Sermons on Chinese Whispers:

When Unity Becomes Toxic

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jun 9, 2019

The stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost teach us to: 1. Guard against prideful uniformity. 2. Cherish diversity as God's gift, and 3. Look to Christ as the source of our unity

Genesis 11:1-9 When Unity Becomes Toxic We tend to think of unity as a good thing. Military units aspire for unity. People in public office wish for it. Marriages hope for it. Churches aspire for it. Yet, sometimes supposed unity masks for uniformity, and can quickly slip into pride and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 1:28, Revelation 7:9, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 2:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Principle Of The Golden Rule Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 16, 2022

Most are familiar with the Golden Rule. Bible skeptics argue there is nothing special about Jesus' teaching on this principle. His teaching, however, is unique and much different than the worldly views.

The Principle of the Golden Rule Matthew 7:12 We come to a statement our Lord made while preaching the Sermon on the Mount that we are all familiar. No doubt each of us has heard this principle as long as we can remember. The Bible skeptic would argue there is nothing special about our Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Baptist

Redigging The Wells

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 6, 2021

Isaac copied the spiritual journey of Abraham, trying to experience for himself, the Living God. He traveled the same places, rebuilt the same altars, told the same lies, redug the same wells, etc. And he DID find God. We need to also mimic our fathers to meet their God!

REDIGGING THE WELLS Gen. 26:17-24 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Trying to Deceive, He Got Deceived 1. Jerry Carney is an antique dealer who’s always on the lookout for valuable antiques. He buys them cheap and sells them in his Antique Shop for a big profit. 2. One day Jerry drove to a small town ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:17-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Peter's Second Conversion Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

I want you to watch for two conversions in our story today – a conversion for both Cornelius and for Peter. Each man had a powerful turning point and each man had a powerful story they would tell around campfires for years to come.

Acts 10:27-47 is read before the sermon. There’s a powerful story tucked away in the middle chapters of Acts. Our story tantalizes us with angels & visions but at it’s essence it is the story about our 2 main characters to today’s story, Cornelius & Peter. Cornelius represents the power ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

This Guy "gets It": The Story Of Barnabas Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

If you look at the five leaders in Acts 13, they represent 3 continents and 4 different racial groups. The reason they were called Christians in Antioch is because gospel has the ability to break down walls like nothing else

Memorial Day Video ahead of me. Today we wrap our 6-week series in the middle of Acts by looking at Barnabas. Barnabas is in fact his nickname. Now, sometimes we can be cruel with our nicknames. We can call a big man “tiny” or a slow-footed person “lightening.” When we think about some of our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

"The Missing Bride At The Wedding”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Nov 8, 2023

The Ten Bridesmaids story is an answer to the question of the disciples in Matthew 24:3. With the current wars, and protests, warnings about WWIII, people are again asking: When will the end come? Jesus simply says: "Watch and be prepared."

In Jesus Holy Name November 12, 2023 Text: Matthew 25:10b,13 “The Missing Bride at the Wedding” This is a great parable about the danger of being unprepared. I know there have been weddings that I officiated, but the “bride” was 30 or 45 minutes late, so everyone just waited. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Signs Of Life

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 9, 2023

Taking, hoarding and passivity are signs of death. But the signs of life are the opposite: receiving, giving, and acting.

There was a popular song about 30 years ago which some of you might remember. It went, “They’re rioting in Africa, they’re starving in Spain, there’s hurricanes in Florida and Texas needs rain" ...and ending with “What nature doesn’t do to us will be done by our fellow man.” It only needs a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Who Will Be First Off The Mark? What Hypocrite Will Throw The First Stone? Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 9, 2022

The woman taken in adultery is story that brings out the worst in hypocrisy, judgemental hate and accusation. Yet it is a beautiful account of forgiveness. it has so many lessons.

WHO WILL BE FIRST OFF THE MARK? WHAT HYPOCRITE WILL THROW THE FIRST STONE? SERIES - THE CHARACTERS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY – John 8 v 1-11 PART 1 This story is not found in every manuscript of scripture, and it is believed that it was omitted for fear of encouraging ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11, Matthew 7:3-5, Deuteronomy 22:22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What King Is Announced By A Star? Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Dec 4, 2021

Stars cause us to wonder. What was the star that appeared when Jesus was born? Was it a comet from a remote part of the solar system which happened to arrive at just the right time? Or was the universe itself acknowledging the coming of its creator and king?

Last Sunday we started our Christmas series of talks. I’ve given the series the title ‘NOT YOUR USUAL KING’. There are lots of ways in which Jesus is NOT your usual king. Last week we looked at some prophecies in the Old Testament that gave us the when, where and who of Jesus’ birth. No king ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Desire To See Jesus - O I Want To See Him

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Aug 23, 2022

Now, the signs are over, the parables are finish and Jesus begins speaking in plain language. The shouts of the Triumph entry are quiet, and a banquet has been prepared. The setting of the text is a beautiful banquet prepared in Jesus’ honor.

Sermon - The Desire To See Jesus John 12:20-28 Joh 12:20 20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus. ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-28

Denomination: Methodist

My Eyes Are Forever On The Lord!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Sep 27, 2022

Trusting God when everything around you is crumbling requires dependence on God 100%.

My eyes are forever on the LORD! Psalms 25:15 “My eyes are forever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Came back home bushed-out after a whole week of staying out of town, we almost used all modes of transport, right from flight, cabs, bikes, train and auto rickshaws ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:15

Denomination: Pentecostal

To Die Is Gain

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 2, 2022

Many people are afraid to die, but Paul said he strongly desired to depart, because he knew it was far better, and would be a gain for him. Relationship with Christ and faith in the Word of God should give us confidence to face death. To die is Gain!

TO DIE IS GAIN INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: APPROPRIATE AMBITION During a job interview at the 99 Cents store, my son was asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” My son’s reply: “At the Dollar Store.” He got the job. —A.K. via rd.com B. TEXT “21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Disappearing Act

Contributed by Davon Huss on Apr 3, 2024

What is the message of the undisturbed grave clothes? (Outline came from here: https://www.sermonnotebook.org/new%20testament/John%2020_1-10.htm; Material adapted from William Nicholson's book "The Six Miracles of Calvary," chapter on the undisturbed grave clothes of Jesus)

HoHum: Harry Houdini's "Chinese water torture cell" trick is considered one of the most iconic and influential escapes in the history of magic performance. The trick involved Houdini being suspended upside-down in a glass and steel tank filled with water, with his feet locked in ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10, John 11:43-44, Luke 24:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Blessings From Our Benefactor

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Mar 15, 2025

A Psalm of praise to our God for His blessings

Blessings from Our Benefactor Psalm 116:12-19 12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. 15 Precious in the sight of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

An Appropriate Reaction

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 14, 2025

Our freedom comes with a price. We are no longer our own. And the only appropriate response is to do what God wants from us in return.

Hostages have been much in the news these days, for good reason. The most horrific fate is that of the Israelis kidnapped in October 2023. Many have died; some are still in captivity. Only a merciful God can heal the wounds of the ones released. May that same merciful God bring about the release of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:15-23, Psalm 116:12-17, Amos 5:21-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed