Sermons on Distaste:

Salt And Light

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 19, 2018

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are not called to withdraw from public life into our safe and cozy Christian circles. We are called to make a difference in a world full of darkness, fear, violence, and foolishness.

[Sermon preached on 21 October 2018, Reformation Sunday / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] We sing it almost every Sunday in church with the kids: “This little light of mine—I’m gonna let it shine. Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.” But I wonder how many of us really think about what we sing. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8, Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cruelty Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

If God turned the cruelty of the cross into a universal blessing, we need never doubt that verse of Paul in Rom. 8:28 that says, "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Pierre VanPaasen once had an interview with Marshal Lyauty, but the former procounsul of the French Republic in Morocco. VanPassen asked him what he would have done had he been in Pilate's place. Lyauty, after describing what a trouble maker Jesus had been, endorsed Pilate's action. ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-16

Rejoice When Your Character Is Assaulted

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Feb 3, 2024

Know that God is working everything for your good, so know that during times of insult and injury God has a plan for your life.

Down through the ages, the story of Job has been used to provide comfort to people in times of sorrow and sickness. From the story of Job people have interpreted it as if God allowed Satan to afflict Job, therefore He “allows” sorrows, suffering, poverty, and sickness to come upon His children. But ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leap Of Faith

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 15, 2022

The point is the shepherd. The point is the shepherd who risks and seeks and perseveres and celebrates.

LEAP OF FAITH LUKE 15:1-7 #FATHERSDAY2022 INTRODUCTION https://www.wingclips.com/movie-clips/despicable-me/leap-of-faith (1:51) This scene is from Despicable Me (2010, Universal Pictures). The animated movie is about Felonious Gru, a super-villain who adopts three girls, Margo, Edith, and Agnes, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Felix Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 11, 2022

Felix represents many people intrigued by the gospel but recognizes that surrendering to it means losing status, power, or control of their own lives. Mere exposure to truth does not necessarily enlighten the heart, and Felix is an excellent example of that.

Felix Felix was Festus' predecessor. He imprisoned Paul but allowed him to speak in his defense. He hoped Paul would offer him a bribe, but he never did. Festus thought Paul was delusional, but he did not think that was cause for putting him to death or locking him up, so he let him ...read more

Scripture: Acts 24:24

Denomination: Baptist

Fish And Spit

Contributed by Andrew Chan on May 17, 2001

Response to the challenge of God’s call from an unrepentant prophet, Jonah.

Jonah 2 “Fish and Spit: The Challenge in Jonah .” Can you imagine what it is like to be inside a fish like Jonah? He said in v.5 “seaweed was wrapped around my head” This is like sushi in reverse. All rolled up in seaweed, but thankfully not dipped in wasabi and soy sauce? Hey maybe that’s a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Amos - The Amateur But Authentic Prophet Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Jun 16, 2001

Amos was an Amateur but Authentic Prophet who faithfully delivered God’s message to Israel, clashing with the culture and church of his day, with a vital message for the church of all ages.

AMOS - THE AMATEUR BUT AUTHENTIC PROPHET Amos had no intention of becoming a prophet. He’d never attended "the schools of the prophets" that were the conventional launch of a prophetic ministry. In fact he was a sheep breeder and a fig-tree grower who lived about 2,800 years ago in the Judean ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Loving Act Of Discipline: Part One

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 25, 2001

This is the first of three sermons on Church Discipline, fo provide a positive foundation on the issue, and later to restore a fallen member. It deals with misconceptions on Church Discipline, and the importance of church discipline.

The Loving Act of Discipline INTRODUCTION: Today we look at an issue within the church, that we all would dearly love not to have anything to do with, but unfortunately at times we must come face to face with. That issue is church discipline. I believe part of the reason that we avoid the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-17, Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

A Song Worth Singing Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Dec 10, 2002

We rejoice in a God who surprises.

A SONG WORTH SINGING Luke 1:46-55 S: Prayer Th: We have reason to rejoice! Pr: WE REJOICE IN A GOD WHO SURPRISES. ?: What? What was she surprised by? KW: Decisions TS: We will find in Mary’s psalm (known as the Magnificat) three decisions by God that reflect an element of surprise. The ____ ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Denomination: Baptist

A Christian Perspective Of War And Peace

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 9, 2003

1. We must face the reality of evil in the world. 2. God has given governments the responsibility for the restraint of evil in the world. 3. If war becomes necessary, it must be done justly.

The United States is in the middle of a great conflict. There is a civil war of words that is not always so civil. On the one side there are those who believe it would be immoral for us to go to war, and on the other side are those who believe that there is justifiable cause. Demonstrations are ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

Finding Out Who Really Cares

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 31, 2003

Who really cares about you? Not those who, like Herod, are so scared they will do anything to save themselves. Rather those like the wise men, who give gifts for the future, or like Joseph, who make sacrifices for your protection. For Epiphany.

Some people have friends. Some people have enemies. Some people have acquaintances. But everybody has somebody you do business with. The people you do business with -- usually, that’s not an intimate relationship. It’s a distant relationship, limited just to transactions. Everybody deals with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

By Submitting Series

Contributed by Sheila Crowe on Sep 25, 2002

Facing life by submitting to God, authorities, wives and spouses

Sermon: Surviving the Drought by Being Submissive I Peter 3:8-12 September 22, 2002 I. Introduction A. Weather Report B. But it takes more to survive a drought then a few days of rain. It takes perseverance and change, lifestyle changes. We don’t know how long this drought is going to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Lest We Drift

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jan 5, 2002

This is a warning, not from a God who wants to find fault, but from a God who has forgiven fault and desires to encourage and purify.

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4

Denomination: Orthodox

A Long Campaign

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 16, 2025

In God’s time we will see the results of what we have done, even if someone else completes the work, just as Timothy built on Paul’s foundation.

My own graduation from high school and departure to college is so long ago and far away that I can hardly remember it. On the other hand, I graduated from seminary almost 30 years later, and so it’s much closer. There’s a lot the two have in common: leaving behind the old familiar, and going off ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Heroes Without Borders Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Oct 14, 2004

Parables for Christian Living, Pt. 3

HEROES WITHOUT BORDERS (LUKE 10:25-37) A few years ago I saw a truck in front of me roaring fiercely as it was about to turn the corner onto the freeway ramp. In the driver’s seat of the humongous truck was a man in his late 20s, ramming his engine and blasting his stereo. The guy had dark glasses ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Independent/Bible