Sermons on Mary Gardiner Brainard:

The Superficial Thanksgiving

Contributed by Marie Harvin on Oct 9, 2006

This sermon is about examining ourselves when we celebrate Thanksgiving this year. For many this day will be a time of praise, for others a time for pretext, for some a spiritual time and for others a superficial time.

Introduction: Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States and Canada. It is a day set aside to give thanks for the blessings of the year. Thanksgiving Day is usually observed with religious services and with families celebrations. A large dinner featuring turkey, cranberries and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Methodist

Deliver Us From Evil

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Sep 24, 2001

Does the Scripture require that America "turn the other cheek" following the attacks of 9/11, or do we have the right to respond militarily?

Introduction The Story: Turn the Other Cheek The mother of four young boys often had difficulty curbing their energy, especially in church. But when her minister preached on "turning the other cheek," the boys gave him their undivided attention. “No matter what others do to us,” he said, “we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-42, Proverbs 28:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Nearsighted Devil

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

To put life into proper "focus" -- it is not limited to the grave -- By becoming acquainted with God’s plan of redemption through His Word, the Bible, we enable Him to bring our lives into "focus."

The Nearsighted Devil Genesis 3:1-10 Purpose: To put life into proper "focus" -- it is not limited to the grave -- Intro: My nearsightedness; my glasses were broken and I couldn’t see beyond the end of my nose -- While in the Navy, I was in charge of getting the barracks cleaned before ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Agony Or Ecstasy

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

Look at the physical position of the three crosses and the men on them; our physical position in reference to Christ has nothing to do with the spiritual position.

LUKE 23:32-43 PURPOSE: To show that our physical position in reference to Christ has nothing to do with the spiritual position. INTRO: Look at the physical position of the three crosses and the men on them I. AGONY - v.39 A. Hurling insults at Christ “Aren’t You the Christ? “Save Yourself …. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Has Something Better

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

Abraham was willing to give God that which was the object of his love … He’s asking you to do the same ….. offer Him the object of your love….

GOD HAS SOMETHING BETTER…. TEXT: GENESIS 22:1-18 A SMALL BOY, CLUTCHING A WELL-WORN TEDDY BEAR DAD HAD BROUGHT HIM A BETTER GIFT ME, CAUGHT UP IN MY WELL-WORN LIFESTYLE OFFERED TO GIVE IT UP ON THE CONDITION …. I. Listen to His Call V.1 God spoke to Abraham. He called him by name and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Gentle Servant

Contributed by Marie Tombow on Feb 2, 2009

As the Gentle Servant with God’s stamp of approval, Jesus works quietly, gently and victoriously; yet He impacts the entire world.

Isaiah 42:1-4 Intro: God owns Him: v.1 1. As one employed by Him He is my servant a. He learned obedience to the Will of God. b. He practiced it. c. He laid Himself out to advance the interests of God’s Kingdom. 2. As one chosen by Him He is mine elect (KJV) a. He did not thrust ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

One Is Bigger Than Many Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 7, 2009

Idea: THE ONLY WAY TO REACH GOD’S GOAL IS TO REACH IT TOGETHER

[INTRODUCTION] The Olympic contestants line up in the starting blocks for the hundred-meter dash. Anticipation has the crowd suspended on the edge of their seats. The starter raises his gun and fires. The athletes spring out of the starting blocks. As they do, it becomes obvious this is no ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Descending Into Greatness Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on May 7, 2009

Jesus example of humility

Introduction What does it take to be a success? When Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy for over 20 years, was asked that question by a New York journalist, his reply was, “Above all, keep your heart a desert!” According to Mussolini, having a heart which cared for no one was the key ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

It's All In The Details

Contributed by Mari Larson on Dec 27, 2015

Christmas is filled with details large and small, but the important detail is God's incredible love in Jesus Christ who came to save us.

One of my childhood Christmas highlights was putting up the crèche. I don’t know why my Norwegian family called the nativity set by its French name, but we did. First we would put the wooden framework in place. In back of it was a music box which we wound to play a tired version of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Spirit-Filled

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jul 25, 2015

An invitation to be Spirit-filled rather than just Spirit-marked.

A barber in a small town was busy cutting hair one day when the local law enforcement officer walked in to get a haircut. And the barber was feeling a bit generous that day, so he said to the cop, "Since you do such a good job protecting us, and watching over us, today’s haircut is free." ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Healing For The Soul

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jul 25, 2015

Like Elijah, sometimes we feel utterly defeated (as I did by the shootings in Charleston and Chattanooga) but God remains with us through these times.

When I left on Sabbatical, I had Charleston on my mind. As I drove to North Carolina, it was on my mind. I tried to avoid newspapers and newscasts, but it was still on my mind. Through much of the Wild Goose Festival, we talked openly about violence and “isms.” I wasn’t home ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Holy Armor

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jul 27, 2015

This sermon (preached the Sunday after the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly) illustrates the Ephesians "Armor of God" imagery with the actions of the ELCA.

Several weeks ago, when I chose today’s Ephesians text to be my preaching text, I didn’t realize that the text corresponded with the weekend after our ChurchWide Assembly and how absolutely appropriate it would be today to talk about Holy Armor. Many of you have noticed that our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Ring Tone

Contributed by Mari Larson on Jan 18, 2015

Like Samuel and Eli, we don't always initially recognize God's Ring Tone, but God is calling to us, and our job is to listen.

As most of you know, I had planned to be at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, completing an intense Mini-MBA course this past week. But last Sunday afternoon, I had a strong sense that I wasn’t supposed to go. As I told that to (my husband) Gary and then to Wanda (our congregational ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

I In Them And You In Me

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 3, 2019

The unity of spirit between Jesus and God the Father knits the church into one

June 2, 2019 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 17:20-26 I in Them and You in Me Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. The Lakota Sioux have a simple prayer: Mitakuye Oyasin. It means “all my relatives.” The prayer conveys ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-26

Denomination: Lutheran

For The Things We Cannot Bear

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 17, 2019

The Holy Spirit edifies us to grow in faith and strength.

June 16, 2019 - Holy Trinity Sunday Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 For the Things We Cannot Bear Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. For a long time, I’ve entertained a whimsical image of what ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-15, Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran