Sermons on counterintuitive: showing 226-240 of 354

Sloth Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on May 3, 2018

Apathy, not laziness

Sloth! I feel it when I am slouched on my couch, snack in hand, mindlessly watching TV. Can you identify? Is just being a slug every now and then a sin? Does it really matter to the Lord of the Universe if you live in a cluttered house, have an unkempt lawn, or constantly update a to-do list ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Do I Need To Draw You A Map

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 22, 2018

A study in the book of Numbers 34: 1 – 29

Numbers 34: 1 – 29 Do I need to draw you a map 34 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance—the land of Canaan to its boundaries. 3 Your southern border ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

A Talent For The Ridiculous! Series

Contributed by David Smith on Apr 30, 2012

We’ve reached a familiar story in the book of Matthew – the parable of the talents.

It’s a parable I’ve known since my youth - one I am quite familiar with – and having been in this parish almost 21 years now, it’s one that I am reaching for the 7th time even since I’ve been here, which is why it is all the more astounding that I’ve never ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Prayer (1) Gideon’s Prayer Regarding A Fleece

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Jun 7, 2020

Most commentators criticise Gideon, feeling that his prayer demonstrates a lack of faith. But given how positively the New Testament views Gideon, we should be inclined to take a positive view of his prayer. It's a very sensible prayer, and a great example to us.

Today we’re starting a short series on prayer, and looking at a prayer which Gideon prayed. It’s in Judges 6:36-40. Introduction First, let’s look at the situation Gideon was in before we look at his prayer. We may think, ‘We pray, God answers. Simple.’ But when we look at what was going on at ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:36-40

Denomination: Baptist

The Slow Slide Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Mar 21, 2020

Many people struggle with the same temptation for many years. Often, people will wonder, “How is it possible for a Christian to struggle with a temptation for so long? How did things get so bad?” I’ll tell you how: so slowly that you wouldn’t even notice what was taking place.

The Slow Slide Text: Genesis 13:2-13 Introduction: Ever seen a Chinese handcuff? Maybe you know it better by the name “Chinese Finger Trap” or “that joke your friend played on you that one time after asking, ‘Wanna see something cool?’” The genius of this gag toy is its simplicity; it’s just a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:2-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Undivided Christ Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 3, 2022

To keep the divisiveness in the world from infecting the church, take your focus off the messenger and focus on the message.

A young rabbi found a serious problem in his new congregation. During the Friday service, half the congregation stood for the prayers and half remained seated, and each side shouted at the other, insisting that theirs was the true tradition. Nothing the rabbi said or did helped to solve the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The End Times Matter Now Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

As a Christian believer, is the end of time really that important to my life? Does it really make a difference to how I live?

My Aims for End Times Series: over the course of the next few weeks, I want you to join the believers of the early church by feeling the wonder and awe of the Bible’s teaching of Christ’s return. I want the impact of Christ’s return to stir you with new affections for Christ. As a Christian ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-59

Denomination: Baptist

Two Attitudes Of The Financially Fit Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 2, 2021

Money has a powerful impact on our lives. The Book of Proverbs is principles from heaven for life on earth. Today, I want to show you Two Common of Money Myths & Two Attitudes the Financially Fit.

Tania Luna is five years old and came to the United States eventually from Chernobyl in Russia. Four years earlier, Tania spends nine months in the hospital while black rain is coming down and her sister’s hair falling out in clumps. All of this was a result of the most horrific nuclear disaster ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 19:4, Proverbs 30:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are The Poor Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 16, 2022

A series of messages about the meaning of the Beatitudes for us in our lives.

Blessed are the Poor Matthew 5:1-3 July 10, 2022 One Sunday after worship --- a little boy told the pastor, “When I get a job, I’m gonna give you some money. The pastor said, “Well, thank you, but why?” “Because my daddy says you’re one of the poorest preachers we’ve ever had.” Being poor, ooh, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-3, Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Strengthen What Remains

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Oct 29, 2022

Jesus calls us to live the life we have now. Too often, we are so busy lamenting the past or reaching for the future that we miss what He wants us to do presently.

Strengthening What Remains I. OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Resilience is the ability and the process of overcoming life-challenging and threatening experiences and events. Bouncing back does not happen overnight. The ability to live with what is left after trauma is something that not everyone possesses ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bless Them

Contributed by Tim Zukas on Jan 29, 2005

Focuses on Jesus addressing the Disciples, not the crowd

A recent survey has compiled all the qualities that people expect from the perfect pastor: Results of a computerized survey indicated that the perfect pastor preaches exactly 12 minutes. He frequently condemns sin but never upsets anyone. She works from 8 a.m. until midnight and is also a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Contributed by James Choung on Aug 29, 2008

Main idea: Give up our need to consume, because it is keeping us from enjoying the Kingdom.

This sermon is by James Choung of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. You are also invited to visit James’ blog at http://www.jameschoung.net/. __________________________________________________ About eight years ago, I was in Manhattan celebrating my 25th birthday. A friend and I were in the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:29-34

Denomination: Vineyard

The Beginning Of… Sin (Again) Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Apr 23, 2010

God’s grace overwhelms the “second chance.”

Scripture Introduction To give someone a leg up means to help them climb higher by standing on your knee or in your cupped hands, like a human step stool. A billboard in St. Louis advertised a local church by proclaiming: “Jesus gives a leg up!” That is both helpful and hopeful… ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:18-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Beautiful Exchange

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 25, 2011

Jesus gave His life to save us. Now He offers us His attitude to transform us.

There once was a sculptor who was working hard with his hammer and chisel on a large block of marble. A little boy who was watching him saw nothing more than large and small pieces of stones falling away left and right. He had no idea what was happening. But when the boy returned to the studio a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Introduction To Grace Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on May 1, 2008

There is a huge difference between receiving grace and embracing it.

EMBRACING GRACE – Part One – Introduction to Grace Introduction This morning I am beginning a sermon series entitled Embracing Grace. I have given it that title because most of us in this room have a mental comprehension of what grace is. We understand we would be nothing without grace. But ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:3-9

Denomination: Baptist