Sermons on Expectations For Clergy:

Joy Series

Contributed by Suzanne Wall on Dec 15, 2019

In today's readings, Advent is a promise of joyful disruption.

Joy Last year, I also got to speak for the third Sunday of Advent. But turns out I can’t just repeat that sermon. Last year, the bible passages were about Advent bringing a promise of joyful reconciliation. This year, I’d say the readings are about Advent as a promise of joyful disruption. Isaiah ...read more

Fulfilling Life Against The Ghost Of Weariness

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Nov 4, 2002

Fulfillment of life comes not from the horizon outside, rather it grows within us through our life in partnership with God...

Matthew 25.1-13 is a parable that compares the christian life to a virgin who waits for the coming of the bridegroom with her lamp lit as well as with plenty of reserve of oil in order to add festivity to the wedding feast. The imageries of the wedding feast, the bridegroom, the reserve of oil or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Catholic

The Impact Of A Church With Pentecostal Power!

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 26, 2022

The power of the Holy Spirit enables his disciples to reach out and touch human needs and share the message of the Gospel. Pentecostal Power enables the church for inreach, outreach, evangelism and discipleship.

The Impact of A Church With Pentecostal Power! During this season of Pentecost, I want us to rediscover the purpose of the power made available to the Church. In describing the ministry of Jesus, Apostle Paul said, Ac 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-11, John 20:21, Mark 6:4-6, 1 Peter 3:15

Denomination: Methodist

The Gift Of Disillusionment

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Oct 18, 2002

Even amidst life’s harships, confusion, and pain, we can discover a new and clearer vision of Christ Jesus as the Messiah.

THE PERSON WHO HAS NEVER TAKEN THE RISK OF HAVING TO TASTE WHAT IS BITTER HAS NEVER REALLY KNOWN THAT WHICH TASTES SWEET. THE HUMAN SPIRIT IS CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING ENORMOUS DISCOMFORT, INCLUDING THE PROSPECT OF DEATH, IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES MAKE SENSE. MANY MARTYRS, POLITICAL PRISONERS, AND WAR ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-23

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Church As A Covenant Community

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Dec 18, 2009

Compares the Church as a community

THE CHURCH AS A COVENANT COMMUNITY Deuteronomy 5:1-21; 2 Corinthians 3:4-6, 12-18 SEPTEMBER 14, 2008 The way we look at our relationship with the Church is really important. Our understanding of the Church is so important because it determines the shape of our Christian lives. It determines the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:1-21

Denomination: Holiness

If / Then Series

Contributed by Phillip Calvert on Aug 30, 2005

God uses the if/then parenting technique to encourage us to have Good character so we can possess the rewards He has for us.

Building good character Proverbs 3:1-10 · IF/Then o 2 Thes 3:10 o Gal 6 § What you sow / what you reap § Where you sow / where you reap § How you sow / how you reap o Spit in one hand want in the other see which one fills up fastest Long Life · If verse one then verse two o More days o Not just ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Abraham Earns An A+ Series

Contributed by Larry Sarver on May 1, 2002

An Expository Message On How God Test Our Faith And Commitment To Him. Genesis Series #45

Genesis Series #45 April 28, 2002 Title: Abraham Earns An “A+” Email: pastorsarver@yahoo.com Website: www.newlifeinchrist.info Welcome to New life in Christ. Today we continue with message #45 in our verse-by-verse study of the book of Genesis. Read Genesis 22:1-19 There will be times in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Great Adventure Series

Contributed by Tom Owen on Dec 7, 2010

Learning how to be the church in today's world through learning from the book of Acts.

[2] You know, some people are more adventurous than others. For some people adventure means going mountain climbing or skydiving. For some people adventure means trying a new salad dressing. I’m somewhere in the middle. I like safe adventure. [Giant water slide story.] I firmly believe ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

"Living And Loving God’s Word" Series

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Jan 12, 2011

Do we live our lives in fear or do we live our lives in faith? Scripture tells us to put our trust in God no matter what the circumstances.

Most of us never take advantage of God’s abundant resources. Eph. 3:20 in the Amplified Version says, "God is able to do superabundantly, far over and above, all that we dare ask or think. Infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams." We never tap into the tremendous ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20

Denomination: Christian Church

Use What God Has Given

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 1, 2024

The parable of the talents reminded us of what we are to be doing from now until the day Jesus returns. We are stewards entrusted with God's gift and we are to use what He has given for the work of His Kingdom. We are accountable to Him for how we live our lives today.

Matt 25:14-30 - USE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN Jesus has been telling His disciples, and all of us today, of the signs of the end times and that after He left, He would return. • As to the day and time of His return, no one knows except God the Father. • But His second coming is sure and we are to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 15:58

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Does Jesus Tell His Disciples Not To Tell People That He Is The Christ Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 1, 2025

This passage provides an interesting insight into why Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone He was the Christ.

KEEP QUIET: Proclaiming that Jesus was the Christ would create a lot of wrong expectations. - Luke 9:18-21. - It’s an odd thing to hear Jesus telling His disciples to not tell people that He is the Christ. You would generally think that He would want it proclaimed often and loudly from every ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-26

Denomination: Baptist

Back To The Basics: The Bible Series

Contributed by Brian William on Oct 25, 2007

Fifth in the "Back to the Basics" series, exploring the foundational beliefs of Christians. This sermon addresses the question, "What do Christians believe about the Bible?"

Have you ever gone to a movie with one set of expectations and then found out the movie wasn’t at all what you expected? Somebody told you that it was going to be funny, but the movie was really quite serious. Or you read in the newspaper that the movie was scary, but you found yourself laughing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Denomination: Methodist

"Hope” In Haggai And Zechariah: True, False, Postponed And Perilous Series

Contributed by Wm Darius Myers on Apr 24, 2007

Theme Paper in Haggai-Zechariah, tracing the appropriate applications of hope, despite the difficult realities of our circumstances. An excellent theme for redevelopment pastors to consider.

“Hope” in Haggai and Zechariah: True, False, Postponed and Perilous The Shawshank Redemption: Morgan Freeman tells fellow-inmate Tim Robbins, “Hope is a dangerous thing. Drive a man insane. It’s got no place here.” In a place like Yehud, with the Jews seeking to rebuild the temple amidst ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Receiving The Holy Spirit: Home Sweet Home

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 28, 2006

also, many other scriptures referenced in the sermon. Surrender to the Holy Spirit.

Paradigm Of Receiving The Holy Spirit. Gal. 3:3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? This speaks directly to all of us in this room, not only the Galatians Paul is writing to. In essence Paul is telling us this: If your ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

After Christmas...what Now?

Contributed by Bobby Daniel on Jan 3, 2009

My final sermon for 2008, a look at the flight of Christ’s family to Egypt and how we should approach life after Christmas.

After Christmas…Now What Matthew 2:13-15 Introduction Well, Christmas day has come and it has gone…and I do hope you guys had a wonderful day filled with awe of God’s grace and mercy and the love of family and friends. We had Brigitte’s parents down from Cincinnati, and they are here with us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15

Denomination: Baptist