. When is the last time you have been charge to carry the cross, as Paul charged Timothy.

The Charge 2 Timothy 3:12 – 4:5 * Background of Saul/Paul and his letters to the different churches and Timothy. 1. We are to live a Godly life (3:12) a. Involves a aggressive witness such as that of Paul 2. Continue in what you have learned (3:14) 3. God breathed scriptures (Teaching, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Rise Again...and Run!

Contributed by Johnny Knight on Jan 28, 2010

The race you and I are in, the course we are running, is not a sprint! Its a marathon! And, in running the marathon, your goal is to finish the race, not fall out by the wayside before you cross the finish line.

Rise Again...and Run!!! Text: Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Waiting For A Hot Ride Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 27, 2012

How many times did God’s people cross water that had parted for them? And what does this simple trivia question tell us about God’s main message in Scripture?

OPEN: I love trivia. I enjoy all kinds of trivia games. AND being a preacher, I especially love Bible trivia. In fact, I’ve even came up with my own Bible trivia question that I use sometimes to stump other preachers once in awhile. The Question: “How many times in Scripture did people cross ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Valley Of Decision

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on May 17, 2011

One of the most wonderful miracles in the Bible was the crossing of the Red Sea. One dimension to this wonderful miracle was that the Egyptians were so dumb as to follow the Israelites into the Red Sea. They felt that since the Israelites were their serva

One of the most wonderful miracles in the Bible was the crossing of the Red Sea. One dimension to this wonderful miracle was that the Egyptians were so dumb as to follow the Israelites into the Red Sea. They felt that since the Israelites were their servants they could still surpass them in ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:19-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Blessings Of Last Place Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 3, 2007

We live in a society obsessed with being number one, while following Jesus who calls us to humble, faithful service. To meet the challenge of Jesus’ call, we must start at the foot of the cross.

Luke 14:1, 7-14 “The Blessings of Last Place” INTRODUCTION This week a 41 year-old father was indicted on drug charges. He was pumping steroids into his 13 year-old son, who was competing for a place on the Olympic staking team. The father wanted his son to be number 1. Controversy has ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran