Sermons on Cultural Adaptation:

Caring About Others Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Feb 7, 2012

I want us to look at how to share our faith without coming off like a jerk. We will make some observations about how our cultural context has changed in the last few decades, and then share five principles about how to share our faith in Jesus.

Caring about Others Romans 9:1-4a I speak the truth in Christ-- I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit-- 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Paul Might Have Practiced Contextualization In A Cross-Cultural Ministr

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 25, 2001

HOW PAUL MIGHT HAVE PRACTICED CONTEXTUALIZATION IN A CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY

HOW PAUL MIGHT HAVE PRACTICED CONTEXTUALIZATION IN A CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY Introduction - Paul believed in the POWER of the gospel to transform lives. Yet he also appreciated the COMPLEXITY of this process. He resisted any attempts to submit to the indoctrination process of Pharisaicalism. He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:8-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Performance Trap

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 12, 2011

A sermon on grace and how we distort God's grace in our culture, USA. (Material adapted from David Seamands' book, "Healing Grace" chapter 2 "Barriers to Grace")

HoHum: A treadmill is one of the most effective tools for burning calories, despite the fact that the person exercising stays in the same place. Similarly, so it is with people who try to work their way to righteousness. We understand that grace is what saved us but believe they must pay God back ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Spread The Word Despite The Odds Sermon Ix: Change Of Direction Epitomized By Peter Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jan 15, 2020

In anti-Christian environments, mature Christians adapt to changing circumstances as led by the Spirit . . . and are willing to make life changes as prescribed for doing the Lord's work without compromising fundamental Christian beliefs.

PETER EPITOMIZED CHANGE OF HEART AND MIND . . . (Acts 11:1-18) If all church leaders today were like the Apostle Peter, there is no telling what kind of churches our churches would be. A lot would depend on which aspect of Peter’s personality they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Growing Through What You Go Through

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 13, 2025

Whatever you're going through is not the end—it’s the process. Growth often hides in the soil of affliction. Do not curse the season you are in; rather, lean into God and allow Him to mould you. You are growing through what you go through.

GROWING THROUGH WHAT YOU GO THROUGH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: James 1:2-4 Supporting Texts: Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Psalm 34:19, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Isaiah 43:2 INTRODUCTION: Life is a journey filled with seasons—some filled with sunshine, others with storms. It is not always the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Culture Shifts: Slow Down, You're Going To Fast

Contributed by Tammy Garrison on Jan 21, 2002

This line from a Simon & Garfunkel song describes the breakneck pace of our technologically advancing culture. How do we go about tuning out the world and tuning in to Christ, striving to be faithful Christians in today’s world.

Phillipians 4:8-9 Bibliography: Cultures Shifts, Lesson 3 The world was forever altered in 1436 when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Although forms of printing had existed for approximately 400 years, Gutenberg’s moveable type made out of metal revolutionized the printed world. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9

Denomination: Methodist

Using Biblical Parables To Craft Compelling Accounts Across Cultures

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2001

USING BIBLICAL PARABLES TO CRAFT COMPELLING ACCOUNTS ACROSS CULTURES

USING BIBLICAL PARABLES TO CRAFT COMPELLING ACCOUNTS ACROSS CULTURES Introduction - Everyone craves an experience when they can listen to an account that will make the illusion of anothers’ reality seem like their own. Africans particularly appreciate a teacher who can heighten their sense of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Did Not React To Cultural Issues But Focused On Principles

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 21, 2004

Instead of going into a long explanation on subjects, Jesus taught in principles saying, "When you pray, say, . . ." and He gave them a pattern that also included prayer principles.

Why Jesus Chose to Not React to Cultural or Temperaments but Focused on Principles John 4:23-34 - "Yet, a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit and his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:34-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Joy Of "Do-Overs" (Living In An Etch-A-Sketch Culture)

Contributed by Pb Stetser on Jul 6, 2004

This is a sermon about the fact that God provides a way to ’start-over’ (powerpoint slides available upon request)

The Joy of “Do-Overs” Preached 01-18-04 by Captain PB Stetser As with all of my sermons, the PowerPoint slides I used are available if you think they would be helpful. Simply email me at PBStetser@use.salvationarmy.org and request the slides for the specific sermon. Blessings! PB What are ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Holiness

Answering Our Culture #5: "Jesus Is Not The Only Way To God Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 26, 2002

Fifth in the series aimed at answering objections. This one discusses exclusivity, and that people feel sincerity is the main issue.

Answering Our Culture #5 – “Jesus is Not the Only Path to God.” (Sincerity is All That Matters) John 14:6; 3:35-36; Acts 4:12 August 25, 2002 NOTE: SOME OF THE MATERIAL FOR THIS MESSAGE WAS FOUND IN PAUL COPAN’S BOOK "TRUE FOR YOU, BUT NOT FOR ME." (1998; BETHANY HOUSE ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:12, John 14:6

Denomination: Wesleyan

Answering Our Culture #6: Jesus Was Just A Good Teacher Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 26, 2002

Sixth in a series answering objection to Christianity. This message deals with the claims of Jesus’ deity.

Answering Our Culture #6 – “Jesus Was Just a Good Teacher – He Did Not Claim to be God.” Various Scriptures September 1, 2002 Note: some of this outline is from Norman Geisler’s book, "Christian Apologetics." Introduction Let me ask you a question: What do most people who do not follow Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 8:52-59, John 10:25-33

Denomination: Wesleyan

Answering Our Culture #7: Christians Are Judgemental, Intolerant, & Hypocri Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 26, 2002

Seventh in the series answering objections against Christianity; this one deals with the charges against Christians: judgmental, intolerant, and hypocritical.

Answering Our Culture #7 – Christians are Judgmental and Intolerant; There Are Too Many Hypocrites.” Various Scriptures September 8, 2002 Introduction This is the seventh message in our series outlining the Top 10 Reasons to not be a Christian. We have looked at such things as the ideas that the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1, Romans 12:3

Denomination: Wesleyan

Answering Our Culture #10: Just Do It, Already! Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 26, 2002

Last in this apologetics series, this one focusing on reasons to become a Christian.

Answering Our Culture #10 – Just Do It, Already! Various Scriptures October 13, 2002 Introduction This is our last message in our series on The Top 10 Reasons to NOT be a Christian. We’ve looked at a bunch of different reasons people give for not becoming a Christians. Today I want to give you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:38-39

Denomination: Wesleyan

How To Live For God In A Pagan Culture / Earning Street Cred Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 2, 2009

Christians who consistently demonstrate spiritual integrity earn "Christian cred."

Title: How to Live for God in a Pagan Culture / “Street Cred” Text: Daniel 1, 2 and 6 Thesis: Christians who consistently demonstrate spiritual integrity earn Christian cred. Series: The Bible in 90 Days Whole Church Challenge Introduction Did you know there is an Urban Dictionary of terms (or ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Put Off Your Old Nature And Build A Culture Of Life

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 27, 2018

Let’s get serious about our following of Jesus, about rededicating ourselves to our vocations, to our families.

Eighteenth Sunday in Course 2018 Today the Word of God reminds us of the fallen nature of humans. God liberated the people of Israel from slavery in the fields and swamps and deserts of Egypt. Moses and Aaron led them out after God worked multiple signs and wonders to convince Pharaoh of the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:24-35, Ephesians 4:17-24, Exodus 16:2-15

Denomination: Catholic