Sermons on Higher Criticism:

Christian Compassion Risks Others' Criticism

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 10, 2009

To be an effective and compassionate church, we must risk the criticism of those who would like us to do church within our old confines. But not to take risks may cause our best to leave us. This is a time to work for peace, family life, community.

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun; and makes gaps even two can pass abreast.” "Something there is that doesn’t love a wall …” So speaks the poet Robert Frost, reflecting on the ravages of a New ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Even Great Faith Is Challenged By Criticism

Contributed by Paul Carlson on Feb 10, 2009

How should I respond to God’s greatness?

Even Great Faith Is Challenged by Criticism! Job 12 FCF: How should I respond to God’s greatness? PROPOSITION: Because Christ is sovereign, look to Him for wisdom. I. Humbly acquire God’s wisdom. 12:1-12 Job’s retort to his friends. A. Criticism can be a source of wisdom (1-6). ...read more

Scripture: Job 12:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Attitudes Toward Circumstances & Critics Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 7, 2020

In Phil. 1:12-18 we get a glimpse of Paul's attitude toward his circumstances and his critics. Paul sees beyond what Satan is doing and rejoices in what God is doing. He does not allow contentious, sectarian Christians to irritate him.

We are learning from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. Our text today is Philippians 1:12-18. Let's read that to get a general feel of what Paul is saying in the passage. “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:49, Philippians 2:3, Philippians 4:22, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Three Critical Investments Of Family Leadership Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

One of the greatest privileges of being a father and husband is the opportunity you’ll have in leading your family. At the same time, it’s one of those responsibilities that leaves men feeling inadequate.

The Great Leadership Opportunity One of the greatest privileges of being a father and husband is the opportunity you’ll have in leading your family. At the same time, it’s one of those responsibilities that leaves men feeling inadequate. Many of you feel this way because you lacked a model of ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7

Denomination: Baptist

Are Critics Of Intelligent Design As Intelligent As They Propagandize?

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on May 30, 2014

Are Critics Of Intelligent Design As Intelligent As They Propagandize?

A cartoon on the cover of the 11/2013 issue of the Reports For Science Education depicts a be-robed bearded figure holding a diagram labeled “flagellum”. The figure quips, “All right, it could be that stars, galaxies, living species, the eye, the immune system, and all sorts of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

That Critical Word "unless" Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 13, 2021

Isn’t it true that when we ask Jesus for some favor, His timing is always flawless?

Monday of 4th Week in Lent 2021 One of the most contemptible features of our modern culture shows up today in the Gospel of John. Jesus tells this petitioner: “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The man repeats his request for Jesus to come from where he was in Cana to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54, 1 John 2:15-17, Revelation 21:1

Denomination: Catholic

The Days Of Elijah – Confronting Critical Conditions

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jun 15, 2021

2 Kings 7:3-11 is like that. The story centers around four leprous men, forced out of the city by a dreaded disease, during a time when the capitol city, Samaria, was besieged by a powerful army of Syrian. Learing from Lepers.

God uses many different methods to instruct His people on the earthly pilgrimage. Many of God’s instruction are clear and to the point, other are hidden in parables, Proverbs, and stories. I am fascinated when I discover how God speaks through stories like those found in the book of Esther. As you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-11, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 116:12-14

Denomination: Methodist

When Critics Are Your Best Friend

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 30, 2021

Most prophecies today speak to greatness. "You will be a financier of the Kingdom!" "You will have a worldwide ministry!!" Not every prophecy in Scripture was affirming nor was every prophet popular.

Beware of only listening to those who always affirm your decisions because the majority has often been wrong. Indeed, Jeremiah was outgunned 400-1. Four hundred prophets told the king everything he wanted to hear and prophesied victory. Then along came Jeremiah, who said the four hundred were ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

To Lead Invites Criticism (Exodus 5)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 8, 2024

Do we have the faith, in the midst of troubles, to wait upon God's hand? Let's look at Exodus 5.

When we bring God’s word to people, will we often be met with resistance? Are people frequently stubborn and hard hearted? When things seem to be going wrong do we blame human leaders and God, or do we have the faith to wait patiently upon the Lord? Does the Exodus picture coming out of sin, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Hand In The Critical Moment Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 19, 2025

There are moments in life when we face challenges that seem insurmountable—critical moments where the outcome seems uncertain and the path forward unclear. However, it is in these very moments that God’s hand of deliverance is most evident.

Title: GOD’S HAND IN THE CRITICAL MOMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Exodus 14:21-22 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Daniel 3:16-18 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when we face challenges that seem insurmountable—critical moments where the outcome seems uncertain and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:21-22, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Daniel 3:16-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Honor, Criticize Or Kill (John 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 3, 2025

Do we honor, criticize or kill faith in Jesus? Let's look at John 12.

Do we honor Jesus with our best, or criticize those who do, and plot to kill Jesus in our churches by avoiding or watering down His Gospel? Let’s look at John 12. How did Lazarus’ grateful sister Mary honor Jesus with her best? What criticism did Judas Iscariot make? Six days before the Passover, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Nehemiah

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jan 12, 2016

What lessons can we learn from Nehemiah about rebuilding, teamwork, and prayer.

Lessons from Nehemiah Nehemiah 6:1-6:14 Introduction- This morning we are going to look at the leader Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a regular person who saw what was happening in Israel and decided that he was going to do something about it. Saw the need Let God know he was available Allowed God to ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-14

Denomination: Nazarene

Order In The Court--- Can I Get A Witness?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Oct 12, 2018

Order in the court, can I get a witness that the PRESENCE OF GOD MAKES A DIFFERENCE. Let us call some witnesses to speak of God's precious presence!

ORDER IN THE COURT… TESTIMONY OF GOD’S PRESENCE…. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. ALL THE WITNESS THAT WILL COME BEFORE US TODAY WILL BE ASKED TO TELL THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH…. LET US DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE: IS OUR GOD IS A VERY INVITING GOD… DOES HIS PRESENCE MAKE A ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:2, Matthew 23:7, Isaiah 43:10, Philippians 3:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Spirit Of Korah

Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Apr 23, 2015

The "spirit of Korah" refers to a negative attitude he held regarding the leadership of the children of Israel. He sought, with others, to overthrow Moses and Aaron. Korah felt he was more qualified than Moses and that he should be leading Israel..

The Spirit of Korah 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. The "spirit of Korah" refers to a negative attitude he held regarding the leadership of the children of Israel. He sought, with others, to overthrow Moses and Aaron. Korah felt he was more ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:22

Denomination: Foursquare

The Spirit Of Judgmentalism Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 8, 2021

A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles. Let's look at what Jesus actually taught about judging.

A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles. “Judge not, that you be not judged… Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? …” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-24

Denomination: Baptist