Sermons on Course Curriculum:

Blood Relations Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 9, 2011

Blood is thicker than water. But the blood that matters is not ours - not our common ancestors, not our genetic heritage, not even a shared cultural or legal identity. The blood that makes the church a family is Jesus’ blood.

One of the things I have always like about being here in Clayton is the small town, family atmosphere. I moved around so much when I was young that I don’t know anyone I went to kindergarten with; I hardly even know most of my relatives. But here... We have multiple generations sitting right here ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Living At God’s Speed Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Jul 26, 2011

We are to live lives based on God’s perfect time by walking daily with Jesus at His pace not our own!

Last week we noted, If you want to experience this glorious God, find out what He is doing then join Him! In our passage today, we will also note that because God’s plan is perfect, God’s plan will always happen at the right time! A question: How fast is life moving today? If there was no speed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God Serves Us Even In Eternity

Contributed by Richard Futrell on Oct 7, 2010

We live as those who keep our lamps lighted--our lamp of faith, fueled by the Holy Spirit whom God the Father has sent through His Son.

Intro Veiled underneath the noise and rancor of the new-year celebrations, a low thrumming makes itself known. It is a thrumming undercurrent of sad acceptance pervading the new-year festivities, a presence of wistfulness and nostalgia--and yes, even of muted sorrow. The year has fled and gone, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-40

Denomination: Lutheran

The Journey Of Faith Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Dec 8, 2014

It is through Jesus that God speaks to you and me – no matter how dark the times, no matter how difficult the way, no matter how unfaithful people around us may be. God speaks to us through Jesus, and he calls us to himself just as he did Ruth.

The book of Ruth is the story of an extended family living in a dangerous place during turbulent times. The story is told in four scenes, with a chapter devoted to each scene. Chapter 1 is about a journey, chapter 2 a day in the field, chapter 3 a night to remember, and chapter 4 a morning that ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Dysfunctional Family Of Jesus? Series

Contributed by David Smith on Jan 12, 2010

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did

For he was our childhood pattern Day by day like us He grew; He was little, weak, and helpless; Tears and smiles like us he knew; ... Christian children all must be Mild, obedient, good as He. (Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848) It’s the first Sunday after Christmas - the ’Feast of the Holy Family’. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-49

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Downward Mobility Of Jesus Series

Contributed by David Smith on Jul 6, 2009

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although He was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that you, through his poverty, might become rich. “

I thought it was about time I began a sermon with a joke, and today’s passage did make me think of that story about the world’s leaders at prayer, asking God when their countries would repay their national debts. As the story goes, President Obama prays to God, asking when the US economy will ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Life Without Rules

Contributed by David Smith on Aug 14, 2010

Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-ab

I’m struggling with Colossians this week - not with the ancient people of Colossae of course but with St Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and not with the whole letter either but with one word in one verse that really has me bamboozled: Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and ...read more

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Two Travelers Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 23, 2022

Each of us travels on a journey through this life. Each day presents new challenges and choices. Each day we choose which path we will travel and those choices determine where we arrive at the end of the day.

The Two Travelers Matthew 7: 13-14 As we continue our study in the Sermon on the Mount, we come to a passage that all need to hear in our day. This is a passage that all can relate and understand. Here Jesus speaks of the way we are traveling and the course of life we are on. These are two courses ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Stand Firm And Work Hard Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Apr 16, 2022

'Stand firm and work hard' might seem a very strange Easter message. But it's Paul's key message in 1 Corinthians 15 - the longest passage on the resurrection in the Bible. The resurrection gives us hope - and that hope gives us reason to stand firm and work hard.

Easter Sunday is the day when we celebrate the fact that God raised Jesus from death. When I say WE celebrate the fact that God raised Jesus from the dead, I mean, WE IN THIS CHURCH celebrate it. Clearly, a lot of other people DON'T celebrate it. A few years ago the Daily Telegraph conducted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Peter 1:3

Denomination: Baptist

Called To Be A Mom Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 9, 2022

Based on Luke 1:26-38 - Encourages mothers (& others) to consider the implications of Mary's call for our lives today.

“CALLED TO BE A MOM” Luke 1:26-38 FBCF – 5/8/22 Jon Daniels INTRO – Moms have some funny & interesting interactions w/ their kids: A mom of 3 bad kids was asked whether or not she'd have children if she had it to do over again. "Yes, just not the same ones." Pastor Bill ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Finding New Strength In The Lord

Contributed by Jerry Owen on Aug 4, 2017

Where do you go when you feel weak, powerless, and defeated? Isaiah gives us hope by sharing with us 3 truths to restore hope and be strengthened by the Lord.

FINDING NEW STRENGTH IN THE LORD Isaiah 40:28-31 This prophecy of Isaiah is during a very dark time in the nation of Judah. God had delivered them from the Assyrian Army decades ago, but Judah has continued in sin and been judged. Isaiah had prophesied and it is now happening that Babylon has ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Price Of Admission

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 28, 2023

What does it take to get the kind of perspective that sees oneself in the light of Christ instead of the light of the world?

How many of you watched the memorial celebrations for President Reagan a few years ago? I was really impressed by a lot of things... the number of people who came, the quality of the speeches, the beauty of the pageantry. But of all the segments, the best, to my mind, was the private interment ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Follow The Leader

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 8, 2023

A third perspective is what Jesus is saying about the sheep. That is, that left to their own devices, sheep will stray.

Why do you suppose The Runaway Bunny is one of the most popular books for toddlers ever written? Because it reassures the child that whatever happens, she can’t get lost for good. Even if he gets mad and runs away, he still can’t get lost - because the mother bunny will always come after her child. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-9, Romans 8:35-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Getting Even

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 1, 2023

We can be sure that if payment needs to be made, God will see to it - and he keeps better accounts than you and I ever could.

Robert Simon is dead. He was killed last Tuesday. His family knew him as Robbie. Maybe you know him better as “Mudman.” And maybe you thought, as I did when I heard the news, that justice had been done. Because, you see, Mudman Simon killed Franklinville police officer Lee Gonzalez four and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Two Steps To Trouble Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 4, 2024

An interesting "two step" phrase is repeated three times in this passage. It gives us insight into how what we believe in our heart creates hurdles in real life.

TWO STEPS TO TROUBLE: 1. AN IDOL IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR GOD THAT WE PUT ON OUR HEART'S THRONE. - Ezekiel 14:3, 4, 7. - The triple repeat is interesting and significant. - An idol is the start of the problem. It’s a substitute God. - Let’s look at three examples. We’ll start with this step ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 14:1-8

Denomination: Baptist