Sermons on Narrative:

The Miserable Son And The Maddened Sibling

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 24, 2022

Was the miserable son wasteful? Why did the father not punish the young son, if he deserved it? Was the maddened son self-centered and resentful?

Verses 11 – 19: Was the miserable son wasteful? The young son’s portion of the property was 33% (Deuteronomy 21:17). By and large, he would have gotten this at his father’s death, although fathers in some cases decided to split their property early and resign from dealing with the estates. What is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Serenity Of Christ Before Pilate

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Mar 29, 2023

Who is in control at Christ's trial? Pilate wanted to release Jesus but changed his mind. Caiaphas effectively blackmails Pilate into doing his will in getting rid of Jesus. But Jesus remains cool, charm and collective. The crowd who are stirred up in demanding the death of Jesus.

The Serenity of Christ before Pilate I’m sure many of you here this morning have visited Coventry Cathedral and left with some sort of reaction to that Church, dedicated to the Glory of God in the name of St. Michael and All Angels. It is the sort of modern Cathedral building you either love or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:17-18, Isaiah 53:7, John 10:17, John 19:5

Jesus’ Work Is Not Finished – Evil Must Go!

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Oct 10, 2023

Evil inclination is still in the world. Jesus' work to rid us of evil was not finished on the cross. It passes on to us who follow him as Lord and Savior

Jesus’ Work is NOT Finished – EVIL MUST GO! Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 19:17-30 John 19:17 They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. 18 There they crucified Him, and with Him two other ...read more

Scripture: John 19:17-30

Denomination: United Methodist

To Tell The Truth

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 25, 2022

Truth destroys the deceptions of our time.

"To Tell the Truth" was a classic television game show from 1956 to 1968 in which a person of some notoriety and two impostors tried to match wits with a panel of four celebrities. The game's objective was to try to fool the celebrities into voting for the two impostors. Some of you ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Being A Radical

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jul 26, 2022

Reform is what Jesus was looking for. He was called a radical. The Pharisees took notice of what He was doing. Corruption was destroying Judaism. Is it happening to Christianity today? When humans create an organization eventually corruption sneaks in.

Being a Radical John 4:1-6 Rev. Dr. Michael Harvey Koplitz John 4:1 And Jesus knew, that the Pharisees had heard; that he made many disciples, and baptized more than John. 2 Yet Jesus himself did not baptize but his disciples. 3 And he left Judaea, and went again into Galilee. 4 And in going, he ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Choosing A Church Based On The Preacher

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Aug 16, 2022

What criteria should a layperson use to determine which church to attend? It is vital for preachers and bishops to understand the concept. Preachers have the responsibility to present the Bible accurately and to encourage the people to follow it.

Choosing a Church Based on the Preacher John 4:43-54? Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz ?43 After athe two days He went forth from there into Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified ?that aa prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans ?received Him, ahaving seen ...read more

Scripture: John 4:43-54

Denomination: United Methodist

An Outline Of Acts 13:1-12

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 26, 2022

Acts 13 is a turning point in the history of the Church. Barnabas and Saul were personally selected by the Holy Spirit for a special mission. They left Antioch, preached through Cyprus, and experienced several things.

Introduction: Acts 13 could serve as a turning point in the Church’s story. The first 12 chapters are primarily concerned with the beginning of the Church and the issues facing the Church near Jerusalem. Now Luke is relating how the Church was going “to the uttermost part of the earth.” 1 Antioch: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Sharing

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Sep 13, 2022

The feeding of the 5000 in John 6 has many layers of meaning. One view is that the miracle is that Jesus got everyone to share their food.

Sharing John 6:1-15 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 6:1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15

Denomination: United Methodist

Holy Monday And Jesus Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 27, 2021

Jesus spent his hectic days of the Holy week teaching, practicing justice and he had prepared the disciples for a larger vision. So Monday events are on prayer and integrity.

Theme: Search of God Text: Matthew 21:18-20 Introduction: The three notable events of this chapter are the Triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem City, Cleansing of the temple, and the curse and withering of the fig tree. These are series of miracles and climax of judgment before the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:18-20

Denomination: Methodist

Faith And Service Through Our Understanding Of Maundy Thursday

Contributed by Ian Bullock on Mar 31, 2021

An opportunity to reflect on some of the key themes of Maundy Thursday, as we begin to prepare for Good Friday

In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen, Today we enter the Holy Triduum, the three days which changed everything. Maundy Thursday is replete with signs and symbols, so much for us to think about, and to celebrate before we sit vigil in the garden of gethsemane with Christ later ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17

Denomination: Anglican

Is There More Than One Will Of God?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 8, 2021

There is a belief within the church that the Creator God has a perfect will with as many as six permissive variations

There is a belief within the church that the Creator God has a perfect will with many permissive variations that purposely 'allows' horrible things such as sickness and disease to happen to those who He created in His image and likeness (James 3:9). "And be not conformed to this ...read more

Scripture: James 3:9, Romans 12:2, Revelation 21:9, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Good Plan That Went Awry – Or Did It? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 24, 2021

A unanimous apostolic plan that went awry, Jewish rumors, gentile riots, and an apostle getting a ride on Roman soldiers. The purpose of the Christian life is not to avoid problems; indeed, God can sometimes use our problems to further His plans.

A Good Plan That Went Awry – Or Did It? (Acts 21:17-40) 1. The invention of Post-it notes is interesting. What seemed like a failure was turned to a great success: In 1968, scientist Spencer Silver at the 3M company created a very weak adhesive that would peel off when removed from any surface. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Light And Darkness Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 26, 2022

As we continue our pursuit of spiritual soundness this Lent, we ask for the grace we need from the Holy Spirit

Homily for 4th Sunday in Lent The team’s morale had never been higher. Their speed was peaking; their accuracy was better than ever. They had become a team through good times and bad, encouraging each other constantly. The cheering section on the sideline was packed; the cheerleaders were ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-41, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-14

Denomination: Catholic

The Personification Of Truth Vs. The Pettiness Of Skepticism

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 24, 2022

The drama of redemption continued as the Lord Jesus, having faced an illegal trial by the religious authorities of Israel, now faced the representative of political authority in Israel, Pontius Pilate, and the conversation he had with the true Authority.

John 18:28-40 records the probable final conversation that the Lord Jesus has with another person before he was led off to be crucified. He had a dialogue with the Roman governor of the Judean province, Pontius Pilate, and we also see that these two men had opposing agendas. Pilate comes across ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6, John 18:28-40, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:1-3, Acts 4:12, 1 John 5:12, Isaiah 40:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God When Times Are Tough

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Jan 20, 2020

The season after Christmas can be blah. All the excitement is gone and we're left with the emotional crash after. This sermon speaks to how we can trust God when times are tough.

Trusting God When Times Are Tough: The Christmas Hangover Have you ever had a hangover? I hear they can be rough. You know the story… the night before, you felt alive. You even loved everyone. Then you wake the next morning, and you can't say for sure, but you might be dead. Once in a while, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15, Matthew 2:19-23

Denomination: Episcopal