Sermons on Defying Norms:

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 Guiding Presence Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 28, 2015

God has always guided his people. Scripture abounds with examples of God providing guidance. from Scripture, we learn that receiving God’s guidance is the norm. So how does God guide us?

A Guiding Presence Galatians 5:25 As a pastor, some of the most common questions I receive have to do with divine guidance. What’s God’s will for my life? How do I know if God wants me to take this new job? Does God want me to marry this person? Could God be pointing me in a new ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:25

Denomination: Methodist

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

Just Trying To Do My Job

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Jun 8, 2011

We spend so much time debating with God that we miss out on our blessings. God is trying to take us out of the norm and we fight the Lord because we are comfortable and satisfied where we are.

TITLE: JUST TRYING TO DO MY JOB SCRIPTURE: ST. LUKE 5:1-11 Have you ever found yourself in the position, where it seemed like no matter what you did, it just was NOT GOOD ENOUGH? Have you ever found yourself in the position that no matter how hard you worked, seemed like you just could not get ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

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

What Is A Real Christian?

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 30, 2021

With cultural Christianity being the norm in America, nominal faith is what people see most often, and it’s what comes to mind when we tell people we’re a Christian. So, what is a "real" Christian? This message points out five traits.

I wish to begin our message this morning by sharing a story by Franklin Graham. He tells us, “Some years ago, I was in a cab when I asked the driver about his faith. He replied that he was a Christian, and I asked him how he became one. I’ll never forget his reply: ‘Oh, I was born a Christian’.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-5, 1 Peter 4:14-19

Denomination: Baptist

Mary A Terrific Teenager

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Dec 3, 2019

The Roman Catholic Church has defied this young girl and in response, many Protestants have demoted her as some kind of second-class servant of God. This is wrong because she, like her Son, was one of God's suffering servants.

MARY - THE TERRIFIC TEENAGER Luke 1:26-38 A remarkable thing about God is that he trusts us with His work. He trusted men and women in Bible times to receive and record His revelations of Himself. He entrusted His church with His supreme revelation, Jesus, and with the great commission ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-28, Luke 2:41-50, John 2:4, Matthew 12:46

Denomination: Baptist

Deadly Sins? Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Mar 14, 2005

We’re to be counter-cultural in the way we fight against the social pressures of our world where the norm is to respond to hurt with anger and revenge, where lust is seen as normal, faithfulness as an option. Rather we’re to respond with the servant love

According to the Age this week, the seven deadly sins have been knocked for six. No longer do we worry about sloth, gluttony or lust. In fact most respondents to a recent survey carried out by the BBC said they rather enjoyed those particular vices. The trouble is, according to a professor of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-32

Denomination: Anglican

This Week In Haiti (Or, Don't Be A Walnut)

Contributed by R. Joseph Owles on Jun 22, 2011

Yes, of course I am proud of the human response and the Christian response to such tragedy. But I am saddened that this is the exception and not the norm. I am saddened that among Christians, we aren’t doing this every day, for every one, earthquake or no

So, as everyone knows, there was an earthquake in Haiti, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead, thousands and thousands of people buried alive awaiting rescue, and nearly everyone else scrambling for basics–water, food, shelter. It was a tragic event. No one can deny the severity of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Catholic

Wrath Of Men

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jan 28, 2013

I. EXORDIUM: Are you angry again? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we have to master our emotions and not the other way around. IV. TEXT: Psalms 76:10 (New Living Translation, Second Edition) Human defi

I. EXORDIUM: Are you angry again? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we have to master our emotions and not the other way around. IV. TEXT: Psalms 76:10 (New Living Translation, Second Edition) Human defiance only enhances your glory, for you use it as a weapon. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 76:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Knit Together, Unity? The Target

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 5, 2020

We walk is a sad time when division and arguing have become a norm. We need to come together in a spirit of unity. The home, the church and our nation are in great danger. Our enemy has targeted unity. I use a large WEDGE.

KNIT TOGETHER, UNITY? THE TARGET? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I have a large steal WEDGE… Our homes are under attack from WITHIN… Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:25, Proverbs 10:12, Colossians 2:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Message

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Aug 13, 2025

Israel had become complacent, apathetic, mediocrity had become the norm, spiritual laziness ran rampant, worship continued but wonder was lost praise without passion was perfected. Just like today when God sent His messenger named Malachi.

The Message By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr PRAYER SCRIPTURE: - Malachi Chapters 1 - 4 OPENING: - So often in Christendom we get comfortable with tradition and mediocrity, and we become complacent with how things are. We don’t like and are not that receptive to change because that is the way it ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

Mystery Of Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 5, 2020

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17.

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Leadership Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Fear: Going The Wrong Way?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 20, 2019

We have been laying a foundation about unhealthy fear. Fear can be very destructive and cause much damage to individuals. We must never accept finite hurt and fear. We must guard our heart to never accept infinite hope as the norm.

FEAR: GOING THE WRONG WAY By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (2 parts) TEXT: Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:9, Isaiah 41:10, John 14:1, Deuteronomy 31:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God