Sermons on Cultural Pressure:

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

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

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

Remembering Why We’re Here

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 25, 2025

God opens doors the world closes, sending Spirit-led people to welcome all, proving His unstoppable grace when culture says no.

Good morning, friends. Today we begin with a question: What do you do when the place you hoped would welcome you says there’s no room? That’s the question at the heart of Acts 8. > “An angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39, Isaiah 56:3-7, John 14:2, Mark 11:17, Galatians 3:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Example Of Christ Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Jesus loved everyone impartially and intentionally, breaking cultural barriers and societal norms. We are called to follow His example and love others in the same way.

Do you remember Jesus' greatest commandment? He told us to love each other just like He loved us. Today, we're going to see how Jesus walked the talk. Let's pray: God, help us to love like You do. Show us how to look past our differences and love everyone, no matter what. Teach us to love like ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-9, John 4:1-42

Topics: Unconditional Love, Purposeful Affection, Impartiality, Intentional Relationships

Taking Christ Out Of Christmas

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 2, 2023

If Christmas has become a "cultural" holiday, This message looks at what happens when we try and take out all of the religious elements.

Have you noticed that every year, people seem more intent on secularizing Christmas? They wish you a “Happy Holiday” or “Seasons Greetings” and then have presentations at school that make no mention of the Manger or the Wise Men, let alone the Christ Child. Now, I may be a little overly sensitive, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Wesleyan

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

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

Taking A Stand Series

Contributed by E. True Neilson on Jan 29, 2015

Though God is never mentioned in this book, his fingerprints are all over the story of the heroic Esther and Mordecai. Study along as we discuss the ins and outs of living for God in a godless culture.

ESTHER: LIVING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS CULTURE Taking a Stand: Esther 2:19-3:15 Preached tag team style with Layperson Todd INTRODUCTION ERIK -Sunday morning Superman… -What did he stand for? -“Truth, justice and the American way.” -What do we stand for? Review: • Xerxes has ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Will Give You Rest

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Nov 15, 2022

Where do we find rest from life's challenges and struggles?

Title: I will give you rest Text: Hebrews 4: 1-16 Subject: How do we enter God’s rest? Complement: by faith, obedience, honoring his word, & leaning on our priest. Preaching idea: I will give you rest. 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Acquired Thru Faith-10(:4b)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 21, 2024

10 of 10. The apostle Peter informs those who are faithful in Christ, that they are amply supplied for godly living. God’s people are amply supplied for godly living thru their faith. But, What does Christian faith acquire for God’s people? A provision of God, acquired thru faith in Jesus, is...

ACQUIRED Thru FAITH-X—2Peter 1:4b(:1-4) Attention: Soon the Icelandic portion of our family is going to be vacationing with us for a few weeks! We are so excited, as we haven’t seen them for over two years now. But they can’t just hop in the car & drive over. In order for us to see each ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4, 2 Peter 1:1-4

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

The Office Of The Pastor

Contributed by Ed Warfield on Feb 29, 2008

Pastors are under attack today as never before. Many are overworked, underpaid, stressed-out & crumbling under the pressure of unrealistic expectations & constant crisis. Satan wants to destroy the church & he makes pastors special targets of his attack.

The Office of the Pastor Intro.: Pastors are under attack today as never before. Many are overworked, underpaid, stressed-out and crumbling under the pressure of unrealistic expectations and constant crisis of their flock. Many churches demand more of their pastors than any person could do. Many ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Denomination: Charismatic

A Gift Beyond Description Series

Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on Dec 22, 2012

Christmas stands for the presence of God with us (Immanuel) to meet the pressures of life as they come to us day by day. When our hopes crush, & dreams collapse, the Grace and Love of Jesus is designed to relieve and to bring hope to us. And the result i

A Gift beyond Description Bishop M A Lalachan. "But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.This will be a sign to you: You will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational