Sermons on Irreducible Complexity:

From Worship To Wavering

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 5, 2023

A sermon for Holy Trinity Sunday, Year A

June 4, 2023 – Holy Trinity Sunday Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Matthew 28:16-20 From Worship to Wavering Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “When they saw Jesus, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Go! And Know Who You Are In Christ Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 2, 2025

We live in a world that constantly tells us who we are not. God, through His Word, declares: “You are Mine. You are chosen. You are loved. You are redeemed.”

Go! And Know Who You Are in Christ Introduction: We live in a world that constantly tells us who we are not. You’re not good enough. You’re not beautiful enough. You’re not smart enough. You’ll never be successful enough. But God, through His Word, declares something entirely different: “You are ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:14, Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 1:12, Ephesians 1:4-5, Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 3:20, Romans 8:37, Matthew 5:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pentecost (Acts 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 11, 2025

How different was that Pentecost than our presuppositions? Let's look at Acts 2.

What was the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost actually like? How was that day unlike Pentecostal church experiences? Were the tongues understood or just meaningless gibberish? What did Peter preach? How did people react? Let’s look at Acts 2. What differences are there between this and many ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Way To The Stars

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 21, 2025

The idiom: "The Way To The Stars" is often used metaphorically, especially in contexts like the RAF motto "Per ardua ad astra" (Through adversity to the stars).

Norman Vincent Peale, an American author once remarked: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” Genesis 1:14-18 reminds us: “And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:26, Psalm 8:3-4, 1 Corinthians 15:40-41, Amos 5:8

Sermon On A Journey To The Light

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 31, 2025

A "journey to the light" has multi-faceted definitions which describe a metaphorical, spiritual, or personal process of growth, healing, and transformation, moving from a state of darkness, ignorance, or despair towards knowledge, hope, and enlightenment.

Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher and writer once remarked: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". John 8:12 reminds us: Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” A ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-7, Ephesians 5:8, Psalm 119:105, 2 Corinthians 4:6

Go! And Speak Clearly: Make Your Faith Understood - 1 Corinthians 14:9 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2025

The power of clarity in our witness for Jesus Christ - communication that points people to God.

Go! And... Speak Clearly: Make Your Faith Understood - 1 Corinthians 14:9 1 Corinthians 14:9 (NLT) – “So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You might be speaking into the air.” Introduction: Today, I want to speak to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:9, Romans 10:14-15, Colossians 4:6, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 8:30-31, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon On The Pothole Experience

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 28, 2025

The metaphorical "pothole experience” is considered as the unforeseen obstacles, setbacks, and difficult challenges that may jolt or derail a person's journey in life, similar to how actual potholes disrupt a smooth road.

Drew Barrymore, an American actress once remarked: “Oh, I would love to be a motivational speaker. I have pulled myself out of a million potholes, and I can see the potholes ahead of me. That doesn't mean that I could always do that so perfectly for my own life. I totally fall in potholes.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

Sermon On Climb Every Mountain

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 4, 2025

“Climb every mountain, Search high and low, Follow every byway, Every path you know."

Conrad Anker, an American rock climber, mountaineer and author once remarked: “The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.” Isaiah 40:4 reminds us: “Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:2, Micah 6:8, 2 Samuel 22:47, Genesis 2:4

Sermon On Between The Covers

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 23, 2025

Life might be compared to the refuge of a book.

Elwyn Brooks White an American writer once remarked: “A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:8, Romans 15:4

A Compass Point, Not A Life Sentence: Trauma And The Future Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 29, 2025

This is the fifth talk in a course called "Trauma and Transformation, Level 2". This advanced course takes a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach to healing. Both Christians and non-Christians are in attendance, so the homily is presented with that in mind.

This is a video of my grandson Matthew. He is eager to touch the brownie plate. He’s in his own little world and very interested in what's on the plate, but his Mom won’t let him touch it (to not get baby goo on the food and because it’s a dessert far too high in sugar for him at his age of 10 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:31-35, John 21:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon On Keeping A Dream Alive

Contributed by William Meakin on Dec 29, 2025

Some dreams are considered a powerful source of personal motivation, providing purpose, direction, and the emotional fuel to work hard,

Gail Devers, a female American athlete once remarked: “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” Hebrews 13:7 reminds us: “Remember your ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:13, Romans 12:11-12

Learning To Make Adjustments PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 27, 2023

This sermon encourages us to remain steadfast in faith during hardships, drawing strength and guidance from God, as exemplified by the Israelites in Exodus 5:6-9.

Greetings, dear friends, and welcome. We gather here today, united in faith and fellowship, to delve into the sacred pages of the Book of Life, our trusted guide on this road of faith. We are here to seek wisdom, to find strength, to draw comfort, and to grow in our understanding of God's ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 5:6-9

Topics: Leaning, Lord

What Gift Are You Giving Our Savior? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 18, 2023

Emphasizes the importance of loving God wholeheartedly, manifesting this love through actions, and extending unconditional love to others as a reflection of God's love.

Welcome, my family in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we seek the nourishment of our souls and the enlightenment of our hearts. We gather not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the divine dance of faith, hope, and love. As we gather in His name, we are reminded of the words ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39

Topics: Loving God, Heart

Thoughts PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 6, 2024

This sermon explores the profound connection between our thoughts and actions, emphasizing the importance of aligning our inner thoughts with our outward deeds.

Welcome, brothers and sisters in Christ, to this blessed gathering where we come together as a family, united under the banner of our Savior's love. We are here, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. Each one of us has been called to this place, at this time, for a purpose. And that ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:6-8

Topics: Thinking, Heart

How To Use Case Studies As Jesus Did

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 25, 2001

How to Use Case Studies as Jesus Did

How to Use Case Studies as Jesus 1. He allowed people to put themselves in many different difficult identities, roles, and responsibilities. This allowed the people to repeat this story imagining how the woman must have felt in such a desperate condition. Jesus highlighted the fact that the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational