Sermons on Ill Gotten Gains:

"o Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Dec 16, 2018

I have always wanted to so an Advent series based on traditional Christmas carols/hymns. We've gotten so used to them that I think we miss the depth of the theology contained within in them. One of the most ancient is the beautiful hymn that contains the ancient names of Jesus.

I love the way that Pastor and author Robert J. Morgan describes hymns: “Hymns help us praise God. They’re shafts of brilliant sunlight through the clouds. They provide an almost mystical connection with the endless anthems of praise raising at this very moment before the heavenly throne. They ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:2, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 11:1

Denomination: United Methodist

Christian Courtesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 29, 2017

Christians are commanded to demonstrate perfect courtesy toward all people. We are called to speak the truth in love; this means that we are to be gentle and gracious toward those who speak ill of us or who attempt to injure us.

“Remind [the believers] to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Work Out Your Salvation With Fear & Trembling!

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 23, 2016

Fear & Trembling? Why would Paul say such a thing? Because the stakes are so high, because Christianity is not a game or a bedtime story! Because there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun!

WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION WITH FEAR & TREMBLING Phip. 2:12-13 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE PRICE IS RIGHT 1. At a fabric store, a pretty girl spied a silky material that would be perfect for a dress and asked the male clerk, “How much does it cost?” 2. He smiled warmly. “Since ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Selfless Holy Light In A Dark Age Of Self-Worship

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

We live in a world that is largely dominated by self interest. All around town, up and down, we see self interest at work. What can I get? What can I gain? We gotta make money.

We live in a world that is largely dominated by self interest. All around town, up and down, we see self interest at work. What can I get? What can I gain? We gotta make money. We gotta meet the right people, and get what we need from them. Often times it feels like our lives revolve around what we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:9-11, 2 Peter 3:10-11, 1 Peter 4:7-16

Denomination: Salvation Army

Prepare To Meet Your God

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 15, 2021

The book of Amos shows some "bovine behavior" demonstrated in the nation of Israel – a nation that had stubbornly strayed from the Lord – and if the people failed to repent, they would be led away as cattle to the slaughter.

I want to begin this morning by saying that the Bible has a lot to tell us about the personality of sheep in comparison to people. Two good examples are Psalm 23 and Isaiah 53:6, which says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” Sheep are portrayed as ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Love Letters

Contributed by Aaron Kilbourn on Feb 9, 2006

Most of us have given or gotten love letters or notes. But if you were told that there are thousands and thousands of love letters written to you, would you want to open them up? Would you want to know who they were from? This sermon tries to take each

Love Letters Genesis 1:1 - Revelation 22:21 I love my little girl. She is cute. She is sharp. She is loving. She reminds me of my wife in many ways. Now believe me, I know she will one day turn into a teenager. And I hope that all the teenage boys will stay far, far away from her. But I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:160

Denomination: Baptist

John 2:1-11 Jesus Turns Water Into Wine

Contributed by William D. Brown on Jun 8, 2013

~This wine that Jesus created looked, smelled, and tasted exceptionally good, this wine had a stronger body, and better flavor than ordinary wine, but I personally think you couldn't have gotten drunk on it if you'd drank it all. -- Jesus came to save

John 2:1-11 JESUS TURNS WATER INTO WINE 6-8-13 Today I want to talk for a few minutes about the 1st eleven verses here in John 2:1-11, here we're told that this was Jesus first miracle, He turned water into wine. As I was putting this together I read the story ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Sanctity Of Human Life Day Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 24, 2016

Life is precious, even in the womb. But we live in an evil time when babies are expendable. How do we respond to the world around us regarding abortion... and what do we do with unwed girls who have gotten pregnant or who have had an abortion?

OPEN: (We showed a legal commentary on abortion by Judge Napolitano (Fox News Contributor) http://video.foxnews.com/v/4715240588001/napolitano-on-abortion-its-not-a-controversy-its-killing/?#sp=show-clips ... We began at the beginning and showed it thru 1:46 time marker) On January 22, 1973, the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:7-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is Your Desire?

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 19, 2003

In this fast pace world that we live in, what is your daily desire? For worldy gain or for the Kingdom of Christ? Those who desire and trust in God he will make stable!!!

WHAT IS YOUR DESIRE? Psalms 37:4 Pastor Greg Mc Donald What is your biggest desire in life? What are the things you think about the most? Many times we don’t think about this question, but it’s one that we as believers need to think about. Face it, we need to make choices in our life. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:4, Psalm 37:1-10

Whole-Hearted Perseverance Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on Aug 24, 2008

Even if we successfully and rightly destroy the obstacles, fortify, and depend on the LORD for revival and peace, what is gained will be shallow and short-lived without an active commitment to Whole-Hearted Perseverance!

WHOLE-HEARTED PERSEVERANCE Fourth in Series – “Peace That Expands & Lasts: Lessons from Asa” 2 Chronicles 15:1-19 Rev. Todd G. Leupold, Perth Bible Church, Sunday 8/24/2008 AM INTRODUCTION: So far, in examining the lessons from King Asa regarding revival and turning a state of chaos into one of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 15:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Nov 24, 2002

Funeral Sermon: For the funeral of a 44 year-young woman called home by the Lord after a short, acute and pernicious illness. She is survived by her young adult children, by her parents and by seven brothers and sisters.

Let me express my very sincere condolences to each and every member of ______ (name of immediate) family. ______ (name of children) – for a short time, you’ve parted with your mom. ______ (name of parents) my prayers are with you. You’ve lived through the saddest thing that a parent can see - ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18, Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Lutheran

God Loves Families!

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Oct 1, 2009

Ordinary Proper 22: Our individualistic orientation as a culture has brought many ills upon us. Among those is the deterioration of the family. This message looks at Jesus’ teaching on the intention of God for men and women and children.

Leonard Sweet, professor of theology at Drew University was the keynote speaker at a theological convocation that I attended last fall. Part of Dr. Sweet’s message focused on the rampant individualism that has become so much a part of our culture. Here is a paraphrase of part of what he said: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:2-16

Denomination: Lutheran

The Root Of The Problem

Contributed by Mark Dellosso on Nov 13, 2015

A lot of times, for every difficulty there is a ROOT CAUSE for that difficulty. What is the ROOT CAUSE for this struggle in my life? Is there a ROOT cause for my constant illness? Joblessness? Financial issues? This sermon will help you to press on!

“The ROOT Of the Problem!” Scripture Text: Hebrews 12:14-17 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; (15) Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any ROOT of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Sighed

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Sep 8, 2018

Jesus "sighed" healing a man deaf. (quotes from Max Lucado) His creation was not meant to have illness, death. Jesus sighed Pharisees rejected God in their mist use your "spirit gift gifts"

In Jesus Holy Name September 9, 2018 Text: Mark 7:31-35 Pentecost 16 “When God Sighed” The shortest verse in the bible is from the Gospel of John 11:35. “Jesus Wept”. When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus John tells us Jesus wept. Did you ever ask yourself why? Did his tears ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:31-35

Denomination: Lutheran

This Mother's Worst Dilemma

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 9, 2025

She went in disguise to find out if her son would live after he became ill. The disguise didn't work, and she came back with a dilemma no mother ever wants to face.

Introduction: She was the queen, but not even she could overcome her son’s illness. When she sought a message from a prophet of the LORD, she received news that shook her to her core. (Full disclosure: Sermon Central has previously accepted a message based on this text, called “The Message This ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 14:1-18

Denomination: Baptist