Sermons on Cultural Adaptation:

The Complacent Church - #7 Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Oct 17, 2007

Adapted in part from Warren Wiersbe (and others)...a look at the letters Jesus dictated to specific churches...with the ensuing question, "what would He write to us?"

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH ARE WE? THE COMPLACENT CHURCH Revelation 3:14-20 * Please take your Bible and turn with me to Revelation 3. We’ll read verses 14-19 which is the last church Jesus addresses in this way. * (READ) For the Bible student, the name Laodicea conjures up images of a church in trouble. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

Thriving In Babylon Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Aug 18, 2009

How do we live fearless lives as Christians? God’s heart is that we not just survive, but thrive (adapted from a series taught by Pastor Larry Osborne, North Coast Church.

Thriving in Babylon Daniel 1:1-1:21 Fearless Pt 1- Thriving in Babylon Introduction New Series- Fearless (adapted from a series by Pastor Larry Osborne from North Coast Church). Many things to worry about and be afraid of today. What is it that causes you to toss/turn at night -economy, ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Charismatic

Chameleon Christianity Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 1, 2012

The concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. Paul was writing to a church that had a numerous amount of challenges similar to those that the church in America is dealing with today. We are t

One of my memorable pets growing up was a Chameleon. I loved the idea that it would change colors to adapt to the environment that it was in. It eventually died but the concept of changing colors for the sake of adapting is unfortunately the trend of modern Christianity. • Paul was writing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:11-18

This Is A Test Series

Contributed by Gary Stebbins on Feb 22, 2009

In todays world many are struggling financially, this series is to help us understand how to be rich in a way that honors God. (Adapted from a series by Craig Groeschel, lifechurch.tv)

Illustration Survey- top 10 countries with the most billionaires … US- 269, Japan- 29, Germany- 28, Italy- 17 We are indeed a blessed nation financially speaking. We have much to be thankful for as a people/country. US- 10th largest consumer- chocolate- Switzerland #1. US- 3rd largest consumer of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-12

Denomination: Charismatic

Be Stable

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 23, 2019

Settle down and stop being tossed to and fro.

We do not need to look very far in our culture and indeed the world to see that stability is ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, Jude 1:22-23, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Timothy 3:1-2, 1 Peter 2:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Image Is Everything Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 8, 2022

Because we are image-bearers of God, our purpose is to reflect, reveal, and represent Him.

A man once said, “I set my alarm to tell me when to get up, but some days I need something to tell me why I should get up.” In his new book, “Truth Changes Everything,” Jeff Meyers, president of Summit Ministries, where many of our students and young adults have received apologetics training, and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

A Survey Of My Grief Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 22, 2024

Lamentations speaks on behalf of those suffering as he reminds the Lord of how great is the grief experienced. He confesses that the judgement is deserved. In this, he provides a warning to those living in this present culture that they must not presume against the goodness of God.

Grief touches each of us eventually. [1] Though we know we will experience grief as individuals, we sometimes need to be reminded that grief will consume the nation that turns from righteousness while embracing wickedness. Some might suppose that Christians will gloat when judgement at last comes ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Leading, Learning, And Living

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Aug 10, 2024

God charges Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. Leading, Learning, and Living breaks out each of these times and what the Lord says to Joshua.

LEADING, LEARNING, AND LIVING Joshua 1 gives a strong example of God’s charge to be strong and courageous in life. He repeats this charge to Joshua three different times, each one followed by a different area for Joshua to be strong and courageous in. These are areas that I am describing as ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-8, Matthew 16:24, Ephesians 1:3, Matthew 7:24, James 1:22-25, 2 Timothy 3:5, 1 Corinthians 4:20  (view more)  (view less)

Why Worldview Matters Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 11, 2023

What you believe about God’s Word will determine how you view the world around you. If your worldview does not come from God’s Word, it will come from the world.

Why Worldview Matters Romans 12:1-2 Rev. Brian Bill September 9-10, 2023 How many of you wear glasses or contacts? Actually, we all use lenses to view the world around us. [Put on different colored glasses] • Contrast red (Republican) and blue (Democrat). • Contrast green (Packers) and blue ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Worshipping The Snake

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 30, 2023

We Evangelicals are as susceptible to idolatry as are every other religious group. We don't identify our idols as opposed to Christ's rule, but they are idols that cause us to stumble, nevertheless.

“In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

We Are His Offspring

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2024

God created mankind, and He gives us our being. Thus, we must not segregate on the basis of race or sex. Flowing from the knowledge of God's creation, and having given His Word, we discover that not all cultures are equal, though all people have opportunity to know God.

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-28

Denomination: Baptist

Back To Church Sunday: Invite Someone

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Apr 17, 2014

Adapted from material from Outreach, I preached this sermon the week before Back to Church Sunday to encourage members to invite their friends, relative, associates and neighbor to church.

Back To Church Sunday: Invite Someone! Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church How many people do you know who “used to go” to church, but just don’t anymore? If you are like most folks, you probably know quite a few. Today there are 320 million people in America and ...read more

Scripture: John 1:39

Denomination: Christian Church

To Be A Hero

Contributed by Bob Ashcraft on Sep 10, 2002

A 9/11 message. What does it mean to be a hero? How does God define heroes? This word is adapted from a message by Kenneth Sauer.

To Be A Hero * Credit to Kenneth Sauer, this is an adaptation from his notes * Def. of a Hero - a person of great strength & courage who is regarded by others as an ideal or model * People have many ideas of what a hero is o Pro Athlete, Business Tycoon, etc * The concept of hero was better ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:22-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Open Your Ears To See The Savior

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Jan 3, 2006

Open Your Ears to See the Savior 1) In Bethlehem’s Babe 2) In the Lord’s Supper (adapted from sermon by Jonathan Werre)

All little Johnny got from Grandma this Christmas was a piece of paper. It wasn’t even pretty paper like a Christmas card. It was just a dull grey sheet with lots of writing. There wasn’t even room to draw a picture on it. What good was such a paper to a five year old? As Johnny mumbled his thanks ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Lutheran

Home Baked Christmas Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 6, 2004

1st of 4 at Christmas. The basic outline and some illustrations were adapted from a message by Melvin Newland entitled "Home Baked Happiness"

Home Baked Christmas Depression at Christmas is a real problem for a lot of people. Depression at Christmas - survey results by Christine Webber and Dr David Delvin. The NetDoctor survey on Depression at Christmas shows quite clearly what many of us have long suspected - that Christmas is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ