Sermons on Fiction:

What Presents Did You Get?

Contributed by Jamie Bogaard on Dec 28, 2020

The Magi gave gifts to Jesus. Why were they important? What does it mean for gifts that we give? Are we giving to God?

What Presents Did You Get? Matthew 2:1-12 December 27, 2020 So what did you get for Christmas this year? Did you get everything that was on your list? Maybe you are like our family and you still have presents to unwrap yet as you haven’t been able to get together with family. Here are some last ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Friends

The Incarnation Of The Word

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 6, 2022

This is a message given to the staff of an inner-city mission in Toronto, Ontario during Advent 2022.

The Incarnation of the Word I love the accounts of the nativity, the birth of Christ that we find in the gospels. I love the story, I love lingering with the story, I love its innocence, its directness and its simple beauty. I also love it because I love understatement. Before going to seminary ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Deep Roots

Contributed by John Huyser on Jan 10, 2023

The picture seen around the world - NFL Players and staff on their knees in prayer. What does that say to us and were all those prayers indeed heard and answered? Why is this answer important for believers today?

It was the picture of 2023 seen around the world. Even non-sports fans were impacted as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest following a play on Monday Night. Medical teams rushed in. For 10 agonizing minutes CPR was administered. Finally, a faint heartbeat was detected. The ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:1-13

The Rich Man And Lazarus

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 6, 2022

This is the only parable which actually names a character. What does this mean?

The Parable of Lazarus and the rich Man Luke 16:19-31 The “Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man” is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables. It has been used by those who would show that Jesus taught about hell. Jesus taught that hell and eternal punishment were real. There are those who try to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Nurturing Your Next Pastor

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 25, 2024

Shortly before welcoming a new minister, a seasoned minister and friend of the congregation might come and help prepare the church for this new chapter in their history, explaining the role of ministry and how to care for their pastor.

It will be exciting to welcome your new Pastor! How you view pastoral ministry has been influenced by all the ministers you’ve known. We see ministry through the lens of past experiences, good and bad. Hopefully we see ministry through the teachings of Scripture. My aim is to offer some advice ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Congregational

Behold I Show You A Mystery

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Nov 28, 2021

A funeral message about eternal life in Christ

“Behold, I Show You A Mystery.” (1 Cor 15:51-52) Introduction; News of __________ illness and the journey of treatment has been on our hearts and in our prayers these last two years. Our family wishes to convey our love and prayers to the entire family circle. as Solomon wrote, “a woman ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:35-57

Denomination: Pentecostal

Daniel 8: He's Got This Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Sep 3, 2020

Nothing is a surprise to God. God is in control.

HE’S GOT THIS—Daniel 8 Do you sometimes feel like the world is spinning out of control? The safe and secure life some of us remember seems more chaotic, less innocent, and somewhat scary. Family and cultural values are changing—not always for the better. Religious freedom is under attack in many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-31, Daniel 8:1-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Divine Direction Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

Paul is praying for divine direction. This clearly implies that not all that happens is God’s providence, for what is the need for praying for specific divine direction if all that life brings us is his pre-determined direction anyway.

A common saying that has become well-known is, “Truth is stranger than fiction.” When one begins to study what has really happened in history he discovers that reality if just as amazing and interesting as anything that could be invented. For example, I read the story of a drifter in Australia ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13

Life-Giving Grace Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 9, 2025

We are all dead in ours sins, but God... rich in mercy, out of His love brought us to life in Christ through grace so that we can do good works? How does it all tie together? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell.

Read the text and pray. When I read this passage, my mind jumps to the fictional movie, Sixth Sense. You may recall that it’s about a young boy who is very troubled, which has his single mom very concerned about him. He begins seeing a therapist and, after a while, he finally confides in the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Glory Of Christmas

Contributed by Roger Thomas on May 26, 2004

Understanding the word "glory" provides meaning to some of our favorite Christmas songs and to the meaning of Christ’s coming.

THE GLORY OF CHRISTMAS John 1:14-18 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Glory is one of those special words. Do you notice how much of a Christmas word it is? Many, if not most of our favorite Christmas carols use the word somewhere. Most often it is in ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The New Millennium Needs A New Church

Contributed by Kyle Meador on Jan 9, 2001

The world is a different place. The church of Jesus Christ must change if we are to be the salt and light and aroma of our Savior!

This morning we’re going to view a video clip. Don’t worry about understanding the dialogue in this segment. In this clip, you’ll see two men walking through an airport terminal. As they walk and talk, their voices are slightly muffled and there is someone making announcements over a public address ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:37-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Omnipotent God

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Sep 26, 2005

Our God is omnipotent. If’s He’s not, we cannot fully trust Him to do anything he promised.

Omnipotent God: Is There Anything Too Hard For Him? TCF Sermon September 25, 2005 I want to start with a little demonstration here this morning. I have here a precious coin (it’s really just a quarter, but pretend with me). I have a friend who has entrusted this coin to me to keep and protect ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Da Vinci Con - Making The Most Of It

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on May 17, 2006

There are many ways we can respond as believers to the cultural phenomenon that is the Da Vinci Code.

The Da Vinci Con Making the most of it TCF Sermon May 14, 2006 Last week, Jim Garrett equipped us to crack the code. The code, as in the Da Vinci Code, turns out to be the Da Vinci Con. If you were wondering what’s actually true in this book, as well as in the movie that’s going to be released ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gold, Gavels, And God

Contributed by Ken Pell on Jan 8, 2012

The world is offering Jesus’ church a cheap substitute and cheap answers to real questions with real solutions.

GOLD, GAVELS, AND GOD Rev. 17-18 Big Idea: The world is offering the Jesus’ church a cheap substitute and cheap answers to real questions with real solutions. Supporting Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew 5-7; Luke 4:1-13; Luke 17:2; Romans 8:28; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:5-6, ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Rekindling Your First Love Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 28, 2008

The first churches in history were just like the churches now...and they have a lot to teach us about staying close to Jesus.

Sermon for CATM – December 28 – Churches of Revelation – Ephesus and Sardis – Revelation 2:1-7; 3:1-6 Today we begin a 5-part series on the Churches of Revelation. Yes, it is a bit odd that we’re beginning such a series on the last Sunday of the year and that we will be starting the new year with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational