Sermons on Cultural Adaptation:

Hilarious Generosity

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 2, 2014

What should God's generosity cause us to do? (Material Adapted from Ben Patterson's book, He Has Made Me Glad, chapter 10 Hilarious Generosity)

HoHum: Ben Patterson- When Lauretta and I were first married, we were very poor. The 3 necessities of food, clothing, and shelter weren’t quite within our grasp. We could manage only 2 out of 3- not bad as a batting average, but miserable if you’re trying to live. My employment was ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The "second Coming" Of Our Lord

Contributed by Byron Perrine on Jul 9, 2019

This sermon incorporates and adapts “The Parable of the Ten Virgins—A Picture of the Second Coming”, a sermon by Joseph Wallis, Sermon Central, Jan. 2002, to whom credit is hereby acknowledged.

(We invite you to visit us at www.HeritageRestorationProject.org or www.ChristianWisdom.info) The prophecy of the Second Coming of Jesus is often either misunderstood by Christians themselves, or, the object of derision and ridicule among non-Christians. And yet, it is one of the most important ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Understanding Church Life

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Mar 6, 2025

An 8-part course or series on What it means to be an active part of a Biblically centered New Testament Church Please take this, adapt it to your church's specifics.

UNDERSTANDING CHURCH LIFE By Owen Carey, Eric J. Hanson, and Dallas E. Henry UNDERSTANDING CHURCH LIFE Lesson 1: THE CHURCH AND ITS PEOPLE Since you have received Jesus Christ, you need to learn all you can about Him and His people, the Church. There are two ways of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-31, Romans 16:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, Ephesians 4:11, Matthew 28:18-20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Misunderstood Messiah Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 18, 2023

Jesus is the misunderstood Messiah- how did that happen? (Title, outline and material adapted from Ray Pritchard at: https://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/the-misunderstood-messiah/)

HoHum: Sir, have you ever been here before? For 38 years Teddy Kollek served as the mayor of Jerusalem. Enormously popular in his day, he often met with Christian leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest, especially those pertaining to Israel’s security and the chances of peace in the Middle ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-3, John 6:26, John 6:66-68, John 1:11, Romans 10:1, Matthew 13:55, 2 Corinthians 5:16, Isaiah 49:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pray Practically Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jul 9, 2024

Pray Practically focussing on Luke 11:3 (Material adapted from Bob Hostetler's book, The Red Letter Prayer Life; chapter 8 of the same title)

HoHum: In the days of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Roman army was trapped by the wild tribes of Germany in high mountains where there was no water. The soldiers were choking to death when the Miletine Legion, which was largely Christian, asked if they might pray. When they knelt to pray the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:3, Matthew 6:11, Deuteronomy 8:10-18, James 4:2-3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 8:13-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prayer Changes Things And It Changes Me Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 23, 2022

1) Pray until God answers 2) Pray until God changes our prayer 3) Pray until God changes us (adapted from Bob Hostetler)

HoHum: C.S. Lewis: “I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.” WBTU: Why do we find it so hard to keep praying for the same people, the same needs, the same things, day after day, without giving ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-10, Luke 18:1-8, Luke 9:52-56, Luke 1:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Fit In At Church

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 5, 2009

“How do you fit in at church?” “Do you feel a part of our church?” “Are you part of the Body of Christ?” “Are you an active part of the community?" [Adaptable by adding your own church activities]

HOW to FIT IN at CHURCH Acts 2:42-47, Others INTRODUCTION… How to Fit in at Almost Any Church (www.bluefishtv.com) (02:29) I. DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY (all definitions and such: Horton, Paul. Sociology. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1972. pgs 437-438) I would like to begin this morning with the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"The Road Few Want To Travel”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 10, 2022

Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem. He knew what awaited. (Luke 9:30) The sermon is also a reflection on the Ten Commandments. God's Values. Includes a quote from the WSJ regarding "sin" and culture.

In Jesus Holy Name March 11, 2022 Luke 13:34 Lent II Redeemer “The Road Few Want to Travel” The season of Lent has arrived along with day light savings time. The Church Calendar encourages Christians to focus on the reality that Jesus “gave up” His life so that we might have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:30, Luke 13:34

Denomination: Lutheran

The Crowd On Good Friday Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 20, 2016

Disappointed with Jesus- Who was Jesus for... (Material adapted from Mickey Anders at: http://www.lectionary.org/Sermons/NT/01-Matt/Matt-21.01-11-WhoIsThis-Anders.htm)

HoHum: Ever played the game where go up behind someone and cover their eyes with our hands and ask, “Quess who I am?” WBTU: Read Matthew 21:7-10 When Jesus came that Palm Sunday, he seems to be playing a game, "Guess who I am." Vs. 10- Who is this? I believe this question helps us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Time Came Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on May 16, 2005

1st in Christmas series based on Galatians 4:4 - why the time was right for Jesus to come. This is one describes the right time CULTURALLY - one language.

Galatians 4:4 – The Time Came (With a healthy dose of help from John Eldredge.) “In the beginning.” It might just as well say, “Once upon a time.” It’s a wonderful phrase, full of legend and myth, promise and mystery. And it’s a sort of invitation, too. “Come here, let me show you something…” ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be A Godly Employee

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Mar 10, 2003

Contentment is a rare quality in today’s culture, but it is extremely liberating! Materialism, striving for rank , back-stabbing, and discontent lead to emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual bondage

HOW TO BE A GODLY EMPLOYEE 1. TRUST IN GOD ONLY. Trust in no one but GOD. People will disappoint you. God created you and has a wonderful plan for your life. He is too good to do wrong, and too wise to make a mistake. Let His peace abide in you. (Proverbs 3 :5-6) 2. WORSHIP GOD ONLY. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Out Of Shame...joy Series

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Dec 4, 2006

Out of the cultural shame surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, God brought Great Joy to ALL PEOPLE. He will also take my shame and bring joy.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Wesleyan

God Is In Control Series

Contributed by Stuart Blount on Jan 4, 2008

Though in captivity Daniel’s story is a clarion call to us to THRIVE in the challenges of our cultural setting, and in so doing draw attention to our sovereign God.

Daniel is an inspiring book that brings both a challenge and hope to all those who recognize that we are living in an environment that is alien to the lives we have been called to. This was Daniel’s experience. The book records the experiences of 4 Hebrew men taken into captivity by an evil ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let Us Not Forget

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 28, 2009

Taking principles from the prodigal son and comparing them to our nation, we can see that our nation’s culture has been taken for granted.

Let Us Not Forget Luke 15:11-24 * The story of the “Prodigal Son” has reached legendary status. Almost every person (believer or unbeliever) can give a general storyline. Let’s see if we can simplify it. A man had two sons. The older one was a hard working boy who understood and accepted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Baptist

Marriage Is Valuable, Divorce Is Dangerous

Contributed by Scott Turansky on May 24, 2009

When asked about divorce, Jesus first speaks about the value of marriage. Then he limits divorce. Unlike our culture which does just the opposite.

Matthew 19 – The Value of Marriage, the Dangers of Divorce Matthew 19:1-3: When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. 2Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3Some Pharisees came to him to test him. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible