Sermons on Contrary Winds:

"In A Manner Of Speaking": 'the Prodigal Son' [part Six]

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Oct 1, 2016

Did Jesus resort to using allegory as a clever ruse so as to keep things hidden? On the contrary! Jesus resorted to using parables so that the listener could better understand “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 13:11].

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, September 6, 2015 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter In a Manner of Speaking: “The Prodigal Son” Luke 15:11-32 [NET] The scriptures tell us that on one occasion ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Silas Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 31, 2021

Not everyone liked what Paul and Silas were doing, so they imprisoned them. Despite all the intricate and demanding things they experienced, they never complained. On the contrary, songs of praise were heard from the darkest dungeon where they were being held.

Silas Paul settled in Antioch, where he continued to work with the people to live a happy life by the gospel. However, Paul felt that the Holy Spirit was working in the Church, so that it was time to go out and spread the gospel of Jesus. So he went out to be a missionary, and on one of his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:32

Denomination: Baptist

Sinful Sympathy Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

Chapter 4 shows us three approaches that Eliphaz took to Job, which he apparently thought would be helpful, but which are contrary to the true spirit of sympathy, and thus, must be classified as sinful sympathy, for they do more harm than good.

Tragedy so often leads to bitterness against God. Mark Twain had a daughter who died at the age of 21 because of diphtheria. His wife also died young. He became so angry and bitter that he lashed out at God with the very gift that made him famous, his pen. He wrote and imaginative tale about ...read more

Staying Clam In A Storm Of Heresy Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Jul 29, 2021

A major concern for John is heresy within the church and the manner it is causing problems and robbing believers of their joy. John uses antichrist in reference to those who perhaps start with seemingly sincere faith; yet, their teaching becomes contrary to Christ and abiding in him.

There is a universal theme that runs through the book of 1 John, abiding in Christ. This is the key to “living in the world but not of the world. When we refuse to live in the world, we fail to serve Christ. Joe McKeever wrote the following. In the 1987 meeting of the Southern Baptist ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Causes Divisions And Offenses (Lesson 1) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 22, 2024

To herald Paul’s solemn plea and message to the church in Rome, to mark and turn away from those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they had heard, learned, believed, and obeyed according to “The faith, once delivered to the saints.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Causes Divisions and Offenses Introductory Remarks. 1. This is lesson one in this sermon series: “Paul’s Solemn Plea To Rome.” This was an urgent and solemn plea from the beloved apostle Paul to the saints at Rome. His message began with a sincere plea to the brethren ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Decieves The Hearts Of The Simple (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 22, 2024

To herald Paul’s solemn plea and message to the church in Rome, to mark and turn away from those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they had heard, learned, believed, and obeyed according to “The faith, once delivered to the saints.”

INTRODUCTION Outline. 3. Deceives the Hearts of the Simple Introductory Remarks. 1. This is lesson three in the sermon series: “Paul’s Solemn Plea To Rome.” This was an urgent and solemn plea from the beloved apostle Paul to the saints at Rome. His message began with a sincere plea to the brethren ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Remember Why!

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 30, 2011

A nation is not saved by the strength of its military nor by the craftiness of its leaders. A nation is only be assured of salvation if it is blessed by God. Our nation used to be focused on God in many things, but that has changed. What can we do to chan

OPEN: The year was 1620. 102 pilgrims were huddled below deck and no hatches open because of continuous storms. All non-essential personnel required to stay below decks; there was the constant crying of small children; there was no chance to cook any meals. The pilgrims spent 7 weeks in an ill-lit, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Law Enforcement: To Protect And To Serve

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 14, 2016

There is a wind of confrontation blowing between law enforcement and the public in our society. There are some bad police officers, but a majority of them are good and out to protect us. Today, we invite them to worship with us and to pray for them.

TO SERVE AND TO PROTECT Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Charismatic

The Lowly King Of Kings Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 17, 2021

When people came looking for the Messiah they expected to see “a reed shaken in the wind,” or a wealthy and mighty king. Instead of finding a wealthy king, they found the Christ who was meek and humble; born in a place of low esteem.

Our message for today is a reflection on the lowly and humble estate of our King of Kings. To begin this morning, turn in your Bibles to Isaiah chapter 9, and we will look at verses 1-2, and 6-7. What I am about to read are the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the entrance of our Savior ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 11:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Road Less Traveled

Contributed by John Gaston on May 12, 2016

There were 2 ways from Egypt to Canaan: 1 straight & smooth direct to Canaan taking 4 or 5 days; the other was a crooked, winding, dry & difficult passage through the wilderness and that was the way God chose. Why?

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED Ex. 13:17-22 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There have been a lot of changes since I was in college. Computers have advanced incredibly. 2. One Boomer, Cyndy Hinds, was trying to explain to her five-year-old daughter how much computers had changed in her lifetime. 3. “Do ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 13:17-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

There Is A Lion Out There? (Fear) Series

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 18, 2008

This two part lesson studies LIONS in the Bible. The lion represents FEAR! Fear is opposed to faith. Will the lion hinder us? Will the lion launch us? It is up to you!

THERE ARE LIONS OUT THERE? HOW DID I GET HERE? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I do this lesson in two parts. ILLUSTRATION: A. I use a pint jar. I fill it up with ping pong balls. ( You can substitute: English walnuts, or something cheap, etc.) enough to fill the small jar. (A large ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Saved For Success Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

Christians often need to be saved from their subjective fears that put their emotional system into a turmoil.There was a spirit of pessimism reigning over the lives of the Apostles in this setting. They were safe, but they felt like they were sunk.

Most of us probably have some money in a saving account where it is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Cooperation, or FDIC for short. This brilliant idea which saved the banks after the depression, and saves all savers a lot of anxiety is a gift God gave to the American people through a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Worry - The Life Stealer

Contributed by Darron Khan on May 29, 2002

This message was designed to help its audience understand how worry runs contrary to God’s will for our lives. It is intended to encourage people to let God build their lives free from the anxiety that saps our lives away one crisis at a time.

Worry – The Life Stealer Celebration Service April 14, 2002 Last week we spent some time talking about rest and how important rest is to us. We discovered that not only did Jesus set an example of rest for us, but that even God Himself rested on the seventh day and consecrated it. But the truth is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2, Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Boasting

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

What Paul is about to do in this passage is contrary to his character. He never had any problem boasting about Christ and telling of His sufferings, but he was always hesitant to speak of his own painful experience as a servant of the Lord. However, bec

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: A sightseeing bus was making the rounds through Washington, D. C., and the driver was pointing out spots of interest. As they passed the Pentagon building, he mentioned that it cost taxpayers millions of dollars and that it took a year and a half to build. A little ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

When Believers Fall Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jun 28, 2015

Simon the Sorcerer, contrary to many theologian's views, was a true believer. But being immature, he was seduced to go back to the old ways of thinking. It took a truth-telling believer (Peter) to set him straight and tell him the path to forgiveness.

When Believers Fall Acts Series Chuck Sligh June 28, 2015 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon upon request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 8. INTRODUCTION Illus.– I remember when I first came to Christ. I had decided to follow ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-24

Denomination: Baptist