Sermons on Negotiation:

Ruleigion

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 13, 2026

Jesus confronts rule-based righteousness by restoring the heart of God’s law—mercy, life, and grace centered in Himself.

Before we turn to Matthew chapter 12, I want to share a new word with you. Are you ready? Here it is: Ruleigion. Not religion — rule-igion. I didn’t invent this word — it was coined by Joshua Harris from Covenant Reformed Church in Hagerstown, Maryland — but it names something Jesus confronts ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:6, Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

I Am Barabbas

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 15, 2026

Jesus stands innocent and silent while the guilty go free. In Barabbas, we see ourselves—released not by merit, but by Christ’s substitution.

Every year at Passover, Jerusalem remembered a story of deliverance. They remembered blood on doorposts. They remembered judgment passing over. They remembered slaves walking free. Passover was never just history. It was identity. It was the story that told Israel who they were and how they were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26, Isaiah 53:5-6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 3:18, John 1:29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Making Mountains Out Of Molehills

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 24, 2026

Small, unattended permissions become spiritual strongholds, but through Christ, every entrenched lie and pattern can be confronted, dismantled, and replaced with freedom.

Most of the damage we do to our spiritual lives does not begin with big sins or dramatic failures. It begins with small things we underestimate. A reaction we excuse. A habit we postpone dealing with. A thought we repeat often enough that it starts to feel true. We tell ourselves, “This is ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:27, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, John 8:36, James 1:14-15, James 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

I Meant To Say

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 14, 2019

A study in the book of 2 Chronicles 36: 1 – 23

2 Chronicles 36: 1 – 23 I meant to say 36 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. 2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 3 Now the king of Egypt deposed him at ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Worshipping The Snake

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 30, 2023

We Evangelicals are as susceptible to idolatry as are every other religious group. We don't identify our idols as opposed to Christ's rule, but they are idols that cause us to stumble, nevertheless.

“In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Thanksgiving - Rejoicing With Those Who Rejoice

Contributed by Melvin Newland on May 15, 2001

I’m convinced that one of the most difficult things that the Scripture asks us to do is found in Romans 12:15. That verse says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2014) ILL. It’s Thanksgiving Day & the aroma of roast turkey fills Charlie Brown’s house. Snoopy, outside, lying on top of his doghouse, smells that aroma, & he is thinking, “It’s Thanksgiving Day. Everybody eats turkey on ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:15, Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rejoice Anyway!

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Dec 15, 2002

Is your Christmas turning out to be less than ideal? So was the first one. Rejoice anyway!

The Christmas season is a time of celebration, a time of rejoicing. As the song tells us, "It’s the most wonderful time of the year!" And there are dozens more where that came from, Christmas songs exhorting us to rejoice and be of good cheer; songs like "Good Christian Men, Rejoice!" and, "We Wish ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:30-33

Denomination: Baptist

It's My Time To Be Blessed

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Jan 24, 2003

I believe that if we would ask Jacob this, he would tell us: "ITS MY TIME TO BE BLESSED!" For I believe he has come to realize that in the Perfect Plan of God there are SEASONS OF BLESSINGS for the Children of God’s Cov

"And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses." In the All-Inclusive, Perfect Plan of the All-Wise God our Savior, There is a Season for Every Thing, and a Time for Every Purpose. Every Thing has been allotted a Limited Span of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:43

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Scrutiny

Contributed by Jeff Hughes on Apr 8, 2003

Test the Spirits!

Spiritual Scrutiny 1st John 4:1 – 6 Jeff Hughes I. Introduction a. False teaching is a fatal disease that has spread to become an epidemic in the church. It can choke the life out of those seeking God, and can cripple believers by disillusionment and discouragement. b. A main purpose of John ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

But Nails Hurt! Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 24, 2003

Nails were distributed to the congregation, so that they could test: if you wish to endure, you have to endure some pounding. Holes may be punched in you, too. But if you persist, ultimately you will be built up.

If you really want to grow, it’s going to cost you. If you truly expect to be built up, there will be some pain involved. No growth ever takes place without pain. That’s a law of life. That’s not negotiable. No pain, no gain. No hurt, no growth. No rough edges, no building up. If you truly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Peace That Passes Understanding Series

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jun 25, 2004

This sermon describes what it means to have peace and briefly touches on the importance of sharing that peace with others.

June 27, 2004 The Peace that Passes Understanding Asaph once wrote, I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. (Ps 73:3-5) When ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Lutheran

Pride And Arrogance Series

Contributed by Bradford Robinson on Jul 5, 2004

This sermon looks at what sinful pride is and how Naaman’s pride almost cost him everything!

In his book, “The Applause of Heaven”, Max Lucado tells the sad story of a man he came to know through a friend. The man’s name was Anibal. Anibal was a tough man. Max Lucado said that his tattooed anchor on his forearm symbolized his personality—cast-iron. His broad chest stretched his shirt. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Who Are Our Strangers? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 13, 2004

Many things conspire to keep people separate, even in the church. Only God can connect us, and it is the cross that binds us. Are we living out that reality, or have we let separations disconnect us?

When he says it, it feels both enraging and endearing. When he pronounces it, it sounds like irritation, but it also sounds like invitation. It is both attracting and detracting, both including and excluding. I am referring to those moments in the old TV show, when Felix Unger, the neat freak half ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Stand Up For Jesus

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Aug 8, 2005

An overview of 2 Timothy and Paul’s call to stand up and stand firm for the gospel.

Stand Up For Jesus 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:1-3 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO An old song from our hymnals provides a fitting backdrop for 2 Timothy. Listen to the words written in 1858 by George Duffield, a Presbyterian minister in Philadelphia. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ