Sermons on Make Believe:

The Art Of Listening: Last Sunday Of Epiphany

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Mar 5, 2019

The Rev. Rian Adams. This sermon on the transfiguration encourages people to actively listen to God.

The Art of Listening The Rev. Rian Adams Peter is my favorite disciple. Not because he was perfect; God knows he was far from it. He spoke first and listened to others last. In the Gospels, he is as an overconfident loud-mouth, and he cannot contain himself, his ego needs an audience for his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

Denomination: Episcopal

What Do You Treasure Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Dec 17, 2012

This series of messages inspired by Kyle Idleman's book, "Not a Fan"

What do you ‘Treasure?’ A Fan or a Follower - #3 of 5 Jerry Watts Matthew 13:44-45 (Note: This series is inspired by Kyle Idleman’s book – “Not a Fan”) * As we continue considering the question of, “Am I a Fan or Follower” of Jesus Christ, I remind ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-45

Denomination: Baptist

Avoiding Loss Or Becoming A Champion? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 2, 2013

God wants to transform us from loss-avoiders to champions.

Avoiding Loss or Becoming a Champion? (Judges 6:1-32) 1. Loss aversion means instead of playing to win, we play not to lose. We get much more misery from losing $100 than we get joy from being given $100. One authority writes; 2. “For example, ever wonder why retail clothing stores have ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Best Gift

Contributed by Brian Undlin on Dec 24, 2015

A paraphrasing of Jesus & the woman at the well. I used it as a Christmas Eve story explaining the real gift.

We all know the Christmas story and the reason we give gifts at Christmas is because of Jesus coming AS God’s GIFT to us but there’s only one Bible story where Jesus himself describes this gift he brought us and he actually uses the word gift. The story begins with Jesus sitting alone ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-45

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sin In The Camp Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Feb 21, 2016

God's punishment upon Achan (and his family and possessions) seems severe...and it was, because sin is a serious matter. Sin is rebellion. Sin is covenant-breaking. Sin is choosing to go our way and reject God's way. And sin has consequences.

Hamlet famously complained that “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.” Joshua found that something was rotten in Canaan, within his own people. After devoting himself to God, and after a miraculous victory at Jericho, Joshua's army suffered a defeat in Ai. Israel was enjoying ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-13

Denomination: Congregational

Hearts Wide Open: Differences Are Okay

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Jul 23, 2019

Mary and Martha are different - sermon speaks to open hearts toward both expressions.

Hearts Wide Open: Differences Are Okay Intro: Australian author Nikki Rowe said, “The greatest asset you could own is an open heart.” Open hearts compel doctors to give free medical care in the inner city. Open hearts lead Christians live out their baptismal vows and serve Christ in all people. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Episcopal

Serving Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 4, 2019

What good thing ought the church to be known for, but sometimes neglects? Let’s learn something that is a high priority for God, in Luke 12:32-48.

What good thing ought the church to be known for, but sometimes neglects? Let’s learn something that is a high priority for God, in Luke 12:32-48. Part 1 Luke 12:32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Jesus said to his disciples, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-48

Denomination: Baptist

Hidden Figures - Baby Bodyguards Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Aug 24, 2019

No spotlight. No applause. No recognition. However, they changed the outcome of the story and often changed history!

I. Introduction Anyone familiar with popular culture will know their screen names well. Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, and Joey. We probably know some of their real names . . . David Schimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courtney Cox, Matthew Perry, and Matt Leblanc. But do you know ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

From Suffering To Hope

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 15, 2020

God calls us as disciples and uses us just as we are to bring God's kingdom to a world in need.

June 14, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Matthew 9:35-10:8; Romans 5:1-8; Exodus 19:2-8a From Suffering to Hope Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. While they still weak, at the right time, Christ sent his apostles ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-8, Exodus 19:2-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Hurry Up & Wait

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Jul 11, 2020

A Challenge to Wait and let God do His Work!

Hebrews 12:1-2 1. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 12:5-13, Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:14-29, Hebrews 12:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

3 The Voyage Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 2, 2020

This is the 3rd of a series of 31 Devotions on the book of Jonah. In this devotion we look at the Rebellious Voyage Jonah undertook to flee from the presence of the Lord.

The Church Called Jonah # 3 – The Voyage Jonah 1:3b - “He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” He went down to Joppa We’ve seen how Jonah made up his mind to ‘flee from the ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:3, 2 Kings 14:25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Foundations For Ministry That Lasts

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Apr 15, 2020

1.LOVE 2.FAITH 3.WISDOM 4.GRACE 5.HOLINESS 6.WILL OF GOD 7.HOLY SPIRIT

FOUNDATIONS FOR MINISTRY THAT LASTS ************************************************* John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my ...read more

Scripture: John 15:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Treasures In Heaven

Contributed by Michael Monica on May 16, 2020

Laying up treasures in heaven

An Introduction: 1. In Ec 5:10-16, Solomon described the problem with earthly treasures... a. Money and abundance do not truly satisfy b. The abundance of the rich prevent good sleep, and often hurts the owner c. Riches perish through misfortune, and cannot be taken with us ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Core 52 Week 20 - Five Words To Pray By Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on May 19, 2020

Communication is the foundation of every relationship. While God is never confused about our communication, it helps us to be clear in praying about what’s on our minds. Here are five words to remember to help us learn how to talk to God.

To listen to the audio of the sermon, please visit my podcast at: https://pastorlanny.buzzsprout.com/ Intro: • Communication is the foundation of every relationship. o Translation ad blunders (images from Google) • While God is never confused about our communication, it helps us to be clear in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 7:7-8, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 3:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Overcomers Sermon Vi: See God's Plan For Positive Outcomes Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 20, 2020

To overcome like Joseph and Jesus, consistently trust God and see His plan for positive outcomes for all people of faith in God and faithfulness to His redemptive purpose.

In Joseph’s Story We See the Warp and Woof of God’s Plan for a Positive Outcome Genesis 45:8-9 . . . 45:25-28 . . . 47:5-10 . . . 47:27-28 . . . 50:15-24 . . . In a recently discovered document, I learned that shortly after my Scots ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:8-9, Genesis 45:25-28, Genesis 47:5-10, Genesis 47:27-28, Genesis 50:15-24  (view more)  (view less)