Sermons on Nearness To God:

A Powerful Grip

Contributed by Mary Erickson on May 9, 2022

A sermon for the 4th Sunday of Easter, Year C

May 8, 2022 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 10:22-30 A Powerful Grip Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. A travelling circus featured an act with a strong man. He performed several demonstrations of his incredible ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Funeral - Sudden Heart Attack

Contributed by Perry Greene on Sep 16, 2021

My friend, Jon had many health issues and died suddenly of a heart attack. Sudden heart attack is a real pandemic in America.

In preparation for funeral services I often ask people if their loved one had a favorite bible passage or bible story that I can share. Most don’t have one, but when I asked Linda she immediately said, “Joshua 1:9.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Word Of Faith

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 6, 2021

The dying thief on the cross next to Jesus made one request to be remembered, and Jesus responded to that by promising him that he would be joining Jesus that very day in paradise. Look to Jesus and your future is always bright.

Not all heroes die a noble death. Jacques de Lalaing, the flower of knighthood, who was considered the pattern of chivalry for all of Europe, and who was called the last hero of romance, died an early death in 1453. It was not of a lover’s broken heart, or in a tournament with his flag flying. He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-46

Walking Into Hell With Clean Feet

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 21, 2022

The last evening Jesus spent with His disciples (John 13-17) had Him showing the act of service towards others by washing their feet. Judas Iscariot's feet were cleaned as well, but his heart remained dirty and unresponsive to this final outreach of compassion as he planned Jesus' betrayal.

This year (2022) marks the fiftieth anniversary of the premiere of the film "A Thief in the Night", one of the first Christian films to present the subject of the last days and how it would impact life as we know it. The quality of the film is primitive by today's standards, but ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 41:9, Matthew 10:4, Matthew 26:14-15, Mark 14:43, Luke 22:47-48, John 6:70, John 13:26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Will Jesus Come To The Passover?

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Mar 24, 2021

Jesus kept the Law perfectly. Of course He would come to Jerusalem for the Passover. Passover requires a Lamb without blemish.

Will Jesus Come to the Passover? An Exposition of John 11:55-58 The Sanhedrin had just met and had condemned Jesus to death. The trial a few weeks later was for show. They had already decided that Jesus must die. John tells us that it would be according to the prophecy of Caiaphas the High Priest ...read more

Scripture: John 11:55-57

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Bid Him Come And Die Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 6, 2021

Following Jesus is an all or nothing proposal, and far too many so-called "believers" are riding the fence, playing a game, or trying to look devout when their character shows otherwise. Either follow and obey Him, or be honest in your unbelief and leave.

In today's social set-up, especially here in America, the prevailing philosophy seems to be, "I want it, and I want it NOW!" Young people are crying out for this at a pace that is bordering on the ridiculous, petty, and unrealistic. I do not see even the slightest awareness in most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, Mark 7:6, Mark 8:34-38, Titus 1:6, James 3:14, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 3:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil Creeps In.

Contributed by Damien Saylor on Sep 7, 2020

In the greatest of places, & the most secure feeling of places. The devil still creeps in.

Sermon- The Devil creeps in Q- How often do we think of the way the devil works? Q- Does he do things out in the open for all to see, or does he move like a magician craftily moving this hand while you’re looking at this one? - The devil is not a being that will leave you alone because you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:11

Denomination: Baptist

Water Boys Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 7, 2022

Holes. Gaps. Stretched. Should this be the case? We are gifted to help. We are needed. We are the answer to an age-old problem.

Help Wanted Pt. 2 - Water Boys I. Introduction We are in the middle of a national worker shortage. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, 67% of business owners were trying to hire workers in May 2022, and 92% of those seeking to hire reported few or no qualified applicants. ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Hero Worship Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 7, 2022

We grew up watching them on TV and in the movies. The truth is in our everyday life we have a choice to make . . . which one are you?

Heroes vs. Villains Pt. 4 - Hero Worship I. Introduction We have been talking about heroes and villains for the last 4 weeks. People are drawn to heroes! A good example of this fact began in 1970. Every year since then scores of people spend thousands of dollars, put on elaborate costumes to dress ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christmas Day

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Dec 24, 2022

Jesus through the eyes of Mark

Skipping Christmas Christmas Day December 25, 2022 One of my friends asked what I was going to preach on for Christmas Day and I told him, the birth story of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. In all honesty, Mark really doesn’t have a birth story. So, this should be really short! Right?! Nah! As ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Open Door: Jesus’ Welcome For The Burdened

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 29, 2025

This is the homily for a man who was part of our congregation but did not make a clear confession of faith, though he showed positive signs of change and faith after being with us for about 10 years.

The Open Door: Jesus’ Welcome for the Burdened Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:24, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In Search Of The Cross

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Sep 16, 2024

A sermon for the season following Pentecost, Year B, lectionary 24

September 15, 2024 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Mark 8:27-38 In Search of the Cross Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Yesterday, September 14, is recognized as Holy Cross Day. The festival commemorates when St. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Lutheran

Teaching On The Plain (Luke 6)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 27, 2024

What did Jesus teach on the plain that was different to his teaching on the mount? Let's look at Luke 6.

What’s more important, Sabbath or life? Do we just love emotionally or in action? Do we build on the rock, or worldly shifting sands? Let’s look at Luke 6. What did the disciples do on a Sabbath that made the Pharisees question Jesus? On a Sabbath, He passed through the grainfields. His disciples ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Pure Eye

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Sep 16, 2025

It is hard to see the good in the world when the bad gets the attention.

A Pure Eye Luke 11:33 - 36 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 “Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:33-36

Denomination: United Methodist

Barging In

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Dec 10, 2024

A woman of a low class barges into a Pharisee's home to plead for forgiveness from Jesus. He grants her the request. It shows that the common Jews desired the Messiah!

Barging in Luke 7:40-50 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H Koplitz 40 And Jesus answered, and said to him: Simon, I have something to say to thee. He said to him: Say it, Rabbi. Jesus said to him: 41 There were two debtors to a certain creditor; the one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:40-50

Denomination: United Methodist