Sermons on Genuine Servants:

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Memorial Service For A Christian Woman

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 12, 2021

This was a celebration of the life of a woman who was ready to meet the Lord face-to-face. This person stated she was ready when the Lord called her home.

When we lose a loved one, we often have questions for God. I know you are hurting today. So, God gives us a word about hurt. Losing a loved one hurts. God understands our hurt and He encourages us to express our hurt to him. Many times, on days like today, we try to deny our hurt or ignore it. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

A Story Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Aug 4, 2018

This looks at the story of the Unforgiving Servant and why it is so scary for the forgiven.

Do you like scary stories?  I have never really been into scary movies, although I went to a couple as a teenager just to prove a point.  And if you have to ask what that point is then you’ve never been a teenaged boy. And when Carrie’s hand came out of the grave at the end of the original movie, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Wesleyan

Pride, The Glory Stealer...

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Aug 19, 2019

Everything we do as unto God with a humble spirit, is an act of worship unto God and part of our diligence and pursuit of our faith in our relationship with God we have through Jesus!

Pride, The Glory Stealer... Illus. From the book a life beyond amazing, by David Jeremiah. In Detroit in the 1930s, three young men boarded a bus and attempted to pick a fight with a passenger sitting alone in the back. They threw one insult after another, but the man said nothing in response. ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17, Proverbs 16:18, Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Serve God Effectively

Contributed by Grant Adams on Feb 8, 2022

Many Christians do not know how to serve God effectively. Christians should serve….

I. Sacrificially 1. Hebrews 13:6 2. Missions of people in our society do not know what it means to sacrifice. 3. Self-indulgence has replaced self-denial. 4. God must have first place in our life. a. His cause and kingdom must come before ease, pleasure and personal gain. b. Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28

Denomination: Baptist

No, It's Not Fair, But Bear With It In Christ

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 28, 2023

Forget the old song that asks “how can it be wrong when it feels so right?” That’s unmitigated baloney. Your mind must rule your emotions, not vice-versa.

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Course 2023 Have you or anyone you know ever said that some fine or traffic ticket or concert ticket price or something else “isn’t fair”? I suspect that a show of hands would involve almost everyone who is here today. That cry, “it’s not fair!” is one of the most common ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Matthew 21:28-32, Psalm 25:4-9, Ezekiel 18:25-28

Denomination: Catholic

Are You Ready? Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Dec 29, 2022

What is the evidence that you are ready for the Lord's return?

Introduction For those who attended service Christmas Day, I talked about the people of Bethlehem not being ready to receive a Savior. The shepherds were not ready and had to be told about a sign by an angel that the Savior has arrived. The innkeeper was not ready because he made no room in the inn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-37

Denomination: Baptist

Downwardly Mobile

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 25, 2023

Jesus isn’t saying that ambition is a bad thing, or that they/we shouldn’t aspire to be great. He’s telling them/us that true greatness is something else.

Ann Henderson came home from her doctor’s appointment looking much the same as usual. Maybe she was a little quieter, but not enough to cause comment. The whole family was home for dinner that night, for once. She was grateful. She would only have to say it once. She waited for a moment when nobody ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Know Your Place

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 11, 2023

God doesn’t owe us, he owns us. In fact, he owns us twice over: first through the right of creation, and second through the right of purchase.

The great preacher Ray Stedman used to tell a wonderful story of a faithful missionary couple returning from Africa back in the days of Teddy Roosevelt. After years of service they came back on the same ship as President Roosevelt, who was returning from a big game hunting expedition in Africa. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:7-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Second Generation Faithfulness Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 2, 2024

Different leaders have different strengths and God uses a leader accordingly to his giftedness.

A. THEIR SIMILARITIES 1. Both began ministry in God’s presence. Moses: “God called out of the midst of the bush” (Exodus 3:4). Joshua: “The Lord spoke unto Joshua … arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:1-2). 2. What is a call from God? a. Burden b. Desire c. Fruit – usefulness 3. Both saw a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 6:1, Exodus 6:9, Joshua 4:1, Joshua 4:5

Denomination: Baptist

Help Others

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 23, 2023

The foot washing narrative, John 13:1-20 is all about servant leadership.

Help Others John 13:12-20 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 12 So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and ...read more

Scripture: John 13:13-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Jesus - The Saviour

Contributed by Steve Pearman on Mar 6, 2023

This was used in a series, but can stand alone, looking at people's understanding - then and now of Jesus. With reference to serving, authority, and kingship

WRONG IDEA OF KINGSHIP (37) It was apparent to many that Jesus was the Messiah. Some tried to ignore that, or push the idea to one side, because He didn’t fit into the image that they had of the Messiah. Indeed, we know that some of the famous passages in the Old |Testament about this Messiah spoke ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Paul Finishing What He First Began Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 1, 2023

Paul's commitment: I have fought a good fight.

A. PAUL DID NOT START WELL 1. Paul was completely committed to keeping the Old Testament Law. “Circumcised when I was eight days old … pure-blooded citizen of Israel … tribe of Benjamin … Pharisee … demanded strictest obedience … harshly persecuted the church …” (Philippians 3:5-6, NLT). ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:20, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:10, 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Love And Hate Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 6, 2023

In Mark 14, Mark places the themes of love and hate alongside each other to create a sharp contrast. The hatred of the Jewish leaders, is followed by Mary’s loving act, which is followed by Judas’ betrayal. These stories challenge us to examine our feelings and actions toward Jesus.

Introduction A. I heard the true story of a woman who took a number of children to see a movie. 1. Before going into the seating area, they stopped at the concession stand and the woman offered to buy popcorn for the children to share. 2. One of the children objected declaring, “I hate ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Do We Differ From The Forgiver That Would Not Forgive?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Apr 15, 2024

What if God did to us what this man did to another?

This passage of Scripture responds to Peter's inquiry concerning how often he ought to pardon a brother (or sister) who sins against him. Jesus explains with an illustration concerning the servant and a king. The king excuses the man's tremendous, unpayable obligation. However, the servant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible