Sermons on Course Curriculum:

Hands Up!

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 23, 2022

We hear the words “Hands Up” used in two ways.

1. IT IS USED IN A NEGATIVE WAY For example, when a criminal walks into a bank and says “Hands up,” everyone within the range of his voice knows what he means. The reason the criminal wants everyone to put their “Hands up” is because this signifies that everyone within the sound of his voice has ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

Saved By Christ. Not By You.

Contributed by Lewis Roe on Oct 20, 2018

Legalism or did Jesus do it all?

Colossians 2:16-23 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Why Do I Need Church?

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 20, 2017

Jesus built HIS church out of flesh and blood. He took sinful, selfish and self centered people and created a church that would last forever. But how could He make a world changing church out of such useless material? Preached at Unity Service

OPEN: About 9 yrs ago, the Russian Orthodox Church had a 200 year old Church Building that had fallen into disuse. They wanted refurbish and begin worship services there, but when they arrived at village where the church building was … it wasn’t there anymore. It had disappeared. It seems that some ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

There’s Always More

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 15, 2023

Even when we feel drained physically and financially, we still need to offer what resources we do have - and in so doing, find that we can do more than we thought.

I have a lot of fellow feeling for the disciples in today’s story. I expect all of us who have put so much time and effort into VBS do, too. It’s done! We can put our feet up and have something to eat, talk about how everything went, see how well we did, maybe get a stroke or two for the old ego. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-44

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Justification Of Wisdom

Contributed by D. J. Speckner on Feb 24, 2023

Jesus made an interesting statement concerning wisdom. Jesus said, “Wisdom is justified of all her children.” We need to know what He meant by that saying.

“THE JUSTIFICATION OF WISDOM” Luke 7:29-35 Introduction No one wants to think that they are foolish or unwise. When adults are asked to rate their level of intelligence, most of them believe they are of above average intelligence. Of course, mathematics and statistics prove that, on average, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:29-35

The Price Of Peace

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus warns his followers that the consequences of following him will be painful and disruptive, and that they’d better be prepared for it.

The disciples were confused. When the Messiah came, peace and righteousness would reign from one end of the earth to the other. All the prophets agreed. And if Jesus was the Messiah as they were all now pretty sure he was, he would be the one who brought it about. He would be the Prince of Peace ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Paul’s Charge To The Ephesian Elders Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Oct 14, 2023

Paul sees the elders of the Ephesian church for the last time. He gives them a charge: 'Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock.' It's a message the church needs to hear today.

Today’s passage has a lot to tell us about the job of a minister or pastor or elder. Maybe you think, ‘I’m not a minister or pastor or elder. This doesn’t apply to me’! But all of us have responsibilities towards other people. This passage has something to say to all of us. Before I get ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

Denomination: Baptist

Imitators Of God

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Nov 14, 2022

We should imitate both God's love and His purity in the way that we live. But that kind of life is only possible as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us.

Many of you have probably seen the movie Groundhog Day where Bill Murray portrays Phil, a grumpy weatherman who got stuck living the same day, February 2, over and over again. Every morning he woke up to the same song and the same DJ announcing, “It's Groundhog Day!” The movie made us think: ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Never Enough Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Can we recognize God's gifts for what they are?

Have you ever made a bargain with God? Have you ever said, “God, just get me out of this and I’ll never ask for anything again!” Or “God, if you help me pass this test I’ll come to church every Sunday for a year!” Or “God, if you get me this job I’ll never call in sick again!” If you have, you’re ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

28. When Ziklag Burns Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Oct 15, 2025

Spiritual lives don’t collapse because God failed us — they collapse because we chose to navigate outside His will.

When Ziklag Burns October 15, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship www.mycrossway.org 1 Samuel 30 Introduction: From Ashes to Anointing On January 13, 2012, the Italian luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia set out on a routine voyage off the coast of Tuscany. She was built to ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

A Place For God

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Feb 3, 2026

The real temple is the one God builds out of us acting in community.

When I was in Pittsburgh working on my Doctor of Ministry program I noticed dozens of huge, impressive, mostly brick churches - which are if not exactly empty, certainly not filled to bursting. It’s worse in Europe, of course. How many of you have been to places like Notre Dame in Paris or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-16, Jeremiah 7:9-11, Ephesians 2:19-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus: The Real Superman

Contributed by Russell (Rusty) Pruitt on May 14, 2025

Those in my age range might remember these words: “Look! Up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!”

JESUS CHRIST: THE REAL SUPERMAN! TEXT: Philippians 2:5-11 INTRODUCTION: Those in my age range might remember these words: “Look! Up in the sky. It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!” “Yes, it's ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

How Paul Demonstrated Wisdom Before His Accusers

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 11, 2001

Paul teaches us how to demonstrate tact, diplomacy and truthful speech in the face of stiff criticism

How Paul Demonstrated Wisdom Before His Accusers (Acts 23:1-5) Illustration:Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God`s Exhuberance

Contributed by Eric Sellgren on Apr 29, 2002

Something new about the story of the Prodigal son?+

We`ve heard the story of the Prodigal Son so often that it`s hard to find something new to say about it. Well, I have a friend who`s full of quirky ideas which make you think. One day he asked "Who do you think was most like Jesus in this story?" - what do you think we said?..... "The Father, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

All Saints Sunday

Contributed by Thomas Bracewell on Feb 17, 2001

A brief overvied of "All Saints" and the omission by modern Churches.

All Saints Sunday Thomas F. Bracewell OSL It would be most interesting if we started this sermon/lesson by perhaps asking those who know anything at all about "all Saints Day" to raise their hands. . .of course I am not going to do that because there are possibly only a handful of us who are even ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:11-18

Denomination: *other