Sermons on Defying Norms:

Forgetfulness

Contributed by Norm Beckett on Nov 6, 2001

We often forget, but God never forgets about us.

FORGETFUL? “But the wine steward never gave Joseph another thought – he forgot all about him” (Genesis 40: 23). Have you ever said to someone you would ring them, and didn’t? Has someone come to your mind and you’ve failed to make contact with them? Has someone done something for you and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23

Denomination: Holiness

Something Out Of Nothing

Contributed by Norm Beckett on Nov 26, 2001

God forms and then fills lives.

EX-NIHILO – SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters” (Genesis 1: 1, 2). The first words of the Bible state that God is the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Holiness

The Light Has Come

Contributed by Norm Beckett on Dec 27, 2002

A small baby, the bearer of light, brings joy, deliverance and victory

THE LIGHT HAS COME “For those who lived in a land of deep shadows – light! Sunbursts of light!” (Isaiah 9: 2 – THE MESSAGE). “They lived in a land of shadows but now light is shining on them” (GOOD NEWS BIBLE). “The Light has come” declared the prophet Isaiah and that is what we celebrate every ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:2

Denomination: Holiness

But By God's Grace

Contributed by Norm Beckett on Apr 22, 2001

It is only through God’s grace we can see the Risen Lord!

BUT BY GOD’S GRACE! “and last of all he was seen by me...” (1 Corinthians 15: 8) Jesus appeared to Peter. Then he appeared to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time. The he appeared to James, Jesus’ brother, and again to all the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Denomination: Holiness

Molding Of God

Contributed by Norm Day on Feb 13, 2007

to be molded by the hand of GOD must become our everything

Only melted gold is minted , only moistened clayis molded , only softened wax recevies the seal. "only broken & contrite hearts receive the markas the potter turns us on his wheel. To be molded by the hand of GOD must become our everything our all consuming desire. When it’s,every trial is a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:29

Denomination: Church Of God

Yes We Have A Future

Contributed by Norm Story on Feb 7, 2003

Focus on immediate suffering, or a longer-term perspective?

"Yes, You Do Have a Future" Isaiah 40:26-31 Romans 8:18-28 (Isaiah 40:26-31 NRSV) " Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. {27} Why do you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28, Isaiah 40:26-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Waiting For Someone To Say Grace Series

Contributed by Norm Story on Jul 16, 2004

the Church is calle to say ’grace’, reflecting God’s grace to us

"Waiting for Someone to Say Grace" Matthew 18:21-35 Romans 14:1-10 (Matthew 18:21-35 NRSV) Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" {22} Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"It Cannot Be Earned Or Repaid"

Contributed by Norm Story on Jan 29, 2010

God's gracious love that we cannot earn, control or repay

"It Cannot be Earned or Repaid" 2010 2 Kings 5:1-14 Ephesians 2:1-8 2 kin 5:1-14 The Healing of Naaman Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Pioneers Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 20, 2010

The Book of Acts should be called the Book of the Holy Spirit chronicling the lives of spirit filled missionaries, ordinary, everyday people who are possessed by the spirit of Jesus. It describes their “Pioneer Adventures” because it’s about the in-breaki

Pioneers Acts 4 George Washington Bush was born in Pennsylvania in 1778 and was a veteran of the War of 1812 fighting in the battle of New Orleans. In 1830, he moved to Missouri where he met and married Isabella, a young German American. One of the first African Americans to head out West, Bush ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-34

Denomination: Methodist

Love The Sinner

Contributed by Terry Barnhill on Aug 8, 2010

Our knowledge and our faith should always be growing, expanding, as we look daily “as through a ‘glass darkly” until that time when God will reveal the answers to all our questions.

LOVE THE SINNER Terra Bella United Presbyterian Church August 8, 2010 Luke 11:14-28 1 John 3:11-15 James 1:5 Proverbs 22:6 I Samuel 17:45-46 Romans 12:9 I’m aware that speaking of demons and demon possession isn’t very popular in the Presbyterian Church. I’m ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:14-28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blind Man PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 4, 2024

This sermon explores the transformative power of faith, using the story of Bartimaeus to inspire believers to be bold and believe before seeing blessings.

Good morning, beloved family of God, it's a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord. We are here to open our hearts and minds to the wisdom and guidance of God's Word. We are here to listen, to learn, and to lean on each other as we grow in faith. Today, we will be turning the pages of our ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Topics: Throw, Off

The Neighbor (Inclusivity)

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Dec 1, 2007

An answer to the question of "Who is my neighbor." Points to true inclusivity.

The Neighbor She lives three miles out of town. She lives there because she has to. Each day, she walks that full distance to town and back. She walks because she has to. In town the only place that dares even let her get near is the local church, and even they make her use the back entrance. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Keep It Simple When Answering Critics Of Our Christian Faith Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 20, 2019

Jesus taught a simple solution to convoluted criticisms hurled at Christians. Instead of getting bogged down in futile, endless arguments, why not implement His Formula which works so effectively! Stay tuned!

GOOD NEWS PRESENTED BY MARK Study of the Gospel According to Mark As you read Mark, be aware that you are reading the very first written account of the ministry of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:13-34

Love That Transforms Us/Our Wondrous Light PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 18, 2023

This sermon invites us to deeply engage with the biblical narrative of Jesus' birth, allowing it to transform our lives and strengthen our faith.

Beloved congregation, I welcome you today with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit brimming with anticipation. We are gathered here, not by chance, but by divine providence. We are not here merely to listen, but to engage, to be transformed, to be stirred by the very words of God Himself. Today, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:1-14

Topics: Advent, Messiah

The Courage To Take A Stand Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 1, 2025

God calls His people to take courageous stands for truth, integrity, and faith. Today, we’ll focus on two individuals—Queen Vashti and Mordecai—and examine three moments when they took bold stands that changed history. Even when it’s costly.

• Have you ever faced a moment when doing the right thing came with a cost? • What do you do when that time comes? • Obviously you do what is right and take a stand! • Maybe. • We live in a world that often demands conformity, a world where it can feel safer to blend in, to stay silent, and to ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:10-12, Esther 2:21-23, Esther 3:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ