Sermons on Cultural Relevance:

Castaway Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jul 8, 2018

The castaway theme, from Robinson Crusoe up to Tom Hanks in Cast Away, is an of enduring theme in our culture. Acts 28:1-10 is a real-life castaway story, except instead of pirates and treasure maps, it involves superstitious natives and venomous snakes.

Castaway Acts Series Chuck Sligh July 8, 2018 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation is available for this sermon by request at chucksligh@hotmail.com. TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 28. INTRODUCTION Illus. – Stories of island castaways are a recurring theme for novels and movies. The idea ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas, Reinstating Santa Series

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Dec 9, 2021

Every year we see American culture feed the flesh and cling to the world view of celebrating Christmas, which is the surmise of misrepresenting a person’s good name. This is especially true of Saint Nicholas, who is referred to now by the modern-day name, Santa Claus.

Christmas, Reinstating Santa Recapturing the Heart of the True Saint Nicholas Every year we see American culture feed the flesh and cling to the world view of celebrating Christmas, which is the surmise of misrepresenting a person’s good name. This is especially true of Saint Nicholas, whom is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:7, John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Abundant Grace

Contributed by Mark Lindsey on Aug 29, 2022

Often, we, like the Corinthian believers, fail to remember the abundant grace which has been given to us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We look more like the culture around us than the nature of Christ within us.

“Abundant Grace” Acts 18:1-11; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Each one of us who are followers of Jesus Christ are experiencing the abundant grace of God. Your salvation has three stages: past, present, and future. The theological terms are justification, sanctification, and glorification. The moment you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Diverse Yet Unified

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 23, 2023

Christians are a diverse group of people, even within a particular denomination, people are still different. We are different in culture, race, age, social status, skill, and personality. The only thing that can bring unity among such people is the movement of God's Spirit.

Today let's talk about what it means to be unified in Christ. Christians are a diverse group of people, even within a particular denomination, people are still different. We are different in culture, race, age, social status, skill, and personality. The only thing that can bring unity among ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Fog Part 3 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Aug 27, 2023

The eerie spiritual fog has rolled in over the Western church and Christian culture, it has descended on us because, “There is no fear of God before people’s eyes today.” This created the right atmosphere for the fog to roll in and engulf our nation in deception and deceit.”

Series: Reflections from Sabbatical Sermon 3: The Fog Thesis: The eerie spiritual fog has rolled in over the Western church and Christian culture, it has descended on us because, “There is no fear of God before people’s eyes today.” This created the right atmosphere for the fog to roll in and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:18, Psalm 36:1, Ezekiel 33:1-20, Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul’s Trial In Caesarea Philippi (Part 1) Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 15, 2024

Can any man (or woman) truly be greater than the Gospel? Even with all the pomp and ceremony of the Roman culture, Paul stands firm on the premise that life is not about us, but is about Jesus. This is his testimony, and one that we can learn to emulate also!

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 37 Paul’s trial in Caesarea Philippi Acts 25:1-27 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- Last week: discussed Paul being a prisoner for 2+ years (by Felix) in Casearia -- Felix was hoping Paul would ...read more

Scripture: Acts 25:1-27, Matthew 5:11, Acts 23:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 4:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"do Not Be Offended."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 15, 2025

Choosing not to take offense when wronged demonstrates strength and patience. Practicing this mindset enhances our emotional well-being and strengthens our relationships. By fostering self-control, compassion, and mindfulness, we can cultivate a culture of love and harmony within the body of Christ.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 18:7) “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.” (Matthew 11:6) “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:6, Proverbs 19:11, Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 18:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christmas Love

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Dec 15, 2002

In our culture we are all about promotions and advancement: a better salary, a bigger office, a nicer view, executive dining room privileges, more benefits, flying first class, luxury suites, and options and bonuses. We all have felt this pull toward a ni

SERMONIC / WORSHIP THEME INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In our culture we are all about promotions and advancement: a better salary, a bigger office, a nicer view, executive dining room privileges, more benefits, flying first class, luxury suites, and options and bonuses. We all have felt this ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Da Vinci Code: Truth And Error Part 1 Series

Contributed by Mark Strauss on May 8, 2006

The Da Vinci Code – first the book and now the movie – has made a huge cultural impact in the United States and around the world. Dan Brown’s mystery novel has not only met with massive popular success, but has shaken the faith of many with its astonishin

Truth and Error in the Da Vinci Code Part 1: Jesus and the Gospels This message contains excerpts from the book Truth and Error in the Da Vinci Code by Mark L. Strauss This book may be ordered at DaVinciCodeErrors.com The Da Vinci Code – first the book and now the movie – has made a huge cultural ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

God's Last Word-Conclusion Series

Contributed by Denis O'callaghan Ph.d. ,th.d., D.d., D. Phil. on Dec 26, 2011

"The Jews tried to keep Christ contained within their law, while the Greeks sought to turn Him into a philosophy; the Romans made of Him an empire; the Europeans reduced Him to a culture, and we Americans have made a business of Him. God may thunder His c

God's last word But this was the Day God Died! Gentle Reader. The following is a statement put out by the Journal of American Medicine about the death of Jesus Christ "Jesus of Nazareth underwent Jewish and Roman trials, was flogged, and was sentenced to death by crucifixion. The scourging ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Rebel

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jan 5, 2012

When wrong is right, then right is wrong. When right is wrong, then wrong is right. In other words, when our culture has confused truth to the point of calling good evil and evil good, then we are obliged to do what many would think is evil because it is

rebel: noun or verb? rebel (n): a person who resists authority, control, or tradition; an agent of change rebel (v): to dissent from an accepted moral code or conventional behavior rebellion (n): revolt, revolution, uprising, insurgence // antonyms: complacency, compliance To the question: Am I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:11

Denomination: Baptist

It's All In Your Hands

Contributed by William Nieporte on Nov 19, 2007

Dare we believe that God is still at work in this world despite all its brokenness and iniquity? Dare we believe that God can still work in the world through the church despite all the change and cultural upheaval we see taking place in our society?

Lake Winona was the location of the YMCA campsite in Ormond Beach, Florida – the hometown of my childhood. For two weeks each summer the First Baptist Church would rent the Lake Winona campsite to provide for it Youth and Children’s Ministry. I began attending Junior Camp when I was nine years ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:32-37

Denomination: Baptist

Evidence Of Faith - The Story Of Ruth Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 19, 2011

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a short story about love, but even more importantly, a story of incredible faith. The evidence of her faith was found in stepping out into the unknown while trusting God when she left both her culture and her family behi

The Old Testament book of Ruth is a short story about love, but even more importantly, a story of incredible faith. The evidence of her faith was found in stepping out into the unknown while trusting God when she left both her culture and her family behind. It is an incredible story. This took ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:16-17

Denomination: Christian Church

Choosing Pleasure Over Pain Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 26, 2012

Study of Hebrews 11:24-26 where Moses leaves an example and truth for us as we press on in a culture that disdains “the reproach of” anything. The truth is that the path to joy is littered with sacrifice. We can embrace this pain and suffering injustice b

Text: Heb 11:24-26, Title: Choosing Pain Over Pleasure, Date/Place: NRBC, 6.24.12, AM A. Opening illustration: Judson was united in marriage to Ann Hasseltine February 5, 1812, and was ordained the following day. He had counted the cost of being a missionary. When asking Mr. Hasseltine for the hand ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:24-26

Denomination: Baptist

Real Christianity: Clothing, Buildings, Money, & Extravagance

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

There is a lot of stuff out there claiming to be Christian, when it's not really Christian. It's a difficult situation for any real Christ follower. On one side you have a culture and society growing progressively more hostile toward Christian values.

There is a lot of stuff out there claiming to be Christian, when it's not really Christian. It's a difficult situation for any real Christ follower. On one side you have a culture and society growing progressively more hostile toward Christian values. On the other side you've got a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, Romans 1:5, Psalm 34:14

Denomination: Salvation Army