Sermons on Outward Appearance:

John 12:1-8 (The Erotic & The Domestic)

Contributed by David Smith on Oct 30, 2007

It doesn’t take long at this dinner party before the chaos breaks out, this time through the surprising appearance of Mary, pouring a ludicrously expensive jar of perfume.

We’re turning to John’s Gospel today, which, quite frankly, is a little unnerving for me, as I find John’s Gospel more difficult to deal with than the other three John retells the story of Jesus in such a way that things are rarely as they appear to be. Jesus speaks of being born ’from above’ and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Touched By An Angel

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 17, 2015

Angels play a significant role in the N.T., particularly surrounding the events of the birth of Jesus. There were 4 major appearances of angels: with Zachariah, Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds.

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL Matt. 1-2; Lk. 1-2 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A man built a new home. One day as he was looking at the outside of it, an apparition appeared and was visible for a full minute. One year later, it appeared again at exactly the same time, but his friends thought he was just ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Laborers In The Vineyard

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Dec 21, 2021

This parable appears only in the Gospel of Matthew. The Lord Jesus would often take some unusual things and use those things to teach us a spiritual lesson.

In this parable, He used WORK and WAGES to teach us a spiritual lesson. Illus: When it comes to labor and management, I think about the man who applied for a job. It went something like this: • Manager: "I'm sorry I can't hire you, but there isn't enough work to keep you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

How Sin Gets Us To Bite The Hook Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 1, 2020

Paul tells us that Satan can appear as an angel of light. That is a clear picture of the way that Satan and temptation works. What can we learn from it?

[Have a fishing pole with a hooked worm.] SATAN APPEARS AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT: Sin takes what is good and twists it just enough. - 2 Corinthians 11:14. - Genesis 3:1. - What does it mean that Satan appears as an angel of light? It means that Satan in tempting us often comes to us in the form of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who's Bigger

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 18, 2009

There are at least three times God appears on a mountain. Each time, the message was different... but each time the message was the same. Do you know what that message was?

(Sermon Was From Our Tent Revival) OPEN: A Revival can take place only when people fully understand who God is. A few of years back, someone in Florida launched a billboard campaign, sponsored by an anonymous client, who tried to do just that: help people understand who God was. The campaign ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night C

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Dec 11, 2022

One night shepherds were quietly watching over their sheep, only to be interrupted by an appearance of a heavenly army that declared the coming of the Savior in a manger. This message focuses on that event.

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night Chuck Sligh December 11, 2022 NOTE: A PowerPoint presentation for this message is available by emailing me at chucksligh@hotmail.com. Please request the title, “While Shepherds Watched.” TEXT: Turn to Luke 2 INTRODUCTION Don’t you just love kids at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Looking At Our Mess And Hopelessness, Where Was Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 24, 2024

The phrase "in the middle" appears early in Genesis, late in John, and late in Revelation. The connection between the three speaks to an amazing title for the cross of Jesus.

“Looking at Our Mess and Hopelessness, Where Was Jesus?” Genesis 2:4-9 - [There is a verse that needs to be quoted in the outline.] SERIES SET-UP: There are significant parallels between the beginning of Genesis and the end of John. - Genesis 1:1; John 1:1. - Romans 8:19-22. - This is not ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:4-9, John 19:17-18, Revelation 22:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Consistency Of Evil In Arrogant man Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 18, 2024

Arrogant people appear overly confident and seek superiority to cover their shortcomings. They lack empathy, have no genuine interest in others, and often have a dismissive or condescending attitude.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of People who embody the trait of arrogance, leading them down a path of destruction and harm to others. Unfortunately, these people rarely change their ways, and their arrogance only grows stronger with time. In this article, we will explore the biblical ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:20-23

Divers Lusts

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 23, 2025

The term divers lusts refers to various kinds of evil cravings and desires that war against the soul. These lusts may appear pleasurable and harmless at first, but their end is destruction.

DIVERS LUSTS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:6 (KJV) "For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts," Supporting Texts: Titus 3:3, James 1:14-15, Galatians 5:16-17, Romans 13:14, 1 Peter ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Knowing The Times Series

Contributed by William Baeta on Aug 13, 2025

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

The theme for today’s sermon is “knowing the times”. The first words of the Bible are “In the beginning (time) God created the heavens (space) and the earth” (matter). The relationship between time, energy, space and matter is a fundamental concept in physics to give us an understanding of the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40, Luke 12:54-59

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Promise That Will Be Kept - Jeremiah 33:14 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 22, 2025

There are moments in the Christian life when faith feels hardest—not when God says “no,” but when God appears silent. Discipleship is shaped not by speed, but by trust.

The Promise that will be kept - Jeremiah 33:14 Following Jesus When God’s Word Seems Delayed Jeremiah 33:14 (NLT): “The day will come,” says the LORD, “when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.” INTRODUCTION: WHEN GOD’S PROMISES FEEL LATE There are moments in ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-15, Numbers 23:19, Luke 1:32-33, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Hebrews 10:23, Acts 3:19-20, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Construction Of A Kingdom 3: How To Deal With A Giant

Contributed by J. Ritter Jr on Oct 18, 2000

Introduction Today we continue in our study entitled, The Construction of a Kingdom.

Introduction Today we continue in our study entitled, The Construction of a Kingdom. Thus far we have learned from the failures of King Saul and God's election of the David, a young shepherd boy, and gained valuable insights as to the conditions necessary for God to construct His kingdom in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1, 1 Samuel 17:1-50

Consider Your Service Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 14, 2005

We are saved to serve - both Christ and others

SERIES: “OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THAT OBSTRUCT OBEDIENCE” TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1-5 TITLE: “CONSIDER YOUR SERVICE” INTRODUCTION: A. Dr. Albert Schweitzer had returned to Europe on furlough form his missionary service in Africa when he was 80-years-old. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Angels: God's Heavenly Warriors, Pt. 1 Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 30, 2006

ANGELS: They don’t play harps and they don’t play outfield. They are God’s army, and we can learn much about ourselves from their warfare. Link included to entire series in formatted text, w/ handouts, and PowerPoints.

God’s Heavenly Warriors, pt. 1 Colossians 2:18 With 273 verses in scripture dealing with angels, you have to wonder why most preachers don’t deal with the subject anymore. 3 reasons many churches don’t talk about angels: 1. Reaction against speculation. Theologians are often guilty of dealing w/ ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 14:12-15

Denomination: Baptist

Having A Heart For God Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Oct 24, 2006

God blesses a life which is lived in pursuit of him.

What is God looking for in a person or a church he can use in a mighty way? Why does it seem that God blesses one person, or church more than another? When I refer to being blest I am not referring to financial or numerical blessing but to a spiritual blessing, an outpouring of God’s Spirit. We ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1-11, Psalm 63:1

Denomination: Methodist