Sermons on Compelling Inquiry:

Avoiding The Distortions

Contributed by Colin Thornby on Nov 6, 2010

Just like the Sadducees, we can selectively read scripture and so make false and disastrous assumptions about Christ and his call (Luke 20:27-40)

One of the curious things about religious people is that they can develop very fixed ideas about what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes these are bolstered by appeals to their religious texts, sometimes it is based on experience, or a sort of philosophical position. Jesus interaction with the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-40

Denomination: *other

How Do We Differ From The Forgiver That Would Not Forgive?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Apr 15, 2024

What if God did to us what this man did to another?

This passage of Scripture responds to Peter's inquiry concerning how often he ought to pardon a brother (or sister) who sins against him. Jesus explains with an illustration concerning the servant and a king. The king excuses the man's tremendous, unpayable obligation. However, the servant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Should We Participate In Fasting?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

In this passage of Scripture, God was asking the people why they had fasted. They were urged to be merciful and just people. Do our actions resemble the actions of the Jews from our reading?

In verses 1-7: For the past 70 years, individuals had been holding a fast in August to recollect the annihilation of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was being rebuilt, they went to the Temple to inquire as to whether they needed to proceed with this yearly fast. God did not address their inquiry ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A-- 15th Sunday, Year A --The Sower

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 17, 2020

It is the intuitive mind alone that can penetrate the essence and heart of a parable. Then it becomes a living reality, thoroughly relevant to one’s own life.

“To throw alongside” a story with cryptic meaning is called a parable in Greek. In Zen Buddhism, a parable is like a “koan,” which is a spiritual inquiry using perplexing language intended to rouse a student’s innate wisdom-mind to apply it to their own life. As Rabbi Ibn Ezra said of parables, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:10-11

Denomination: Catholic

Tribe Of Dan Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 2, 2023

The Danites seek an inheritance (Judges 18:1-12), Their robbery (Judges 18:13-26), Laish taken, and idolatry consummated (Judges 18:27-31). The Danites decide to find a new place to live. They send five scouts/spies.

Text: Judges 18 Theme: Tribe of Dan Introduction: The Book of Judges has a two-part introduction (1:1—2:5; 2:6—3:41). The main section (3:5—16:31) deals with the life and times of some of the judges who ruled during this period of time. The final section of Judges has a two-part conclusion. The ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

The Importance Of Separation From Worldly Influences. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 4, 2024

However, by focusing on our identity in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can break free from the enemy's grip and walk in greater victory and spiritual maturity.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, understanding the centrality of God is crucial for grasping truth, humanity, and purpose., and how this impacts our understanding of human nature, morality, and the meaning of life. As believers, we are called to live in the world but not be of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 1 Corinthians 2:11  (view more)  (view less)

Doing Those Things That Please God, Part 2 (Matthew 6:18-34)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2024

This is a continuation of the teachings of the Lord Jesus gives in His "Sermon on the Mount" as written in Matthew 5-7.

After the Lord Jesus presented the "model prayer" (vv.9-15) as an aide in helping us talk to God the Father in love, devotion, and faith, He turned His attention to the issue of fasting or abstaining from food or a particular activity for a period of time as an act of worship and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:4, Isaiah 26:3, Jeremiah 17:7, Matthew 6:18-34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Confronting Unsound Doctrine-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 19, 2011

1 of 2. Paul charged Timothy to enforce Christian doctrine in the church at Ephesus. Christian leadership must confront unsound doctrine within the church. But Where is it to be confronted? Unsound Christian doctrine(in the Church) is confronted...

CONFRONTING UNSOUND DOCTRINE-I—1Timothy 1:3-11 Attention/Need: Any businessman knows that there are things/practices etc. that will not work for their company. The company is designed & built around a particular product or service OR a particular attitude or mindset rightly reflects that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

How Is Christianity Different From World Religions? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 20, 2009

We live in a world where there is a mixture of cultures, nations, races and religions on an unprecedented scale. In 24 hours it is possible to reach almost anywhere in the world and the advances in modern broadcasting allows us to experience ‘live’ event

How is Christianity different from world religions? We live in a world where there is a mixture of cultures, nations, races and religions on an unprecedented scale. In 24 hours it is possible to reach almost anywhere in the world and the advances in modern broadcasting allows us to experience ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Storm In A Teacup Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 18, 2007

Apostles, Pt. 7

STORM IN A TEACUP (MATTHEW 14:21-33) Storms are mostly “powerful winds in the air.” My former church in the States, unfortunately, is a street away from extremely wind-friendly Ontario, one of the windiest cities in Greater Los Angeles. Our church’s portable basketball hoop was toppled with ease by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:21-33

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Adoration Of The King Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 16, 2006

This sermon examines three responses to the birth of Jesus.

Scripture Today is the third Sunday of Advent. For this season of Ad-vent I am preaching a series of sermons titled, “The Advent of the King,” which is based on Matthew’s Gospel chapters 1 and 2. The first week we examined “The Ancestry of the King” in Matthew 1:1-17, and learned about the human ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Mystery Babylon, In Papal Rome: From Its Height To Its Present Low... Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jul 14, 2015

Rome-Babylon has been with us for many centuries now. From giddy power over empires to its present place of "holding on", Babylon promises to be with us until her program is fulfilled (Revelation 18).

The "Golden Age" of the Papacy. c. 1000 A.D. As the new millennium dawns over Europe and the world, Rome tightens its grip. It seems every Pope is trying to outdo the last in wickedness and power plays. Benedict VIII buys the office of Pope in 1012, as does his successor in 1024. The latter Pope ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:16-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Three Christmas Responses Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 22, 2005

Our text today has much to say to us about our response to the king of the Jews and Savior of sinners. Let us observe three different responses to the birth of Jesus the Christ.

Scripture As we consider the birth of Christ today, I would to consider three Christmas responses. Let’s read Matthew 2:1-12, 16-18: "1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Breaking The Silence Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 7, 2018

Build your faith on facts, not feelings.

Breaking the Silence Luke 1:1-25 Rev. Brian Bill December 8-9, 2018 [Transition from “Crazy, Busy, Peaceful, Holy Night”] How many of you feel like the Christmas season is crazy busy? It sure seems more hectic than holy, doesn’t it? My guess is the nativity has been knocked over in some of your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Construction Of A Kingdom 4: Taking Refuge In God

Contributed by J. Ritter Jr on Oct 18, 2000

Introduction This morning we resume our series, The Construction of a Kingdom, as we again peer into the life of David in 1 Samuel 22.

Introduction This morning we resume our series, The Construction of a Kingdom, as we again peer into the life of David in 1 Samuel 22. By the series title, I am inferring a process by which the Lord will establish His rule in our lives that includes us in a glorious purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1