Sermons on Demands For Proof:

Blood That Speaks A Better Word.

Contributed by Adam Reichart on Sep 30, 2004

14th Sunday after Pentecost, 3-year Series C, this sermon explores the comparison of testimonies made by the blood of Abel (demanding vengence) and the blood of Jesus (providing forgiveness.)

The text for today’s message is taken from the Epistle Lesson to the Hebrews which we read just a few moments ago, especially these words: “18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 22a But you have come to Mount Zion, to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-24

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cleansing Of The Temple Series

Contributed by Richard White on Jul 16, 2011

What kind of man is this who has the authority to cast out demons, make cripples walk and cleanse the Temple. They demanded a sign, he gave them one and they missed it.

The Cleansing of the Temple: John 2:12-22 Confirmation that the Temple was being turned into a marketplace during the time of Jesus can be found in some early Jewish writings. First of all, there is a record of the common practice of setting up moneychangers in the temple area during Passover. The ...read more

Scripture: John 2:12-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Do You Say To A Hungry World?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 2, 2011

The clear demand of Jesus, seen against the spread of hunger in our time, is that we make lifestyle changes and that we understand that the Gospel calls for outward obedience as well as inner faith.

First Baptist Church, Gaithersburg, MD, March 9, 1980; with minor alterations at WHBC radio, June 28, 1981; Calverton Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD, Oct. 10, 1982; First Baptist Church, Camp Springs, MD, March 11, 1984; Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC, Oct. 13, 1985) If today is an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Horizontal Shift Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 19, 2021

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ demands us to surrender in two directions: vertically toward God and then horizontally to serve fellow citizens of the Kingdom. We cannot choose just one.

The Horizontal Shift (Romans 12:3-8) 1.A customer walked into my clothing shop and asked to see the pants that were advertised in the paper that day. “We don’t have an ad in the paper today,” I told her. She insisted I was wrong, so I got a copy of the paper, and we went through it, eventually ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Pick A Side

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Oct 16, 2021

As the world grows ever darker, there will be more and more pressure to capitulate to it's demands. As those who profess faith in Jesus Christ it is essential that we follow Him.

Pick a Side Text: 1 Kings 1:1-9 Well good morning everyone. I want to thank you all once again for having me fill in for Pastor Tony. It’s always a privilege to be here with you all, and I’m so very grateful for the opportunity to share God’s Word with you this morning. We’re going to be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 1:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living A Life Of Holiness

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 7, 2016

Many of us here have struggled and continue to struggle with a holiness-deficiency. Holiness demands our separation from the world and sin to live a life of purity before and for our Creator.

Opening illustration: A California driver’s license examiner told about a teenager who had just driven an almost perfect test. “He made his only mistake,” said the examiner, “when he stopped to let me out of the car. After breathing a sigh of relief, the boy exclaimed, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everyone Who Asks Receives? Really? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 2, 2021

“We should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” That’s not a suggestion. That’s a demand .

Monday of Epiphany Week 2020 It’s a good idea to read St. John’s words in this first letter perhaps every week of our lives, because in it we find the key to happiness and fulfillment. John says “we receive from [God] whatever we ask.” Hmm, that’s interesting. And we recall that Jesus Himself said ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25, 1 John 3:23-24, 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Catholic

Choose This Day Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 13, 2016

We cannot be neutral. When God calls us, He demands strict and exclusive loyalty. We're to renounce all God-substitutes. We have a choice to make.

Knowing he is near the end of his life, Joshua assembles the elders to give one last charge to Israel. It is a solemn moment, and the climax of the book. Joshua's last words are rooted in history, and in the wondrous works of God the children of Israel witnessed themselves. Joshua reminds his ...read more

Denomination: Congregational

Work Hard Serving Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Christians are to display a willingness to be offended, disadvantaged, even abused without making a return, without requiring vengeance, without demanding an accounting – whether an apology, or punishment, or a repayment of some kind.

Today’s Big Idea: God Works Diligently on Our Behalf. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11, Psalm 121:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Making Your Life Matter Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Christians are to display a willingness to be offended, disadvantaged, even abused without making a return, without requiring vengeance, without demanding an accounting – whether an apology, or punishment, or a repayment of some kind.

This is one of the most encouraging messages you’ll hear. Today’s Big Idea: God Works Diligently on Our Behalf. Over the next few minutes, I want to tell you God serves His children. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Place Is Too Small

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Jun 21, 2025

Sometimes God's blessing creates beautiful problems that require faithful responses, while other times success can lead to spiritual complacency that demands honest restoration.

The Place Is Too Small 2 Kings 6:1-6 Introduction There comes a moment in every believer's life, in every ministry, and in every congregation when we must honestly assess where we are and where God is calling us to go. Sometimes we find ourselves in seasons of growth that demand expansion, and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-6, Psalm 127:1, Zechariah 4:6, Judges 16:20, Ephesians 4:30, Genesis 6:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 3:12, Joshua 3:13, Revelation 2:2-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread By Pastor Joseph Ondu

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Jul 28, 2025

The word “give” is a request. It implies that what we are asking for is not something we can manufacture ourselves. We are not demanding, we are petitioning God, acknowledging that He alone is our Source.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread By Pastor Joseph Ondu Key Text: Matthew 6:11 (NKJV) – “Give us this day our daily bread.” Introduction: Beloved, in the Lord’s Prayer often called the model prayer—Jesus gave His disciples a powerful blueprint for how to approach God. One line stands out for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Remember Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jun 5, 2022

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Herschel wrote: “Much of the Bible’s demands can be comprised in one word … Remember” … which is why God commanded us to set up special days and special celebrations and activities … to “remember.”

“Mah nishtanah ha-lailah hazeh mikol ha-leilot?” Recognize it? If you were Jewish you would recognize it instantly. It is the question that the youngest child or person at the table asks at the beginning of every Passover or “Pesach” ceremony: “Why is this night different from all other ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:21-28, Luke 12:14-20, Acts 2:1-4, Jeremiah 7:23, Mark 1:7-8, John 14:15-18, John 7:39, John 2:22, John 12:15-16, Luke 12:11-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Why Believe

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 22, 2010

I used this sermon for our Friend Day, when we expected to have many visitors. I want to express my appreciation to Alan Smith a Sermon Central contributor. I relied heavily on his sermon "Faith That Doesn’t Have to Touch."

Introduction: A. Don’t you just love the innocence of children? 1. Art Linkletter had a popular TV show for more than 20 years. One favorite feature of his show was a segment called “Kids Say the Darndest Things” in which he interviewed children. 2. Children often say the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

No Hometown Hero

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 23, 2025

Some people return home to a hero's welcome, but when Jesus returned to Nazareth, His reception was just the opposite! This message does a deep dive into the possible reasons for this terrible welcome.

I have entitled our message today, “No Hometown Hero.” This term is often used for an athlete who plays for their home team, having a major impact, like helping them win a championship. This athlete then goes off to play college or professional sports; and when he or she later returns to become a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-58

Denomination: Baptist