Sermons on Context:

Nothing You Can Do To Make God Love You More Or Less

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 25, 2024

Recently I have been hearing quite a few pastors using a quote from Henri Nouwen a Dutch Catholic priest that states, “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more and nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Is that true? Let's see what God's Word has to say about it.

Do you have a Bible? I was once told that in a simple Bible with no maps, no apocrypha and no commentary you would find the Psalms in the center of the Bible. So, I thought maybe it would be Psalm 119 since it has 174 verses and is the longest chapter in the Bible. However, in my Bible it turns out ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, John 15:13, John 1:29, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Romans 5:8, Isaiah 53:1-6, John 3:16-19, John 16:27, John 14:23, Revelation 3:15-16, Romans 13:10, Luke 15:20, Proverbs 6:16-19, Matthew 11:28, 1 John 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

What To Do With God’s Revelation>

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Jul 27, 2010

Jesus came briging the truth, but it wasn

Passage: Matthew 12:38-45 Intro: We love to have all the facts when we make a decision. 1. buy a car, a house, we want written guarantees, inspections, service records, etc. 2. if we are going to part with money, sign up for payments, we have conditions we want met, and when we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:39-45

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Legalism Stinks Series

Contributed by Larry Osborne on Jun 13, 2007

Having a clear understanding of God’s law can help us avoid the trap of legalism. King David, the apostle Paul and Jesus can each give us a healthy perspective on God’s law.

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church Message #5 August 12-13, 2006 Dr. Larry Osborne Why Legalism Stinks 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Introducing The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached Series

Contributed by David Swanger on Dec 3, 2012

Jesus in the greatest sermon ever preached makes it clear that happiness is the result of holiness.

THE GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED Introduction In 1980 country music singer Johnny Lee landed a number one hit by singing about “looking for love in all the wrong places,” and without a doubt, our world and even some of us have done the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Only Thing That Counts Series

Contributed by Jim Heidebrecht on Jul 21, 2007

Sermon 16 in Galatians series. Main theme is security of salvation.

07/22/2007 “The Only Thing That Counts” (Gal 5:2-6) Have you ever said something in a conversation, or in a meeting, or in some group setting, then have someone come along later and blindside you by taking what you said out of context, or they put words in your mouth you never said and they use ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:2-6

Denomination: Baptist

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled Series

Contributed by Ewen Huffman on Feb 27, 2004

We so often apply these words to our temporal concerns and troubles- but the disciples hearts were troubled because of fear they would be without Jesus (momentarily, and even eternally). We should be like them- and make being with Jesus our cheif concern.

¡§Do not let your hearts be troubled¡¨ Jn 14:1-7 WBC 29/2/4pm TROUBLED These are marvellous words of Jesus - words that I have gained comfort from many times - words that are special and dear to many, in a society that we perceive as anxious and troubled. Stressed But, let me share what the ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Home Sweet Home

Contributed by Joe Harding on Nov 5, 2002

GOD’S PLAN FOR HUMANITY IS STILL MARRIAGE!

HOME SWEET HOME I CORINTHIANS 7: 1-17 OCTOBER 27, 2002 INTRODUCTION: Internet: Guide to dating and marriage – Kid’s advice TRANSITION THOUGHT: Last week, Bake started us on a journey learning about interpersonal relationships. A critical spirit is not pleasing to God, Bake taught us. This week, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

True Power Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 7, 2005

Spiritual Power is a life changed for Jesus through presenting the Gospel. A spiritual Leader is someone who is willing to pay a personal price for his concern, his message, and his lifestyle as he bears the message of Jesus.

Any written statement carries certain dangers with it. It sets down a confirmed record and holds the writer to account. It can also be misinterpreted and misunderstood if the exact context of what was said and why it was said isn’t understood precisely. E-mail heightens these dangers because it ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Hard Topic Of Divorce

Contributed by Daniel Sorensen on Oct 18, 2006

Combining Pastoral Care skills with the scripture on divorce allows us to meet the parishioner/seeker where they are, encourage them to be authentic with who they are, and bring themselves wholly to God. The next step would be be a refelection of God’s l

There is a group of new Pastors who are keeping in touch with one another this year via e-mail. We check-in and see how things are going. We talk about ideas for children’s sermons and compare life in the parish to what we learned in the classroom. It’s a helpful way to enter into a new ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Never Fish Alone

Contributed by Stephen Smarowsky on Mar 25, 2008

A fishing adventure is always better when you share the journey. This lesson is about partnering with your church in this adventure.

Never Fish Alone Discussion Starter: We were all fish before becoming a “fisher of men”. Someone shared the message of Jesus Christ with us. Christ has called us to be His voice to a lost world. We have a clear message that must be told. A fishing adventure is always better when you share the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Partnering With Your Chuch

Contributed by Stephen Smarowsky on Sep 15, 2008

Questions to consider: 1. Are you vested in inviting people to “come and see”? 2. Are you serving strategically as a partner? 3. Do you have Christ like characteristics?

Discussion Starter: We were all fish before becoming a “fisher of men”. Someone shared the message of Jesus Christ with us. Christ has called us to be His voice to a lost world. We have a clear message that must be told. A fishing adventure is always better when you share the journey. This lesson ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Discerning Spirits Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Jan 23, 2007

Our culture tells us that if something is spiritual, it is "good." John tells us we have to discern the spirits

18 John 4:1-6 January 21, 2007 Discerning Spirits Intro – Franklin episode where they are searching for a talisman to cure his Grandmother. The question in the show is whether the talisman will actually cure the grandmother or whether it is just superstition and not real. There was no room ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: *other

God Is The Source Of All Joy

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 10, 2014

God is the source of all joy; that is, if you are His.

God is the Source of all Joy Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 So far, the picture presented by the Preacher is pretty depressing. It is so negative that we have to be on guard not to get caught up in the gloom ourselves. We do this by continuing to remember that Solomon is presenting an under the sun view of ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Does The Bible Say Women Can Be Pastors And Elders?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Aug 4, 2018

A look at the commands of God concerning the roles of Men and Women in the Church

As the world continues to spiral slowly out of control, it also affects the church. The absolute authority of God's Word is being diminished for equity and equality in all things. The church is adopting society's evolving standards and social agendas to attract more people. It allows women ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:12, Galatians 3:28-29, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lesson 12: Preach A Biblical Topic Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 18, 2018

How to preach a topic that comes from the Bible.

Lesson Goal To preach a topic that comes from the Bible. Lesson Intro Preaching a text is the easiest and most effective habit for preaching. However, various topics are also covered in the Bible that require the use of several passages of Scripture. How to handle this is an art and a technique ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:14-41

Denomination: Baptist