Sermons on Lean Times:

Discerning The Times

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 5, 2022

Why is it important to use discernment.

Discerning the Times Luke 12:49-56 The Revised Common Lectionary sometimes has a very awkward passage selection. In this case, the passage begins in the middle of a discourse by Jesus. If one has not read the previous portion of the discourse, one might not understand this passage as one ought. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Is Time?

Contributed by Rolando, Jr Pama on Sep 8, 2023

Time is so important the Bible commands us to “redeem the time.”

What is time? A. Gift from God. Every day of life is a gift. Understanding that God is the giver of life, and that the length of our days are in His hands, we realize that time is a gift from God. James 4.14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Just In Time

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 13, 2023

This parable teaches us to keep our eyes focused on the hope that is to come.

Cub Hannah, of Swamp Branch KY, was a mean drunk. And he was both mean and drunk on June 11, 1999, when he took a machete to his brother in law, Sam Lugar, out in Lugar's front yard... [and nearly severed his] little finger. Johnson County sheriff's deputies ...interviewed six witnesses and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, Joel 2:12-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

End Times

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Sep 21, 2023

In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus laid out what the times just before His return would look like. From Growing Trials to Global Testimony leading to the Great Tribulation and finally the Glorious Trumpet.

END TIMES It was a mild October afternoon in 1982 and Badger Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin was packed. Over 60,000 die-hard University of Wisconsin fans were watching their beloved football team take a beating by Michigan State. What seemed odd was that it seemed the more their team lost the more ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:3-14

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Redeeming The Time

Contributed by Rolando, Jr Pama on Sep 23, 2023

Paul encourages us to make “the best use” of time.

1. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. pro·cras·ti·na·tion noun the action of delaying or postponing something. • V14 – “wake up sleeper” • Time is gold. • Let us not waste our time. • Ephesians 5:16 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. • Jesus never procrastinate. John 9:4 4 I ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16

Time Is Sacred

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 13, 2023

We as Christians march to the beat of a different drummer, and that’s also true in how we relate to the spiritual dimension of time.

Ephesians 5: 15-17; Colossians 4:5 It was a tradition for the faculty of a southern seminary to meet together every morning before their 8 am classes for a time of Bible study and prayer. These sessions were scheduled to conclude by 7:55 at the latest, in order for everyone to be on time for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 4:5

Free Time

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 7, 2023

Grace does not free us FROM the Sabbath, grace frees us FOR the Sabbath.

“I can be just as good a Christian without going to church,” said my friend Connie. “Besides, that’s the only day I get to sleep in. Isn’t it supposed to be a day of rest?” “That’s right,” said Walter. “Going to church just takes too big a bite out of my week. It’s just not realistic to expect ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Between The Times

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 30, 2023

It is possible to live praising God even before we see his promised redemption.

At one point while preparing this sermon I was tempted just to read the article I picked for my closing illustration and sit down. It’s a sermon in itself, and illustrates exactly what I had to say about this passage of Isaiah. But after thinking it over, I felt that the least I could do was ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-13, Isaiah 24:1-6, Isaiah 25:7-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blossom Time

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 30, 2023

Love and life are two sides of the same coin, that where love is life springs up, and life is a sign that love has been there.

This week the flowers decorating the altar are poinsettias. Do you know why? Pepita was a poor Mexican girl who had no gift to present the Christ Child at Christmas Eve services. As she walked to the chapel with her cousin Pedro, her heart was filled with sadness rather than joy. “I am sure, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Decision Time! Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Feb 10, 2023

The final message in the series, calling us to make a decision to follow Jesus. Based on the book from Kyle Idelman, Not A Fan.

Fan or Follower! February 12, 2023 In January of this year, Time Magazine ran a series of articles under the heading THE HAPPINESS REVIVAL GUIDE. I was hoping the articles would make me happy or even happier. They didn’t! I tried, but they failed. One article was about a Yale University ...read more

Scripture: John 6:66-69, Luke 14:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

Harvest Time

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Mar 3, 2023

What are you sowing? What will your harvest be, on the Day of the Lord?

One of the things I loved about living in South Jersey, where I served my first church, was the fresh peaches. I love peaches even more than I love sweet corn. So as soon as they started appearing, I started buying. And every time I went into the local farmer’s market (Puglia’s) I would just wander ...read more

Scripture: Amos 8:1-12, Matthew 13:24-39, Luke 6:43-44, Amos 5:18-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Understanding Of The Times

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Sep 27, 2021

Discernment in this hour, is the most critical requirement of all of our senses. Discernment and understanding of the times, will give us the advantage in this fight.

1 Kings 19:8-13 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [9] And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:8-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Now Is The Time! Series

Contributed by Larry Grant on Oct 2, 2021

Each one reconciled by Christ is to be involved in reconciling the world to God. But not all those in the church do! According to our text, they have received the grace of God in vain. God expects those who have received grace to be involved in the ministry of reconciliation.

Paul has been defending his life and ministry in the first five chapters. His enemies at Corinth had accused him of wrong methods and motives, and he successfully answered them. His final statement in chapter 5 deals with his ministry of reconciliation. The first two verses in the sixth chapter ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

In Times Like These

Contributed by Larry Grant on Apr 3, 2022

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He went to the Temple and looked around. When Jesus visited the Temple the next day, He saw some things that He didn’t like and gives us insight on the church today. They knew Jesus was in town and yet it changed nothing!

Luke 19:45-48 IN TIMES LIKE THESE April 3, 2022 Intro: Just the day before, Jesus had presented Himself to the people in Jerusalem, as their King and as their Messiah, in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. “Thy King is coming… riding on a donkey.” The people praised Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:45-48, Mark 11:15-19

Denomination: Baptist

Taking Time

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 18, 2022

Looking for solitude was a significant need for Jesus. We need to foster the control of investing energy alone with God. Spending time alone with God is necessary.

Looking for solitude was a significant need for Jesus (Matthew 14:13). He made room in his bustling timetable to be separated from everyone else and be with the Father. Investing energy with God in petition and prayer supports an imperative relationship and prepares us to address life's ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible