Sermons on Confronting Culture:

Simon Magus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 11, 2022

Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for the position, is named after Simon, who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles.

Simon Magnus Simon and Peter were intense rivals until Simon challenged Peter's authority and fell out of the sky. Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 3:1-9 - Message 6 – Paul Chastises The Galatians With Questions; And Righteous Abraham Justified By Faith Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 2, 2023

It is as if a spell had been cast on the Galatians to cause them to turn to the Law to keep it. Faith preceded the Law and faith supersedes the Law. Paul asked a series of questions to confront them. Abraham, the believer, is given as the great example without the Law but by faith.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 3:1-9 - MESSAGE 6 – PAUL CHASTISES THE GALATIANS WITH QUESTIONS; AND RIGHTEOUS ABRAHAM JUSTIFIED BY FAITH PART 1. THE BEWITCHING OF THE GALATIANS {{Galatians 3:1 “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-9, Psalm 14:1, Matthew 5:22, Ephesians 5:17, Romans 10:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Hebrews 10:14, Colossians 1:9, Romans 7:18, Genesis 22:15-18, Genesis 13:15, Genesis 17:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Avoiding A Critical Spirit

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 19, 2023

There is a place for honestly confronting others when done in a loving and gracious way. Yet maturity means learning to guard our hearts from an unhelpful, critical spirit, as we'll learn in this story of Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses.

It’s summertime folks. And the heat of Texas is here. And that heat causes many to be on edge—on edge enough to gripe or complain about the smallest of things. Do we have any complainers here today? This coming November, I will have been pastor here at SEBC for 27 years. Through those years I ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 12:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Forgivness Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 3, 2021

One of the things I love about this prayer is that it doesn’t pretend there aren’t real problems around us. It confronts the real needs in the world – pain and hunger. The Lord’s Prayer is designed to change our priorities and to reverse our thinking.

This is the fourth message for us to look at the Lord’s Prayer. And it’s the richest single source in the entire Bible of information on how to pray. One story stands out about the importance of the Lord’s Prayer in the life of a Christian is from a gentleman who attends at NRH, Mike O’Neil. Mike ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 11:1-4, Matthew 6:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Wise Up - Ecclesiastes 10:1-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 28, 2025

This chapter is loaded with gems of wisdom that are crucial for learning how to enjoy life in a fallen world. This message covers topics like how to bring calm to a hot confrontation, how expecting trouble can help you in life, and how to find the balance between study/preparation and action.

10:1 Dead flies make a perfumer's oil ferment and stink; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man's heart goes to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. 3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, and he shows everyone he is a fool. 4 If the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-11

The Self-Worth Struggle

Contributed by Robert Sickler on May 24, 2016

Most of us develop a sense of self-worth based on our ability to meet personal standards, which we have generated from our perception of social, cultural, and peer standards. As a result, our self-worth is generated by worldly values not God's.

The Self-Worth Struggle Introduction … source of our self-worth Self-worth, often referred to as self-esteem, is considered to be indicative of a person's basic mental evaluation of their value or worth. In developing self-worth a person judges their ability to meet personal standards, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Christian Church

Marriage Belongs To God Series

Contributed by David Owens on May 18, 2015

In this sermon, we explore the fact that God created marriage, therefore, marriage belongs to God. God's higher purpose for marriage is to proclaim the gospel. Much from this sermon comes from chapter 6 in David Platt’s book, Counter Culture.

Introduction: A. Our sermon for today continues our series called Marriage Matters. 1. Last week, we discussed the fact that marriage ain’t easy. 2. We talked about some myths about marriage that can set us up for marriage failure. 3. Today, we want to explore the fact that marriage ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:7-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Why The World Hates Christianity"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 25, 2003

"We face a secular culture that is becoming increasingly strident and militant in its anti-Christian, anti-truth, anti-God mentality and I fear the danger of facing this spirit with a lackadaisacal heart." Dr. James Merrit

"WHY THE WORLD HATES CHRISTIANITY" By. Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com JOHN 15:18-27 Dayna Curry, 30, and Heather Mercer, 24, both graduates of Baylor University and members of the Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, were among eight westernerns arrested by the Taliban in ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-27

Bowing To The Great Idol Of Self

Contributed by Mark Adams on Jan 13, 2007

The OT has a lot of interesting stories about idolatry, but is that really just a problem of the past? This sermon addresses the very real problem that our culture has in worshiping our own desires above all else.

To the reader: What inspired this sermon was a quote I read in R.C. Ortlund’s book, When God Comes To Church, p. 194. "Self is the great idol standing at the center of our conceptual world, to which all bow low. We even have a duty-to-self ethic, as if self-denial were harmful, immoral, and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Abuse Of Power - That Ain't Right Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 31, 2005

Halloween is a fun time that permeates our culture.... and it also has its dark and sinister side. Yet even Halloween’s dark side pales compared to an even worse threat of the occult in our nation.

OPEN: Tomorrow is October 31st. It is best known as the day of Halloween, but it also the day on which other significant events have taken place. · In 1938 Orson Welles broadcast his famous “War of the Worlds” that caused much of the United States to become panicked by the possibility that Mars ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:9-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Clarity Of The Gospel

Contributed by Greg Addison on Apr 14, 2011

In today's culture, the media, academics, liberal theologians all work to confuse an understanding fo the gospel. The Bible on the other hand is extremely clear as to the terms of the gospel - salvation through faith in the sacrificial death of Jesus Chri

MAKING THE GOSPEL CLEAR This Sunday we are observing what is often called “Palm Sunday.” This name comes from the fact that on the Sunday of the “passion week” Jesus entered into Jerusalem under a cacophony of cheers and praise. In Luke 19, the Bible recounts the story ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

God Loves Families!

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Oct 1, 2009

Ordinary Proper 22: Our individualistic orientation as a culture has brought many ills upon us. Among those is the deterioration of the family. This message looks at Jesus’ teaching on the intention of God for men and women and children.

Leonard Sweet, professor of theology at Drew University was the keynote speaker at a theological convocation that I attended last fall. Part of Dr. Sweet’s message focused on the rampant individualism that has become so much a part of our culture. Here is a paraphrase of part of what he said: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Contentment Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 5, 2007

Contentment is illusive within our culture. How can you find it? Contentment is something God must teach us. Being content with our circumstances comes from God’s enabling strength.

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13 CONTENTMENT Psalm 23 Have you been content in all of the circumstances you have faced? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. He discloses the secret in our text. As we know, the answer ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Family Pleasing To God Series

Contributed by Phillip Day on Jan 31, 2007

To have a spiritually healthy church, Paul recognizes the need to address family issues. Even in today’s culture that gives a warped family view, these are the principles that will guide your family into a relationship with God that will strengthen not o

The Family Pleasing to God Colossians 3:18-21 I. Wives (v. 18; Titus 2:3-5) a. Love the husband and children b. Homemakers c. Submissive to the husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22, 24; 1 Peter 3:1-6) II. Husbands (v. 19; Ephesians 5:23, 25-33) a. Love the wife (1 Peter 3:7) b. Lead ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

Guardians At The Gate Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 13, 2007

I began with a true story of a young girl rescued and brought to know Jesus. Father’s are to be guardians at the gate of their home, protecting their children from the sin and immorality of the culture, teaching the word of God and demonstrating love and

In Jesus Holy Name June 17, 2007 Text: Deuteronomy 11:1, 4:9 Father’s Day “Guardians at the Gate ” Story: “Father of the Year Essay” Merced County by Halley I think my step-dad is “father of the Year” because of our unique story. Let me explain. Long before I was born, my mother ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Denomination: Lutheran