Sermons on Foolish Ideas:

What Does It Mean That Jesus Was A ‘ransom’ For Us? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 22, 2014

A look at the correct understanding of "ransom" (it's not an extortion) and four key ideas that help us understand it.

PAYING "RANSOM"? Does this mean that God gave into extortion? - 1 Timothy 2:6. - A ransom is a price paid for someone’s freedom. - It’s an easy idea to get off-track on if you don’t watch it. - How so? Sometimes a ransom is basically extortion. Someone kidnaps someone and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

"Bear The Cross Of Self Denial"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Aug 31, 2017

The sermon is based on the idea of dying by denying self and considering the needs of others in order to be a true disciple of Jesus.

“Bear the Cross by Self Denial” Matthew 16:21-28 • It was bad enough for the disciples to hear that Jesus would suffer, be rejected, and die on a cross. Now Jesus told them that they must do the same thing. The cross was an instrument of death it had no other purpose • “Cross bearing does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Methodist

Believers Beware Of Backsliding

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Feb 9, 2020

Most Christians have no idea what the term backsliding means. This message explore the definition and the process involved.

“Believers Beware of Backsliding” Hosea 7:1-16, 11:7, 14:4 Scripture Reading Hosea 7:8 Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not. ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 7:1-16, Hosea 11:7, Hosea 14:4

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruits Of Repentance Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Oct 6, 2019

The Big Idea: Repentance is the gateway to holiness. Lent is a time of contemplation; turning—or returning—to God.

King Frederick II, King of Prussia in the eighteenth-century, once visited a prison in Berlin. The inmates there tried to convince him they were unjustly imprisoned; that is, all of them but one. That one sat quietly in a corner, while the rest protested their innocence. Seeing him sitting there ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Other

A Faithful Defense

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Oct 6, 2019

The Big Idea: God wants us to be faithful him in our words and actions, even in difficult situations.

Of Christians put to death for their faith in the second century, perhaps no account is as striking as the story of Polycarp. Polycarp (A.D. 70-155) is bishop of Smyrna and a godly man who knows the apostle John personally. When urged by the Roman proconsul to renounce Christ, Polycarp responds ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Other

The Call To Submit Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 19, 2019

We do not like the idea of submission, but for the disciple of Jesus Christ, to answer His call is to submit to Him.

The Call to Discipleship: Submit Introduction We do not like the idea of submitting to others. Submission in the sport of wrestling is a loss. Submission to our bosses sometimes creates resentment. Submission to people in power can be unpleasant. Submission means we release our power, our self, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, John 10:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Mother's Love

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Nov 14, 2019

There are a lot of mushy ideas about love in our world. God gives us the example of the real thing.

Christians talk about love a lot. It’s a subject for any Sunday, any Monday, Tuesday or other day, for that matter. It’s especially a subject for Mother’s Day, because our moms are some of the people we think of first when we think about being loved. It’s easy to talk about love as some mushy, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2

Live A Good Story

Contributed by Jeff Poor on Apr 10, 2019

You have no idea what hangs in the balances of your decision to embrace the story that God has for you.

Welcome… Thanksgiving/Black Friday… Make some joke here. When we started here we started with a series called Timeless where we looked at the ways we can grow our faith. And we asked this question what you our life look like if we were rooted into Jesus. Now over a year later i think we can say ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, John 1:35-51, Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Understanding Post Traumatic Stress

Contributed by Peter Mcinnes on Jun 1, 2010

For military Veterans & families to help understand how PTSD is developed & some ideas on how to deal with it.

This is written with the aim of explaining to both veterans & their families the reasons behind this major problem & to give some advice as to how to manage it successfully. Post traumatic stress disorder is not necessarily for war veterans, but can be caused by stressful experiences in life such ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:15-21

Denomination: Anglican

Stolen Jesus "Easter Sunrise Sermon"

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Mar 29, 2013

This is a Easter Sunrise sermon that looks at the idea that nothing can take jesus away from a true disciple.

John 20:1-21 The Message (MSG) Resurrection! 20 1-2 Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-20

Denomination: United Methodist

The Act Of Forgiveness.

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on May 23, 2020

“Every one,” C.S. Lewis writes, “says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until there is something to forgive”

Matthew 18:21-Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22-Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23-“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Refining Fire Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Jason Martin on Dec 21, 2024

Main Idea: God’s promise to purify His people and the hope of His coming judgment and restoration.

Text is Malachi 3:1 - Chapter 4:6 1. Introduction: God’s Justice and Purification - Recap: The Book of Malachi has revealed the broken state of Israel's relationship with God, marred by corrupt priests, lack of genuine worship, and disregard for God’s covenant. Yet, God’s love remains ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1, Malachi 4:6

Denomination: Church Of God

Church Leaders Serving The People

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 16, 2023

In the foot-washing story, Jesus exemplifies servant leadership. Our church leaders should be exercising this idea.

Church Leaders Serving the People John 13:1-11 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 13:1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 During ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Brought To Life; Brought Together Spiritual Warfare: The Shield Of Faith Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Jan 21, 2025

Big Idea: Stand against Satan by faith, taking our thoughts captive to God’s word.

We are continuing our series in Ephesians, Brought to Life; Brought Together, looking at the spiritual battle we face in 6:10-20, which calls us to stand strong against Satan’s schemes by utilizing the armor of God (14). We are looking at the various pieces of armor and how it empowers us to stand ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moses Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Feb 6, 2025

Israel is crying out to God for deliverance. They had no idea their deliverer was a baby, being raised in the palaces of Pharaoh.

The Story of Us Moses February 16, 2025 Joseph has died and his influence is no longer felt in Egypt. Israel is no longer guests in Egypt but are now slaves. They are the work force to finish the Pharaoh’s building projects. They are crying out to God for deliverance. They had no idea their ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:12-17, Exodus 2:5-10, Exodus 3:1-6, Exodus 33:15-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational