Sermons on Make Believe:

Prayer For The People

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 9, 2022

What is penance? What is repentance? What is confession? Can we pay for our sins?

What is penance? It is an act of self-abasement, mortification or devotion performed to show sorrow. What is repentance? It is to turn from sin and dedicate oneself, to feel regret or contrition. What is confession? It is a disclosure of one's sins in sacrament of reconciliation, ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 9:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God With Us

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 17, 2022

The world’s most important birth was about to take place. Why was it almost unknown? What was Joseph's dilemma? What were the baby’s names? Was Mary a perpetual virgin? Let’s look at Matthew 1:18-25.

The world’s most important birth was about to take place. Why was it almost unknown? What was Joseph's dilemma? What were the baby’s names? Was Mary a perpetual virgin? Let’s look at Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph’s Dilemma Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Why Should We Participate In Fasting?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

In this passage of Scripture, God was asking the people why they had fasted. They were urged to be merciful and just people. Do our actions resemble the actions of the Jews from our reading?

In verses 1-7: For the past 70 years, individuals had been holding a fast in August to recollect the annihilation of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was being rebuilt, they went to the Temple to inquire as to whether they needed to proceed with this yearly fast. God did not address their inquiry ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Examen: Prayer At The End Of The Day Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Mar 9, 2023

This sermon looks at the background and steps involved in the Examen

March 8, 2023 The second in a Lenten series on Prayer Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Psalm 139:23-24; Romans 12:2 The Examen: Prayer at the End of the Day Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. The philosopher Socrates ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Lutheran

The Good Shepherd Today

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Mar 14, 2023

Can the church be the Good Shepherd today?

The Good Shepherd Today John 10:11-21 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-21

Denomination: United Methodist

Jesus And Parables Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 20, 2023

Jesus was an excellent teacher and guru. He used all the available sources to teach the high values of the Kingdom of God. Every parable is unique and admirable to know the wisdom of God.

Mark 4:1-21 Parables in Mark Definition of the Parable: The Catholic Encyclopedia explains, “The word parable (Hebrew mashal; Syrian mathla, Greek parabole) signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to illustrate another (ref: Aleteia). The Greek word Parabole ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-21

Denomination: Methodist

A Song For The Upright.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Mar 20, 2023

A joyous response of praise to the covenant love of the LORD.

A SONG FOR THE UPRIGHT. Psalm 33:1-12. PSALM 33:1. We see first of all the exhortation: “Rejoice in the LORD” (cf. Philippians 4:4). Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-23). When we abide in Jesus the true vine, not only do we dwell in His love, but we also partake of His joy (cf. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From The Four Winds.

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Mar 26, 2023

The valley of dry bones starts with Israel and ends with us today calling on the four winds of God for help.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 NLT 37 The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. 2 He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Would You Know Him?

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Apr 16, 2023

Would we know Jesus if He came up and sat down beside us?

Would you know Him? Luke 24:13-32 The journey to Emmaus tells the story of two disciples walking seven miles from Jerusalem to their village of Emmaus, after the crucifixion of Jesus and on the evening of His resurrection. But it also reminds us of the journey we all take from not recognizing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Lesson In The Leftovers

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 31, 2022

Undoubtedly many have heard this passage of Scripture before and hopefully, many have read this story. This is the story of where Jesus feeds the multitude, the five thousand.

What a miracle to perform. I cannot imagine trying to feed that many people. No doubt there are quite a few mothers out there that would find that a daunting task. Can you see five thousand people coming through your door, walking to the dining room, either trying to find a place to sit or going ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Wake Up, Get Up, Open Our Eyes

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 3, 2023

This is another vision for Zechariah. Here we see work that is being done and encouragement given to complete that work.

This is another vision where Zechariah sees the golden lampstand and olive trees. The ultimate meaning of this vision answers the question “How will any Christian finish the work that the Lord has given them to do?” It is by the Spirit of God. In verses 1-5: The angel came and woke Zachariah up. ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Encountering Power Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Jan 6, 2023

What happens when we encounter the Power of God?

Introduction • Expound on the text. • Power-filled ministries are so needed today. I. Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. A. a lot is going on in Luke Chapter 4. 1. V. 1 – Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Luke 4:1-44, 1 Kings 8:1-11, Acts 3:1-8

Denomination: Church Of God

Facts About Stress Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jan 22, 2023

This is the 1st Sermon in the Series "Jesus' Half Brother- James". This Series is from the Book of James.

Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- James [#1] FACTS ABOUT STRESS James 1:1-12 Introduction: We are going to begin a Sunday School Series about the letters written by Jesus’ Half Brothers. We will start with James. James is a practical Book of the Bible- It is fitting for today’s Church. This Book ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do We Worship?

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Feb 15, 2024

We worship God because (1) He Commands it, (2) He is worthy of it, and (3) because it is for our own Good.

Why do we worship God? (Topical) 1. God wants us to worship him! Ex. 23:25-26 A. God wants us to worship him because He is worthy (Rev. 4:11). It is just, right, and good that God be worshiped. Reality itself dictates, demands, and expects it; creation worships God apart from humankind (Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 10:13

Denomination: Bible Church

What Jesus Says About Worshipping False Gods In The Scriptures. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 17, 2024

Let us commit to worshiping God in spirit and truth, as He alone is worthy.

Let us explore a vital teaching from Jesus Christ about worship. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus responds to Satan's temptation by declaring, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." This statement highlights the importance of exclusive worship. Jesus emphasizes that our worship must ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 6:13