Sermons on Illusion:

A Single Commandment

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 7, 2015

A two-pronged, present-continuous, commandment to love - set in its original context.

A SINGLE COMMANDMENT. 1 John 3:16-24. “This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another” (1 John 3:23). Before we look at the two prongs of this single commandment, we need to set the verse within its immediate context. The ones who ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

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

Let The Fire Fall

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 5, 2025

True revival comes when God’s fire falls—His presence, power, and purity consuming our lives—something programs cannot produce but only surrender and prayer can invite.

Introduction – Setting the Scene It had been an exhausting day. The hot sun beat down on the parched earth. The crowd sat under a cloudless sky for what felt like an eternity. They were silent spectators at the great contest between Baal and Jehovah. On one side—850 prophets of Baal. On the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:36-39

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

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

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

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

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

Walking In The Light Series

Contributed by Tim Hedberg on May 29, 2006

Learning to live in the light of God.

Walking in the Light 1 John 1:5-22 May 7, 2006 Last weekend I started our study of the book of 1 John. As we begin our time together I expressed 2 wishes for you. Two dreams that I have for us as we study the great book. 1. The first wish was that you and I would be free. Free to live into the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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

Community With Insiders Series

Contributed by David Zetterberg on Feb 6, 2012

We as Christians are at our best when we are personally growing in our intimacy with God, community with insiders, and influence with outsiders. (Special thanks to North Point Community Church for the 3 Vital Relationships concept.)

Community w/Insiders We are in week two of our vital relationships series. In week one we talked about our relationship with God. We talked about the importance of time—nothing can replace time with God—any truly healthy relationship that we have, is that way because of the time we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational