Sermons on Ineffectiveness:

Rock Bottom? Basket Cases!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 10, 2025

God has a plan and we must learn by faith to trust his plan. Let us look at some BASKET CASES in the Bible. Good ministry needs a nucleus of supporters to help hold the ropes to advance the work. Enlist helpers to advance the torch.

ROCK BOTTOM? BASKET CASES? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) There is an idiom we can talk about: BASKET CASE. The term BASKET CASE became widely used in WW 1, a Basket case referred to a soldier so wounded that he had no arms, no legs --- If he ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 5:5-11, Exodus 2:1-10, 2 Corinthians 11:33

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Galatians: Fighting For The Gospel” Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jan 5, 2023

Tis message is not about "our Walk" nor "the Way" to have peace with God. It is an overview of Galatians and the person of Paul. I have comments about our multi ethnic ministry, as was the congregation in Galatia. Encouragement to read more in the bible this year, a goal.

In Jesus Holy Name January 8, 2023 Text: Galatians Series Galatians 1:1-5 Redeemer “Galatians: Fighting For the Gospel” My wife, Colleen, volunteers at the Mercy Hospital Cancer Center in Merced. She greets people, helps them check in or fill out ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:1-5, Galatians 1:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Hard Questions, Simple Answers

Contributed by Robby And Donna Flint on Feb 8, 2023

Jesus responds to the Pharisees and Herodians, God responds to Moses. In both situations, God provided simple answers to what could have been hard questions.

Well election day is finally over, you may or may not have liked the outcome of the presidential or legislature elections and you may or may not have liked the outcome of the constitutional amendments, but I think this is a good time for us to reflect on our obligations as citizens…and specifically ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22, Exodus 33:12-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Atonement

Contributed by Don Campbell on Feb 21, 2023

The word "atonement" is missing from the New Testament in many translations. The NIV does use it three times, two of which refer to the sacrifice of Christ.

ATONEMENT There is power in words for both good and evil. Solomon tells us: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Prov 12:18). Jesus warned: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Fruitful Branches”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 23, 2024

Opening story: 230 old vine at Hampton Court. And an illustration of running on empty when we are not connected to the vine of Jesus. How to imitate Jesus and let Him produce fruit on our branch. Illustration from Dallas Willard

In Jesus Holy Name April 2, 2024 Text: John 15:1-8 Easter V “Fruitful Branches” In Hampton Court, near London, there is a grapevine that is reported to be the oldest living vine in the world. It is over 230 years old. It was planted in 1768. This grapevine has one root which is 12 feet ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Ephesians 5:1, Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Facing The Rapids Of Life

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 24, 2024

Keeping our eyes on the One, who is navigating the rapids brings joy and security. He’s taken lots of others through before.

Opening Illustration: Some years ago, I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Poor Old Lady Series

Contributed by George Barton on Feb 6, 2006

An outline of the Book of Habakkuk, showing how Habakkuk moves from a type of Pharisaism to an understanding of the grace of God through faith.

THE POOR OLD LADY, I THOUGHT SHE’D DIE This morning I should like to discuss with you the Book of Habakkuk as it applies to the crime and corruption which exist in North America. In order to get us into the feeling of the Book of Habakkuk, I would like for you, for a few ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Surprising Results Of Fear And Faith

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Oct 24, 2003

We have gotten used to fear as a part of our daily lives. But it is a monster, ready and willing to destroy our effectiveness as believers, and steal our joy. Let’s see what Paul has to say about it in the context of this familiar passage about prayer.

How many of you have memorized that passage, at some point maybe even have quoted it? Good. You know what they say about familiarity though, don’t you? Familiarity can breed a lot of contempt and this particular passage is a familiar one. You’ve heard it many times. And sometimes the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7

Denomination: Evangelical Free

People With A Vision

Contributed by James May on Jun 13, 2008

We must have the Mind of Christ if we are going to have a proper vision for our churches.

People With a Vision By Pastor Jim May What does it mean to have a vision? I want to quickly give you a few definitions that I believe pertain to everyone of us tonight. We must be people with a vision, but what does that mean? Having vision is defined as: -the act or power of sensing with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:9-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Few Good Men

Contributed by James May on Nov 15, 2009

Just a few good men or women of God, standing with Him in the battle can bring a trembling to the land.

A Few Good Men November 15, 2009 – AM By Pastor Jim May In times of crisis what we need are a few good men. We need someone who will stand in the face of the enemy. We need soldiers in the Lord’s Army who will stand up and be counted, and not hide from the enemy in fear with a false hope that, ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Rut Of Christianity Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Feb 26, 2010

In serving God believers so often find themselves allowing routine and tradition to overwhelm their actions... sometimes to the point where they cannot serve as God desires them to serve!

Sermon Brief Date Written: February 26, 2010 Date Preached: February 21, 2010 Where Preached: Oak Park (AM) Sermon Details: Sermon Series: The Great Adventure – Rediscovering the Adventure Sermon Title: The RUT of Christianity! Part 3 of 6 Sermon Text: John 14:12, Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Substitutionary Sacrifice Of The Perfect Lamb

Contributed by Sakhiwo Ntshiqa on Apr 1, 2018

Christ Jesus the the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sin of sinners once for all.

A. Introduction and Background • The Book Hebrews is regarded by many scholars as the most difficult in the NT. • It is a very Jewish sermon that describes sacrifices, altars and priestly matters. • I in fact say Sermon because some theologians have suggested that the literary form of this Book is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Embracing The Challenge Of Discipleship

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 26, 2021

The Great Commission and the Great Commandment clearly outline the requirement, the evidence The fruitfulness and the cost of discipleship Yet, the recent pandemics of Covid-19, racial tensions, police brutality, food insecurity and countless other ills exposed the shallowness

The Great Commission and the Great Commandment, along with much of His teaching, Jesus the Christ clearly outlines the requirement of discipleship John8:31, the evidence of discipleship John 13:35; The fruitfulness of discipleship John 15:8 and the cost of discipleship Luke 14:27, 33. Yet, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, John 8:31, Luke 14:27

Denomination: Methodist

The Resurrection Is What Gives Us Faith

Contributed by Dennis Selfridge on Mar 20, 2006

Resurrection is the reason for our faith

An Open Letter Dear Church Member: Don’t wait until the hearse hauls you to church. If you do, you will go, regardless of the weather. You will go, regardless of the condition of your body. There will be beautiful flowers there, but you won’t enjoy them. You will go, regardless of how your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Denomination: Wesleyan

Narnia: The Wardrobe Series

Contributed by John Laeger on Dec 2, 2005

There is an unseen world of good and evil, an evil one, and a spiritual battle that we can win.

“The Wardrobe” 12/4/05 – John Laeger #1 in “Narnia: More Than A Fantasy” I. Introduction a. ATTENTION GETTER i. This Friday a long awaited movie opens up here at Marcus… ii. Fantasy story about … (briefly tell story without ruining movie…) b. TRANSITION i. I highly encourage you to go see it – ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational