Sermons on Counterintuitive:

"what Doesn't Kill Us ..." Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 29, 2019

James calls God’s training regimen “various [kinds of] trials” (James 1:2). As he prepares his friends for the inevitable test, he outlines for them ... and for us … the following five strategies to employ when times of testing challenge us.

A very popular show in the sixties and seventies was a little half-hour police drama called … [do the theme music] … “Dragnet.” Remember that show? It starred Jack Webb as “Joe Friday” … a detective with the Los Angels Police Department. Joe Friday was a no-nonsense cop. His famous line was … ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: United Methodist

Paul, The Emotional Case Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 10, 2012

Neither Paul nor we are meant to be Mr. Spock from Star Trek; Paul was comfortable with emotion, but -- even when he was emotionally intense -- he kept his eyes on Jesus and sought to follow God’s will, not his own.

Paul, the Emotional Case (2 Corinthians 7:2-16) 1. I love this old Jewish joke: During a service at an old synagogue in Eastern Europe, when the Shema prayer was said, half the congregants stood up and half remained sitting. The half that was seated started yelling at those standing to sit down, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Three To Get Ready…" Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 15, 2008

Disgust can become a powerful motive.

"Three to Get Ready…" (Genesis 27:41- 28:9) 1. There are many stories of people who have given up on the church and on God is utter disgust. 2. Dan Waite tells this story of a man who almost did: Once upon a time, a young minister tried to quit the ministry in absolute disgust. He was tired of ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Is Sinful?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Aug 29, 2023

A question that I get from time to time: How do you determine what is sinful? Jesus' answer is it is sinful if it violates either of the Two Great Commandments

What is Sinful? John 15:18-16:4a Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 5, 2023

A sermon for the Sundays following Pentecost, Year A, Lectionary 22

September 3, 2023 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Matthew 16:21-28 Can You Have Too Much of a Good Thing? Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Adding salt to a baking recipe enhances the final flavor in complex ways. When ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Mercy, Forgiveness, And A Stolen Coat

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Feb 21, 2022

A sermon for the 7th Sunday of Epiphany, Year C

February 27, 2022 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Luke 9:28-36; Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Mercy, Forgiveness, and a Stolen Coat Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. The words of our Lord: “And from anyone who takes away your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36, Genesis 45:3-15

Denomination: Lutheran

A Time To Lament Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 2, 2016

When the bottom drops out, we need to lament before God.

A Time to Lament (Psalm 79) 1. My high school assignment 
was to ask a veteran about World War II. Since my father had served 
in the Philippines during the war, 
I chose him. After a few basic questions, I very gingerly asked, “Did you ever kill anyone?” Dad got ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 79:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Self Less PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

The importance of humbling ourselves, submitting our egos and pride to God, and embracing the freedom that comes from seeing ourselves in the proper biblical light.

Hey there, Church! Today we're going to jump right into a deep topic that impacts every single one of us - our view of ourselves. Now, let's not kid ourselves, it's a tough one. We're all guilty of letting our egos run the show from time to time, aren't we? But you see, Scripture has a whole lot to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15, John 3:30

Topics: Thinking Of Self, Thinking Less Of Self

Judgment On Arrogance & Oppression PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 24, 2023

The main point of this sermon is to emphasize the importance of humility, justice, and seeking God's deliverance in the face of arrogance, oppression, and the consequences of such actions.

Good morning, church family! Today, we are going to dive into the book of Isaiah, where God speaks to us about His judgment on arrogance and oppression, the consequences of such attitudes and actions, and the hope He offers for deliverance from them. As we begin, let's remember the wise words of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:8-17

Topics: Arrogance, Oppression

Shaken, Not Stirred PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Even in our personal storms, God is present with us, and through humility and being open to being shaken, we can experience profound growth and transformation.

Good morning, family! Today, we’re going to be looking into a passage in the First Book of Kings. In this passage, we see the prophet Elijah experiencing God's presence in a powerful and transformative way. He's not in a comfortable place, but in the midst of a storm - both literally and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11

Topics: God's Shaking

The Gift PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 2, 2023

To explore the gifts of testing, patience, and joy and how they serve to mature us and deepen our relationship with Christ.

Good morning, church family. You know, as Christians, we often hear about the gifts of the Spirit, but how often do we consider the gifts of testing, patience, and joy? In a world where instant gratification is the norm, these gifts may seem like anything but. However, as we delve into James ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-16

Topics: Tests, Challenges

The Anatomy Of A Storm PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 11, 2023

Explores God's power and justice in life's storms, emphasizing that these trials serve to refine us and draw us closer to Him.

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a joy to gather together, even if it is in spirit and not in person, as we open God's word and seek His wisdom. Each time we come before the Lord, we come with open hearts and minds, ready to receive His divine instruction. Today, we turn our ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:2-7

Topics: God's Use Of Storms

Love Your Enemies: Embracing God's Transformative Love Matthew 5:43-45 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 8, 2024

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers teachings that challenge the status quo and redefine the principles of God's kingdom. Among these teachings is the command to love our enemies—a call that transcends human understanding and reflects the transformative nature of God's love.

Love Your Enemies: Embracing God's Transformative Love Introduction: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus delivers teachings that challenge the status quo and redefine the principles of God's kingdom. Among these revolutionary teachings is the command to love our enemies—a call that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-45, Luke 6:27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon On Forgiveness From The Heart

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 3, 2025

Forgiveness is the action or process of absolution, whether that be at the mercy of God, or from one human being to another.

Robert Swan Mueller, an American lawyer once remarked: "To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." Matthew 18:21-22 reminds us: “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:15, Luke 6:37, Colossians 3:13

Living Out Faith. Wisdom From The Book Of James. James 1

Contributed by David Cramer on Dec 17, 2024

Learning how to walk more in our faith in the Lord like James did. James was a great example of keeping the priorities in order.

Living out Faith, Wisdom from the Book of James. Stand with me and hold up your Bible and repeat after me, This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the word of God. The ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational