Sermons on Beth Shemesh:

Tradition For Tradition's Sake

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Aug 31, 2009

Too often our living and worship become steeped in tradition and ritual. This sermon is a call to examine what we do and more importantly WHY we do it in an attempt to keep us from elevating the traditions of men above the law of God.

Tradition for Tradition’s Sake Mark 7:1-23 (This message was preceded by singing "Joy to the World" as the opening hymn and the theme of "tradition" was introduced by a video clip of Fiddler on the Roof - from the prologue 1:55 (as the fiddler begins to play) through 3:57 (as Tevye says, "...and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Be A Loser At The Game Of Life

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Mar 9, 2009

To win at the "Game of Life" board game one must amass a fortune. But to win in God’s game of life we must lose our worldliness.

Being A Loser at the Game of Life Mark 8:31-38 NOTE: The general concept for this sermon was adapted from a children’s sermon idea found at sermons4kids.com In 1860, Milton Bradley created his first game. The game, originally called The Checkered Game of Life, was basically a modified checker ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

If You Give The Church A Penny...

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Sep 15, 2008

This stewardship sermon is a play on the children’s book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." Main idea of the sermon is tithing our TIME.

If You Give the Church a Penny… 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Laura Joffe Numeroff is the author of a beloved pre-school classic entitled, “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” Now, some of us may be quite familiar with the book, but others may not… So, let me begin this morning by reading this classic to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Will It Take?

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Apr 28, 2009

The disciples were confused and didn’t really believe the resurrection. Yet in each gospel account Christ gave them proof so they could believe. What proof do we need to really believe what we say we believe?

What Will It Take? Luke 24:13-49 Easter 3B “Forget what you learned in elementary school--the earth is flat as a pancake. All that stuff about the earth being round and the sun being the center of the universe is a big joke,” insisted C.K. Johnson in a 1979 interview. Mr. Johnson was president ...read more

Scripture: John 24:13-49

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Unfinished Story

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Apr 14, 2009

We have received the same message at the empty tomb as the women did. What will we do with it? Keep it a secret? Run away in fear? Go and tell?

The Unfinished Story Mark 16:1-8 Easter 2009 Do you know the best way to make sure news spreads quickly? Tell someone NOT to tell anyone else! That’s what makes gossip so tempting. We love to hear and share stories about others, especially when we’re not supposed to! Throughout the gospel of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Playing The World's Games By God's Rules

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Sep 4, 2007

In this parable, Jesus is teching those at the banquet how to play "musical chairs" using God’s rules not the rules of the world.

Playing the World’s Games by God’s Rules 22nd Sunday of Orinary Time, 2007 Children’s Sermon tie-in - Luke 14:11 - Using the game of "Chutes and Ladders" we discussed and how sometimes when you think you are going to lose you land on a ladder space and move forward and sometimes when you think ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:7-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Can You Believe It?

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Nov 8, 2007

What does the resurrection/heaven mean for us? Can we believe it without seeing it? Do we really trust in the promises of Christ?

Can You Believe It? Luke 20:27-38 32nd Ordinary, Year C In an attempt to disprove or discredit God the Creator Almighty, the atheist may ask the Christian, Can God create a rock so big that he can’t lift it? Now we’re trapped… If you answer, “No, God can’t create a rock so big that he can’t ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When We Get There

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Nov 3, 2008

An All Saints/Souls Communion sermon that encourages living in anticipation of getting to our eternal destination.

When We Get There Matthew 5:1-12 & Revelation 7:9-17 There are times when I look back at my childhood and think, My parents must have been crazy! It was nothing for us to be enjoying a quiet Saturday morning and mom and dad would decide we needed to go do something. So, we’d pack a picnic ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Unquenchable Joy

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Nov 3, 2008

God’s unquenchable joy flows in our lives every minute of everyday – but we have to stop and recognize it before we can share it

Unquenchable Joy Luke 7:11-17 & Ephesians 3:16-21 Did you know that in America nearly 90% of people say they believe in God? But only 45% of people who believe in the Christian God are regularly in worship! In other words, 55% of our brothers and sisters in Christ rarely come to the family ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Choice Is Yours... Choose Wisely

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Nov 10, 2008

32nd Sunday Ordinary Time, Year A Joshua 24:14-24 & Matthew 25:1-13 Making a choice to serve God for the "long hull" is the most important choice of our lives.

The Choice is Yours… Choose Wisely Joshua 24:14-24 & Matthew 25:1-13 One of the greatest abilities that separates humans from the rest of God’s creation is our ability to recognize alternatives, to weigh options and their possible consequences and then to make a informed decision. As we look ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

No Matter What

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Mar 1, 2010

Lent 2C - A look at Psalm 27 & Philippians 3:17-4:1. With a reminder that God loves us no matter what. And a challenge to be examples of Christ, no matter what.

No Matter What Philippians 3:17-4:1 & Psalm 27 (Lent 2C - 2010) Rev. Beth Garrod-Logsdon Wilmore Presbyterian Church On Thursday, I took the opportunity to go to Asbury Seminary’s chapel service to experience the preaching of one of the top preachers of our time. Dr. Tom Long is Professor ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Facing Temptations Head-On

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on Mar 1, 2010

Drawing the opening verses of this passge, we are reminded that through the power of God's Holy Spirit, we can face our temptations head-on, rahter than avoid them which is our first inclination.

Facing Temptations Head-On Luke 4:1-13 & Romans 10:8-13 (Lent 1C) Rev. Beth Garrod-Logsdon Wilmore Presbyterian Church Well, here we are again – the first Sunday of Lent. The day when the mood and emotions of worship seem to take a downhill slide – the hymns become more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

All Means All

Contributed by Beth Garrod-Logsdon on May 23, 2019

This sermon on breaking down draws its primary illustration from Dr. Seuss's story "The Sneetches". This story was read to the children and congregation during the Children's Sermon immediately prior to the sermon.

All Means All Acts 11:1-18 Tribalism is defined as the state or fact of being organized in a tribe or tribes and the resulting behaviors and attitudes that stem from loyalty to this tribe. On the surface, that doesn’t sound too bad. Human beings naturally migrate into groups of like-minded ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dream Team Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Feb 4, 2003

We must have the courage to be a team.

DREAM TEAM Nehemiah 3:1-32 S: Courage Th: Brave Hearts Pr: WE MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO BE A TEAM. ?: Inductive KW: approaches TS: We will find in our study of Nehemiah 3:1-32, seven approaches to building the wall that make it a success. The _____ approach is… I. PRIORITY II. ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Anatomy Of Adultery Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 22, 2018

Being committed to God and our spouse protects you from inappropriate relationships.

OPENING SENTENCE: Something that stirred up controversy some weeks ago was the US vice-president, Mike Pence stated to the Hill that he practiced the “Billy Graham” rule. INTRODUCTION: That meant that he never eats alone with a woman other than his wife and that he won’t attend events featuring ...read more

Denomination: Baptist