Sermons on Ezra Stiles:

Anointed For Mission [lectionary 3c]

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 30, 2018

Leave the success of your life to a power greater than you. Just do the things you were anointed for. Let a power greater than you take care of the ‘how.’

The theme in our Readings this Sunday is that the ‘opening of the Scriptures’ is consonant with ‘the opening of the eyes’. The use of physical seeing as a metaphor for spiritual insight is commonplace. Those that are blind(ed), are unable to read the Scriptures. E.g. Two young fish are swimming ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:2-10, Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Catholic

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A-- 15th Sunday, Year A --The Sower

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 17, 2020

It is the intuitive mind alone that can penetrate the essence and heart of a parable. Then it becomes a living reality, thoroughly relevant to one’s own life.

“To throw alongside” a story with cryptic meaning is called a parable in Greek. In Zen Buddhism, a parable is like a “koan,” which is a spiritual inquiry using perplexing language intended to rouse a student’s innate wisdom-mind to apply it to their own life. As Rabbi Ibn Ezra said of parables, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Isaiah 55:10-11

Denomination: Catholic

What's This Business Called God's Wrath? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 8, 2021

If God so loved the world, why are some humans "subject to His wrath." Isn't that contradictory?

Fourth Sunday in Lent 2021 Today is Laetare Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. The Word of God today gives us some divine ideas to help us understand the clear statement that God loved the world. To understand the reading from 2nd chronicles we have to know something about the Middle East, which has ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:14-17, 2 Chronicles 36:19-23, Ephesians 2:4-10, John 3:14-21

Denomination: Catholic

Called For A Change

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 17, 2018

God has chosen us in and by Jesus to become fully devoted followers of Jesus and to make fully devoted followers of Jesus. We are challenged within ourselves; by God; and from outside of ourselves to accomplish these two goals.

1. Good to be chosen – Sports/Jobs/Mates/Friends/Elected Politicians – “Chosen by People” 2. God has called us by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2.14) 3. The gospel call challenges us to transformation in our lives – 1 Thessalonians 1.4-10 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Doctrine Of God's Providence

Contributed by Jerry Bridges on Apr 23, 2014

God’s providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people.

On December 4, 1929, a baby boy was born to a working-class couple who lived in a hovel of a home in Tyler, Texas. The infant was born with several deformities—his eyes were crossed, he was completely deaf in his right ear, and his breastbone and spine were deformed. To top things off, he was ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Lord Laughs

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 12, 2016

To show that JESUS CHRIST is the Object of our Faith and He only laughs at people, at unbelievers and the LORD JESUS CHRIST only draws them deeper to confusion.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you have faith in JESUS? Yes. this faith has saved me. Romans 10:9-10 (Amplified Bible) Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 59:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Malachi Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 3, 2022

A century after the Jews returned to their homeland; many became complacent and less devoted to the Lord. The Lord addressed the Jews' declining commitment to God through the prophet Malachi.

Malachi This Introduction to the Book of Malachi has five sections: 1. Why study this book? 2. Who wrote this book? 3. When and where was it written? 4. What are some distinctive features of this book? 5. Outline Section 1. Why study this book? A century after the Jews returned to their ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Not Far From The Kingdom Of God?

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 29, 2018

The greatest commandment.

NOT FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD? Mark 12:28-34. Long before the invention of the printing press, men called Scribes would work together to copy out the Scriptures for future generations. By doing this, we might suggest, they became well-versed in the Law of Moses (cf. Ezra 7:6). They were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Encouragement To Proceed

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 2, 2023

Everybody has a job, a calling, a gift. Often, we are discouraged during our Christian walk of faith. If we know and see someone struggling to follow their call, why not help them?

Often, we are discouraged during our Christian walk of faith. We have felt the call of God, and as we strive to follow His will, it seems as though we cannot accomplish or reach that goal God set before us. We should try to remember that God is with us. He would not have placed that calling within ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Mother's Tears

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 7, 2025

It’s alright to weep. Jesus wept, so did most others in scriptures.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. A mother’s tears: nothing so tender, so convicting, so touching and so powerful. Why? ? Because mothers are more tender and gentler than any others ? Because mothers care deeper than any others ? Because all life comes from mothers ? Because mothers have great hopes for the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:4

Denomination: Baptist

Asking For Favor When Facing Obstacles Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 24, 2023

Trouble is small when viewed by God.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Nehemiah served tables (waiter) yet he faced: a. Great burden. “I sat down and wept … for days I mourned, fasted and prayed. b. Great destruction. “Walls … torn down … gates destroyed by fire” (1:3). c. God’s people discouraged. d. Great opposition. “Sanballat, Tobiah, and ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:32, Nehemiah 13:14, Psalm 84:11

Denomination: Baptist

Revival: Stronger Than Ever - Where To Turn In Your Darkest Moment Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores where to turn during our darkest moments, using a personal anecdote from the pastor's childhood as a metaphor for finding oneself in unexpected and challenging situations.

One of my most vivid childhood memories is of an afternoon in sixth grade, when a friend and I decided to swing on a newly-installed bar hanging over the walkway on our way out of school. The bar was about 8 feet off the ground, just low enough for the two of us to reach if we jumped. So on the ...read more

Topics: Overcoming Challenges, Faith In Crisis, Personal Growth

Sermon Series: Revival: Stronger Than Ever

Mother's Day 2020

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 23, 2025

A mother's tears.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. A mother’s tears: nothing so tender, so convicting, so touching and so powerful. Why? ? Because mothers are more tender and gentler than any others ? Because mothers care deeper than any others ? Because all life comes from mothers ? Because mothers have great hopes for the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:17, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Psalm 126:6

Denomination: Baptist

Risk Taker

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 25, 2001

Take a risk for Him in the new millennium!

Risk Taker Thesis: "Take a risk for Him in the millennium!" Main Texts: Matthew 25:14-30 ---Read from the Message "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Mat 25:13 NIV) "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Deuteronomy 31:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Knowing How To Pray Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 21, 2003

As we study the book of Nehemiah, we’re going to learn things that will help us personally, we’ll discover principles that will guide us as we move into a time of building here at PBC, and we’ll end up understanding a critical part of Old Testament histor

Knowing How to Pray I checked my notes and realized that it’s been a year since I gave you a Bible quiz. Here’s a new test for you. I’ll give you a hint ­ all the questions have to do with the Old Testament. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible? Samson. He brought the house down. Who ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist