Sermons on Expectations For Clergy:

Priesthood Of All Believers (Part 1)

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: God has always wanted all his people to be priests.

Thesis: God has always wanted all his people to be priests. Intro.: 1. < Read Exodus 19:1-8 > a. God is ready to make Israel his covenant people. b. God's intent was for Israel to be "a kingdom of priests." 2. That didn't happen--why not? < Read Exodus 20:18-21 > a. Twice we are told: "The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Prepare To Share Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 6, 2016

"To interpret a biblical text, we need to be patient, to put aside all other concerns, and to give it our time, interest and undivided attention."

Thursday of 18th Week in Course This day we commemorate St. Clare of Assisi, the friend of St. Francis who founded the second Order of Franciscans for women religious, or the Poor Clares. As we look at the first reading about Ezekiel digging a hole in the wall of his house, we are reminded that ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 12:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

How Much More Will God Give His Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 7, 2017

If there is evil in our lives, God has to permit it to happen, or it wouldn’t. But God never wills evil. He only wants our good.

Thursday of 27th Week in Course 2017 Reformation/Revolution Who among us has not looked on some captain of industry or some venal politician and wondered why “evildoers not only prosper but when they put God to the test they escape.’” as the people did in Malachi’s day? Sometimes it does seem vain ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-13

Denomination: Catholic

Some Actions Are Always Wrong So What Do We Do? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 19, 2021

Murdering the innocent is always gravely immoral. Thus we have been taught since the first Christians accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and celebrated communion together.

Homily Monday of 12th week in ordinary time If we are to understand what the Lord is saying to us today, and more importantly what He is not saying, we need to find the key word in the Gospel: it’s “hypocrite.” A hypocrite is someone who calls sin a sin in other people, but ignores the sin in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9, Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Catholic

A Healthy Body

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Jan 28, 2008

Examine the characteristics of a church that is functioning as a healthy body.

Introduction- Last month I went for my annual physical. My doctor checked my pulse, my blood pressure, did blood tests, listened to my heart and lungs. He gave me a clean bill of health. I have an annual physical every year. All of us are concerned about our bodies and our healthy. You might be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Rid Of The Laity In The Church

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 27, 2014

The priesthood of all Christians is a result of God's new covenant of grace. A sermon set to help all believers see their role as priests in the Lord's Church today.

Some memberships come with privileges... joke - 3 guys wanted to get in a watch the athletes that have gathered for the Olympics in Atlanta, but they couldn't get past the gate. Then, a guy with boxing gloves showed up. "Robertson -- boxing" Well, of course! All they had to do was pretend to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Responding To Disappointments: A Star And A Stable (Epiphany)

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Jan 20, 2020

Difficulties are part of life, how we respond is what makes the difference. Joseph and Mary faced the difficulty of being refugees in the land of Egypt in order to save the child Jesus from Herod. The "ah ha" moment is when we realize God is with us no matter where we find ourselves.

Stars and a Stable: Responding to Disappointments One of my closest friends loves UGA! He’s a graduate and a dedicated football loyalist. Now let’s not question his Christianity just yet. He has a saying, "When I die, make sure you chant the Eucharist at my funeral mass. And make sure the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Episcopal

What Do We Mean By "apostolic" In Our Profession? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 11, 2021

The Church is apostolic because its foundation stones are the apostles chosen by Jesus himself as his first witnesses, prophets, priests and leaders.

Monday of 24th Week in Course There are four marks of the Church—unity, holiness, apostolicity and catholicity. The unity is oneness in belief and practice. The holiness. Ah, we mustn't think that means that all members of the Church and even all clergy are holy. There have some real ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, 1 Corinthians 11:28

Denomination: Catholic

The Spirit Of The Nicolaitans In The Church - Especially The Black Church

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Feb 6, 2022

Now is the time that the watchman should be warning the people of impeding danger, equipping them to be double fisted, working in one hand and ready to fight in the other like Nehemiah did.

The Spirit of the Nicolaitans in the Church “Especially the Black Church” By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING:- There is in the Body of Christ a clarion cry today from a remnant of the people of God that I truly believe is coming from the mouths of burden ridden souls and going directly to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:6, Revelation 2:15, Nehemiah 4:17, 1 Timothy 4:16

Denomination: Apostolic

“three Ways To Run The Church” Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 16, 2015

A look at the three primary church government structures.

- There are a number of ways that we could handle the passage this evening. We could talk about qualifications for pastors or for deacons (this would be especially helpful for a church entering into a pastor search process). We could talk about whether it’s necessary to be “called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Rich?!

Contributed by Rev Eric Sellgren on Aug 30, 2017

The need to pray for the UK

RICH. I’ve got a bee in my bonnet, and, over the last year it’s buzz has been getting louder. So I’ve come to you to ask for help – help to stop its buzzing. But first let me start with a story: One day, a long time ago in South Africa, a man was kneeling digging in a river bed. He was a gold ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Following Jesus Discipleship Basics (Mlk Day Sermon) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 14, 2024

John 1:43-51, let us embrace the call to follow Jesus, seeking a profound knowing that transcends our doubts. United Methodist discipleship invites us into a journey of following.

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Year B: “Following” Sermon Series Back 2 the Basics January 14, 2024 John 1:43-51. Following Jesus Discipleship Basics 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." ”The next day Jesus decided to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: United Methodist

Transitions

Contributed by Peter Thelander on Oct 31, 2001

A message from the lay leader on the changing of pastors.

Transitions I. A look at this change in pastors A. Subtitle – Why do United Methodists seem to torture themselves every few years by changing pastors? II. History lesson A. Methodism goes back to a renewal movement in the Church of England in the 1700’s 1. Footnote: Church of England is also ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, John 3:1-17

Denomination: United Methodist

Vanities, Poverty And Destitution Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 22, 2018

We must find in our heart the vast chasm, the infinite need that only Infinite Goodness and Truth and Beauty can fill.

Thursday of the 24th Week in Course 2018 St. Vincent de Paul The book we call Ecclesiastes is often referred to as Qoheleth, for the Hebrew name of the author, here called “the Preacher.” The first words form one of the major themes of theology, that all things human are perishable, that even what ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Psalm 90:3-17, Luke 9:7-9

Denomination: Catholic

The New Testament Church; Its Ministry Series

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Mar 16, 2003

The ministry of the specially gifted, the ministry of all God’s people, and the benefits of an "every member"ministry.

The Church; Its Ministry Ephesians 4:7-16 INTRO.: In Ephesians, Paul seems to be possessed of the idea of expressing the glory and majesty of the Church and her unique place in God’s plan of the ages. He begins the fourth chapter with a plea for unity in the Church. He says all Christians are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16, Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ