Sermons on cynicism:

Sarah Laughed

Contributed by William Hayes on Apr 26, 2006

A meditation on Biblical themes joined by the word laughter.

I had a terrible thing happen a few weeks ago when I was taking a service in a wee church (that shall remain nameless) in the country. I had got to that stage in the service where I was leading people in the prayers of confession and as I was just about to finish a particularly sombre bit about ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Are Your Really Wanting To Be Blessed?

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Dec 14, 2000

What is the price of success, what does one have to pay to be blessed?

If I were to ask how many of you would like to be successful, I would be surprised if there was one who would decline the opportunity and live life in failure. We all want to experience success in its varying degrees. Success comes at the end of a great struggle. Success is only success ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:6-7, Luke 14:28-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

Made New - In The Midst Of Reality Series

Contributed by Ken Gehrels on May 2, 2001

Facing the real, faith challenging situations of life, how can we proceed in the face of doubt? Watch, as Jesus works with Thomas. Consider how we can respond to doubt in our lives.

Made New - In The Midst Of Reality Bible Reading: John 20: 19-31 PREPARED BY KEN GEHRELS PASTOR CALVIN CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH NEPEAN, ONTARIO GUARANTEED TRUST Some years ago there was a financial ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Explaining Mark 6:1-13

Contributed by Peter Fisher on Jul 6, 2009

A look at the undercurrents in the passage, to see what was really going on

Introduction As we look through the gospel reading today, I am going to pick on a number of words and phrases to try to give a better picture of what was going on. Marks’ Gospel is a fast moving text. It could be called "What Jesus Did Next". It is easy to get caught up in the story and miss ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13, Mark 7:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:20-30

Denomination: Anglican

Genesis 21:8-21 (The God Of Ishmael)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 28, 2007

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob turns out the be the God of Ishmael too!! ...

We continue our sojourn with Abraham today – Abraham, the ‘father of faith’. We’ve been working our way through the story of Abraham for some time now – stories about Abraham & Sarah, Abraham & his family, Abraham & his descendents, Abraham and the promises God made to him - Abraham the ‘father of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:8-21, Genesis 21:13-20

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Believe Week 8 - Compassion Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 16, 2015

Believe week 9 looks at Compassion

Believe 8 - Compassion Psalm 82:3-4 November 9, 2014 It’s hard to believe we’re in week 8 of Believe. We’re moving very quickly and I’m really liking the progression of the topics. After today, we only have 2 more weeks until we finish the first section of Believe. To ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 82:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

What Mary The Mother Of Jesus Can Teach Us In Her Lifestyle

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jan 30, 2016

There are I believe three important character traits that we as Christians would do well to adopt for ourselves in the character of Mary the Mother of Jesus 1. Her humility 2. Her commitment to God and 3. Her bravery.

TSL 31-01-2016 Sermon I would like to focus on one short phrase this morning from our Gospel reading. And it is the personal words that Simeon says to Mary: 34 ……..And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Simeon has been prophesying about Jesus’s future ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Anglican

Be Prepared For Motion Sickness Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 2, 2014

Life isn't fair. Life isn't just. How can I avoid being defeated by the truth that "in this world I will experience trouble?"

OPEN: Tom had never gone deep-sea fishing before, and once he was out at sea he began to think it was the stupidest thing he'd ever done in his life. Who would ever have believed that seasickness could be this awful? With every pitch and roll, Tom wondered how he was going to survive the remaining ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Trial Of Jesus - A Tale Of Truth And Power

Contributed by Warren Bird on Mar 21, 2005

Jesus’ discussion with Pilate during His trial has some powerful messages about power and about truth.

I’m always astounded at that point in the narrative of Christ’s final hours when Pilate says to Him: “Don’t you realise I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” To which Jesus replies, using the WJB paraphrase version of the Bible: “You’re kidding aren’t you? You … power over ME! Not ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-65

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Jesus Taught Us To Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Nov 28, 2005

There are times when everyone must learn how to be politely disagree. A person who agrees just to avoid conflicts is a coward. Jesus, however, showed the disciples how to disagree without being so disagreeable in disposition that people would be turned of

Why Jesus Taught That It Was OK To Disagree as Long As One Was Not Disagreeable in Manner John 8:48-8:52 There are times when everyone must learn how to be politely disagree. A person who agrees just to avoid conflicts is a coward. Jesus, however, showed the disciples how to disagree ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Solutions And Antidotes For Anger

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 3, 2001

Use disappointments to teach you more about God’s mercies, power and ability to exhibit His greatness over any problem. vs. 2-4. Whoever believes and trusts in Him will not be disappointed.

Solutions and Antidotes for Anger - Jonah 4:1-11 Quote:Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame. B. Franklin. Quote: The fastest horse cannot catch a word spoken in anger. Chinese Proverb in Bits & Pieces, July 25, 1992, p. 5. 1. Remember God’s mercies on me - vs 6. Failure to remember ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Opens The Book Series

Contributed by Ed Wood on Jun 7, 2007

Malachi Series - 6 of 6.

WHEN GOD OPENS THE BOOK Malachi 3:16-4:5 INTRO: Tom Dooley, the American physician who became famous as the jungle doctor of Laos, was once asked how he overcame disappointments and setbacks caused by uncaring people. “I simply remind myself of who is really keeping score,” he said. No Christian ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

In Those Days

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Dec 22, 2011

Christmas Eve 11am 2011

Luke 2: 1 – 20 / In Those Days Intro: Christmas is a WASTEFUL time! Think about it! What do you normally do with all the Christmas cards you receive after the holiday? What do you do with the wrapping paper you used to wrap your gifts once it has been torn open? Not to mention the paper ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Metaphors Of Mortification

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Feb 2, 2020

Entering into the spirit of what is behind the Law.

METAPHORS OF MORTIFICATION. Matthew 5:27-42. Sometimes the Sermon on the Mount has been the called the new Law. This is not necessarily helpful. We are not under law, but under grace (cf. Romans 6:14). 1. When Jesus says, “But I say unto you,” He is entering into the spirit of what ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-42, Matthew 19:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Re-Creating The Effective Pastoral Minister Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 6, 2015

It is important that those involved in pastoral ministry be focused on their goal, not on their comfort.

Thursday of the third Week in Lent Joy of the Gospel Jesus shares with us today an unforgettable phrase: “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.” The image this summons up is of a shepherd and His flock. Jesus came to gather together the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:14-23

Denomination: Catholic