Sermons on Contemplating The Scene:

A "Sign"? : A New View Of The Nativity Scene

Contributed by Bryan Douglas on Dec 8, 2012

God has revealed in the Christmas story a powerful "sign" of the swaddling clothes and manger which has great spiritual significance, but it has been concealed by our cultural depictions of the Nativity Scene.

A “Sign”? : A New View of the Nativity Scene Luke 2: 1-19 As we read the Christmas story in Luke 2: 1-19, it is such a familiar passage that it is easy to just blow through it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Discipline Of Contemplating God's Greatness Series

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Mar 11, 2026

We all know Genesis 1:1, but we tend to rush right past it, eager to get to the fascinating details of creation. Today, let's slow down. Right here at the very start of the Bible, we discover profound truths about who God is.

**The Discipline of Contemplating God's Greatness** Over the next few weeks, I want us to contemplate the greatness of God together. If I'm honest, I don't do this nearly enough. My attention gets consumed by the ups and downs of daily life, the relentless news cycle, the tasks that ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Scenes Judgment Sequences And Interludes In The Book Of The Revelation Series

Contributed by George Barton on Jan 22, 2006

Emphasizes that there are interludes in the Book of Revelation which are not recognized by many writers.

SCENES, JUDGMENT SEQUENCES AND INTERLUDES IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION SCENE OF GOD’S THRONE (4:1-11) The first major scene in The Revelation after the introductory letters is a scene of God’s throne in heaven (4:11). In order to see this vision John is caught up in the Spirit (4:2) to heaven. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Heaven Like?

Contributed by Russell (Rusty) Pruitt on Feb 28, 2023

Paul uses the word, “paradise.” It is of Oriental or Persian origin, meaning “the upper reaches of the heavens.” Paul was taken where God and other heavenly beings’ dwell.

WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? TEXT: II COR. 12:2-4 INTRODUCTION: I want to acknowledge Dr. John Barnett as an inspiration for this message, and for stimulating me to my own research on this topic. I didn’t quote him, but after viewing several of his YouTube sermon videos, some of his thoughts inevitably ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Does The Bible Teach Meditation And Guided Imagery

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 12, 2024

There is a resurgence of the word 'meditate' being used in churches today about personal devotional prayer as a way to draw closer to God as a person contemplates His divine attributes.

Many 'techniques' have risen to help people along the path of daily sanctification by learning how to pray and worship, which has resulted in something called contemplative spirituality, also known as meditation, guided imagery, centering, or listening prayer, using imagination and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8, 1 Timothy 4:11-16, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer With Fasting Brings God's Power On The Scene

Contributed by Dennis Selfridge on Feb 19, 2004

We need to have prayer with fasting to affect this world we live in.

PRAYER WITH FASTING BRINGS GOD ON THE SCENE "Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well as now." - P.T. Barnum ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29, Joel 1:14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Deleted Scenes From "The Passion Of The Christ"

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 27, 2004

Your people saw the movie...it would be good for them to not the miss the tremendous truths found on the cutting room floor that will help bring it all together for them! Link included to PowerPoint.

Deleted Scenes from “The Passion” Matthew 27:45-54 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DeletedScenes.html Read the crucifixion story and you’ll find many incredible aspects which fell to the cutting room floor in film production of The Passion, not the least of which is the explanation of why Jesus did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54

Denomination: Baptist

The Hidden Work That Brings God’s Power

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 18, 2013

This encounter makes no sense (why would Matthew just get up and follow this man) unless you know the behind-the-scenes encounters that happened prior. This message unpacks the need for that hidden work in our lives to see God moves powerfully.

WHY DOES MATTHEW FOLLOW A STRANGER? The public commitment was preceded by behind-the-scenes work. - Matthew 9:9. - Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:35-42. - Matthew doesn't follow a stranger. He had a previous relationship with Jesus. This public moment was preceded by behind-the-scenes things. - The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9

Denomination: Baptist

Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time B-- 16th Sunday-- Come Away By Yourselves

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 16, 2021

“When are we going to stop rewarding each other for doing too much?”

Marilyn McEntyre said, “At a faculty council meeting a few years back, a colleague raised what I thought was the best question of the year: “When are we going to stop rewarding each other for doing too much?” “I admired her for asking it,” Marilyn said, “It was rooted in sound ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-34

Denomination: Catholic

Falling In Love And Enjoying The Sacred Presence Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 5, 2019

The time we give in contemplative prayer or reading the Scriptures in quiet faith is a wonderful preparation for an eternity in His presence, in the arms of Jesus Christ.

Tuesday of 26th week in course 2019 The best part The experience of falling in love is an unmatched moment of one’s life. When you see clearly “the One” and know that your whole life has been a preparation for this moment of encounter, you never forget the place and circumstances of that awesome ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, Jonah 3:1-10

Denomination: Catholic

What Do You See In Christmas?

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 9, 2004

Contemplating the timeless truths of Christmas

Most likely every one of us who have come together on this special morning have, in the past several days caught at least a glimpse of a familiar scene… that is, THE NATIVITY SCENE… some form of representing the birth of Jesus, God the Son… the savior of all creation. - Perhaps in your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:29-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Know Thyself Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Oct 26, 2009

This week we turn the focus on understanding ourselves and gaining emotional awareness so that we may know God. Four competancies will be shared to help us become emotionally aware so that we might be emotionally healthy spiritually.

Back to School Know Thyself Psalm 55:1-5, 16-17 October 25, 2009 This week and next week we are going to look at several emotional health competencies. These are qualities that emotionally healthy people cultivate and display. These give us plenty of things to work because none of us have all of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:1-5

Denomination: Church Of God

Prayer Life Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jul 2, 2022

The very simple parameter to know the will of God for your daily life actions and decisions is, even after your fervent prayer, if you still struggle to go ahead with your decision which is the clear parameter that it’s not the will of God.

Mark 1:35-39, Prayer Life of Jesus Greetings: The Lord is Good, his love endures forever. Introduction: It is said that Satan is afraid of the knees that bend before God. He is not bothered by people who do not pray. He does not bother about the singers, and preachers but only the prayer ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39

Denomination: Methodist

Kept In Perfect Peace: A Sermon For The Second Sunday In Advent

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 4, 2024

How cn one be at peace in such a violent and evil world?

Kept in Perfect Peace Isaiah 26:1–3 NKJV In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city; God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, That the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in. You will keep him in perfect ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Csi (Cross Scene Investigation) Week 3: Investigating The Cross Series

Contributed by Mark Canfield on Nov 10, 2006

friend’s betrayal, an illegal trial, an execution and an empty grave. What do these things have in common? Enter the world of CSI and search for the truth with the entire Cross Scene Investigation team. Delve deeply into the mysteries of four baffling cr

CSI: Cross Scene Investigation Week 3: Investigating the Cross [Before the message each week, a CSI style drama was performed to examine that weeks evidence] Last Two Weeks – Investigated the Betrayal of Judas / Learned -Betray Ourselves Investigated the Trial – Pilot’s ignored the Truth about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Denomination: Christian Church