Sermons on Contemplate:

Advent Spiritual Joy, Even Ecstasy: Gaudete Sunday

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 12, 2017

St. Augustine used a famous expression--the "joy of truth," gaudium de veritate. 

Advent 3B A professor was asked by one of his students, “What is the meaning of life?" The usual laughter followed, but the professor said "I will answer your question." Taking his wallet out of his hip pocket, he fished around in a leather wallet and brought out a very small round mirror, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-8

Denomination: Catholic

God's Peace Plan

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Dec 8, 2019

In these days of conflict, unrest, and stress, God gives us his plan for peace.

God's Peace Plan Introduction Christmas celebrates the coming of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. However, in 3530 years of recorded history there have only been 286 years of peace, representing only 8 percent of the time. During that time, 8000 peace treaties have been broken. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A: John 1:29 Moments

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 19, 2019

2nd Sunday, Cycle A

Two cockroaches were munching on garbage in an alley when one engages a discussion about a new restaurant. "I was in that new restaurant across the street," said one. "It's so clean! The kitchen is spotless, and the floors are gleaming white. There is no dirt anywhere--it's ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-34

Denomination: Catholic

19a Perform In The Storm

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 13, 2017

I saw a cartoon that showed a lady walking on some cases of bottled water and the caption read, “walking on water”!

19A Beginning to sink….! I saw a cartoon that show a lady walking on some cases of bottled water and the caption read, “walking on water”! In Mathew 14:30, from today’s Gospel text we hear……beginning to sink Peter cried out, "Lord, save me.”” If he had prayed a longer prayer, he would have been ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Catholic

A Prayer For Gentile Believers.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 24, 2024

Paul was driven to his knees before the Father (EPHESIANS 3:14).

A PRAYER FOR GENTILE BELIEVERS. Ephesians 3:13-21. In Ephesians 3:1-12, Paul related how he had been called to preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Since this was his calling in life, he exhorted the Ephesians that they “faint not” at the ongoing “tribulations” which he was suffering “for” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:13-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ascension Of Jesus Christ

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 15, 2024

we gather to reflect on the Ascension of Jesus Christ. This important event in Christianity is often overlooked, but it holds great significance for our faith.

Today, we gather to reflect on the Ascension of Jesus Christ. This important event in Christianity is often overlooked, but it holds great significance for our faith. The Ascension is not just about Jesus physically leaving the earth, but rather it represents a new relationship between Jesus and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Christ The King, Year A- The Last Judgment "and In What I Have Failed To Do."

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Oct 29, 2023

Missed opportunities. The King dismisses those on his left into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels because they did not do the six actions that those on the right had done.

The story is told of a farmer who received a visit from one of his city relatives. Before dinner the farmer bowed his head and said grace. His relative jeered, "This is old-fashioned; nobody with an education prays at the table anymore. The farmer admitted the practice was old and even ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-17, Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Catholic

How Can We Be Blessed?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 14, 2023

To be blessed is to have been brought contentment or good fortune. So what is "to be blessed" to us?

Undoubtedly everyone has heard the story of Jabez. There have been countless sermons, articles, opinions stated, and books covering the topic of the prayer of Jabez. I did not intend to add to that list, but as I was researching for a sermon out of the book of First Chronicles, I landed upon this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Advent Week 2: Peace - "peace In The Prince Of Peace" Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 28, 2023

As our Advent journey unfolds, our hearts are drawn to the theme of peace. Today, we explore the promise of a coming Messiah, a Prince of Peace, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. Let's delve into the profound peace that Christ brings into our lives.

Advent Week 2: Peace - "Peace in the Prince of Peace" Introduction: Dear friends, as our Advent journey unfolds, our hearts are drawn to the theme of peace. Today, we explore the promise of a coming Messiah, a Prince of Peace, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah. Let's delve into ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:7, John 14:27, Romans 12:2, Psalm 29:11, James 3:17-18, Matthew 5:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Glories Of The Messiah.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 13, 2024

This is a song about love: but principally about the love of Christ and the Church (cf. Ephesians 5:32).

THE GLORIES OF THE MESSIAH. Psalm 45:1-7. The Psalmist wrote of things beyond his natural knowledge. As a prophet, he sought diligently and inquired after the grace that was to come (1 Peter 1:10). Then he spoke and wrote as the Spirit of God led him (2 Peter 1:21). I). Psalm 45:1-2. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 45:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Depths Of Commitment: Lessons From The Garden Of Gethsemane"

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Apr 14, 2025

the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, in the stillness of the olive trees and the shadows of the night, we encounter Jesus at His most vulnerable, grappling with divine purpose and human frailty.

Introduction Dearly beloved, as we gather today, we find ourselves at the threshold of a profound journey—the journey through Holy Week. Our focus rests upon a sacred moment in Scripture, nestled within the narrative of Christ's impending sacrifice: the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-46

Denomination: Methodist

Greatness Of God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 25, 2023

This sermon explores knowing God more deeply through understanding His grandeur in creation, His grace in redemption, and His greatness in majesty.

Good morning, dear friends. It’s a joy to gather together again, to share in the fellowship of one another, to sing praises to our God, and to sit under the teaching of His Holy Word. Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds towards the grandeur of God, His grace in redemption, and His ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:16-17, Acts 5:30, Psalm 145:1-3

Topics: Greatness, God

Faith And Discipline

Contributed by Stephen Schwartz on Dec 17, 2001

There is a close correlation between faith and the discipline necessary to grow great faith.

Faith and Discipline Have you ever noticed the close relationship between faith and discipline? How could we ever have real genuine faith without the discipline that makes faith? I am in favor of faith without discipline. Discipline is not one of my favorite occurrences. When it comes to ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

"Listing To Human Advice Even When It Conflicts With The Divine Word.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Dec 19, 2001

Year A. 4th Sunday of Advent –December 30th, 2001 Title: “Listing to human advice even when it conflicts with the Divine Word.” Isaiah 7: 10-14

Year A. 4th Sunday of Advent –December 30th, 2001 Title: “Listing to human advice even when it conflicts with the Divine Word.” Isaiah 7: 10-14 Ahaz was the Davidic king of Judah, the southern kingdom, from 735 until 715BC. Israel’s king, the northern kingdom, also called Ephraim, Pekah, and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Worship

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jul 16, 2001

What is worship? How do we worship, and what prevents us from worshiping?

We probably all have some kind of mental picture of what it means to worship. Depending on your church background, when you think of worship you may think of classical sacred music - a great choir, singing the Hallelujah chorus. Or perhaps what comes to mind is the image of a traditional brick ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:11

Denomination: Baptist