Sermons on Confronting Culture:

Taking Christ Out Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 2, 2023

If Christmas has become a "cultural" holiday, This message looks at what happens when we try and take out all of the religious elements.

Have you noticed that every year, people seem more intent on secularizing Christmas? They wish you a “Happy Holiday” or “Seasons Greetings” and then have presentations at school that make no mention of the Manger or the Wise Men, let alone the Christ Child. Now, I may be a little overly sensitive, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

Remembering Why We’re Here

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 25, 2025

God opens doors the world closes, sending Spirit-led people to welcome all, proving His unstoppable grace when culture says no.

Good morning, friends. Today we begin with a question: What do you do when the place you hoped would welcome you says there’s no room? That’s the question at the heart of Acts 8. > “An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39, Isaiah 56:3-7, John 14:2, Mark 11:17, Galatians 3:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

What Does The Book Of James Say About Rich People?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 8, 2024

Why does James not like rich people? The culture tells us why. Wealth is not a problem today. It is how wealth is obtained and used that is the potential problem.

What does the book of James say about rich people? James 2:1-7 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

The Rechabites' Testimony PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 12, 2025

The sermon emphasizes steadfast obedience to God amid cultural pressures, highlighting how consistent faithfulness and convictions can leave a lasting legacy and honor God.

Some families pass down recipes, some pass down stories, some pass down the old pocketknife with a smooth handle and a history. The Rechabites passed down a way to walk with God. Simple. Steady. Set like wet cement that hardened into holy habit. And in a world that shifts and shouts and sells ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:1-19

Topics: Commitment

The Eternal Holocaust

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 23, 2004

Drawing lessons from and parallels with the Holocaust this message confronts major hinderances to evangelism in America. A video clip from "Schindler’s List" is used at the end to raise awareness of the value of a soul snatched from the jaws of hell. Poss

The Eternal Holocaust 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 2-22-04 Intro This morning at the end of our message we are going to see a brief clip from the Spielberg movie, Schindler’s List. The movie is about a German factory owner in Poland who saved the lives of over 1100 Jews during the holocaust. The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Romans 1:16

Denomination: Charismatic

Speaking The Truth In A Twisted World Series

Contributed by Kory Labbe on Oct 18, 2025

When culture twists truth, followers of Jesus are called to respond with courage, humility, and conviction—always pointing people back to the one true God. Challenge wrong thinking with God’s truth.

Introduction – When Truth Gets Twisted Good morning, church. Let me ask you something: Have you ever said something that got completely misunderstood—or maybe twisted into something you never meant? It happens all the time today, doesn’t it? You share a simple post online—something encouraging, or ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:8-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Conspiracy With A Coin Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 6, 2018

As Jesus continued within the Temple, He was confronted about the lawfulness of paying taxes. Those who opposed Him sought to find further accusation. In Jesus' response, we find wisdom for our lives - taxes, tithes, and submission.

Conspiracy with a Coin Mark 12: 13-17 As we continue through Mark’s gospel, I want to offer a reminder of the volatile environment in which Jesus walked at this time. He is in the last few days prior to the crucifixion. Having entered Jerusalem triumphantly, He had returned twice since, entering ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Delivered And Sent

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

In Mark 5:1–20, Jesus enters Gentile territory, confronts a man possessed by a legion of demons, and drives them out. The result: a restored life and a clear choice—keep comfort or welcome Christ’s freeing authority.

You know, it's funny how our culture deals with the idea of demons and spiritual evil. We kind of swing between two extremes, don't we? On one hand, you've got people who roll their eyes at anything supernatural. "Demons? Come on, that's just ancient superstition!" Then on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20, Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Things Are Not What They Seem Series

Contributed by Maurice Schaus on Dec 24, 2003

As we prepare for our Lord’s birth among us, we are confronted with God’s realtiy: Things are not always what they seem. God’s ways are not teh world’s ways.

Things Are Not What They Seem Dear friends in Christ, grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. Amen. After 2000 years of listening to the Christmas story, it’s easy for us hear it as a familiar and sentimental tale, imagining quiet and serene ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-24, Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Lutheran

Here's Your Sign Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Apr 9, 2012

Jesus is confronted by a group of unbelieving Pharisees and Scribes. They came at a moment when the crowds were showing overwhelming praise toward Jesus. They came demanding what many in our day are likewise demanding.

We are going to look this morning at a passage where Jesus is confronted by a group of unbelieving Pharisees and Scribes. They came at a moment when the crowds were showing overwhelming praise toward Jesus. They came demanding what many in our day are likewise demanding. Then some of the scribes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:37-42

Rebellion Against God

Contributed by Richard Futrell on Oct 7, 2010

Jesus confronts every smug and complacent sinner. But Jesus is also speaking to us. For Jesus forces us to ask, “How are we treating God’s vineyard today?”

Intro There was a beautiful vineyard, its vines bending, laden with the weight of rich, swollen grape clusters. For the owner had planted a good vineyard. He had chosen a vigorous, hardy stock of vine. He had well prepared the soil to guarantee a good harvest. Yes, the vineyard had rich, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:9-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Don't Get Sidetracked

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Aug 30, 2008

LIFE WILL THROW MANY CHALLENGES OUR WAY, BUT THE TASK AT HAND IS TO NOT GET SIDETRACKED. JESUS WAS CONFRONTED BY A GROUP OF PHARISEES TRYING TO DERAIL HIM OF HIS PURPOSE, BUT HE EXEMPLIFIES HOW TO PRESS FORWARD.

DON’T GET SIDETRACKED MATTHEW 12:1-13 FEW WEEKS – LESSONS OF PERSEVERANCE OLYMPICS – MICHAEL PHELPHS SHAWN JOHNSON REBECCA SONI (HEART SURGERY) DNC – SENATOR BARACK OBAMA . . . RNC – SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN/GOV. SARAH PALIN (PAY-LIN) . . . LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A SEASONED JOHN MCCAIN LONG ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-13, Matthew 12:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Disturbing Gospel Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 15, 2007

This sermon encourages believers to embrace the confronting nature of the gospel message. Jesus said that the gospel I bring is a gospel of conflict and separation. It will disturb family lines and family ties. It will separate the closest relationships.

Introduction: As Paul and his company respond to the Macedonian call, directed by the Holy Ghost, they entered into the district of Macedonia. Some historians say that Luke the beloved physician grew up and was educated in this area. This area was thriving metropolis, a trade center and sea port. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-24

Denomination: Methodist

The Concern About Fasting Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Apr 12, 2017

What began as a confrontation regarding the practice of fasting, turned into a lesson regarding the doctrines of salvation. Christ is the only means of salvation. We must come to Him by grace, through faith, in Christ alone.

The Concern about Fasting Mark 2: 18-22 Our text today deals with a passage that is often misunderstood, and even overlooked by many. Some argue the passage is confusing, and they fail to see the great significance it reveals. Actually Jesus revealed great doctrinal truth in this conversation with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Mysteries Of God Reveal The Hidden Secrets Of Eternity

Contributed by Raymond Petzholt on Apr 14, 2014

A brief overview of the importance of Christians to be good stewards of the Mysteries of God. Knowing the Mysteries transforms our faith and life and protects us from most of the heresies and false cults confronting the Church today.

THE MYSTERIES OF GOD: REVEALING THE HIDDEN SECRETS OF ETERNITY (I Corinthians 2:7-14; 4:1-2) The Greek word translated mystery is (μυστήριον; mustērion) and has the idea of a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding. A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:7-14

Denomination: Baptist