Sermons on Bishop John Shelby Spong:

Adding And Subtracting

Contributed by Glenn Abel on Mar 21, 2017

A sermon on John the Baptist that focuses on John's humility and acceptance of his work as the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. John's life is summed up in the words "He must increase and I must decrease."

Adding and Subtracting John 3:22–30 (ESV) “He must increase, but I must decrease” The third chapter of John is best known for Nicodemus and John 3:16 But this chapter also records an incident that is very important to the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus I. The ...read more

Scripture: John 3:20-30

Denomination: Baptist

"Fifth Sign" Jesus Walking On The Water Series

Contributed by Dr. Rich Denning on Apr 26, 2017

This is part of a series on the Gospel of John.

INTRODUCTION: After feeding the 5,000 Jesus withdrew by Himself because He perceived the crowd would force Him to be king. He did not give any specific instructions to His disciples. However, they went to down to the sea and began a nighttime voyage across the sea to Capernaum. The disciples of ...read more

Scripture: John 6:15-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Sixth Sign" Healing Of A Man Born Blind Series

Contributed by Dr. Rich Denning on May 3, 2017

This is a part of a series on the Gospel of John.

INTRODUCTION: This man had never seen a sunrise, sunset, a flower, or anything. He grew up in a world of darkness. This man’s blindness was not punishment for his sin or his parent’s sin. However, it is true that he would not be blind if it were not for the Fall of man and curse of sin. This ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Second Sign" Healing Of The Nobleman's Son Series

Contributed by Dr. Rich Denning on Apr 20, 2017

This message is part of a series in the Gospel of John.

INTRODUCTION: The book of John is structured topically. Chapters 1- 12 primarily focus on the “Seven Signs” and Chapters 13 – 20 focus on the glory of God. Interwoven is the gospel message. Jesus is God in the flesh and the hope for fallen humanity. This he declares through Seven “I AM” statements ...read more

Scripture: John 4:46-54

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Third Sign" Healing At The Pool Series

Contributed by Dr. Rich Denning on Apr 20, 2017

This message is part of a series in the Gospel of John.

INTRODUCTION: This sign is different than the first two. The first sign which took place at a wedding Jesus was informed of the need by his mother. The second sign which was the healing of a dying boy Jesus was sought out by the boy’s father. This sign we see Jesus seeking a man who had been ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Fourth Sign" Feeding The 5,000 Series

Contributed by Dr. Rich Denning on Apr 21, 2017

This is part of a series on the Gospel of John.

INTRODUCTION: This is the fourth sign pointing to the deity of Jesus. This miracle is included in all four Gospels (See Mt.14:13-21; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17). It held strong appeal, especially for those who had learned of Israel’s experience in the wilderness when God “rained down manna upon them ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Decision For A New Life Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Sep 24, 2015

The choice is ours. Are we going to live making ourselves the center of our universe or are we going to live for God?

September 20, 2015 6 Choices The Decision for a New Life John 3:1-15 Opening words: According to some, the average person makes more than 35,000 decisions in a single day. Most of them are rather simple: where to sit, what to eat at the next meal, what lane to drive in, should I have another cup ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

"pointing To Jesus"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Dec 12, 2022

Like John the Baptist, our lives are to point others to Christ.

“Pointing to Jesus” John 1:6-8, 19-29 Many thanks to Adam Hamilton’s book: “Prepare the Way for the Lord” for helping guide me in this sermon. John the Baptist is famous for many things, but his most important role is to point away from himself and toward Jesus. In our Gospel Lesson for this ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-29

Denomination: United Methodist

Encouraging Others To Succeed

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 17, 2022

This message looks at an account of how encouragement was extended to a young man who had made a mistake, and reveals that encouragement is greatly beneficial in our endeavors at expanding the Lord’s kingdom.

In a world where people are often quick to judge and criticize, we’re all in need of some encouragement, wouldn’t you agree? I am going to be preaching about encouragement this morning. So, what is encouragement? Well, it’s defined as “the act of giving courage, or confidence of success.”(1) I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Baptist

A Voice From The Wilderness

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Dec 5, 2022

A sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, Year A

December 4, 2022 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12 A Voice from the Wilderness Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Once again we encounter our old Advent friend, John the Baptist. Every year ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12, Isaiah 11:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

When God Confuses Us

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 14, 2025

When God’s plans confuse us, as they did John the Baptist, Jesus reminds us that His kingdom begins with mercy before judgment—and blessed is the one who trusts Him even in the waiting.

Good MORNING. Advent, Christmas and the New Year invite us to look at expectations, not only expectations for our own lives, but also the expectations we can make about God. Our Gospel lesson from Matthew shows us how even the best of us, someone like John the Baptist, can make assumptions about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Anglican

From Doubting To Faith

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 19, 2025

The best thing we can do during difficulties and trials is to bring all our griefs, troubles, and discouragements to Jesus. This is what John the Baptist did when he was in prison, and it helped him move from doubting to faith.

All me to begin with an illustration: “Joe Scriven was a missionary from Ireland to Canada, working among the Iroquois Indians. He was joined by his fiancé, who was also from Ireland. Just before the wedding, she was killed in an accident. Joe buried her with his own hands and a broken ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Want? Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Mar 17, 2025

Based on John 3:16 - Evangelistic sermon based around 3 questions for hearers to consider.

“WHAT DO YOU WANT?” John 3:16 FBCF – 3/16/25 Jon Daniels INTRO – Francis William Boreham – preacher in England in early 1900’s. As a young boy, his father took him to London to see the ancient obelisk named Cleopatra’s Needle being erected (PIC). This 70-ft tall tower was built in the ancient ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Arrest Of Jesus - Mark 14:41-52 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 12, 2024

What's with the strange story about the young man fleeing naked at Jesus' arrest? Mark leaves out so many big aspects of that event, but he includes this. Is it a meaningless, throwaway story? Or is it Mark at his best, crafting a profound message in a vivid picture?

Jesus leads the 12 into battle even though he knows they will fail. When the hour comes, you’ll have to face the battle, ready or not. Jesus fights this battle on four fronts. Front #1: Judas (Jesus fights dis-couragement by calling out to Abba, Father). Front #2: the rogue disciple who jeopardizes ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:41-52, Matthew 26:45-56, Luke 22:46-53, John 18:2-12

How To Be Truly Free

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jul 1, 2024

Based on John 3:16 - Evangelistic sermon that focused on the foundational components of salvation.

“HOW TO BE TRULY FREE” John 3:16 FBCF – 6/30/24 Jon Daniels INTRO – Saw this in Doug & Diane Barker’s yard this week (pic). It’s such a true statement. So many have given so much so that so many of us may enjoy the amazing freedom of living in the USA! American is a great nation that has been ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist