Sermons on Context Of The Text:

The Friend Of God - James 2:20-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

We are often told to trust God. But this passage makes trust seem more desirable by casting it in the context of friendship. This message defines friendship and explores what it means to have that with God.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:20-24

The Seven Churches Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

The idea of 7 being symbolic of perfection and completion is almost universal, and, therefore, it is the easiest of all symbolic numbers to understand. It usually means all of the category being dwelt with in the context.

A math teacher asked one of her less enthusiastic students, "If I take 23 away from 30, what is the difference?" He responded, "That's what I say, what's the difference?" In other words, it made no difference to him. Not everybody enjoys math and working with numbers, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:4

Don't Overthink Truth

Contributed by Don Campbell on Apr 20, 2023

Overthinking the truth can result in the paralysis of analysis or it can result in distorted truths that are torn from the context in which they were spoken and made to serve as handmaidens for many false doctrines.

DON’T OVERTHINK TRUTH “Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?” (Eccl 7:16) INTRODUCTION A. Solomon is not suggesting a lukewarm relationship with God nor a lackadaisical pursuit of knowledge or wisdom, but we can overthink the truth, resulting ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:23-34, Matthew 23:23-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 30, 2024

As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.

In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:34-37, Matthew 23:16-22, Matthew 19:22, Zechariah 8:14-17, Psalm 32:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Going Over There? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the themes of trouble, hope, joy, and freedom in the context of Job's suffering, emphasizing that while anxiety and suffering are inevitable, we have the choice not to be imprisoned by them through faith in God.

Good morning, church family! There's a quote by Max Lucado, that I want to share with you this morning. He once said, "The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional." That, my friends, is where we find ourselves today in the book of Job, chapter 3, verses 17-20. Hear ...read more

Scripture: Job 3:17-20

Topics: Trouble, Don't Last Always

"the Power Of Confident Prayer" Series

Contributed by John Bright on Aug 4, 2022

Working through the Gospel of Luke using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

"The Power of Confident Prayer" Luke 11:1-13 A sermon for 6/26/22 – Third Sunday after Pentecost Pastor John Bright Luke 11 “5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13, John 15:5-12

Denomination: Methodist

God Remembers Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Oct 4, 2021

Message introduces study of book of Zechariah focusing on THEME and HISTORICAL CONTEXT. Zechariah's message is highly relevant today. As theme suggests, it is a message of hope for God's people!

Today I want to begin opening the book of Zechariah to you. For all practical purposes, this book and other minor prophets are closed books for most Christians. During our annual reading of the Bible, we read the words, but there is a vast difference between reading words and comprehending the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:21, Matthew 6:24, John 21:3, Ezra 5:1, Nehemiah 12:16, Jeremiah 25:11, Haggai 1:1-5, Ezra 4:1-24, Ezra 3:1-13, Acts 8:30, Hebrews 10:25, Zechariah 1:1-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Why I Preach Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 1, 2012

This text gives the real reason for why anyone should dare take the job of preaching.

Introduction Why do I preach? Why does a person become a preacher? It has its benefits. One gains a measure of respect with the office. There are flexible hours and a fairly secure income during recession. Of course there is the opportunity to help people, and then there is the weekly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:15-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The World Watches Us Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 13, 2025

Working through 1 Peter using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

Series: 1 Peter Sermon: “The World Watches Us” 1 Peter 2:9-12 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 3 “9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-12, Exodus 19:5-6, Isaiah 43:21, Romans 11:16-21

Denomination: Methodist

Pattern To Overcome Temptation

Contributed by David Kim on Jan 23, 2005

Here in this text, we see a recording of a victory of our Lord over human sin and temptation.

Scripture: Luke 9:23 Here in this text, we see a recording of a victory of our Lord over human sin and temptation. Matthew’s intention here is to show: (A)Jesus’ right or qualification as a King of kings and Lord of lords by defeating the opposing kingdom and its king, Satan. (B)demonstrate ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:3-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Words Of Hope Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 22, 2025

Working through 1 Peter using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

“Words of Hope” 1 Peter 3:13-16 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 3 “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16, Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Is The Way Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 6, 2022

Although we should be concerned about how we live in this life, the most important concern is the way to God and thus heaven; Jesus is that way.

Jesus is the Way (John 14:1-11) 1. Misunderstandings happen all the time. Here are some: My toddler was about to hit her head on a bar at the playground, so I told her to duck. She quacked at me and then hit her head. A guy ran into a service station and said he needed some 710. They had no ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-11, Hebrews 1:1-3, Acts 4:12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Becoming Full Of Faith Series

Contributed by Scott Brewer on Aug 26, 2007

Painting a picture of what it looks like to be full of faith (faithful) with the acrostic "CHRISTIAN" based upon the text.

An Incarnational, Missional People “Becoming Full of Faith” 1 John 5:1-21 This past week I heard a pastor describe an experience that I think many pastors have experienced. The pastor had a 90 year old church member who was a godly man, lying in a hospital bed dying. This old saint had lived a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Romans 6:23: "a Badly Misunderstood Verse" Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Dec 15, 2021

Romans 6:23 contrasts the ultimate fate of people who live as slaves to Sin, and those who live as slaves to God. The sermon reads 6:23 in the larger context of chapter 6.

When I was a teenager, my youth group taught me something called the Romans Road, which was designed as a tool to help me tell people the good news about Jesus. Romans 6:23 is part of the Romans Road. Let's start by just reading it, in the ESV: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-23

Love

Contributed by John Dobbs on Mar 8, 2024

We are looking at powerful words from the last days of the life of Jesus. Last week we examined the parable of the tenants and the word was REJECTION. This week we will look at the context of Mark 12 and settle in on the powerful word LOVE.

Powerful Words From The Last Week of the Life of Jesus Love Mark 12:28-44 Introduction We are looking at powerful words from the last days of the life of Jesus. Last week we examined the parable of the tenants and the word was REJECTION. This week we will look at the context of Mark 12 and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ