Sermons on Cultural Influences:

Failure Not Final Sermon Vi: Why Would Anyone Go From Persecutor To Persecuted Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Mar 11, 2020

Since many folks in our culture appear to be consumed by hatred - much of it aimed at, but some of it by, Christians - we would be wise to review our Lord's confrontation with and transformation of Paul.

WHY WOULD ANYONE CHOOSE TO GO FROM PERSECUTOR TO PERSECUTED? You knew that any focus on the theme Failure Is Not Final with the Father had to get around to the persecutor who became the persecuted. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:9-20

God Is Not A God Of Confusion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 7, 2023

We must not imagine that the confusion roiling western culture is because of God. Having rejected the Lord, civilization is confused, and without hope of being set right without God's merciful intervention.

“God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” [1] We live in a world that is increasingly confused—confused about society, confused about the role of government, confused about the sexes, confused about God. And I could undoubtedly go on about the confusion that reigns in our world. Confusion ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33

Denomination: Baptist

The Hope Laid Up For You Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Introduction A. There is a story about how the caverns north of Yellowstone National Park were discovered. As the story goes, one of the original explorers was walking along the top of that mountain and fell through a hole, and he dropped down several hundred feet into this cavern and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 10:17

Walk Worthy Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Intro A. This is another of Paul’s “prison epistles,” written from the barracks in Rome (as he did with his letter to the Philippians) and in the company of Timothy B. Points out Epaphras (not Epaphroditus, a messenger for the Philippians), likely founder and pastor C. He expressed ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14, Romans 11:33, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:14-17, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 3:16-20, James 1:2-4, Matthew 5:12, Revelation 2:10, Romans 8:17, Psalm 103:12  (view more)  (view less)

Hope For A New Year Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Apr 26, 2022

In the times and cultures of the Colossian church, hope was a commodity hard to come by. In his letter to them, Paul instructs them where they can find the kind of hope no one can rob from them.

I. Intro A. There is a poignant scene in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, where Jesus is carrying His cross down the Via Dolorosa. Upon seeing Mary, His mother, Jesus says, “Look, mother, I am doing a new thing.” B. For us, every day is a new thing, but some days have more importance than ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20, Philippians 2:6, John 1:14, John 8:58, John 10:30, Romans 8:29, John 1:1-3, Romans 11:33-36, Revelation 22:13, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 2:19, John 5:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Fearlessly Proclaiming God's Word

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jan 2, 2016

Like Paul we need to pray that we as His ambassadors do not water down the word of God in our lives to appease our culture but instead fearlessly proclaim the truth to all we meet.

FEARLESS PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL MESSAGE (Ephesians 6:18-20) • Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ, the one called to proclaim the Gospel message to the Gentile people asked the church of Ephesus for prayer that he might fearlessly proclaim the Gospel message. • In the sermon I am going ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Individualism Series

Contributed by Scott Berry on Aug 27, 2020

Have you ever thought about why you think the way you do? What are the cultural lenses that you are looking through? Let us think about the water we are swimming in.

Rom 12: 9 – 21 Looking at our lenses: Individualism (Have you spotted consumeristic thinking in yourself this week?) Individualism is the social outlook that stresses independence and self-reliance. Individualists promote the exercise of one's goals and desires, while opposing external ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Baptist

Sardis: Socially Active But Spiritually Dead

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 3, 2020

Sardis was the fifth church Jesus addressed in the Revelation. While the letter was shorter than the others, this one was the most severe. Apparently, Sardis has assimilated into the culture - with little difference known between the church and the world.

Sardis: Socially Active but Spiritually Dead Revelation 3: 1-6 As we continue to examine the churches to whom John sent letters, we come to the fifth – the church at Sardis. Of the seven, the message to Sardis was the most severe. They were content to rely on prior works and a reputation from the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Chronos - 1 Corinthians 9-11 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Nov 19, 2022

If we reject cultural stereotypes, classism and our own spiritual pride, in favor of unity, love and admiration for God and one another, we will accomplish the mission we have been placed on earth for.

This week we continue our series called Chronos. A term which means time. We have decided to study the scriptures this year in the order they were published. It gives us a very unique insight into the early church and the struggles of a growing movement. This review of history is important because ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 Corinthians 11:11-16, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sudden Impact

Contributed by Fred Mueller on Jun 1, 2001

A Memorial Day sermon with a strong anti-war message - while trying to be sensitive to the memory of those who lost loved ones. A sermon that shows how Christ at work in us runs counter to the culture.

The Reformed Church of Locust Valley Easter VII May 27, 2001 Acts 16:16-34 “Sudden Impact” Christianity is nothing but trouble. Ever since Jesus started his work he has done nothing but cause trouble. The leaders of his day were aghast at him. Jesus was a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Halloween: Problem Or Potential

Contributed by Christopher Roberts on Sep 20, 2002

Halloween is a major-moneymaking holiday that captures our lives this time of the year. Every store is filled with Halloween candy, costumes, and decorations. Halloween is rooted deep into our culture. What should we do?

Please e-mail me with any comments or if you use any part of this at your church at Mail4ChrisR@aol.com. I would love to hear about it. God Bless! - Chris Halloween: Problem or Potential? The culture in which we live challenges a Christian lifestyle daily. As Christians, we often face tough ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:21, Ephesians 5:11

Denomination: Methodist

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

Embracing God's Design For Husbands And Wives Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 1, 2015

In this sermon, we focus primarily on God's commands in Ephesians 5. I have leaned heavily on material from David Platt's book Counter Culture, chapter 6, and also three sermons from John Piper on marital roles.

Introduction: A. One day a little girl and a little boy were playing in the yard. 1. The girl asked the boy, “Hey Billy, do you want to play house?” 2. Little Billy said, “Sure! What role do you want me to play? Do you want me to be the husband, the son, or the brother?” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Can't Get Any Respect Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 19, 2006

How can we get a hearing in lost society? How can we create in environment for effective evangelism? How can we project a true image of ourselves, and, more importantly, the God we serve? How can we defuse and influence a hostile society, family member

I Can’t Get Any Respect (I Peter 2:11-12) 1. Take a minute and think about the answer to this question. 2. Can you think of two people who have significantly influenced Your growth in the Lord? 3. Take a moment to think. What was it about them that influenced you? 4. Did those people have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living In Babylon: The Right Mindset Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 1, 2022

Pretty much everything in our culture is designed and is conspiring to distract you, impact you, and draw you away from God. You need to be ready. You need to prepare your children. You need to prepare your grandchildren. Prepare by having the right mindset.

FAITH FOR EXILES: LIVING IN BABYLON RIGHT MINDSET DANIEL 3:17-18, ESTHER 4:12-14 INTRODUCTION… Right Mindset (p) There are certain activities and events and things that we do that you absolutely need a particular mindset to do. I happen to think that a fighter pilot needs a certain mindset. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18, Esther 4:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ