Sermons on divine irony: showing 3,571-3,585 of 43,801

"The Lure Of Lawlessness” Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Sep 8, 2002

At the time of the Judges, Israel was out of control and accountable to no one. When God’s revelation is rejected, when we try to live independent of God, things that were once regarded as abominable and appalling are accepted as commonplace.

“The Lure of Lawlessness” Judges chapters 18-21 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts The days of the Judges were Israel’s “Dark Ages”, a time of lawlessness, confusion, and idolatry—in other words, it was a moral mess. The Judges were barely able to ...read more

Denomination: Congregational

The Season Of Hope

Contributed by Jeff Ecklund on Dec 10, 2016

This message is about the season of hope in Christ that is right in our midst that can be hidden in the difficult or buried in the familiar.

It’s interesting the way we approach our birthdays, birthdays of our children, spouses, friends etc… Consider the first birthday of your child, or grandchild…HUGE!…All the trappings, gifts, invitations, photos…(and the baby has NO idea what’s going on!) Seems as though the celebration is really ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1

Denomination: *other

The King Who Rules Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jun 29, 2019

Looking at the splendour and power of the Persian king, the author set the stage for his readers to appreciate the work of the unseen King who rules.

Last week Michael gave us an overview of the book of Esther. Let’s recap the timeline. Cyrus (559-530) Ezra 1:1 – 1st year of his reign over Babylon, allowed Jews to return Zerubbabel led the first returnees in 538 BC Started rebuilding altar/Temple but halted until 2nd yr Darius (Ezra ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:1-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Hand Up...not A Hand Out! (Acts 3:1-10)

Contributed by David Darst on May 17, 2021

I have come to this conclusion: People do not need a “hand out” . What they really need is a “hand up” So many people would be content to be carried around in their affliction rather than walk on their own two feet. The Worst part is many Christian’s are content to keep carrying them.

I. The Routine (1) Peter and John were still in the two by two mode -- they were going about their religious routine on their way to the temple to pray. “Ninth hour” approximately (3PM) in the afternoon. Some interesting observations: It wasn’t the time of the afternoon sacrifice; but rather the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The American Philosophy

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jan 9, 2021

God has blessed this nation over the two hundred plus years it has existed, but our sins and growing hatred of God and righteousness has reduced it to a rubble of what it once was. Can anything be done for America to steer it back to its Judeo-Christian foundation? You may not like the answer.

This is a sermon I preached some years ago and recently reviewed it for any rewrites, revisions, or updates. Considering all of the anger, rage, chaos, and moral rot we see in this country, I saw no need to change what the Lord had impressed upon me. Even now it still cries out to anyone having ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:20-23, Proverbs 14:34, Judges 21:25, Romans 1:20-32, Romans 3:10-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

We're Marching To Zion

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 16, 2022

Let us concentrate on the fact that we have entered into the heavenly Jerusalem even now rather than all the trials we now face.

We're Marching to Zion Hebrews 12:18-29 In 1707, a hymn-writer named Isaac Watts wrote a hymn beginning with the words “Come ye that love the Lord.” It is a joyful hymn of praise which calls us to reflect on all God has provided for us. It also reminds us of the final goal of our Christian ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"reliance In An Age Of Growing Chaos"

Contributed by John Huyser on Apr 24, 2023

Who hasn't pulled into the wrong driveway, knocked on the wrong door, absent-mindedly lifted the handle of the wrong car door or let a ball go astray into another yard? What is triggering all the senseless violence? How do we process this as believers and regain our sense of safety?

Once a month – every 29.5 days according to NASA, we have a full moon where the sun fully illuminates the moon’s visible disk. We observe full moons in the clear nighttime skies without much thought. But long known to those in law enforcement or medicine, full moons can trigger behavioral and ...read more

What To Do In A Time Of Crisis Series

Contributed by Larry Sarver on Aug 15, 2002

A teaching message on Genesis 32 and 33.

Genesis Series #57 August 18, 2002 Title: What to Do in a Time of Crisis Email: pastorsarver@yahoo.com <mailto:pastorsarver@yahoo.com> Website: www.newlifeinchrist.info Welcome to New Life in Christ. Today we continue with message #57 in our verse-by-verse study of the Book of Genesis. Read ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The War For Our Soul! Series

Contributed by Bill Lyle on Apr 5, 2007

A study in 1st Peter

1 Peter 2:11-12 Suffering from Happiness: The war for our Soul! Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Only One Way!

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 10, 2023

Words have the power to evoke great emotions and passions in our lives. When Jesus said, I am the way, truth, and life no one comes unto the Father except by Me, what do these words mean to you? Are you born again, or have you rejected your only way into heaven?

The Father Glorifies the Son? John 8:48-58 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Language serves as a crucial medium for interpersonal communication. Verbal expression has the power to evoke vivid images of the beauty in our surroundings, motivate us to achieve ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-58

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Compassion Risks Others' Criticism

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 10, 2009

To be an effective and compassionate church, we must risk the criticism of those who would like us to do church within our old confines. But not to take risks may cause our best to leave us. This is a time to work for peace, family life, community.

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun; and makes gaps even two can pass abreast.” "Something there is that doesn’t love a wall …” So speaks the poet Robert Frost, reflecting on the ravages of a New ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Away In A Manger Series

Contributed by Doug Fannon on Dec 26, 2017

The message of the manger. What is the significance of the manager for us today.

No Christmas song is more loved than this tender children’s carol. For some time “Away in the Manger” was titled “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” It was thought to have been written by Martin Luther for his own children and then passed on by German mothers. Modern research discounts this claim, however. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Song Of A Pregnant Teenager

Contributed by Jason Patrick on Jan 12, 2002

Often times we find it difficult to submit to God’s will, but Mary serves as an inspiring example of how we can submit to God even when God’s plan is an utter mystery to us.

The Song of a Pregnant Teenager / Luke 1:47-55 Third Sunday of Advent, Year A; Downsville Baptist Church; 16 Dec. 2001 She was the last girl anybody expected to fall under this kind of disgrace. Fourteen years old, a freshman at Jerusalem High School with a straight A average, Mary always ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:47-55

Denomination: Baptist

What Did Jesus Do About Conflict In His Team? Series

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Feb 8, 2009

Jesus dealt with conflict head on, yet always without sin. He did not avoid conflict. Once he dealt with it in his team, he pointed them back to His mission and their mission. He does that with us also.

What did Jesus do about conflict in His team? In their book called ’A bucket of surprises’ J. John and Mark Stibbe refer to a friend (a church leader) who said this: ’Whenever the conflict gets too much in my church I go and visit the local kennels. There’s a whole group there that’s always ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus In Front Of The Sanhedrin

Contributed by Paul Arnold on Apr 23, 2018

A short homily on Jesus words in front of the Sanhedrin in Mark 14:53-65

So here Jesus stands, alone, abandoned, facing his accusers who want nothing other than to see him dead and their order restored. Smeared with false allegations that don’t deserve an answer, and then the one question that matters…Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One? “I AM” the simple ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-65

Denomination: Anglican