Sermons on Illusion: showing 316-330 of 2,385

An Amazing Catch

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Feb 8, 2007

We will never witness miracles by living in disobedience to God’s call, by doing nothing or by continuing to do what has not worked in the past. We are not called to the safety of the shoreline; but to “put out into deep water, attempting the impossible!

Luke 5: 1 – 11 An Amazing Catch Intro: Normally, when your hear someone talk about a person who is really fussy about the way their hair looks, you think they are talking about a woman. Well, I have a confession to make. I was born with this straight thin hair and I always wanted it to be wavy ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Solemnity Of Mary, January 1, 2021: New Years

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 29, 2020

All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful.

1.Flannery O’Connor noted that “All human nature vigorously resists grace because grace changes us and the change is painful, “she wrote in 1958. (Adding, “Priests resist it as well as others.”) She means that grace intervenes in the sufferings of the ordinary -- ignorant, complacent people whose ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27

Denomination: Catholic

The Only Way To Solve The Problem Of Violence Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 2, 2019

We have to solve the problem back at the source of the problem. And that’s the human mind and heart.

Ascension Sunday 2019 “Let us then be children no longer, tossed here and there, carried about by every wind of . . .human trickery.” If you’ve ever been a supervisor of little boys, you know what St. Paul is writing about to the Ephesians. One little kid has a stupid idea–let’s throw some cats in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-24, 1 Timothy 2:4

Denomination: Catholic

Inclusion Is What We Need, Not Power Hungry People

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Aug 11, 2021

Jesus rebuked His disciples because they wanted to keep the power of healing for themselves. This is happening in church today even though Jesus said it is wrong!

I think that it is sad that when I read this narrative, it made me think about the control the church has held over people for almost 2000 years. The church used only one verse, thus out of context, to control people. Catholics could not own a Bible until 1964 CE. The idea that a person has to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-41

Denomination: United Methodist

Handling The Ups & Downs Of Life Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Mar 14, 2011

I used to like roller coasters, but last summer, I got off of a roller coaster and didn't care if I ever rode one again or not. Up. Down. Up. Down. Round and round. Then we exited right where we got on. It's too much like life. Life is full of ups and dow

I used to like roller coasters, but last summer, I got off of a roller coaster and didn't care if I ever rode one again or not. Up. Down. Up. Down. Round and round. Then we exited right where we got on. It's too much like life. Life is full of ups and downs, yet most of the action is an illusion ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 15:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Hatred And The Outworking Of Love.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 26, 2024

Recalling Jesus' commandment to love one another.

HATRED AND THE OUTWORKING OF LOVE. 1 John 3:13-24. “Marvel not” – stop wondering – that the world of the ungodly hates you (1 JOHN 3:13). Abel’s righteousness stood as a rebuke to Cain, and Cain killed him for it (cf. 1 John 3:12). The ones who ‘abide in death’ (1 JOHN 3:14) are identified as ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:13-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transfusion

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 18, 2003

Funeral sermon for Henry Allen, who had lingered in weakened condition for many months, and who had become distanced from everyone, particularly his family.

What you see is not always what you get. What your eyes tell you is not always the whole truth. Sometimes there is more going on than you can see. Have you ever been tricked by an optical illusion? An optical illusion is something that, when you first see it, you think you know exactly ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Predictability And Surprise

Contributed by Thomas Butts on Oct 18, 2000

The Introduction and Summary Statement There is a story more likely told for its humor than its exactitude, about Noah Webster, the man who produced the dictionary that bears his name.

The Introduction and Summary Statement There is a story more likely told for its humor than its exactitude, about Noah Webster, the man who produced the dictionary that bears his name. Legend has it that during a party Noah was caught, by none other than Mrs. Webster herself, kissing the maid in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-30

C. S. Lewis' The Problem Of Pain Series

Contributed by Jeff Cheadle on Dec 20, 2005

C. S. Lewis’ offers his insight on the problem of evil: "How can a wise, loving, and all-powerful God allow his creatures to suffer?"

The Life & Legacy of C. S. Lewis #6 “The Problem of Pain” Romans 8.18-28 I’ve always been intrigued by the opening lines of books. (There is Charles Dickens’ “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Rick Warren begins The Purpose-Friven Life with “It’s not about you.” M. Scott Peck ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Elohim Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Oct 24, 2005

A message on Elohim - the Eternal Creator.

Hello I Love You Let Me Tell You My Name Elohim – Genesis 1 Intro: Last week we began a series on the names of God entitled, Hello I Love You… To understand who God is and what He has done for us. To understand His name is to understand His person, purpose, and plan. Review: We looked ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Sep 9, 2004

Preaching through a series on Jesus’ life, this is a message on the Beatitudes, as a whole. I do not subscribe to the "standard approach" taken by many; perhaps this message will give some different ideas.

The Jesus Series The Greatest Sermon Ever “Blessed” Matthew 5:3-12 September 12, 2004 Group Participation Time: would you gather into groups of 6-8 or so and work on a brief assignment for me? You’ll need to elect a secretary to record some stuff here. Please ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Tower Of Babel

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Aug 26, 2003

The Tower of Babel is a life parable telling of the dangers of the Spirit of the Age - Poverty of Spirituality and Pride of Life - and the chaos it brings which only Christ’s redemption can right.

The story of the Tower of Babel is a sad description of breakdown of fellowship, growing isolation and confusion. It all results from human beings’ failing to live in dependence on God, becoming proud of their achievements and determined to be the source of their own security. That was the root ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Father Almighty Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on May 14, 2004

This sermon helps us understand what it means to affirm God as the Father Almighty in the first affirmation of The Apostles’ Creed.

Introduction As we continue our series in The Apostles’ Creed I would like to examine today what it means to believe in God the Father Almighty. Please listen as I recite the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

You're More Than Your Bank Account Series

Contributed by Louis Bartet on Apr 24, 2005

EXCERPT: It is not the dollar that gives value to the owner, but the owner who gives value to the dollar by how he uses it.

SERIES TITLE: COUNT IT ALL JOY SERMON TITLE: YOU’RE MORE THAN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT SERMON TEXT: James 1:9-11 Author: Louis Bartet TEXT 9But let the brother of humble circumstances glory in his high position; 10and let the rich brother glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Submitting To Those In Authority Over Us Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on May 31, 2008

How Christians are supposed to live in submission under the God given governing and workplace authorities.

Since Easter we have been looking at Jesus’ disciple Peter and his first letter. This is a man who walked with Jesus when he was on the earth. He was one of the twelve disciples. His life was transformed by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ and he became one of the leaders of the early ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-24

Denomination: Methodist