Sermons on Left Margin:

Ephraim & Manasseh (Genesis 48)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 31, 2024

Are we flexible enough to allow God to do the exact opposite of what we had expected? Let's look at Genesis 48.

Do we have narrow ideas as to how God should handle things? Are we flexible enough to allow God to surprise us, even when He does the exact opposite of what we may have expected? Let’s look at Genesis 48. What did Israel say to Joseph? What had God told him? After these things, someone said to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Increase Our Faith (Luke 17)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 24, 2025

Does forgiving each other require an increase in faith? Let's look at Luke 17.

Do we have faith to forgive, to be healed, to wait for Christ’s coming? Let’s look at Luke 17. Will temptations come? What happens to the one who does the tempting? Should we forgive each other? Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause people to trip and fall into sin must happen, but how ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When God Answers Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Oct 31, 2023

Last time together we looked at Elijah and the great victory that was given to him. Would it be great to live in the victory of the moment forever? What frequently follows a victory is an attack from our enemy.

“When God Answers” 1 Kings 19.1-18 Last time together we looked at Elijah and the great victory that was given to him. Would it be great to live in the victory of the moment forever? What frequently follows a victory is an attack from our enemy. It should not surprise us nor should we be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Journey Shall We Make Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 23, 2023

This Christmas Eve Meditation focused on the example the Wisemen set for us in following the star to find Jesus. What can we learn from how they followed the star and worshipped Christ?

PLAY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpuQ8lAi8Pg (a clip of the opening scenes from “Ben-Hur”, the 1959 movie starring Charleston Heston and focusing on the arrival of the Wisemen to see Jesus) Tonight, we’re going to take a journey to find Jesus - but we will not be following the star. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Could One Solitary Life Have So Much Impact - Christmas Eve

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 24, 2023

Church members and friends can support St. John's By-the-Sea by visiting our website https://www.stjohnsbythesea.com/donate, where a donation can be made by PayPal or credit card, if you prefer that to mailing your donations to the church.

Good Evening, and welcome again to St. John’s Church. And, as you can tell, I love our Christmas Eve Service. The first one at St. John’s was in 1892, 130 years ago. This is only my 5th Christmas here, and I absolutely love how this service paints a picture. It really has a feel to it. As we close ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Encounter With God

Contributed by Samuel M on Dec 29, 2023

When the Prophet Isaiah encountered God, he had to repent of only one type of sin – Unclean lips. For us, when we encounter God, how many sins would we need to repent before God. It can easily be many sins which we can mention like an essay.

Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips - Isaiah 6:5 When the Prophet Isaiah encountered God, he had to repent of only one type of sin – Unclean lips. For us, when we encounter God, how many sins would we need to repent before God. It can easily be many sins which we can ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:5

Choose Life And Goodness Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 26, 2024

The way of sin vs the way of life.

Thursday after Ash Wednesday 2024 Today we begin our solemn preparation for the Pasch–the annual commemoration of the Passover of Jesus. He gave Himself freely up to an unjust death for our redemption, and left us sacraments in His assembly–His Church–for all who would believe in Him. And the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:22-25, Psalm 1:1-6, Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Deuteronomy 30:1-14, Isaiah 5:20, 1 John 2:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Resurrection: The Turnaround Point Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 18, 2025

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the greatest turnaround story in history. What seemed like a hopeless end became a new beginning.

RESURRECTION: THE TURNAROUND POINT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 20:11-18 Supporting Texts: Luke 24:1-8, Matthew 28:5-7, John 16:20-22, Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 61:3 INTRODUCTION: The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the greatest turnaround story in history. What seemed like a hopeless ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Empty To Full Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 10, 2025

The story that began with famine ends with fullness—because the Redeemer who restores Naomi’s arms still turns our emptiness into enough.

(When Grace Finishes the Story) Introduction — The Last Scene Every good story ends where it began—but nothing looks the same. When we opened this book, we found famine, funerals, and tears in Moab. Now we end with a baby in Bethlehem. The story that began with emptiness ends with enough. If ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:5, Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 3:20, Revelation 21:5

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Call That Changes Everything Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 10, 2026

This message reveals how responding to God’s call transforms destiny, separates a man from limitation, and launches him into divine purpose.

THE CALL THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 12:1-9 Key Verse: “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” (Genesis 12:1) Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:8; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Father's Love

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 14, 2001

The enduring love of our Heavenly Father.

A Father’s Love Luke 15:11-32 I. The father gave his son freedom to choose A. Even though the son’s actions were impulsive, the father did not stand in the way - The father respected his son’s independence enough to let him choose his own way - man chooses his own destiny - The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Woman Who Touched The Lives Of Others

Contributed by Tom Walker on Oct 18, 2000

In Acts 9:36-43 the Bible refers to a woman by the name of Dorcas.

In Acts 9:36-43 the Bible refers to a woman by the name of Dorcas. The name literally means, "a gazelle", which of course is the female of a roebuck. She has the distinction of being the first Greek female mentioned in the New Testament. She was a resident of the seaport city of Joppa, located on ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:36-43

The Hearts Of Jesus Followers

Contributed by Joel Santos on Sep 23, 2004

Jesus chose his followers through the QUALITY OF THEIR HEARTS

Jesus chose his followers through the QUALITY OF THEIR HEARTS [How did Jesus look for His followers?] I. Jesus looked for a person with an OPEN HEART(vs.1-4) A. A person who was around Him …people crowding around Him (v.1a) B. A person who listened to Him …listening to the word of God ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pressure

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 13, 2004

Do I ever feel like I am in a pressure cooker, or that I am being pulled and pushed in every direction? Well, I can respond like Herod. I can be manipulated by it to the point where I am forced to make decisions contrary to what I know is right. Or I can

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: The Hope College Women’s basketball team had made it to the national playoffs. The final game saw Hope 20 points behind with 10 minutes left to play. The team remained calm and began to narrow the gap. Then with just 5 seconds remaining, a 3 point basket tied the game. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Gadarene Teen

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Oct 4, 2007

How the Gadarene is a lot like our teens today; looks at the ways people in the community treated him, how he treated himself and how Jesus treated him.

The Missing Teen: How the Gadarene Was Like A Teen Luke 8:26-39; Mark 5:1-20; Matthew 8:28f The People Didn’t Like: 1. The way he dressed (for a long time, he didn’t where clothes) 2. Where he hung out (for a long time, did not live in a house, but at ‘tombs’) 3. They way he talked 4. The way he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Denomination: Methodist