Sermons on Mud Jars:

The Holy Innocents

Contributed by William Mouser on Jan 10, 2006

This jarring episode is just as much a part of the Christmas season as the manger scene. Though grim, the fate of the Innocents shows us how and why we share the hope they had in Christ’s second advent

Psalm 124, Jeremiah 3:15-17, Revelation 21:1-7, Matthew 2:13-18 The Holy Innocents The Gospel lesson that is read today is actually from the lectionary for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which in the liturgical calendar is celebrated on December 28 – four days ago. The Book of Common Prayer ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Look Before You Label

Contributed by David Yarbrough on Jul 23, 2001

We’ve all used labels. We stick them on jars and manila folders so we’ll know what’s inside. We also stick them on people for the same reason.

Intro: When I was in Bible College I meet an interesting young man by the name of Shannon. What made him interesting were his looks. His hair was a different color each week, his ears were loaded with earrings, and he wore the big loose grunge style clothing. But the most interesting point of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Journey He Made Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 24, 2023

John helps us see that the Word is God, creator, light, man. The journey Jesus made started before creation and will last for eternity. What does that mean for us? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell.

I’ve heard a lot of people talking about when is the right time to get into the Christmas spirit? How do you know you’re ready to celebrate this holiday? For some, it means putting the outdoor decorations up as early as the day after Halloween (after all, why not get that done before it’s freezing ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-5, John 1:9-14, Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don’t Believe Everything You See Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 11, 2023

Message 5 in an expositional series through Paul's "second" letter to the church in the ancient Greek city of Corinth where he defends his apostleship and corrects serious doctrinal errors within this young church.

Let me open up today by offering a little pastoral wisdom. If you ever get to the place where you start thinking things like, “I just have too much joy in my life,” OR, “I don’t know what to do with all this happiness inside of me,” here is a pro-tip. Get on Christian Twitter. Because Christian ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Faith

Contributed by Christopher Howitz on Dec 13, 2008

A call to copy the faith of our team-mates in the cross-country relay race of life... looking to God and trusting Him through the mud and the pain... because we have another city and different treasure... a prize that is worth the struggle.

Intro… The title I’ve got for you today is, “What is faith?” Hopefully by the end of what I’ve got to say, we’ll not only know what faith is, but we will be able to live it. And to help us along the road we’re going to have assistance from two old pros who we’re going to meet shortly. Hebrews… The ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Nine Steps To Develop A Healthy Conscience

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 5, 2004

Be thankful if you have a good conscience. When it gives you a warning whistle, pay attention! Then fight to preserve your faith and keep your conscience clear. That jarring sound is there to help you stay in fellowship with Christ

Nine Steps to Develop a Healthy Conscience (Hebrews 9:13-9:14) "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by virtue of His eternal Spirit has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the ever living God." (Heb ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut -Filled To The Brim

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Feb 9, 2010

In the Scriptures "Water" is often a symbol of .the "Word of God". It is important to understand that Wine often times in Jewish literature is a reference or a symbol of joy. Do you need to be filled anew, to be filled to the brim with joy? Updated August 2020.

If you are a follower of the Christ, ...... you know... ...that your life should be filled ... Filled with ... and overflowing ... with joy. You probably also know ...... that you should experience joy ... in spite of ... life's circumstances. The Scriptures clearly teach us... that the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:13, Matthew 11:18-19, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 51:12, John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26, John 19:26, John 2:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Broken (Part Two)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 22, 2019

Last week we looked at some events leading up to the crucifixion that had to do with brokenness. We looked at the broken seal on the jar of perfume, the broken protocol in Jesus' arrest and trial, and the broken hearts. What else was broken?

BROKEN (part two) Recap: Last week in pt. 1 I talked about some events leading up to the crucifixion that had to do with brokenness. First, we looked at Mary breaking the seal on her jar of expensive perfume so she could anoint Jesus. She was willing to let go of something very valuable to honor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:50-54, Hebrews 10:19-22, John 11:25-26, Psalm 107:10-14, Acts 3:19, Job 36:8-12, Acts 2:36-38, Psalm 51:17, Luke 18:9-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Problem And Solution Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

Our Christian faith and values are always being flavored by the culture. It is so subtle that we do not even realize it, and that is why the Bible often has to be so radical to jar us awake to the fact that we are to be different from the world.

William Stidger, the great preacher, was in France during World War I, and he visited the city of Marseilles where he saw the aqueduct that all visitors are guided to see. The story of this source of water to the city goes back to the old man who became known as the miser of Marseilles. He walked ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Kingdom Relationships Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Feb 9, 2019

Today we will focus on the importance that Jesus placed on Kingdom Relationships. We will also discuss the meaning of Luke 14:26 where Jesus used the word "hate" in reference to our relationship with our family.

Luke 8:16-21 Introduction: Recap of Part 14 • Jesus Introduces the Kingdom • The Kingdom of God is the realm of God, visible or invisible, where God’s systems and ways of doing things are already established and working. • We showed the development of the Kingdom from the declaration of John ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:10, Mark 3:21, Mark 3:31, Matthew 10:36-39, Luke 14:26-27, Luke 8:16-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Mary Worshipped

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 6, 2017

When we read of Mary the sister of Lazarus anointing Jesus with that alabaster jar of nard we often focus on who she was, the worth of the perfume, what the disciples said, etc. But we often overlook what Mary was actually doing.

Matthew 26:6-16 (Please open your Bibles so that you can follow along) Two weeks ago we have took a look at Jesus clearing the temple of the livestock marketplace and currency exchange bank that had been set up in the temple in order to profit from the sacrifices and offerings which would be given ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-16

Denomination: Nazarene

The Urgency Of Godliness Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jun 19, 2012

Most of us would probably be quick to say that loving and serving God is very important, but often fail to view it as urgent. Paul brings a sense of urgency to our spiritual life in the text today. He wants to jar his readers out of their complacency and

The Urgency of Godliness Romans 13:8-14 Intro: What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Urgent?” It can be an unpleasant word that is associated with tragedy. Most of us would rather not receive an urgent phone call because it might mean that someone we love is hurt or in trouble. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Uses Cracked Pots Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Aug 11, 2010

Like the clay jars that Gideon and his soldiers broke, there a tremendous value in being broken. We throw things away when they’re broken, but God cherishes and uses broken people. So, broken down, cracked pots, rejoice because God uses cracked pots so th

INTRODUCTION The title of my teaching series from 2 Corinthians is “Hope for Cracked Pots.” Today, we’re going to look at 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 which is the passage for which I named the entire series. Today we’re going to talk about “God uses Cracked ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7, 2 Corinthians 4:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Shrewd Manager: Wisdom For Kingdom Living

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Sep 18, 2025

A manager's word was his bond, and his reputation determined his future. But what happens when that reputation crumbles? What do you do when you've been caught with your hand in the cookie jar, and the pink slip is already being written?

Introduction In the dusty marketplace of ancient Palestine, business was conducted with handshakes and honor. A manager's word was his bond, and his reputation determined his future. But what happens when that reputation crumbles? What do you do when you've been caught with your hand in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Christ's Lights All Year Long Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 2, 2012

Jesus said we should be "the light of the World." But just how and why should we shine that light?

I asked the congregation: “How many of you have already taken down your Christmas lights?” (This was 7 days after Christmas Day, and about a 1/3 raised their hands) “Well, how many of you will take down your decorations NEXT week? (a few more raised their hands). How many of you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ