Sermons on Fringes:

Running On Empty

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 13, 2023

If we are all we have, we better hang onto it. But those who are full of God can’t wait to give it away.

Show me the alley, show me the train, Show me the homeless man who sleeps out in the rain... And I’ll show you a young man with so many reasons why, There but for fortune go you or I, you or I. Show me the whiskey stains on the floor, Show me the drunkard as he stumbles out the door... And I’ll ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Something Completely Different

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 17, 2023

When God intervenes to bring life out of death, we have to let him do it his way.

How many of you remember Monty Python? The British comedy group in - I think - the 70's which used to transition between their skits with “And now for something completely different....” And it always was pretty strange. Part of their appeal was that their humor was so totally off the wall, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Worry Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Nov 7, 2024

Worry can be reduced if we are willing to pray, focus on God and live a life worthy of His name.

We continue our series of “Escape” by looking at another area that keeps us from experiencing the freedom Jesus’ coming and rising offer us. The last few weeks we have spoken about escaping bad decisions, the shame/guilt that accompanies them, trading religion for relationships, traps of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, 1 Corinthians 7:5-7, Philippians 4:6-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unity In Diversity Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 3, 2021

The largest room in the world is the room for improvement. This is where we are all at. That is why Paul warns us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. You can only be a growing Christian if you are aware of the fact that you have a long way to go.

Back in the 1600's William Lantan was the captain of a ship headed for Barbados. A thousand miles off the coast his vessel sprang a leak, and he had the crew take refuge in their longboat. They had a plentiful supply of bread, but little water. After 18 days of drifting they were down to a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:4-5

Right Before...

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 29, 2024

Are you connected to the source? Let me pray for us. “-Lord, help us to stay away from temptation and close to you, so we can do your will in Jesus name, amen.”

Right Before... Are you connected to the source? Let me pray for us. “-Lord, help us to stay away from temptation and close to you, so we can do your will in Jesus name, amen.” Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. Lent occurs 40 days right before the miracle. Common day duties are set aside ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:39-46, John 15:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gods R Us

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 9, 2025

Humanity creates designer spirituality, but only Jesus Christ—Creator, Judge, Savior, and the only Way—can satisfy the soul and secure eternity.

Opening Narrative — The Empty Shelf I was in a bookstore not long ago—one of those big ones where the scent of coffee hits you before you even step through the doors. I’d stopped in to find a Bible commentary. Something quiet. Something theological. The kind of book you expect to find tucked away ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6, Acts 17:22-31, 1 John 5:21, Romans 3:23, Isaiah 44:6-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

"Your King Is Coming”

Contributed by John Newton on May 4, 2025

As he rides into Jerusalem, Jesus is greeted by a crowd of admirers waving palm branches

The ancient world out of which our Scriptures arose was a succession of mighty empires that swept across the Middle East. There had been the Egyptian Empire (1560-1069 BC), followed by the Assyrian Empire (1300-612 BC), after which came the Persian Empire (550-330 BC). But by far the greatest of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Denomination: Episcopal

God Answers To Himself Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 2, 2022

God can do whatever He pleases; His only limiting factor is His own character.

God Answers to Himself (topical) 1. I want to wish all our dads a happy Father’s Day. Some people think Father’s Day should spot light more than just dads. The only child said: Hey Dad, I think I deserve to get half of your Father’s Day gifts. Dad: Oh, what makes you think that? I’m the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 115:1-3, Hebrews 6:18, Psalm 135:5-6, Daniel 4:34-35, Psalm 147:5, Job 42:2, Psalm 50:7-15, Psalm 147:11, Psalm 149:4, Romans 11:34-35, Acts 17:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Welcoming Love - 1 Peter 4:9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 26, 2025

You love your family and friends--how are you doing with stranger love?

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's multifaceted grace. 11 If anyone speaks, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:9

Striving For Church Health – Healthy Employed Saints Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jul 29, 2002

Over a month ago, we began to talk about Striving For Church Health. If SCC is going to be a healthy church, the senior saints must lead the way in example and conduct and we, the congregation, must know how to react and respond to their lives and walk am

INTRODUCTION Review: Over a month ago, we began to talk about Striving For Church Health. If SCC is going to be a healthy church, the senior saints must lead the way in example and conduct and we, the congregation, must know how to react and respond to their lives and walk among us. Young women ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:9-10, Titus 2:11-15

For Whom Do You Dance?

Contributed by Tim Bond on Sep 14, 2002

John the Baptist is one person who recognized the person to whom he was answerable. He only lived for God’s sake!

I’m not sure how many of you have seen the most recent Star Wars release that came out a couple of years ago now, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. If you did, I have no doubt that one of the supporting characters caught your attention. His name was Jar Jar Binks, and he was, in my eyes the most ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:23-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Will Go For Us

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Sep 19, 2002

Calling and motivating people to serve God where He is directing them

Who Will Go For Us? September 14/15, 2002 Intro: I concluded last week’s sermon with Jesus’ words from Matthew 9:37-38. “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” I want ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:37-38, Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The Lover Of The Unlovable

Contributed by Dennis Bliss on Mar 9, 2005

A lenten reflection on the dangers and implications of predjudices in our faith communities.

Today’s gospel proclamation reminds us that Jesus of Nazareth is the consistent lover of the unlovable The Saviors persistently disregards all socio- cultural norms and stereotypes of his day that differentiated between us and them. There was much about this itinerant Nazarene that was ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Is One Way To God Really Fair? (What About Those Who Have Never Heard?) Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 6, 2004

Exploring Jesus claim that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Light" and that "no man comes to the Father except through [him]".

Last week we looked at the unquestionable and unavoidable claims of Christ…today I want to address a concern that often arises from the sidelines of such claims… Is one way to God really fair? It’s a big world…with many following religious traditions within their own culture…isn’t Christianity a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"What Makes God Smile?"

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Aug 19, 2004

What are things in our life that can make the smile of God present upon our lives.

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches August 22, 2004 “What Makes God Smile?” Psalm 119:135 Msg. Bible “Smile on me, your servant; teach me the right way to live.” Numbers 6:25 NLT “May the Lord smile on you.” INTRODUCTION: Have you ever thought of God as a HARSH God toward you? Maybe someone who ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:135, Numbers 6:25

Denomination: Methodist