Sermons on defying norms:

Drop It All!

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 24, 2024

In recent years, one of the biggest dangers to the church is that what was considered normal Christianity is now considered abnormal and what was not even considered Christianity at all is now become the norm and hub of our faith.

Opening illustration: Show video “Leave: Follow.” Introduction: This is dizzying. If we read these verses honestly and thoughtfully, they really do take our breath away. And so I’m left at the end of these five short verses asking myself: “What just happened?” I don’t know about you, but it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Bringing America Back To God

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 17, 2009

The parallels of America and Israel are staggering - both denied the Lord, defied the law, and defiled the land. Is God about to judge us like He did them? Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Bringing America Back to God Judges 1-2 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BringingAmericaBack.html This book records the history of the nation of Israel for 305 years after the death of Joshua. Israel declined, backslid, and got away from God. And in this new study we will see many frightening ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Doubt

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Jan 30, 2010

My life will on occasion have an orbit like Mercury that for a time simply defies my best efforts to explain it. Nonetheless as surely as there is order in the universe, there is a heavenly reason for my circumstances utterly consistent with God's Word an

Matthew 28:16&17 The power of doubt Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. In Albert Einstein's early days, physicists had scratched their heads for some 50 years over the unexplainable ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Stopping The Hurt Through Forgiveness

Contributed by David Scudder on Dec 15, 2008

We live in a world that is hurting deeply. Relationships go sour, anger becomes the norm, and many live in a constant state of frustration. How can we live in a broken world and still have peace?

Purpose: To show why forgiving others is important. Aim: I want the listener to know how to forgive others and then do it. INTRODUCTION: We live in a world that is hurting deeply. Relationships go sour, anger becomes the norm, and many live in a constant state of frustration. Jesus, on the other ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Triumph Of Faith Over Reason

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 17, 2003

Human sensibility and common sense will only take a person so far. The best logic will not help a person get into heaven. Abraham is an outstanding example of man whose faith defied all human reasoning through many crises.

Why Abraham’s Faith Was Superior to Human Reasoning (Rom. 4:10-12) Illustration:The more we know of God, the more unreservedly we will trust him; the greater our progress in theology, the simpler and more childlike will be our faith. J. G. Machen. 1. Why do you suppose that Abraham’s faith ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let Mercy Prevail

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 15, 2025

Mercy is the voice of God that speaks when every other voice has gone silent. It breaks protocols, defies logic, and releases divine help to those who need it most—even when they don’t deserve it.

LET MERCY PREVAIL By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 5:1–9 Supporting Texts: Matthew 9:36; Luke 7:11–15; Mark 1:40–42; Romans 9:15–16; Hebrews 4:16 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when our efforts, prayers, and even faith seem insufficient. At such times, what sustains and lifts us ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Unlocking The Mystery Of Honor (Inspired By A Blog From Rabbi Curt Landry)

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on May 20, 2015

Honor can be mystery, shrouded in questions, defying a definite definition . . .HOW DO YOU DEFINE “HONOR”? 1 Tonight, honor will mean that you have a good name, outward respect of others, and that you walk in integrity.

Unlocking the Mystery of Honor (Inspired by a Blog from Rabbi Curt Landry) 4.29.2015 CFBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A Honor can be mystery, shrouded in questions, defying a definite definition . . .HOW DO YOU DEFINE “HONOR”? 1 Tonight, honor will ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

Apostasy Of The Christian Heart

Contributed by Stan Lobin on Oct 26, 2022

An examination of the Jesus parable of the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector and Christians who respond look and react to our others harshly with gossip and other negative that defy God's commandment to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

Apostasy of the Christian Heart When we become Christians, the Bible tells us that we receive Christ into our hearts. I believe that means that a Christian should possess a Christ-like heart; a heart that desires to please God and a desire to be obedient to God’s commandments and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Jeremiah 14:7, 1 John 4:20

Two Approaches To The Preacher/Religion

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 10, 2008

Let us study two approachers to the man of God and true religion. SAUL:Denial, deceit, situation ethics, lying can be a norm? DAVID: The heart of GOD, accept the message and repent. Psalms 51 is a masterpiece of repentance.

TWO APPROACHES TO RELIGION AND THE PREACHER... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I did this in one lesson, but you have to move very quickly. It would be easy to do as two parts. We seem to love and call for victory by doing the quick and easy in our society. This attitude spills ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Intimate Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As we continue to reflect on what it means to be a biblical community, we've seen so far that we are united and the there are norms of that community. In this sermon, we'll reflect on the intimacy or nearness that we experience as a church.

? Possible Intro: ? The pandemic and our nation’s value of rugged individualism have wreaked havoc in our lives - more than we realize. ?I was listening to a podcast this week that contained a conversation between Russel Moore and Sam Alberry. Both are believers and apologists. Both attend ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3, Romans 5:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Valley Of Shadows Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2019

In a world that is dominated by those who defy, avoid and simply fear death, David simply says "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil." Why was it that David could be so confident?

OPEN: “Life is short, and death is sure. Sin the cause. Christ the cure.” Vladimir Lenin - the first communist dictator of Russia - died in 1924. Shortly after his death, authorities decided to maintain his body in a mausoleum. So, for the past 95 years Lenin’s body has been on display in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 13:5, Genesis 39:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unity In Diversity Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on May 9, 2003

In a Church where diversity is the norm, our unity is of vital importance. Let’s remember to emphasise the centrality of Christ as Lord and of the saving power of the gospel; and the need to look to Christ rather than to human wisdom to determine how to l

I guess most people would say that we’ve come a long way in the past 2000 years. We’re far better educated. We’re much more sophisticated. We know a whole lot more about the world we live in, the universe around us, the microscopic world within. We have the benefit of 2000 years of thinking, of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-25

Denomination: Anglican

Preventing Another 9/11

Contributed by Guy Glass on Sep 13, 2005

Our leaders say that these kinds of events are now the norm. We should expect them, prepare for them, and be diligent in watching for the seeds of such action. Signs are up, all over this country asking us to be diligent, to communicate suspicious activ

PREVENTING ANOTHER 9/11 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. PROPOSITION: national healing is only ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Baptist

A Profile Of A Christ Follower Series

Contributed by Neil Olcott on Sep 10, 2009

Usually because of fuzzy thinking and lack of norms/standards for Christian activity of discernment, people will say, "I can’t tell the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. What are the unique characteristics that should cause a Christian t

Date: June 1st, 2003 Title: Profile of the New Self Text: Eph. 4:17-32 Subject: Complement: Main Idea: Intro: In recent years profiling has become quite common. FBI profilers determine who the likely suspect is in a murder investigation. Racial profiling happens even though it is not supposed ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

O, Barren Bring Forth Life!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 18, 2006

If you know your Bible, several barren women brought forth life that helped change their world and the church. We can not accept the norm of being barren in the church, let us bring forth new life. THERE IS HOPE!

O, BARREN BRING FORTH LIFE! WHEN THE BARREN GIVES LIFE By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com If you do this lesson as one sermon you have to move very quickly, from point to point, or do as a two part. Introduction: There are degrees of fruit bearing. (John 15) 1. No fruit 2. Fruit ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God