Sermons on Contemplating:

Just For Today

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Jan 30, 2018

we must wait for God's plan for us

There are a lot of people who simply seem unable to live without excitement, without stimulation. Whether it comes from pleasure - or from crisis - they thrive on activity, on chaos, confusion – on dealing with problems - on adrenalin – on constant drama – in fact, we sometimes call them ‘drama ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:15-26

Denomination: Episcopal

A New Order Concerning The Beasts. Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 20, 2019

Noah was a man who “lived by faith,” and that is how I want to live my life too.

November 5, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson I.D.4: A New Order Concerning the Beasts. (Gen. 7.1-5) Introduction Have you ever noticed that the book of Genesis is attacked more than any other book of the Bible by those who hate God and the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

"Check The Fruits, Fix The Roots” --8th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Feb 4, 2019

Our First Reading relates the steady application of three processes over time to create a separation or distinction based on intrinsic properties of quality: faults revealed when one speaks, santification, and discernment

Sirach, chapter 27, from our First Reading, relates the steady application of three processes over time to create a separation or distinction based on intrinsic properties of quality: 1). The first is the image of shaking a mesh strainer to reveal the husks from the kernel which is similar to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:39-45

Denomination: Catholic

Crying Out Because We’ve Sinned Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 11, 2016

Would we cry out to God to confess that we have sinned and He is just? Sometimes it is appropriate to cry out as a community for God’s mercy. The Israelite's knew enough to cry out to God for mercy … can’t we?

Crying out because we’ve sinned Nehemiah 9:1-37 Introduction - Nehemiah is a great study of leadership; shows faithful obedience to God - Last week we discussed a great celebration happening in the city -- The people gather to have the Law read; and they are convicted of their sin -- ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Christmas Meditation

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 24, 2014

Is Christ in a manger a decoration; or is He Lord of your life?

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

"what If...?"

Contributed by Terence D. Engler on Mar 17, 2020

What if…? I’m guessing that those two words, and the many varying scenarios that follow, have been asked millions of times by the people of our country these past couple of weeks! I have found myself asking this question in my mind over and over again...

What if…? I’m guessing that those two words, and the many varying scenarios that follow, have been asked millions of times by the people of our country these past couple of weeks! I have found myself asking this question in my mind over and over, and early this morning, I was laying awake ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Green Olive Tree

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Sep 17, 2021

Why does David compare himself to a olive tree? Olive trees have got lot of significance in early Israel. Olive trees are one of the most familiar trees in the entire Middle East. A bread and olive oil, often dipped first into a mixture of herbs and salt would make a simple Palestinian breakfast.

Psalm 52:8 - I am like a green olive tree in the house of God Here, David declares of himself that he was a green olive tree in the house of God. To understand this verse, we need to understand: A. The background of the psalm B. The significance of olive trees A. Background of Psalm 52. Psalm 52 ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:16, Jeremiah 11:16, John 15:2, Isaiah 11:1, Psalm 37:6, 1 Samuel 22:6-23, 1 Samuel 21:1-9, Matthew 13:43, Psalm 52:8  (view more)  (view less)

He Remembers All Your Offerings Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 20, 2021

The sacrificial system of the Old Testament served as a means of grace to restore the relationship between God and humanity. Ultimately, the sacrificial system was inadequate, which is why Jesus came to earth.

Text: Psalm 20:1-9 Theme: He remembers all your Offerings (Psalm 20:3) We had had meditations on Thanksgiving through Worship, through giving to the poor, inspired giving and Levitical offerings. Today I would like to share on Thanksgiving offering. (Psalm 20:3). Introducing the theme: We had had ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 20:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

( Cut It Off)

Contributed by Derrick White Sr on May 31, 2022

THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HAVE JUST CROSSED OVER THE JORDAN TO ENTER CANAAN

Joshua 5:1-9 (KJV) 2 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. 3 And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 And this is the cause why Joshua did ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:2-9

Denomination: Baptist

Living A Life Of Purpose.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jun 23, 2022

Zacchaeus was despised by the Pharisees – the most orthodox faith of the Jews. Jesus was rebuked by them for even eating with tax collectors (Mt. 9:11; Mk. 2:16; Lk. 5:30).

Living A Life Of Purpose. Luke 19:1-10NLT Recently, in a Delta flight magazine, one author wrote a column about a new course at Harvard business school for business leaders. At a cost of $13,000, the executives study absolutely nothing about business. Instead, for six days they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

New Year 2023: Ask, And It Will Be Given To You!

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Jan 8, 2023

Some argue that we don't need to express our desires to God because He already knows what we want without us saying it. Some think that without asking, God will give us what we need. What does the Bible teach about expressing our wishes to God or asking God to provide us with our desires?

What are your hopes and wishes for 2023? Some hope this year will be healthier or no new diseases will emerge. Some hope to meet God soon because of their old age and weaker body condition. Like Tante Christine, she expressed her desire to move on from life in this world during our visit. On Dec. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7, Matthew 9:38, Luke 18:1-8, John 16:24, James 4:2, Genesis 25:21, Genesis 22:17, Matthew 6:25-31, Matthew 6:11, Philippians 4:6, Mark 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Are We To Know The Truth?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 9, 2023

The emphasis of Second John chapter 2 is on the basics of following Christ, of truth and love, and to warn against false teachers. We are not to just read the Word of God, but we are to obey it as well.

When a believer knows how to walk in the truth, he or she should know how to act, should know what to do, is willing to learn, and is determined to do so. In verses 1-3: The “elder” is John, one of twelve disciples. He also is the author of the Gospel of John, the three epistles, and the book of ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Kingdom Keys - Job Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on May 22, 2023

God’s wisdom, goodness, and justice transcend our assumptions about fairness and push beyond the limitations of human reasoning.

So maybe you’ve heard it said, ‘read your bible’ so you tried and failed. Our hope as leaders is that all of us will pick up God’s word and come to understand the true nature of God. After all, the bible is God’s Word curated over centuries detailing His nature, His will, the meaning of life and ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6, Job 38:4, Job 38:19, Job 40:9-13, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 99:4, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 16:7, Matthew 12:20, Micah 6:8, Hosea 12:6, Amos 5:12, Matthew 25:40, James 1:27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love Mercy

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 25, 2023

To be on the mission of mercy is to love being merciful. Some key ideas that come to mind when I think about this...

THE MISSION OF MERCY Introduction Back in March I sent an email to our elders that has remained on my mind ever since. In part, it read: "I've been contemplating what Forsythe has become over the past couple of years. Our church has really embraced a mission of mercy to the hurting ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, Luke 18:13, Matthew 5:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Sees The Heart

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 21, 2021

Whenever we judge someone by their appearance we should remember this staggering truth: God Sees the Heart.

God Sees The Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Introduction Rita Belle met Richard Walters at a senior center, a mission in downtown Phoenix for the poor and homeless. “He always came in with a little backpack and cap on.” While Richard was reserved, Rita was outgoing and offered to visit with him and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ