Sermons on Familiarity:

Jesus Comes To Us

Contributed by Kimberly Belken on Aug 9, 2020

In the familiar story of Jesus walking on the water, we find good news in the fact that it is Jesus who is the key actor and Lord of all.

Psychologists tell us that when we are presented with an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening, we tend to behave in one of two ways—fight or flight. That means that we either tend to gird our loins (to use a Biblical phrase), stare down, and attack that which is scaring us OR we run ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Lutheran

The Song Of The Angels Series

Contributed by Johann Neethling on Dec 11, 2005

Hearing this very familiar Christmas story from a new perspective. What happens now after we’ve heard the angels sing?

THE SONGS OF CHRISTMAS: The Song of the Angels Luke 2: 8-20 1. Christmas is certainly the season for concerts and musicals! Here is just a very small sample of Christmas events taking place right now in the Seattle area: • The customary Nutcracker ballet. • A Christmas Carol at the ACT Theatre. A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Diving In

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 12, 2008

The alternative to inexhaustible purpose is to stay in the RUT of the familiar and common-place...“The only difference between a rut and a grave is one of dimension.” (anon)

LIFE GOALS VIDEO CLIP... Jesus gives us an invitation to go diving! He invites us to plunge into the deep waters of his inexhaustible purpose! I warn you. Diving has its risks. It is not without dangerous possibilities. That’s why many people choose to play it safe. SAFE is familiar and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Greatest Story Ever Written

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 14, 2008

Charles Dickens described the parable of the prodigal son as "the greatest story ever written". This sermon takes a fresh look at this familiar story.

1. THE SON’S REQUEST "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me" (v.11) This was a shameful request. He was asking for his inheritance. Only the oldest son had the right to make this request. In effect, he was saying “I wish you were dead”. In Middle Eastern culture, such a son would ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

God's Immeasurable Love Part 2 Series

Contributed by Terry Jones on Nov 8, 2008

With a fresh look at a very familiar text Pastor Terry begins the series "Welcome Home" with a look at God’s immeasurable love for mankind.

“For God loved so much…” “that He gave…” Romans 8:32 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Is this your concept of God? A gracious Creator who - - - gives? What about all of the evil in the world? What ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

John The Forerunner Of Jesus

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Dec 5, 2009

There are gems in all familiar stories, and this too is one. We too like John are called to proclaim the graciousness of God - the Good News of the Kingdom

Luke 3:1-6: The Coming of the Lord’s forerunner THE TIN – Riches untold Story: In the late nineteenth Century in South Africa, an old man was digging for gold in a river bed. He had been at it for many years. Every now and then he found a little bit of gold, not enough to make him rich – but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Anglican

1 Peter Introduction Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Mar 9, 2015

A brief introduction about the author, Peter, and then the entire letter was read to familiarize our church with the context. Individual messages will follow in the coming weeks.

1 Peter Introduction 1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 1 Introduction ∆ Point 1 – Who’s Peter? So, let’s talk about Peter … - His name, Cephas, in the Syriac language, means “rock” -- One of the original 12 apostles (walked on water) -- Was at the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Greater Love Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Mar 18, 2015

Probably the most familiar verse in the Bible, John 3:16, gives God's motive and means to provide salvation for a sinful human race.

No Greater Love John 3:16 How can a person escape hell and go instead to heaven? The answer is given through the very basic message of Jesus and Christianity: It is not by devoting yourself to religious activities, morality, virtue, philosophy or philanthropy but by faith in the works of Christ. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Savior Like A Shepherd (Psalm 23) Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Sep 5, 2019

While we are familiar with Psalm 23, we may not understand it if we don't know much about sheep and shepherds.

Savior, Like a Shepherd (Psalm 23) This week, I came across a list of 75 occupations that are either obsolete or really rare in the 21st century. Things like “chandler”—someone who makes candles. Or “Fletcher”—a maker of arrows. And I thought I’d start off this morning by givng you guys a little ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Against All Odds Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 20, 2019

Nehemiah has to face the challenges of doing something he was not familiar with but it is the will of God. He has to inspect the wall, motivate the people and contend with the oppositions.

We had a remarkable breakthrough in chapter 2 when Nehemiah was granted the opportunity to see the King, after 4 months of praying and waiting. • Even with all that praying, it wasn’t a simple thing for Nehemiah to seek the King’s favour. He was very much afraid (2:2). • Imagine asking for leave ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Experience A Turnaround

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 11, 2021

A Turnaround always begins with an individual. It begins with someone who looks at the familiar landscape but sees something different. Josiah led the nation into restoration.

Introduction: How to experience a turnaround in your life during a pandemic? How do you turn around a nation or a people bound for destruction? Israel, God’s chosen people had a greater prospect for success than any nation in history. Although the nation was small in size; weak in strength; and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:20-33

Denomination: Methodist

God’s Endowments

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 31, 2022

The text and story you are all familiar with. Yet, as with all of God’s Word, there is yet another lesson we can learn.

As you know, Israel was facing the Philistines. David came along. He learned that no one would fight Goliath, who had blasphemed the name of David’s God, and he decided that if no one else would fight him, he would. Illus: Isn’t it good that you always find, among God’s people, those with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

He Reigns Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Nov 3, 2023

The setting of this familiar story relates to a drought! It has not rained for three years (18:2 “the famine was severe”). It was a time of conflict and killing.

Reconnect With God: HE REIGNS 1 Kings 18 Introduction This month we will be focused on four iconic stories in the Bible, each one pointing us to reconnect with God when we have wandered away. Each one of these stories has a prophet or king at center. Each one an element or image that helps us ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What's Your Stench?

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Jan 24, 2023

• Did you learn something new in God’s Word this past week? • Did you read a familiar passage with new eyes?

• Any Star Wars fans here today? For me, one of the most iconic lines in the original Star Wars movie, A New Hope is when Princess Leia is brought on board a huge space ship and sees The Empires’ Governor Tarkin and says, “ I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.” Today's ...read more

Scripture: John 11:39

What Does Sacrifice Look Like? Series

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Mar 17, 2024

Greeting ‌Something new in God’s Word? ‌Familiar passage with new eyes? ‌I know I did. ‌My prayer for you

WHAT DOES SACRIFICE LOOK LIKE? (Servants and Sacrifice) Part 2 of 2 part series INTRO Greeting Something new in God’s Word? Familiar passage with new eyes? I know I did. My prayer for you BODY A few years ago, Lisa told me that we each needed to make sacrifices in order for our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1, Hebrews 10:1-18