Sermons on Hymn Stories:

A Personal Encounter Sparks Servanthood

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Oct 8, 2023

I share my story about a time I faced pancreatic issues, marital struggles, and contemplating suicide. As with the Psalmist, I cried out to God and he heard and that began a lifetime of service.

Early august, 2022, I had the privilege of doing a presentation in Denver at the Rocky Mountain Symposium on Addictive Disorders, the Integration of Spirituality and Psychotherapy. The dialogue it stimulated was exciting, especially with the wide range of professionals attending. One counselor ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas Is Real! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Dec 3, 2023

You never hear the story of Jesus birth start with "Once Upon a Time" because this was an actual historical event in history!

Christmas is Real – Jesus is Real – therefore you do not have to be alone! This is the School Christmas Program Message tonight! You see the phrase "Once upon a time" is a stock phrase used to introduce a narrative, typically in fairy tales and folk tales. It has been used in some form ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17, Mark 1:1-8, Luke 1:1-4, John 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God’s Grace Is With Us Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of God's unending grace and presence, even in times of hardship, through the story of Moses from the Old Testament.

Good morning church. I’m excited you decided to join us this morning for our first week of a brand-new 4-week series called, Grace Under Fire. How many of you today have experienced God’s grace in your life and in your story? Are you thankful for it? The reality of life is that we will not always ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-12, Mark 9:24

Topics: God's Grace, Moses' Story, Faith In Hardship

Sermon Series: Grace Under Fire

We Three Kings

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Jan 1, 2018

We all know the hymn, 'We three kings of orient are..' but do we know the gospel facts underpinning this hymn and the significance of that visit to the child Jesus?

We 3 kings Matt 2:1-12 When you think of Christmas carols that are appropriate with Epiphany I’m sure you will come up with: “We Three Kings of Orient are. ...” But ironically in just that 1st line of 5 words there are 3 very slight errors but that does NOT subtract from the importance of this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Does Jesus Care? Series

Contributed by Frank Weller on Jan 24, 2004

Based on the old hymn, this series answers the question, "Does Jesus Care?" It is a five part series, and answers the four questions posed by each of the hymns four stanzas.

Do you remember pot-bellied pigs? They were one of the passing fads from the 1980s – that decade when all of us had big hair, big glasses and really fuzzy sweaters. Some of us also had pot-bellied pigs. Around our house, pigs were for eating and not for petting. The “pet pig craze” never caught ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 10:1, Psalm 13:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Just As I Am"

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 11, 2006

We often sing the invitation hymn "Just As I Am". But, "What are you?". This message, through the story of the Rich Young Ruler" tells what a lost sinner is ... "Just As I Am".

“Just As I Am” … OR … “What Baptists Believe About … Man, Salvation, Grace” NOTE: A solo, “Just As I Am” was sung just before this message. INTRODUCTION: SERIES … PREVIOUS … What Baptists believe about the Scriptures, Trinity … · MAN – Created innocent … sinned … brought sin into human race … ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-26

Denomination: Baptist

From Experience = Living And Coping With Injustice And Hurt (Third Part) – Guidelines – (The Retribution Of God – Part 8 In The Series) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 25, 2023

More pointers are given that help in times of injustice and stress and tribulation. We look at God in retribution and the handling of wicked people who become our enemies. We also look at how hymns can be helpful. God recompenses, not us, so don’t try!

FROM EXPERIENCE = LIVING AND COPING WITH INJUSTICE AND HURT (THIRD PART) – GUIDELINES – (THE RETRIBUTION OF GOD – PART 8 IN THE SERIES) [7]. GOD IN RETRIBUTION There are some parts of the Atacama desert in South America which have never seen a drop of rain for 400 years. If you lived there and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48, 2 Timothy 4:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Touching The Untouchable

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 10, 2003

The leper in this miracle story obviously had a problem and needed a solution. At the end of the story we see the evidence of his cure as he was able to become a member of the crowd from which he had formerly been an outcast.

TOUCHING THE UNTOUCHABLE Text: Mark 1:40-45 I will never forget a story that I had to read in College. It was called Bartelby The Scrivenor, and it was written by Herman Melville. In that story, through the eyes of the characters, we got to see a man who was a mystery simply because no one ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Denomination: United Methodist

Psalmody

Contributed by Tony Grant on May 28, 2002

God’s people sing psalms and hymns of praise.

Psalmody Ps. 145:1-11 05/05/02 by Tony Grant Some History of Psalmody Psalmody is the singing of the biblical psalms in the worship service. Hymnody is the singing of extrabiblical, poetic, and musical compositions in worship. The singing of the psalms is a three thousand-year-old tradition going ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 145:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Amazing Grace - Funeral Sermon

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Feb 20, 2003

A Funeral sermon for a Christian based on the Hymn Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace – Funeral Sermon (If possible have organist play Hymn before speaking) Read Verse One of Hymn "Amazing Grace" Intro. People often request that this song be sung at their memorial service. This song means something to Christians and is precious to their hearts. To many Christians it ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Onward Christian Soldiers Marching As To War

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Nov 5, 2019

clarifying misconceptions about the hymn Onward Christian Soldiers

Devotion Weekly Message November 10, 2019 Ephesians 6:12 Onward Christian Soldiers Marching AS TO War Sermon Prayer: “Heavenly Father, I stand before Your people, to deliver Your message. Though the words are mine and I prepared this message, I pray that this message is Your message in its ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Great Thou Art Series

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Nov 9, 2009

This is a sermon based on one of the great hymns of our faith.

How Great Thou Art (Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV) “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome...” This is one of the greatest and most popular hymns in Christendom. It is not one of the oldest, however, having been translated and put to music in 1949.... ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:17

Denomination: Baptist

I have Decided To Follow Jesus – No Turning Back

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 17, 2025

In this sermon, we will walk through the remarkable true story that birthed this hymn, and from it draw lessons on commitment, courage, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS – NO TURNING BACK By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 9:23-26 Supporting Texts: Matthew 16:24-25, Romans 8:35-39, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 11:35-38 INTRODUCTION: There are songs that touch the soul, and then there are hymns that were born from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Story Of Jonah - A Tragic Hero With A Fatal Flaw Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The story of Jonah is a satiric masterpiece. The book of Jonah is unique in that it humorously recounts the adventures of a prophet who struggled against his divine commission. This really is a handbook on how not to be a prophet.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In his book, True Heroism in a World of Celebrity Counterfeits, Dick Keyes writes that a celebrity is "one who is famous and well publicized," well known "apart from how they became known. Celebrity itself is indifferent to moral character," he adds. One can be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:3

Jesus Loves Me-Story Through Song

Contributed by Jonwesley Barnhill on Aug 8, 2002

Written for closing night of VBS as a full yet simple representation of the Gospel, aimed at 7 to 10 year olds.

I. Introduction A. I want to talk to you today about something very special. 1. Think of the greatest gift you were ever given. a. (Allow for a few children to offer suggestions.) 2. I want to tell you today about a gift that is even better than any of those. II. Jesus Loves Me (first verse) A. ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist