Sermons on Higher Criticism:

Providing Comfort During Trials

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 13, 2021

How do we respond to those who are enduring hardships? Do we dish out criticism and judgment, or do we show genuine compassion? The experience from our own trials can help us better minister to those in trouble and anguish.

Samuel Chadwick said, “Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn; but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort.”(1) How do we respond to those who are enduring hardship? Do we dish out criticism and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Trinity: A Meaningful Relationship (The Solemnity Of The Most Holy Trinity)

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Jun 19, 2020

Let us possess love for God, neighbours, and oneself, support and cooperate with each other, encourage when people fail, appreciate when people do something even insignificant, accept constructive criticism to grow, have positive change understanding the Mystery of Trinity.

Reflection The Holy Trinity: A Meaningful Relationship (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity) We all know that the Mystery of Trinity is: One God and three persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit (Matthew 28:19). We get to know the Mystery of Trinity from the book of Genesis. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18, Matthew 28:19, Genesis 1:26

Denomination: Other

Scary Scripture Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 29, 2022

Paul warned Timothy to keep a close watch on his life and on THE TEACHING because "in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." Why is what we teach so critical to the salvation of ourselves and our listeners?

OPEN: Shortly after I got out of Bible College there was a popular church near Ft. Wayne that attracted thousands of attenders that was called “The Glory Barn” (the building looked like it had been a barn). I went to their worship a couple of times myself just to see what the attraction was, and I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:16, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Building Without Bitterness Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 1, 2025

Bitterness can become a barrier to spiritual progress and future impact. However, when we accept God's decisions with the right heart, we play a critical role in setting others up for success and honouring God's eternal plans.

BUILDING WITHOUT BITTERNESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Chronicles 28:2-10 Supporting Texts: 1 Kings 8:17-19, Proverbs 19:21, Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Psalm 37:5 INTRODUCTION: David had a strong desire to build the house of God, but God chose his son Solomon instead. Instead of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:2-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Witness: Confesses #4 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 24, 2019

our largest tool for sharing the gospel has been thwarted by our willingness to so assimilate into the culture we don’t look like any different or welcome the challenge of criticism or debate for what we believe. We’d prefer to live anonymously.

We began a conversation three weeks ago about what gives us meaning in this life and I suggested that the question is actually a mute point for those who call themselves Christian because if we believe that Christ came, died and rose again then we must also live out this reality. To live out this ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Violating Honest, Kind Communication Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Nov 19, 2018

We have all misused our tongues, and perhaps created much damage. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we don’t want to be like the natural, unregenerate person; we want to live on a higher level, one that honors God. Let’s take a look at 3 very familiar violations of honest, kind communication.

Violating Honest, Kind Communication (Proverbs 26:17, 20-26) 1. Most of us will enjoy a big Thanksgiving feast! BTW, What do you get if you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its diameter? Pumpkin pi. 2. One woman writes, “A few years ago, my husband and I had my parents and sister up for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 26:20-26, Proverbs 26:17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Pilate Standing Before Jesus Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 13, 2026

A lot of people think that Jesus was on trial here before Pilate. But that’s not true. It was Pilate who was on trial before Christ. What did that mean for Pilate... and what could it mean for us?

Pontius Pilate Did Not Exist (pause). Let me repeat: Pontius Pilate did not exist. Well at least, that’s what a lot of atheists and critics of Scripture USED to say. They knew that Pilate’s name showed up about 55 times in the Bible, but they gleefully pointed out that (at that time) there was ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Damaged Goods

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Aug 25, 2003

You may be disappointed, discouraged, emotionally emasculated, and spiritually messed-up.You may get talked about, and criticized. You may even be socially unaccepted, rejected by family, friends, and society has a whole, but that’s what God can use. Dam

“Damaged Goods” 1st Samuel 1:1-5, 10-11, & 19 Often times in the certain stores they will have a special section of items that are considered to be damaged goods. These items have either been dented, scratched, or something is wrong with them and they are said not to have the value they are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-19

Denomination: Apostolic

Commitment To The Church #5 Series

Contributed by Rule Digal on Apr 2, 2008

Many pastors were being misunderstood and criticized by the people when they preached on giving. But what does the Bible say about serving God through giving? God’s people must know, understand and give to the church based only on what the Word of God tea

Series Subject: Commitment to the Church Theme: Serving God Through Giving Pt.2 Text: 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15 Introduction A. The word of God has reminded us of the truth that each believer is called, needed, gifted, equipped, and plays a significant role to help build up the body of Jesus. That’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Am I?

Contributed by Austin Mansfield on Feb 25, 2007

We spend so much of our lives unsure of the answer to this question. If I don’t know who I am, then what I stand for and what I believe in are easily swayed by circumstances. Knowing who I am is critical to getting through life.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14) Who am I? … We spend so much of our lives unsure of the answer to this simple question. We look at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Your Heart's Desire

Contributed by Jon Lipka on Jun 17, 2012

Having the desire of our hearts rightly aligned with God is critical, for God will eventual grant it; if we have prepared our hearts through constant training to receive God, we have a heavenly reward, but it we have prepared it to reject God,our payment

You know when you ask—nay, beg—God to do something or give something to you… Have you ever the request denied, and found out that what God refused, what you desired so badly, ultimately would have been harmful to you? Not everything we desire is wholly aligned with God’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 20:4

Denomination: Anglican

Don't Put Your Investments In Bags With Holes

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 17, 2021

Haggai's messages led to the restoration of the Temple. He challenged the people by using three themes : Encouragement, Warning, and Hope. This message raises critical questions for Christians and churches as we seek God's will, especially while witnessing a changing landscape.

God often uses a single voice to stir the hearts of his people. These prophetic voices often come at crucial points in history. Here are some examples. • The Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s inspiring oratory is believed to have helped save Britain in WWII. • On November 2, 1863, several ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:6-7, Matthew 19:21, Haggai 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Put God In A Box

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 27, 2022

In I Samuel 4, the Philistines have attacked the Israelites. The Philistines were one of the greatest enemies to Israel during this time. In this episode, Israel makes a big mistake. They do something which we are quick to criticize them for, yet we do it sometimes as well.

In I Samuel 4, the Philistines have attacked the Israelites. The Philistines were one of the greatest enemies to Israel during this time. In this episode, Israel makes a big mistake. They do something which we are quick to criticize them for, yet we do it sometimes as well. They put God in a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Ephesus: The Flame That Became An Ember (Revelation 2:1-7)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 16, 2023

Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, deal with seven specific churches located in Asia Minor (present day Turkey) that were given words of encouragement and criticism by the Lord Jesus Christ. We need to read what Jesus says to them, because it applies to us as well.

Revelation 2 and 3 deal with seven specific churches listed by the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:11). He gives orders to the apostle John to write down what He says and send it to the pastors of these churches in order to let them know that despite the circumstances in which they find ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Acts 18:19-21, Acts 20:17-38, 1 Timothy 1:3, Acts 17:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Your Giants SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

In a world filled with daunting challenges, many are too fearful to confront them. David, however, faced a literal giant, despite the fear and criticism from those around him. His question, 'Is there not a Cause?', challenges us to confront our own giants with courage and faith.

David, the youngest son of Jesse, was sent by his father to bring food to his brothers who were serving in Saul's army. Little did David know that he would encounter a giant named Goliath, who was defying the armies of Israel. While everyone else was filled with fear and hesitation, David boldly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:28-30

Topics: Courage, Faith