Sermons on Make Believe:

Balaam's First Prophecies (Numbers 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 27, 2024

Can a crooked prophet be used by God? Let's look at Numbers 23.

Though he was hired to curse Israel, what was Balaam forced to do? Can even a bad prophet be used by God to tell the truth? Do we take God’s word at face value or look for excuses to change God’s mind? Let’s look at Numbers 23. What did Balaam request so that God would perhaps give him a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Feast Of The Holy Family Of Jesus, Mary And Joseph, Year C

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 2, 2024

The Basilica of the Holy Family in Barcelona, is of a fantastical design: God’s perfect design is the nuclear family: A father, a mother, and children, which maybe even includes extended family like a grandparent.

There was a very poorly dressed woman and her young daughter looking into one of the beautiful department store display windows in the festive downtown area of a large city during Christmas time. They were looking at a manger scene, but here was the Virgin Mary dressed in rich diamonds and other ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Catholic

Heaven And Earth Sized Blessings

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 5, 2024

When Melchizedek came to Abram, a Most High understanding of God was rubbed (imparted)into Abram’s life, which changed his perspective of who His God IS.

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:18-20 But Abram ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:18-20

Revenge Or Justice? (Genesis 34)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 15, 2024

Do we seek justice or revenge? Let's look at a case study in Genesis 34.

Do we want true justice or is our motive really revenge for wrongful acts? Should we fight every wrong in the world or sometimes wait on God for justice? Let’s look at justice and revenge in Genesis 34. What did Shechem do to Dinah? Did he want to marry her afterwards? Dinah, the daughter of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Show Me Your Glory

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 22, 2024

Maybe Moses realised that after witnessing so many magnificent miracles, physical and supernatural encounters, and even after seeing God face to face, all of these experiences are only glimpses of God's Glory, but not God's full Glory.

So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Exodus 33:17-18 After the burning bush encounter, after witnessing mighty miracles, and after seeing God face to ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:17-18

The Power Of Repentance And Restoration 2 Samuel 12:13 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 3, 2024

Let's explore a journey of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration through the lens of 2 Samuel 12 which reveals God’s mercy and the transformative power of repentance.

Transformed by Truth: The Power of Repentance and Restoration 2 Samuel 12:13 2 Samuel 12:13 (NLT): "Then David confessed to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ Nathan replied, ‘Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.'" Introduction Today, we explore ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:13, Amos 9:14, Psalm 5:1, Ruth 2:13, Psalm 147:3, Job 8:21, Psalm 19:1-4, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 2 Samuel 12:1-7, Psalm 51:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Wasn't Violent Or Deceitful - "he Committed No Sin, And No Deceit Was Found In His Mouth." Series

Contributed by Robert Irvine on Sep 8, 2024

Today, we move to the next part of the verse which deals with the fact that the Suffering Servant had done no violence nor was he deceitful to anyone.

Last week, we saw that the prophet Isaiah said that the Suffering Servant would be assigned a grave with the wicked and the rich in his death, even though he had done no violence and was not deceitful. This prophecy can be seen to be fulfilled by Jesus Christ. However, what happened is completely ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Fourteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year B: Country Music, I Aint Leaving You, Thorn

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 4, 2024

then I realized that God uses not just our gifts, but our thorns too

Country music often tells stories about real life problems, thus the joke, “What do you get when you play country music backward?” You get back your wife, your dog, and your truck. One song tells about a man taking his beloved wife, whom he truly loves, to his 10th High School reunion, where he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7

Denomination: Catholic

Authority To Forgive Sins (Mark 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 5, 2024

Did Jesus have authority on earth to forgive sins? Let's discuss this in Mark 2.

Does Jesus have authority to forgive sins? Did Jesus spend time with sinners? Will Christians fast? Is Jesus Lord of the Sabbath? Let’s find out in Mark 2. What happened in Capernaum? And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. Immediately many ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Charity? Series

Contributed by Jorge Paez on Jun 14, 2024

sample sermon

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today I want to address something that is very frequently misunderstood by both friend and foe of the Christian life. That is the word charity. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:13 says: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these 3; but the greatest of these is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Job: The Character Of A Father

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Jun 18, 2024

Job was not just a man who was known for suffering but also as a man of character and presence in his children's lives.

Note: I have studied sermons and devotions on this topic. So I have gleaned from the studies. Title: Lessons from Job and Parenting Theme: Text: Job 1:1 – 5 Opening Scripture Job 1:1-5 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-5

Denomination: Church Of God

The Majesty Of God And The Value Of Humanity Psalm 8:3-4 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 18, 2024

Psalm 8:3-4 invite us to contemplate the grandeur of God’s creation and the incredible value He places on humanity.

Transformed by Truth: The Majesty of God and the Value of Humanity Psalm 8:3-4 Psalm 8:3-4 (NLT): "When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4, Genesis 1:16, Psalm 8:4, Psalm 8:3, Job 7:17-18, Matthew 10:29-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Growing In Grace

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Jun 29, 2024

There are so many ways that we can try to strengthen ourselves. The writer of Hebrews charges us to allow our hearts to be strengthened by grace. Growing in grace is learning to turn to the Lord in trying times over any other external source of strength.

Growing in Grace Hebrews 13:9 says, “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” (NKJV) Growing in grace is about allowing our hearts to be ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:9, Ephesians 2:9, Hebrews 10:22, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Peter 5:10, John 16:33, Isaiah 36:6  (view more)  (view less)

Transformed By Truth: Open Eyes And Changed Hearts Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 10, 2024

The song by Third Day says, “You took my heart and You changed it with Your words of life. You took my eyes and You opened them and gave me sight.” These lyrics beautifully capture the transformative work of Jesus in our lives.

Transformed by Truth: Open Eyes and Changed Hearts Theme: Jesus transforms our hearts and opens our eyes to His truth. Big Idea: Through the Word of God and the power of Christ, our hearts are made new, and our spiritual sight is restored. Introduction: The Power of Transformation Imagine an ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 119:18, John 9:25, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Matthew 5:16, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Agenda Vs God's Agenda

Contributed by Revd Dr Ruwan Palapathwala on Dec 29, 2024

Jesus has a vision for his ministry and the people have another, a different vision. The people’s own expectations have deafened them to the fulfillment of the scriptures. They are so caught up in their own agenda they cannot hear, let alone participate in, God’s agenda.

“What’s your plan for the day?” It’s a question I often ask my wife; usually on the weekend. But sometimes in the evenings after work I’ll say, “What’s your plan for this evening?” What’s your plan for the weekend? They seem like innocent enough questions and often they are. I’m really interested ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:21-30

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican