Sermons on Critical Question:

The Purpose Of Praise Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 28, 2008

The psalm exhorts everyone and everything to praise the Lord. It forces us to ask the question, "Why is praise important in our lives?"

Psalm 150:1-6 “The Purpose of Praise” INTRODUCTION The psalm today exhorts us to praise God. This is a simple command, but it is an exhortation that may inspire questions. We may ask, “What is praise?” Is it something more than a compliment? We may also ask, “Why should we praise?” What does ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 150:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Is There Not A Cause?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on May 19, 2015

"Is there not a cause?" David's question is a pretty good question today, too. What are we concerned about? What cause motivates our lives, our church? You see, we need a cause that motivates us!

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2019) TEXT: 1 Samuel 17:20 29; Deuteronomy 6:7 A. In the New King James Version of the Bible, in 1 Samuel 17:29, we read these words, "And David said, ‘What have I done now? Is there not a cause?’" Do you know what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:20-29, Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 28:19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Of Utmost Concern Sermon I: The Salvation Of Unbelievers Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 12, 2020

If Christians want to be like Jesus and not be deterred by enemies of Christianity, mature believers tell it like it is as did Jesus who confronted His critics with the truth about His identity as the Christ, Son of God. So must we.

OF UTMOST CONCERN TO MATURE BELIEVERS: THE SALVATION OF UNBELIEVERS Former pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Charles Carter, told about being confronted by an unbeliever who engaged him in conversation about his preaching “Salvation is found only in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-32

How Great Is Your Love

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 18, 2003

Love is an uncommon force that copes with suffering. By enduring the pain, sorrow and anger we are exhibiting God’s unconditional love. People who are mature in love endure the pain of selfish, critical and immature scoffers.

How Great is Your Love - I Cor. 13:4-7 Illustration: One evening while appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the religious right when he said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Listening To Unchristian America

Contributed by Jay Robison on Nov 1, 2007

Christianity has an image problem. What can we learn from how those outside the church see the church today. I use Jesus criticism of religious leaders to cause us to think.

I have used sermoncentral along with other resources in this message. James White’s Critical Times email was a starting point. I also referred to Kinnaman’s book. LISTENING TO UnCHRISTIAN AMERICA October 28, 2007 Jay Davis Robison MATTHEW 15:1-12 The Church in America HAS AN IMAGE ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Body Of Christ In Cabbagetown

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 27, 2013

It’s critical to realize that we’re not just random people coming to church every Sunday and throughout the week. We’re a body. We’re Jesus’ body, and we’re on a mission,

Church is a funny thing. I don’t mean funny, ha-ha, funny. Although, often it is that, because we’re human and humans are hilarious. Church is kind of peculiar, kind of wonderful, kind of a mystery. I know a lot of people have a lot of issues with church. I know that a lot of people don’t do a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Anatomy Of A Worshipper

Contributed by Charles Jones on Dec 16, 2010

Worship isn''t an entertaining showcase for a talented soprano or a lecture on textual criticism or a pleasant weekly reunion of friends and family. Instead, true worship is a joyous celebration of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

THE ANATOMY OF A WORSHIPPER by Bishop Charles C Jones 2 Samuel 24:18-24:25 Our focus in this message is to explore the exercise of worship. There is a book out that is entitled ’ Worship is a verb’, in this book the author states that Worship isn''t an entertaining showcase for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:18-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Marks Of An Effective Minister Series

Contributed by David Welch on Feb 14, 2011

16th in the series dealing with Paul's example of an effective ministry. From his testimony about himself I draw several critical elements that should characterized any effective ministry of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians Series #16 “Marks of an Effective Minister” Eph 3:1-13 REVIEW I. Our Wealth and Worth In Christ 1-4 A. Paul blessed God for blessing us with every spiritual blessing 1:3-14 B. Paul prayed for their enlightenment 1:15-23 Hope of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Zophar’s Second Attack On Job Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jul 10, 2017

How we respond to people who are hurting STILL matters. Our ability to show grace, compassion, and love to those around us is critical, and it's something we see quite clearly in these conversations.

Zophar’s second attack on Job Job Sermon Series, Part 10 Introduction (Job Slide) - We are continuing to examine Job’s conversations with his friends -- Re: These men came in Ch. 2 to sit with him and mourn his loss - They appear to come to comfort … but quickly their real motives are ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Brokenness - The Road To Power

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Feb 23, 2022

The most critical need of believers today is not power, but the spirit of brokenness. If we want to partake in the power of resurrection then we must first be enveloped in the fellowship of his suffering. Meekness is the price we pay for power.

TEXT: PSALMS 34:18; 51:17 "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." WHAT IS BROKENNESS? The most critical need ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17, Matthew 23:11-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Mind To Work

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 12, 2022

Disapproval and discouragement can result from ridicule. We should choose not to respond in the same manner or to become discouraged when we are ridiculed for our faith or criticized for doing what we know is right.

Many years prior to Nehemiah’s time, the Northern Kingdom had been conquered and many were taken captive to other lands. The conquering nation introduced prisoners from other lands, which led to intermarriage with the few Israelites. This blending of the races produced the people known as the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

More Precious Than Gold Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 25, 2025

This sermon teaches that our trials are like a refiner's fire, designed by God to prove and purify our faith—which is more precious than gold—so that it will result in praise, honor, and glory at Christ's return.

Introduction: The Purpose of the "Need Be" In our last study, we faced the difficult paradox that we can "greatly rejoice" even while we are "in heaviness." We learned that our trials are temporary—just for a season—and that they are purposeful—there is a "need ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

Evil On All Sides Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 10, 2021

Evil is like a series of bombs scattered around our lives. If we are to diffuse them, it helps to understand them.

Evil On All Sides! (Proverbs 29:5-7) 1. Do you ever feel like you are surrounded by idiots? One web site collected stories… I was signing the receipt for my credit card purchase when the clerk noticed that I had never signed my name on the back of the credit card. She informed me ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:5-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Time Of Rejoicing Series

Contributed by Chris Hodges on Sep 7, 2003

To note the joy that is found in Christ.

The Gospel of Mark #8: A Time of Rejoicing Text: Mark 2:18-22 Thesis: To note the joy that is found in Christ. Introduction: (1) Jesus had just been criticized for associating with sinners. (2) Now, His critics questioned His disciples concerning fasting. Discussion: I. The Story: A. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:18-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

12. Saul's Disobedience: The Cost Of Impatience Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

We’ve all felt the tension—when God’s timing seems too slow, and the pressure to act now feels overwhelming. In those moments, we face a critical choice: Will we wait in faith or rush in fear?

Saul’s Disobedience: The Cost of Impatience May 14, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 13 We’ve all felt the tension—when God’s timing seems too slow, and the pressure to act now feels overwhelming. In those moments, we face a critical choice: Will we wait in faith ...read more

Denomination: Brethren