Sermons on Hymn Stories:

An Unexpected Tapestry

Contributed by Donavon Hill on Oct 9, 2017

From the story of Joseph, God used the very same threads the enemy had used to weave defeat into Joseph's life and wove what would become an unexpected tapestry. Look a little deeper into your own story and you'll see how God is doing the same for you.

Please stand for the reading of the Word . . . Genesis 45 5 But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:5-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

The God Of Great Turnarounds Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 22, 2023

The story of Esther and Mordecai is full of plot twists, unexpected outcomes, and surprise endings, all reminding us that we serve a God of great turnarounds. Do we have “Hamans” in our lives? From the story of Esther and Mordecai we can draw encouragement for our lives today.

Introduction Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 4) We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment. When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:17, Jeremiah 12:1, Acts 17:31, Psalm 7:11, Mark 12:29-31, Matthew 5:43-45, Isaiah 58:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Arrest Of Jesus - Mark 14:41-52 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 12, 2024

What's with the strange story about the young man fleeing naked at Jesus' arrest? Mark leaves out so many big aspects of that event, but he includes this. Is it a meaningless, throwaway story? Or is it Mark at his best, crafting a profound message in a vivid picture?

Jesus leads the 12 into battle even though he knows they will fail. When the hour comes, you’ll have to face the battle, ready or not. Jesus fights this battle on four fronts. Front #1: Judas (Jesus fights dis-couragement by calling out to Abba, Father). Front #2: the rogue disciple who jeopardizes ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:41-52, Matthew 26:45-56, Luke 22:46-53, John 18:2-12

The Order Of The Towel And The Basin

Contributed by James Hickman on Mar 19, 2016

Using the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, this is a call to simple, self-less service. The sermon also discusses Jesus' provision for our ongoing fellowship with him.

The Order of the Towel and the Basin John 13:1-17 Textual Introduction: Jesus’ public teaching has come to an end. In the next few chapters, he will teach some of his most profound lesson to his small band of disciples, those who had been with him from the beginning, teach them during the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Speechless

Contributed by Peter Pharis on Nov 22, 2013

We hear the story of God's grace and repeat our favorite verses of His gift of salvation. How many times are you rendered speechless over the greatness of His gift?

Movie about 10 years ago called RADIO. About a man who learned that life is not about winning and power but true wealth and joy comes from goodness, forgiveness and love. A football coach takes a liking to a mentally handicapped young man and invites him to share in the practices and football ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:15

Denomination: Baptist

Return To The Mount Of Olives

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Mar 30, 2015

Holy Week or Easter or even the Sunday after Easter. The Easter story is not just about the death, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is ultimately about the Second Coming of Christ.

Return to the Mount of Olives “And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called the Mount of Olives.” Luke 21:37 Intro: Today we are going to talk about the Return to the Mount of Olives. Just east of the Holy City of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Disaster Strikes

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 20, 2003

This message based around the story of Lazarus will share five essential principles to making it though difficult times in our lives!

When Disaster Strikes John 11:1-45 The following was written by Jack Jordan newspaper editor recording the events of April 3, 1974. An uneasiness nagged at me as I checked over proofs for the next day’s paper. It was Wednesday, April 3, 1974 about 4 o’clock on a gray afternoon. More than 100 ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Unconditional Love Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Murdock on Apr 28, 2003

Sermon shares the unconditional love of God for his people through the story of Hosea and his marriage to a prostitute named Gomer.

Michael A. Murdock Clearing The Path; Minor Adjustments That Clear the Pathway for Major Life Improvements #1 Based on a series from LifeSteps.org April 27, 2003 “The Unconditional Love of God” Hosea 14:4 Introduction During a revival a certain man came into the meeting and sat in the back row. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-11, Hebrews 12:5-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Believe In The Resurrection Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 20, 2003

1. The resurrection of Christ is more than a story. 2. It is the core doctrine of the Christian faith. 3. It is the distinguishing mark of Christianity.

In one of the great novels by George MacDonald, a Scottish writer from the 1800’s, an agnostic questions a young clergyman and asks, “Tell me honestly, do you really believe one word of all that? Did you ever notice how these Christian people, who profess to believe that their great man has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:3-20

Denomination: Methodist

On The Road...again Series

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Apr 2, 2002

Though shattered, Jesus can put us back together again. A message for Easter based on the story of the Emmaus road.

His Name Is Jesus – Part 5 Easter - March 31, 2002 INTRODUCTION Just about everyone I know loves a good story. Well, have I got a story for you! To tell it best I need you to pick up a Bible and look at Luke 24. Just so happens that we have some in the racks under the pews. Page 1047. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Christmas Is Over

Contributed by Andrew Chan on Jan 7, 2003

The Story of the Magi has great things to teach us about what to do when the excitement of Christmas dies down.

The Story of the Magi has great things to teach us about what to do when the excitement of Christmas dies down. DEDICATION: Wise Men’s (Magi) Response Matthew 2:1-2 (NIV) 1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod. Magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Abba

Contributed by Ronald Crandall on Jan 15, 2003

He is our Father and Father means provider. This message takes a look at Romans 8:15 and the story of the Prodigal Son.

ABBA! By: Ron Crandall Rom 8:15 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV) AB (father), an element in the composition of many proper names, of which Abba is a Chaldaic form, having the sense of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Romans 8:15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus And The Pharisee At The Temple

Contributed by Robert Rust on Oct 18, 2000

Comments or outline: This morning we have a story about two Jewish men who go into the Temple in Jerusalem to pray.

Comments or outline: This morning we have a story about two Jewish men who go into the Temple in Jerusalem to pray. Luke lets us know right away in the opening line of this story just who Jesus is telling this parable to. “And so he told this parable to certain ones who trusted in themselves that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

A Tale Of Two Sisters

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

In Christian life, it is easy to be distracted. As we consider the story of Jesus at Mary and Martha's, we see the causes and cure for distraction.

Introductory Considerations 1. Opening dialogue from person of Martha showing anticipation and excitement of Jesus coming to town, desire to give best, the work and the anger she felt - the story from her perspective. Teaching 1. I wonder if Martha were here to today, would this be how she would ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Rejection Of Truth Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 10, 2001

In the story of Satan in the Garden we see the beginning of Relativistic Morality and the absurdity it now has reaped upon our society

OPEN: A famous preacher once joked from the pulpit: “In English they teach us that 2 negatives make a positive statement (i.e = "there’s no way I’m not going to go"). So the way I figure it, if I know I’m lying, and God knows I’m lying – I gotta be telling the truth.” APPLY: That strikes us as ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ