Sermons on Defining Standards:

"Growing In Grace Together”

Contributed by Austin Calder on Apr 21, 2020

Grace is a terribly misunderstood word and defining it sufficiently is very difficult. Some of the most detailed theology textbooks do not offer any concise definition of the term. Someone came up with this acronym: GRACE is God’s---Riches--- At---Christ’s---Expense.

That’s not a bad way to characterize grace. One of the best-known definitions of grace is only three words: God’s unmerited favor. A. W. Tozer expanded on that idea by saying, “Grace is the good pleasure of God that allows him to bestow benefits on the undeserving.” The key word in what have ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Love Does Not Envy

Contributed by Samuel Fulkerson on May 30, 2013

ENVY is called a “green-eyed-monster” and can be defined as a resentful emotion which "occurs when a person lacks another’s (perceived) superior quality, achievement or possession and wishes that the other lacked it." Oh, but God’s love overcomes all.

Quotes: “Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own."- Harold Coffin “Envy, after all, comes from wanting something that isn’t yours. But grief comes from losing something you’ve already had.” ― Jodi Picoult "Never underestimate the power of jealousy and the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Certainty Of God’s Grace (Father's Day) Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 22, 2015

If His grace means anything to us; can we really separate it and His promises? Therefore, why do we worry about the things God has already defined and promised? What is keeping you from experiencing more of His grace?

The Certainty of God’s Grace (Father's Day) Grace Sermon Series, Part 4 Romans 8:31 Introduction - The word translated "grace" in the New Testament comes from the Greek: -- It is the word “charis”, which means “favor, blessing, or kindness” - When grace is used ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

One Faith One People Series

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Oct 5, 2015

The oneness we find in Christ Jesus obliterates the social constructs that we have developed to define who is in and who is out ... who is part and who is to be left out ... who is like us and who is different for He makes us one. Connection to "Woodlawn"

One year ago, racial tensions had stirred to the boiling point in Ferguson, MO. Riots had overtaken this St. Louis suburb in the wake of what was portrayed to be an execution of Michael Brown by a white police officer. As momentum built behind the movement it seemed to no longer matter what the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Beginning Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Oct 2, 2022

This is the opening sermon for a series based on The Book of Proverbs. I thought it would be a good idea to start a series based on the preeminent book of wisdom literature by discussing and defining what the book means by "wisdom" starting with the first chapter of The Book of Proverbs.

[Hold up Bible.] I love this book. You’ve heard me refer to it as “The Owner’s Manual.” It contains stories, history, poetry, adventure, drama. It contains hymns. It contains theology, philosophy, and it contains wisdom. Every book in the Bible is there for a reason. Believe it or not, not ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 4:32-34, Psalm 1:1-6, Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Proverbs 1:1-33, Proverbs 4:5-6, Proverbs 3:1-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon On A Trip Home

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 29, 2023

The Ascension of Jesus has been defined as the Christian belief, reflected in the major Christian creeds and confessional statements, that Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after His resurrection, where He was glorified, exalted as Lord and Christ, sitting at the right hand of God.

Mohadesa Najumi, a female British writer once remarked: “Life is a useless passion, an exciting journey of a mammal in survival mode. Each day is a miracle, a blessing unexplored and the more you immerse yourself in light, the less you will feel the darkness. There is more to life than nothingness. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:51, John 17:1-11, Acts 1:11, John 16:28

A Product Of Jesus Christ.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jul 3, 2022

I'm in His hands. Can you say that? What past shame or guilt is keeping you from being the person God created you to be? Why do you believe the lie that you are defined by your past?

A Product Of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19AMP What past shame or guilt is keeping you from being the person God created you to be? Why do you believe the lie that you are defined by your past? 1 Peter 1:18-19AMP For you know that you were not redeemed from your useless [spiritually unproductive] ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 1:19-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Welcoming The King Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Apr 12, 2025

On Palm Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey and in doing so, presented himself to the people of Jerusalem as king. We also come to similar defining moments. We too must decide how we will receive Jesus -- and the consequence of our decision is incalculable.

Last week, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Italy. They met the president of Italy. They met the prime minister of Italy. They met the pope. Then King Charles was invited to give a speech to the Italian parliament. Then King Charles and Queen Camilla were invited to a state banquet ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 9:9

Denomination: Baptist

Solemnity Of Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 22, 2025

Paul’s sense of being captured by Christ defined his spiritual experience. Peter understands his error when a vision enlightens him to a fundamental truth: that which has been purified by God cannot be called "profane" by anyone.

At the narrowest part of the strait of Gibraltar, where two land masses meet (Africa and Europe, at the mouth of the Med), there are cliffs called the “Pillars of Hercules.” It was the end of the known world. On the old coins of Spain were depicted the two pillars of Hercules, with the Latin motto, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Catholic

The Disconcerting Dilemma Of Divine Inaction-4

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Nov 12, 2024

4 of 4. Habakkuk faced the disconcerting/unsettling dilemma of Divine 'inaction' towards His people, Judah. What makes, or How is Divine inaction unsettling? 4 fabrications that either: accentuate the dilemma—OR—that muddy/confuse/obscure the answer of God’s inaction.

The DISCONCERTING DILEMMA Of DIVINE INACTION--IV —Habakkuk 1:4(1:1-4) Key Words— •Difficult/Disturbing/Disorienting/Disconcerting/Perplexing/Uncertainty/Unsettling. •Dilemma/Predicament/Quandary/Situation. Attention— The Bronze Rat: A tourist walks into a curio shop in San Francisco. ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:4, Habakkuk 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Fire Upon The Earth

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Aug 5, 2006

NOTE: THIS IS NOT MY SERMON I DON’T EXPECT IT TO BE APPROVED (Just maintaining my calendar). It was written by Karl Barth - but its definately worth reading (and I’ve got a decent responsive reading to go with it...) MP: Fire produces coals and a

Title: Fire Upon the Earth “I am come to kindle fire upon the earth and what would I desire more than that it should already burn!” (Luke 12:49). What shall I say about the fire which Jesus came to kindle? Above all, that this fire does not yet burn upon the earth, as little today as then when he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-50

Denomination: Baptist

His Mission - Our Mission Series

Contributed by Elena Bogdan on Apr 18, 2006

Defining our mission, or reason for being, as individuals and as a church, is the first step toward living a fulfilled life in Christ. How can we discover our God given mission and where can we look for the answer? What was Christ’s mission statement?

“HIS MISSION – OUR MISSION” By Rev. ELENA BOGDAN Introduction: - Video clip: interview of people on the street about their purpose in life, their reason for being. - What would you answer? Have you thought about it? What is your reason for being? What is our reason for being as a church? ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Godly Portrait Of Marriage, Pt. 1 Series

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Sep 7, 2008

A man is infinitely superior to a woman at being a man and a woman is infinitely superior to a man at being a woman! God made us completely different so that He might make man and woman ONE! Caution: let no one but God define your marriage and sexuality!

I’m told that an angel came to Adam before Eve was created and said, “I have a proposition for you Adam. We are going to create for you an individual like you, but a little different – a female!” So Adam said, “Well what will she be all about? What will she do?” The angel told Adam, “She will take ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Me

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on May 21, 2012

Webster's defines "memorial" as, "something designed to keep remembrance alive". Memorial Day commemorates those who gave their lives in serving their country. Memorial Day can also be a day to commemorate the one who gave His life in serving mankind. Wha

REMEMBER ME (MEMORIAL DAY) INTRODUCTION: Webster's defines memorial as, "something designed to keep remembrance alive". Memorial Day commemorates those who gave their lives in serving their country. Memorial Day can also be a day to commemorate the one who gave His life in serving mankind. ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Our Relationship To God Part 2 Series

Contributed by Mark Jones on Jan 18, 2014

Do we really know or love God? How can we know? Last week we looked at Fearing God. This week we will look at Our Relationship to God as defined in 1 John. Knowing and Loving God. This is simply the outline and helps for this sermon.

Have 5 individuals read 1 John 1-5 Everyone has a relationship to God. You either know Him or you don’t. You either love Him or you hate Him. According to God, there is no middle ground. We either love God or we love the world. 1 John 1 says that if we have fellowship with God, we walk ...read more

Denomination: *other