Sermons on Gray Issues:

Reading The Bible Literally

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 7, 2020

Paul's instruction that the Corinthians were to "greet one another with a holy kiss" provides a nice open door for discussing whether we are to take the Bible literally. This message looks at four considerations that we need to keep in mind to read the Bible correctly.

- I have four questions for you as we begin. Let me hear an “Amen” if you agree with what I say: a. The Bible is the Word of God. b. We believe in the Bible. c. The Bible is literally true. d. When I came into church, I greeted everyone with a holy kiss. - Where were all the cries of “Amen” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:12

Denomination: Baptist

Third Rail: Sex Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Nov 7, 2024

We don’t talk about sex because it is only a symbol, a surrogate for what we really long for - a deep and unwavering connection of our soul to God’s heart.

There are several iconic contemporary proverbs that swirl around us. One of the most familiar may be, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex in polite company” or slightly modified for pastors, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex on Sunday morning if you want to keep your job.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:19-20, Matthew 5:27-32, John 8:1-11, Matthew 19:12, 1 John 4:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Evicting Spiritual Squatters

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jan 3, 2023

Satan and his henchmen are out to steal from us. They are scheming illegal activities against us and our children. The thief comes to steal. Stealing is illegal, done by those who don’t pay attention to the law.

Evicting Spiritual Squatters We begin today with a scripture, and my message title I will tell you later. PPT 1 text 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, 2 Thessalonians 2:2 that you may not be ...read more

Scripture: Micah 2:1-3, 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Building Blocks Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 2, 2022

Based on Gen 1-3 - Sermon challenges hearers to consider the building block of a strong home & family.

“THE BUILDING BLOCKS” Gen. 1-3 FBCF – 5/1/22 Jon Daniels INTRO – I’ve never built a house before. Some people love to do that. Build multiple houses over course of their lives. Others say it’s a quick way to mess up a good marriage! Ha! Even though I’ve never built one & would never try to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31

Denomination: Baptist

A Sermon I’ve Never Wanted To Preach

Contributed by John Newton on Aug 8, 2022

There are few (if any!) passages in the Bible more challenging than Hebrews 10:26-31...

Aside from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, I wonder if anyone here this morning can tell me what may have been the most famous sermon ever preached… I don’t have any statistics to back me up, but I am certain that one of the top contenders has to be a sermon delivered to a congregation in Enfield, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-31

Denomination: Episcopal

Hulk Help Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 7, 2022

We grew up watching them on TV and in the movies. The truth is in our everyday life we have a choice to make . . . which one are you?

(SLIDE 1) Heroes vs. Villains Pt. 3 - Hulk Help I. Introduction Every Friday night I would sit in front of the larger than a couch tv to watch this show. The show was CBS for 5 years from 1978-1982 and had 80 episodes. The show chronicled the life of David Banner, a physician and scientist ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:22, Exodus 2:1-15, Exodus 3:10-11, Exodus 4:10, Numbers 20:2-3, Numbers 20:8-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Be More Encouraging To Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 24, 2023

Romans 14 is a key passage on potential disagreements with fellow believers. What does this passage teach us about being more encouraging in our church families?

DANGER SIGNS: 1. AM I TRIPPING UP MY BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST? - Romans 14:13b, 15b. - In church arguments and fights, so often our focus is on showing everyone how right we are. - Here, though, in v. 13b, we are instructed not to put a stumbling block in front of a brother or sister. - Let ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Fake Gospel

Contributed by Lee Houston on Mar 22, 2023

Many churches have forsaken the Word of God and embraced worldly views of right and wrong. These churches conform both in language and practices to what the World would have them believe thus contorting Christian love to include sinful acts.

Title: The Fake Gospel Central idea: Many protestant denominations are engaged in a spiritual war. Think with me for a few minutes about the state of American churches. Many have forsaken the Word of God and embraced worldly views of right and wrong. These churches conform both in language ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 John 2:4, Romans 16:17-18, Isaiah 29:3, Matthew 7:21-23, Revelation 3:14-22  (view more)  (view less)

Jesus Healed A Crippled Woman

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Mar 28, 2024

They were upset because this healing that the Lord was doing was not just a onetime deal, but because Lord healing of people on the Sabbath day which was a reoccurring source of contention between Himself and the religious rulers.  

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.   12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Prejudice Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jul 21, 2023

True religion doesn’t play favorites.

INTRODUCTION • When we began this series last week, I talked about the practical and straightforward teachings in the Book of James. • Last week we started the series with a practical message about living out the message. • As we spend time together in James, we will examine ways to live out the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Overcoming Depression PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 11, 2024

Explores dealing with depression through the biblical story of Elijah, emphasizing God's unfailing love and the church's role in addressing mental health.

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, to this sacred sanctuary, where we gather together in unity and love to hear the Word of God. In the ups and downs of life, we often find ourselves in valleys of shadow, where the sunlight of joy seems to have abandoned us. We may feel isolated, misunderstood, ...read more

Topics: Depression

How May We Know That God Exists?

Contributed by Alex Mcfarland on Jun 28, 2006

Spiritual struggles like Nathan’s are common. Therefore, before we talk to people about being in right relationship with God, we may need to address their core beliefs about His existence and offer reassurance about the reasonableness of belief. Indeed,

After his grandmother’s funeral, 15 year-old Nathan really started thinking about God. Because his grandmother had been a faithful Christian, the minister spoke about her eternal rewards. But talk of heaven and the afterlife caused Nathan to wonder, “How do we really know there’s a God and an ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Tongue Series

Contributed by Jonathan Powell on May 15, 2007

Sermon 4 in a serie sof 7 sermons based on Living the Christian Life - out of James

Living the Christian Life The Worst Part of Us – The Tongue James 3:1-18 As I look back over the past 31 years, I focus on my mistakes in life. Mistakes in relationships present and past. Almost all of the time, mistakes that I have made have been caused by one thing – something that I had said. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

"The Frailty Of Faith”

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 22, 2003

While we don’t serve a weak God we can have and often to have a fragile faith.

“THE FRAILTY OF FAITH” By: Dr. Dennis Deese - www.dennisdeese.com JOHN 21:1-15 I’m thankful I’m not preaching and indeed can’t preach on the frailty or weakness of salvation! While we don’t serve a weak God we can have and often to have a fragile faith. 1. DISCOURAGED FAITH ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-15

Why Did Paul Participate In Festivals?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 11, 2001

Paul gives us insights into why he participated in religious festivals for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Why Did Paul Participate in Festivals? (Acts 20:13-16) 1. Why do you suppose that Paul was in such a hurry to get to the festival of Pentecost in Jerusalem in this passage? Illustration:Experience comes from what we have done. Wisdom comes from what we have done badly. Theodore Levitt, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational