Sermons on Meaning:

Praying Like You Mean It Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 14, 2019

God says that we need to pray like Elijah did. But Elijah seems so far above me I'm not sure I could pray with the same power as he did. But apparently I can. Do you know why?

I read the true story of a couple of men from Alberta, Canada who were driving home late one night. The weather was freezing - well below zero. Somehow, they ran off the road and got stuck in a ditch. And – as far as they could see – there was no one around for miles. They knew they were in danger ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18, 1 Kings 18:41-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"What Does All This Mean?”

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Apr 13, 2020

in the midst of the pandemic, what does the raising of Lazarus mean

John 11:1-45 Good morning to you, wherever you are. You have just heard our long, well-known and beautiful Gospel reading from John about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Hold that story in you mind as I read you today’s poem by Padraig O’ Tuama, an Irish poet and theologian, entitled ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Episcopal

The True Meaning Of A Lenten Sacrifice

Contributed by Ryan Ferwerda on Mar 9, 2019

Most people attempt to give something up for Lent. But is what we give up for Lent beneficial to us or to God?

This past Wednesday, the collective whole of the Christendom observed Ash Wednesday. A day in the church year when we are reminded of our mortality, but more importantly, reminded of our reliance on God, both for life in this world and for life in the next. This day is the mark of the beginning of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-17, Matthew 6:1-6, Matthew 6:16-21, Joel 2:1-2, Joel 2:12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, 2 Corinthians 6:1-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Lutheran

The Meaning Of Jesus' Resurrection Series

Contributed by William Baeta on Feb 12, 2025

“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20 ESV)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith and without the resurrection there can be no Christianity. It is significant because when Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that He was exactly who He claimed to be, the Son of God, and had accomplished what He came to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What It Means To Be Born Again

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Dec 16, 2024

This Bible study looks at what happens to the individual who has accepted Jesus as his/her Lord and Savior.

What It Means to Be Born Again (Rev. Barry Johnson and Rev. Rodney Johnson) NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians seeking to grow in their relationship ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:18-21, John 3:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does It Mean To Believe?

Contributed by Dawn Duryea on Mar 11, 2024

Do you ever wonder what it means to “believe?” Today we are going to consider what it means to “believe” by examining the passage from Numbers 21 alongside the gospel reading from John 3.

Is it true that you just believe in Jesus and you are saved? When I first became a Christian at the age of 16 and was taking confirmation classes at Cocoa Presbyterian Church, I remember Reverend Flanagan telling us that if you believe in Jesus you will be saved. Right away that statement raised ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Hosanna! What Does This Mean?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 20, 2024

An explanation of the prayer "Hosanna" and why the Jews sang it, and why we sing it.

March 24, 2024 Mark 11:1-10 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

What Jesus Really Means

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Aug 15, 2024

Jesus made strong statements about His "body and blood" that could be misinterpreted as "cannibalism." However, Jesus meant something so much deeper as the Atoning sacrifice for sin.

JESUS IS CAUSING QUITE A STIR AMONGST THE PEOPLE. THERE IS A RISING DISPUTE AMONGST THE JEWISH LEADERS INSINUATING A POSSIBILITY OF CANNIBALISM. MANY FOLLOWERS ARE TAKING THE WORDS OF JESUS LITERALLY THAT HE IS SPEAKING OF EATING REAL HUMAN FLESH AND BLOOD. IS THIS FOR REAL? JESUS DOESN’T SEEM TO ...read more

Scripture: John 6:51-58, John 3:16, Leviticus 17:10-12, John 15:1-5, John 17:21, James 4:8, Psalm 42:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Free Methodist

What It Means To Be Born Again Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Sep 16, 2024

New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon.

What It Mean To Be Born Again (Rev. Barry Johnson and Rev. Rodney Johnson) NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, 1 John 1:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"What Does This Milestone Mean?” Series

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Sep 17, 2024

Today as we mark the celebration of the milestone of 50 years let’s answer the question that Joshua predicted his people would ask when they saw that pile of stones next to the Jordan River.

Although we no longer use literal stones to mark the miles along our roads and highways, we all understand the reference to “milestones.” Tracing their history back to the Roman Empire when they were called “miliarium” they were used to mark distances along their vast network of roads. Yes, they ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:4-7

Denomination: Lutheran

What The Resurrection Means To You

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 21, 2024

Why is the resurrection of Christ important to us?

WHAT THE RESURRECTION MEANS TO YOU 1 PETER 1:3–6 PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! IN HIS GREAT MERCY HE HAS GIVEN US NEW BIRTH INTO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, 4AND INTO AN INHERITANCE THAT CAN NEVER PERISH, SPOIL OR FADE—KEPT IN ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To Be Successful?

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 25, 2019

The dictionary has definitions of success and successful. Being successful in this life is no guarantee one will be successful in the next life!

Preface: The dictionary has a few definitions of success, mostly with the idea of accomplishing something or acquiring something (you either do something or get something you want to do). Jesus has been engaged in teaching and conversation with others (see chapter 11 and 12:1-12) but some of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, Job 1:21, Ecclesiastes 2:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

I Didn’t Mean To

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 25, 2018

A study in the book of Leviticus 4: 1 – 35

Leviticus 4: 1 – 35 I didn’t mean to 4 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments of the LORD in anything which ought not to be done, and does any of them, 3 if the anointed priest sins, ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

"The Meaning Of The Lord's Supper"

Contributed by David Henderson on Oct 2, 2017

The 3 fold meaning of the Lord's supper. Good for use prior to serving communion.

The Lord’s Supper carries with it a three-fold meaning. It is a reminder of what Jesus has done for us in the past, a symbol of our present relationship with him and a promise of what he is going to do for us in the future. The Bible tells us in Luke 22:19 that “he took bread, gave thanks, broke ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Faith And The Two Meanings Of Works Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 14, 2017

Faith, above all, is a gift of God. Now it’s a gift that he pours out liberally on all humans, but it will not save our souls unless we cooperate with it.

Thursday of 28th Week in Course 2017 Reformation Revolution Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues Our readings today say the same thing in different ways. St. Paul’s letter to the Romans was really the first work of systematic theology. It positions the saving work of Our Lord in the context of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-30

Denomination: Catholic