Sermons on Cultural Barriers:

The Good Employer Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 13, 2021

The owner of a vinyard pays all of his workers the same amount. How can this be fair? The motivations of the employer are explored within the cultural context of the first century.

The Good Employer (Matt. 20:1-16) Harvest time. The morning sun burned just below the hillside and backlit the ancient vines rising up from the even more ancient earth. The ground was parched and packed. Only the grapes held the promise of moisture, the pulp near bursting through their skins. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

What Does The Book Of James Say About Rich People?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 8, 2024

Why does James not like rich people? The culture tells us why. Wealth is not a problem today. It is how wealth is obtained and used that is the potential problem.

What does the book of James say about rich people? James 2:1-7 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 2 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

Accept One Another Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 1, 2021

This is an uncomfortable, difficult, and counter-culture teaching that is based solely on the love of Christ. They had a hard time with it - it was a shock to their system to hear it - but it was God’s way forward.

-Building Up One Another- ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER Romans 15:7 Introduction Romans 15:7 “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” In his letter of 16 chapters, he raises this in chap 15! This is an uncomfortable, difficult, and counter-culture teaching ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Shocking Demands Of Jesus Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 10, 2021

A culture obsessed by sensory suggestion refuses to admit categories of transformation. But that is what Jesus Christ intends to do, and we desperately need Him to do it.

Monday of 15th week in course For Catholics raised on family values, Matthew’s transmission of Jesus’ words today are something shocking. No peace—sword—a man’s foes will be those of his own household: these are profoundly disturbing images. But in the world of Matthew, who wrote for a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-14, Exodus 1:22, Matthew 10:34-42

Denomination: Catholic

We Can Escape

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 23, 2022

Our culture is filled with so much moral depravity so how can we escape? Regarding temptation, Paul offers the Corinthians staunch support.

Paul said that bad desires and temptations can happen to anyone, so do not think that we are the only ones at risk. We can also resist temptation, as others have. We can resist any temptation because God will assist us in doing so. With God’s help, we can resist temptation if: We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Can We Escape Temptation?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jun 17, 2024

In a culture that is filled with so much moral depravity, how do escape or how can we escape from what the world puts around us?

The Scripture today depicts how the Israelites, who had gotten away from Egypt, were honored by God. But then they fell over and over again into the worshiping of idols. God seriously rebuffed a considerable lot of them, including those destined to meandering the desert until many of them died in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prophet Enoch Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jul 7, 2024

Enoch walked with God in a declining culture. He had a very close relationship with God in a world and at a time that was becoming very wicked. He was a powerful preacher.

Text: Genesis 5:21-24, & Jude 1:14-15 Theme: Prophet Enoch Greetings: The Lord is good and his love endures forever! Introduction: The prophetic ministry is one of the five-fold ministry in the church. Ephesians 4:11: "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 5:21-24

Denomination: Methodist

The Original Meaning Of Communion

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Sep 3, 2024

What did communion mean when Jesus’ performed it for the first time? It’s Aramaic cultural meaning will enhance today’s usage of the evennt.

The Original Meaning of Communion Luke 22:14-23 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 14 And when the hour had come He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 15 And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I shall never ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-23

Denomination: United Methodist

Strait And Narrow Sermon Vii: Christians Avoid Deceptive Diversions Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 10, 2020

As culture drifts further away from biblical truth, mature Christians persevere in their beliefs and practices while avoiding deceptive diversions on the way to their ultimate goal.

CHRISTIANS PERSEVERE ALL THE WAY BY AVOIDING DECEPTIVE DIVERSIONS ON THE WAY There were times in my ministry when the making of a quick decision had to overrule emotions of the moment. Never to be forgotten was the Sunday morning when a stranger showed up at our church in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-29

The Rechabites' Testimony PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 12, 2025

The sermon emphasizes steadfast obedience to God amid cultural pressures, highlighting how consistent faithfulness and convictions can leave a lasting legacy and honor God.

Some families pass down recipes, some pass down stories, some pass down the old pocketknife with a smooth handle and a history. The Rechabites passed down a way to walk with God. Simple. Steady. Set like wet cement that hardened into holy habit. And in a world that shifts and shouts and sells ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:1-19

Topics: Commitment

Idols

Contributed by Je Layugan on Oct 17, 2023

Everyone is a fan of something or someone, but we must exercise caution and be mindful of the dangers of idolatry. Because a simple admiration or desire can turn into idolatry. Idolatry is often a good thing that becomes a god thing. That will eventually create a barrier between us and God.

To become a fan is generally fine. “Everyone is a fan of something or someone, but we must exercise caution and be mindful of the dangers of idolatry. Because a simple admiration or desire can turn into idolatry. Idolatry is often a good thing that becomes a "god thing". That will ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-35, 1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 Corinthians 10:21

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Veil Torn

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 12, 2025

When Jesus died, God Himself tore the temple curtain from top to bottom—forever removing every barrier between His holiness and our hearts. The way into His presence is wide open, not by our efforts or rituals, but by the finished work of Christ.

Introduction – A Wall Comes Down, A Veil Is Rent Down I still remember the summer of 1964 when our family crossed from West Germany into East. We were crammed into a Volkswagen bus—my parents up front, four sisters and two brothers jammed shoulder to shoulder. The youngest, little Sarah, was still ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-22, John 19:30, Hebrews 4:16, John 4:23, 1 Corinthians 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Redemptive Role Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Mar 13, 2003

I feel very strongly that the commencement of Celebrating our Cultural and Spiritual Heritage as African descendants must begin with a recognition and appreciation of the Role of the Holy Spirit in our Redemptive History. For He was and is and is yet to p

“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 59:19

Denomination: Baptist

What Are Some Of The Ways That We Can Overcome Our Selfish Physical, Historical, Cultural, Political And Emotional Desires That Tend To Distort Our View Of God's Attributes?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

What are some of the Biblical solutions for problems with selfish, ignorant, and emotional desires that create distortions of our view of God's attributes? 1.

What are some of the Biblical solutions for problems with selfish, ignorant, and emotional desires that create distortions of our view of God's attributes? 1. Ask the Lord for help in cleansing you from all unrighteous thoughts, emotions and perceptions. Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 62:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Encouraged Diversity In Ministry Approaches 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Jesus knew that God’s creation and purposes works best through a diversity of perspectives, cultures and approaches to ministry. One day the disciples came to Jesus complaining about men who were doing the ministry differently then they were accustomed

1. Jesus knew that God’s creation and purposes works best through a  diversity of perspectives, cultures and approaches to ministry. One  day the disciples came to Jesus complaining about men who were doing the ministry differently then they were accustomed to. Jesus said, "Do not hinder them, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational