Sermons on Burlap Bag:

Take Up Your Cross Series

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Feb 25, 2026

In a world that tells us to put ourselves first, Jesus calls us to something deeper — a life of surrender, courage, and true freedom. What does it really mean to take up your cross today? Let’s explore that together

Introduction: Following Gets Real Up until this point in Mark’s Gospel, following Jesus has felt exciting. Crowds. Miracles. Teaching that stirs hearts. People are curious. Hopeful. Drawn in. But right here (Chapter 8) — everything changes. This is the moment where Jesus stops talking ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

The Authority Thing: Choice Or Coercion? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 17, 2002

To the Jewish people, the Greatest men of the Old Testament were Moses, David, and Elijah, and they expected the Messiah to be like all three of these men in some ways. Jesus proved Himself greater than them all.

The Authority Thing: Choice or Coercion? (Mark 1:21-34) Intro 1. Every quarter in our bulletins we have an insert from Voice of the Martyrs. 2. Today’s insert is about Li Dexian. Let me read part of it: Pastor Li Dexian has been beaten so hard by Chinese government officials that he coughed ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have No Fear. Jesus Brings Peace.

Contributed by Tony Klinedinst on Aug 9, 2002

Christmas sermon that looks at the "Fear Nots." surrounding the birth of Christ

Have No Fear. Jesus Brings Peace. Luke 1,2: Matthew 1:18-25 Intro: Compare Fear vs. Peace I. Have no fear. God answers prayer. (Luke 1:13) "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John". A. God answers ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Successful Evangelistic Events-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 1, 2002

2 of 2. Evangelistic events must be undertaken with a particular tone/spirit. How can we ensure that evangelistic events are successful or undertaken in the proper spirit? Part 2 of a 2-part sermon. 8 means of guaranteeing the success of evangalistic events.

SUCCESSFUL EVANGELISTIC EVENTS-II—Luke 9:1-6 Jesus set the tone for His apostles’ first evangelistic event. The apostle’s first evangelistic event was undertaken in a particular spirit. Successful evangelistic events must be undertaken in a particular tone/spirit. How can we ensure that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Judas Iscariot: A Fraud

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Sep 7, 2003

To discuss the importance of following Christ for the right reasons

Judas Iscariot: A Fraud Matthew 26:14-16,20-25 Primary Purpose: To discuss the importance of following Christ for the right reasons. For a little over one a half years, I worked in the fraud department at Capital One credit cards. Part of my job was to detect fraudulent application, high ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:14-25, John 12:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Sower And The Soils Series

Contributed by Chris Hodges on Sep 7, 2003

To stress the importance of preparing your heart to receive the Word of God.

The Gospel of Mark #11: The Parable of the Sower and the Soils Text: Mark 4:1-20 Thesis: To stress the importance of preparing your heart to receive the Word of God. Introduction: (1) Oftentimes, Jesus spoke in parables. (a) “The Gospels record some sixty different parables of Jesus, most of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Attitude Of Gratitude

Contributed by Richard White on Sep 13, 2003

Today the kids are being told to have an attitude. What kind of Attitude should Christians have?

ATTIUDE OF GRATITUDE Phil 4:4-13. Rejoice in the Lord always I will say again Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious bout anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Unwise Wise Men

Contributed by Ed Wood on Nov 6, 2006

A Christmas Message.

THE UNWISE WISE MEN Matthew 2:1-12 INTRO: One of the real dangers of the Christmas season is that we lose sight of reality in the midst of all the traditions we observe. There is nothing inherently wrong with Christmas lights, gifts, trees, and even Santa Claus. The value of each custom depends on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Take The Bait Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Dec 7, 2006

This is the 3rd sermon in the series "Momma Says..."

Series: Momma Says… (James)[#3] DON’T TAKE THE BAIT James 1:12-18 Introduction: [Items needed: Mousetrap.] (Hold up the mousetrap as you ask the question.) What is this? That’s right, it is a mousetrap. And, what do you do with a mousetrap? Right again. You catch mice. Now can you just ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

Journey From The Ordinary To The Extraordinary Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 9, 2002

1st of four in a Christmas Series. It began in the fields with the sheep. Their quiet and earthy world was interrupted by a chorus of angels who led them to the place where the Christ child was born. Once this journey is made nothing is the same again

Luke 2:8-20 That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Third Sunday Of Easter, Year C- "You Will Find Something” John 21:6

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Apr 25, 2025

In the spirit of allegory

They caught one hundred fifty-three large fish. Why was the actual number mentioned, does it mean something? Theories abound, with most saying it’s an allegorical number. For example, St. Jerome saw 153 as representing all the known fish species which represents the catholicity or universality ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Catholic

9. The God Who Lifts Us Up Series

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Nov 26, 2025

Life often pushes people into deep emotional and spiritual pits. Many try to climb out alone but fail. This message reveals the God who lifts, restores, and gives a new song.

9. THE GOD WHO LIFTS US UP Psalm 40:2 – “He lifted me out of the pit.” INTRODUCTION: “Everyone Knows the Pit” My brothers and sisters, as we stand on the streets of India—whether in cities, villages, markets, or bus stands—we see one truth: people are struggling. Some smile outside but are crying ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:2, Psalm 3:3, John 8:34, Ephesians 4:31, Psalm 38:4, Romans 3:23, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 2:1-12, Genesis 37:24, Psalm 145:14, Psalm 40:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Luke 19:10, Isaiah 61:1, John 10:10, Romans 10:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is God With Us?

Contributed by Wesley Bishop on Jan 1, 2005

This is a Christmas sermon.

What is Christmas all about? In the classic Charlie Brown Christmas special, C. Brown cries out, “Will someone tell me what Christmas is all about?” Christmas is commercial. Read Isaiah 7:10-16. This passage tells what Christmas is really about: “God with us,” that is what Immanuel means. 1. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16

Denomination: Wesleyan

When Death Meets Life

Contributed by Dale Miller on Jan 8, 2005

Jesus raisestthe widows son.

MUB 1-09-05 LUKE 7;11-17 AT LAST COUNT, THE DEATH TOLL FROM THE TSUNAMI IS GOING TO BE OVER 150,000 PEOPLE. THEY ARE SAYING THAT WITHOUT PROPER MEDICAL CARE, THE NUMBER MAY WELL DOUBLE. THE SADDEST PICTURES COMING FROM THAT AREA ARE THE CHILDREN, EITHER THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ORPHANED OR THOSE WHO ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

New Clothes For The New Year Series

Contributed by Joe Adaline on Dec 28, 2005

There is always work to be done in every Christian’s life. Things to put off, things to put on and things to put forth. The Bible shows us how.

New York City is a fascinating place. So much of what we are and so much of what we do, comes from the culture and media giant that is New York. Though it’s only seven hundred miles away, I’ve never been to the city. There were a couple occasions when we were on the way, or nearby, but for some ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-17

Denomination: Baptist