Sermons on Contender:

Why Did Jesus Pray "Remove This Cup” In The Garden Of Gethsemane?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jun 25, 2022

Throughout history, there have been several explanations given regarding why Jesus asked God, the Father, to remove the cup from Him.

"And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:43-44, John 6:44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

5 Smooth Stones

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Jun 28, 2022

To show 5 things David did to overcome the giant. 5 teachings of the faith that are important.

Title: 5 Smooth Stones Theme: To show 5 things David did to overcome the giant. 5 teachings of the faith that are important. Text: 1 Samuel 17 1Sa 17:1-11 Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle, and were gathered together at Sochoh, which belongs to Judah; they encamped ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-11

Denomination: Church Of God

"roadblocks To Revival."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jul 3, 2022

Some church services today resemble a Broadway play where the pastor is the playwright, with people leaving more entertained than elevated, for a church can only be as spiritual as their leaders and you cannot give what you do not have, especially when Hollywood has infiltrated the church.

SCRIPTIURAL REFERENCES (2 Chronicles 7:14) "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2-3, Ephesians 4:25-32, Ephesians 5:3-5, Psalm 68:13, Luke 3:22, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 85:6, Isaiah 44:3, Joel 2:28, Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Letters To The Seven Churches In Revelation: The Church In Ephesus Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2023

Encouragement and correction for the ancient church as Ephesus in the shadow of the temple of Artemis

What are the authoritative sources in your life? What are they? This is way more important than we might realize. What do we trust for information on how we should successfully live our lives? We could list some out. Most would say their parents, information from the education system, television, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Book Of Galatians – Background And Chapter 1 - Message 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 27, 2023

God used Paul mightily to bring the gospel to the Galatians, but later on, the false teachers of the Law were trying to make these converts keep some of the Law and the Sabbath. Paul had to counteract their evil plans and chastises the Galatians, then teaches them.

THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – BACKGROUND AND CHAPTER 1 - Message 1 SERMON CENTRAL We are going to begin a series in the book of Galatians. Paul was upset with the churches of Galatia because they had departed from the pure truth of the gospel and turned to teachings of man. The purpose of Galatians is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:4, Acts 13:13-14, Acts 13:44-52, Acts 14:1-7, Acts 14:19-23, Acts 16:6, Acts 18:23, Acts 15:1-5, Galatians 1:1, John 15:16, Acts 26:15-18, Ecclesiastes 4:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Is Able To Fulfill His Promises – Are We Willing?

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Feb 9, 2023

Is it possible that we could in some ways hinder God from fulfilling the promises that He made to us? This message will teach us what we should let go off to be partakers of God’s divine promises.

We read in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (KJV) As we continue our meditations on the theme ‘God is able’ here are some lessons we learnt. 1. God is able to keep us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8, Romans 4:21, Genesis 37:5-8, Genesis 37:23-24, Hebrews 12:15, Genesis 39:12-13, Proverbs 13:20, Genesis 40:6-8, Galatians 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Vision 2017

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

The vision going into 2017 is “Pursuing to be a Disciple of Jesus.” Are we willing to position and place ourselves in that spot where the Spirit of God will disciple us.

Opening illustration: I recently read the true story about a preacher who was standing at the door shaking hands as the congregation departed. He grabbed one man by the hand and pulled him aside. The preacher said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" The man replied, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"the Strength Of The Ox."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 15, 2024

Beloved, the ox is a metaphor for a pastor's need for freedom to lead and expand the Church's impact. Working together in unity and harmony as one body, we can make a substantial difference in our community by spreading love, hope, and kindness to those in need.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Proverbs 14:4) “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” (Proverbs 15:17) “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.” (1 ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:4, Proverbs 15:17, 1 Timothy 5:18, Luke 9:62, Hosea 10:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sin In The Church

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Apr 28, 2025

Every one of us needs to understand that we’re all susceptible to sin. But also everyone of us also needs to know that there is hope if we leave that sin – because we can be restored.

Alba 4-27-2025 SIN IN THE CHURCH I Corinthians 5:1-13 There was a flock of wild ducks headed south for the winter. One of the ducks looked down and sees domesticated ducks in a barnyard and the easy life that they have. He decides to leave the wild ducks to spend some time with the domesticated ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Single Vs Married Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 18, 2023

How content are you in your circumstance? Are you single wishing to be married? Are you married wishing you were single? Where you are right now is the circumstance that the Lord has you in. The real question is not so much about your contentment but in making use of your circumstance to serve him.

1 Corinthians 7:32-40 Single vs. Married 11/2/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction I’ve almost made it! I’ve waded through the swampy water of chapter 7 and the dry bank is before me. Just one more slippery step to take, one more dangerous issue. Which is better: to be single or to be married? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:32-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Pits & Wells

Contributed by Tj Long Jr on Oct 13, 2023

Many of the things that we think will fill us up are indeed pits that drain us. We should seek after wells that have Living Water. In the midst of internal strife in the church at Philippi, Paul shows us how to seek the things that are lovely while I'll give you steps to reduce the negativity.

“Pits & Wells” (Title Slide) [Slides are available upon request, these cues denotes where slides are shown/used.] It’s a common narrative to think that most of the news that you see on TV is bad news. Well, that’s not only a common viewpoint, it’s backed up by statistics. Studies show that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Just A Misunderstanding - Or - Just Being Contentious?

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 3, 2023

We examine the CHORUS of a great old hymn that a few say is not doctrinally correct. Are those critics misunderstanding what the words mean, or are they being contentious? We carefully look at the work of Calvary in the message.

JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING - OR - JUST BEING CONTENTIOUS? [1]. A HYMN CHORUS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT There would be none of us who is without misunderstanding when it comes to biblical issues. We may try with God’s help to grasp a passage of scripture but sometimes it is not within our reach. Then ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah 53:5, Leviticus 16:8-10, Leviticus 16:21-22, Romans 4:25, Romans 5:9, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 4:1, John 14:3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grace And God's Choice Series

Contributed by Martin Wiles on May 19, 2011

This sermon gives an extensive treatment of Christian thought on the doctrine of election.

Series: Understanding God’s Grace Grace And God’s Choice Lesson Twenty Nine Romans 9:14-29 A. Have you ever wondered whether you chose God or he chose you? B. Further, if you chose God, does that mean you determined your salvation and God only responded to you? C. Or did God choose you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Let Every Man Be Fully Persuaded

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 22, 2018

To establish that there are some things which are permitted in Christian Liberty, that is left entirely up to every man’s conscience. These liberties are not matters of doctrine; but, matters of indifferences, pertaining to the heart and conscience.

INTRODUCTION Outline: 1. Regarding Their Own Diet 2. Regarding Their Observance of Days 3. Regarding Their Occasional Drink Remarks: 1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Let every man be fully persuaded.” My early years in the Baptist Denomination; I heard this sentence ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23, Romans 15:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Beyond The Veil

Contributed by James Groce on Oct 23, 2001

When the flesh was broken in death, the veil was rent. This gives us the meaning of the veil.

--------------------------------------- Hebrews 9:14; 10:1,2,22 --------------------------------------- The books of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua portray the journey of Israel from Egypt to Canaan through the intermediate wilderness. There is a message in this story that the Lord ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal