Sermons on Leap Year:

Thanking God Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Mar 6, 2016

Surely our Lord meditated upon Jonah’s fish story. He knew that he was heading into a mighty storm. Unlike Jonah, he was not fleeing from God’s presence. He was heading directly to the storm, and he himself would leap

Jonah 1:17-2:10 Thanking God 11/2/14 D. Marion Clark Introduction We now come to the miracle that makes Jonah famous – his being swallowed by the big fish. Text 17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Another Advent

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Dec 29, 2009

The world and religious possibilities can blind us to truth. The evidence of Christ encourages us to be renewed in trust that what Jesus speaks will come to pass.

Another Advent Scripture/text: Mark 13:32-36 Leafs – rough start to their Season. First eight games were loses. Then hope was born … we got Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins! Haven’t won the cup since 1967 – yes, I was only 5 years old. People laugh. Leaf jokes are now hotter than Newfie ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:32-36

Denomination: Salvation Army

A Personal Inventory

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 19, 2002

The end of a year means the beginning of inventory for many businesses. It is also a good time to take inventory of our lives before we adopt any New Year’s resolutions.

A PERSONAL INVENTORY “The young man said to Him, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Matthew 19:20. For many businesses, the end of the year is the beginning of inventory. It is also a good time for us to take inventory of our spiritual life and the degree of our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:20

Denomination: Baptist

Kodak Moments In The Life Of Christ (Christmas)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 16, 2022

Christmas is a very special time of the year. It is one of the happiest times of the year for most folks. But it is not only the happiest time of the year for some folks, it is also a very sad time for others.

The statistics tell us that suicides rank high at this time of the year. WHY IS THIS A SAD TIME OF THE YEAR FOR SOME FOLKS? It is especially sad for some folks for two reasons: (1) SOME HAVE SUFFERED A DIVORCE This Christmas is the first year they have had without their marriage partner. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

Preparation For Romance Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Feb 1, 2007

Exposition of Ruth 2:1-23

Text: Ruth 2:1-23 Title: Preparation for Romance Date/Place: LSCC, 5/7/06, AM I. INTRODUCTION A. Opening illustration: Joshua Harris’ mother used to have a saying, “hustle while you wait.” She meant that while you wait for things, be productive. In his book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, there is ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Cycle A - 19th Sunday, Year A -- Walking On Water

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 30, 2020

There is an element of test in Peter’s condition, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Peter asking Jesus “to command” him suggests the alignment of Peter’s will with the will of the Lord.

IN THAT BOAT, which the church has always identified as herself, is where we want to be because it can provide the sure way for us to get to the other shore, to heaven; and, in this life, take us to new horizons. But along the way we are caught in a storm and face danger. 1.We need to pray ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-13, Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Catholic

Why I Don't Have A "Vision" Or "5 Year Plan" For Our Church

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Jun 13, 2018

This is an abbreviated sermon used after my annual pastor's report to the congregation explaining why we do not have a written "business plan" for church growth. Instead it lays out the 3 foundational steps the Lord has put in my heart as I serve here.

If you would, please stand as we say together our memory Scripture for this quarter: Romans 12:4-5 “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-8, Jude 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Denomination: Nazarene

The Solemnity Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King Of The Universe, Year C: A Reflection Or Meditation.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Oct 28, 2019

“heart speaks to heart” (Cor ad cor loquitur).

A writer arrived at the monastery to write a book about the Master. "People say you are a genius. Are you?" he asked. "You might say so." said the Master, none too modestly. "And what makes one a genius?" "The ability to recognize." "Recognize ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:35-43

Denomination: Catholic

Twenty-Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A -- 27th Sunday Wicked Tenants

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Sep 17, 2020

Don’t season regret with rebellion

In the First Reading, the complaint was with the grapes, they were too sour to be eaten or made into wine despite the favorable conditions (Isaiah 5:1-7). In the Gospel, the complaint was with the vineyard workers, in other words, the religious leaders in Jesus' time who often killed the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Catholic

Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B - Dirty Hands And Dirty Thoughts

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jul 29, 2024

“Nothing ever happens in the world that does not first happen inside a mind...”

An illustration for those who deny the reality of concupiscence: A visitor was once being shown around an art gallery. The gallery contained some beautiful paintings which were universally acknowledged to be masterpieces. At the end of the tour the visitor said, "I don't think much of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9, Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Catholic

Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: "When In Doubt, Cut It Out.”

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Aug 15, 2024

It is not hyperbole to say that it is better to enter heaven maimed [one-armed, one-footed, and one-eyed] than to enter hell whole. That is literally true.

“When Jesus exaggerated” is a book title, and there are countless articles on how Jesus uses exaggeration and hyperbole for effect, like we hear this Sunday; to literally cut off your hand or foot or gouge-out your eyes because then you won’t sin with them.1 However, “it is not hyperbole to say ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-48

Denomination: Catholic

Fourth Sunday Of Easter, Year B- We Are All Sheep And Some Of Us Are Shepherds

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 22, 2024

There are problems with sheep too

Problems and challenges for shepherds and sheep-- Timothy Laniak in 2007 tells the story of a Bedouin Arab and an American scholar sitting under a tent discussing what it takes to be a true shepherd. The Jordanian shepherd insisted that the heart is the most important thing. He lamented, “My ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-18

Denomination: Catholic

Fifth Sunday Of Easter, Year B-- Vine And Branches-- See You Later, Suckers!

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 27, 2024

“We’re dying on the vine here!”

Today, we hear about pruning and abiding to bear fruit. Regarding pruning, “There’s a sucker born every minute,” is an expression used in the hope of making money selling something worthless to a gullible customer. Similarly, in gardening, sucker shoots are false branches or stems that suck the ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Catholic

Twenty-Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: No One Is Good But God Alone

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Sep 18, 2024

The principle of “No one is good but God alone

Jesus knew He was God and said so: He was accused of being God at his trial. Jesus revealed his divinity by miracles, and by His Resurrection, but he never says to the crowds, “Hey, everyone, I’m God.” In today’s Gospel, he goes undercover. To illustrate: In the TV show, Undercover Boss, a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-30

Denomination: Catholic

Thirty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: The End Of The World And Tender Branches

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 1, 2024

The date of the end of the world cannot be known based on prophecy.

We are nearing the end of Ordinary Time as Advent draws near and so the theme this time of year is on the Second Coming of Christ at the end of the world. People are telling end of the world jokes like there is no tomorrow! E.g., A comedian spoke of a Pentecostal preacher who had predicted the end ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-32

Denomination: Catholic