Sermons on Mysteries:

Biblical Fasting

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 24, 2017

Fasting has been misused by mystics and sometimes remained a mystery to many committed Christians. Although opinions are mixed on the issue, I believe we can carve out a Biblical position that, while perhaps incomplete, will lay a good foundation.

Biblical Fasting (Matthew 9: 14-15) 1. This is perhaps the most awful pun you will hear. 2. Mahatma Gandhi went around barefoot quite often, and eventually his soles turned very tough and thick. Of course he also was a devout Hindu. Later in life he also fasted a lot, becoming thin and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"In A Manner Of Speaking": 'the Prodigal Son' [part Six]

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Oct 1, 2016

Did Jesus resort to using allegory as a clever ruse so as to keep things hidden? On the contrary! Jesus resorted to using parables so that the listener could better understand “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 13:11].

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, September 6, 2015 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter In a Manner of Speaking: “The Prodigal Son” Luke 15:11-32 [NET] The scriptures tell us that on one occasion ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Is The Trinity? Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 16, 2013

the mystery of the Trinity, God being three persons in one, has been difficult for Christians to explain since the beginning. Last week we talked about some religions and offshoots of Christianity who have denied the Trinitarian nature of God because it

How many of you have read the Shack? I recently read it and the newest book that author came out with, and both books have interesting imaginings about the Trinity. In both books the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are people with various characteristics, male and female. In the Shack, the Father ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6-10

Christmas News: The Angels Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Dec 8, 2014

We need to be seized once more by heavenly realities – just as Zechariah was. We need to experience something like a shock to our smug certainties that whittle God down to a manageable size and leave us underwhelmed by the mysteries of eternity.

Angels have fallen on hard times these days. Hardly anyone thinks about them anymore…except at Christmas, of course. But even at that, people don’t much believe in them. Although…I knew a woman – a member of this church at one time: She told me that she had actually seen an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Unrequited Love Of God

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 1, 2019

The passionate love of God is the blazing fire at the heart of all creation. God thinks about you every moment of every day. His love will never vary or change. That God would love even the vilest of sinners is the greatest mystery of eternity.

God has commanded that every human being love Him with EVERYTHING in them (Deut 6:5). The GREAT commandment supersedes all others. Sadly, in the lives of too many Christians, God’s love is unrequited. There are some Christians who are not comfortable with the way God truly feels about them, so ...read more

Scripture: James 2:26, Hebrews 12:2, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:22, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, James 2:17, Habakkuk 2:4, Luke 11:11-13, Genesis 2:18, 1 John 4:7-10, Acts 17:28, Deuteronomy 6:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Word Of Life Celebrated Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 1, 2021

John says, “We write this to make our joy complete. He presents Jesus as the source of the completed life. John says, “and the life was manifested.” Jesus is not a mysterious entity that is evasive, he is real, and Christians find their joy through him.

Reality shows continue to draw people’s attention. . . In an article, 10 Reality Shows That Aren't Real At All (And 10 That Totally Are), Chris Littlechild, talks about how they claim to be real; however, “the producers are just looking to stir up drama with fake moments. These shows are ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Christmas Is Not Your Birthday”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 22, 2021

Mike Slaughter challenges our comfortable traditions his book: Christmas Is Not Your Birthday. Quotes from Linus. Incarnation,.. how divinity interacted with human DNA, that’s the mystery the Virgin Birth. Quote from Christianity Today 1996

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2021 Text: Matthew 1:20b-21 Christmas Eve - Redeemer “Christmas Is Not Your Birthday” It’s Christmas Eve. Excitement & anticipation are in the air. Christmas trees light up our homes with bright lights and shiny ornaments. Colorful ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

The Testing At Cana: Do You Measure Up?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 3, 2023

Cana was mysteriously chosen to be the site of Jesus' first two miracles in Galilee. Cana means "a rod for measuring." At Cana a desperate man met Jesus. His perspective was changed and his gold-like faith emerged.

THE TESTING AT CANA: DO YOU MEASURE UP? John 4:39-54 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There was a man in prison for robbery of a bank. He’d never told the police where he’d hidden the money. 2. His old father wrote him a letter, “Son, I wish you were here. I’d like to have a garden this year, but ...read more

Scripture: John 4:39-54

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Double Exposure

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 8, 2023

The photographic process is mysterious; a piece of film is exposed to light and images are left. Our lives are like that film. We present what we want others to see, but God sees beneath it. A 2nd exposure will happen - now or later!

DOUBLE EXPOSURE Eph. 5:8-16 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Squeaky clean 1. One young woman decided to try clean her purse by throwing it into the washing machine—with the rest of the laundry. Her younger brother was startled, and asked, “Why are you washing your purse?” 2. Their father, who ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Does It Mean To Be Commissioned?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Feb 6, 2023

Isaiah’s perspective on God in the initial four verses gives us a feeling of God’s significance, power, and mystery. Isaiah's case of perceiving his sin before God urges us to admit our own wrongdoings.

Isaiah 6:1-13 The image of absolution that Isaiah gives advises us that we are pardoned as well. At the point when we perceive how incredible God is, how guilty we are, and the degree of His absolution, we get the strength to accomplish His work. How does our idea of the significance of God match ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Rest Of The Story Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 20, 2020

Paul concludes chapter 11 explaining that God has not given up on the people of Israel by revealing the mystery that "all Israel will be saved." The thought that God's plan includes mercy for Jews and Gentiles propels Paul into a majestic doxology about the glory of God.

A. I used to love listening to Paul Harvey’s “The Rest of the Story” radio broadcasts. 1. The short radio segments consisted of stories presented as little-known or forgotten facts on a variety of subjects with some key element of the story (usually the name of some well-known person) held back ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:25-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Revelation Study Series 24b - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Ch. 19b) Series

Contributed by Clayton Beck on Oct 13, 2023

Jesus came! He died! He resurrected! He is coming back!

Revelation Study Series 24b - God’s Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Chapter 19b) 05.29.22 Last week we read of what John saw in a vision revealed to him by God. There were vast crowds of people shouting… “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. (vs. 1) We talked about ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:11-21, Matthew 24:27-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Revelation Study Series 26a - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Chapter 20a) Series

Contributed by Clayton Beck on Oct 13, 2023

Jesus came! He died! He resurrected! He is coming back!

Revelation Study Series 26a - God’s Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Chapter 20a) 06.05.22 Our eyes were on the Groom last week! Jesus, the Rider on the white horse, the Word of God, King of kings, Lord of lords! We spoke of Jesus’ Second coming and the battle of Armageddon! Jesus with a “sharp ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-10, Isaiah 11:6-10, Isaiah 65:17-25, Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Revelation Study Series 26b - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Chapter 20b) Series

Contributed by Clayton Beck on Oct 13, 2023

Jesus came! He died! He resurrected! He is coming back!

Revelation Study Series 26b - God’s Mysterious Plan Fulfilled (Chapter 20b) 06.12.22 Things Everyone Hates: Losing Things Bills Liars (Cheaters, Quitters) Bad Wifi Service Bad Attitude Wrong Order Traffic https://www.theodysseyonline.com/things-nobody-likes/losing-things You could add to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15, Revelation 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Do Not Know Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 11, 2023

When you do not know, work diligently and celebrate responsibly.

After going bankrupt in 1998, the Psychic Friends Network relaunched as a public company in 2012, promising to be “bigger, bolder, and better than ever.” In their investor presentation, they promised to “leverage an iconic brand name using new technologies and social media to re-establish Psychic ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10, Psalm 16:11

Denomination: Evangelical Free