Sermons on Pagan Festivals:

Candlemas, The Story Of Simeon, How Can We Prepare For Death?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Feb 3, 2014

Candle-mas, the story of Simeon is a simple story, but if you look closely, there is a lot about the way we should be living our lives … as either Jesus will appear one day on earth, or we will die and meet him in heaven; either way, we want to be ready.

Word Count: 2579 This sermon was delivered to the congregation in St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 2nd February 2014: by Gordon McCulloch (A Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries). Summary: "Candle-mas", the story of Simeon is a simple story, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Episcopal

It's Not Time

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 1, 2013

We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint

It's Not Time John 7:1-8, 30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NotTime.html We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Time is like a river made ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

It Takes A Lamb - Good Friday Services Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

This is the text of a Good Friday service worked into a series. It featured an on-stage enactment of a Passover Seder, "narrated" by the speaker of the message, explaining the significance of Passover in light of the gospel.

Introduction: (Scripture read - offstage) Exodus 12:3-14 …This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD--a lasting ordinance. Joke - Moses was sitting in the Egyptian ghettos. Things were terrible. Pharaoh wouldn't even ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:3-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Miracle Of Transformation Is Possible When Preparation Precedes The Blessing

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jul 1, 2021

The miracle of transformation begins when we are willing to offer Jesus obedience without reservation; service without limitation; and participation without intimidation. Jesus can take what we will do and do with it that we can’t do.

Jesus was on a mission to save the world, the greatest mission in the history of mankind. Yet, he took the time to attend a wedding and take part in the festivities. We may be tempted to think we should not take time out from our important work for social occasions. But maybe these social occasions ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Timing Is Everything

Contributed by Robert Austin on Jul 16, 2022

In the LOTR movie, the Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf the wizard says

Timing is Everything Introduction Welcome In the LOTR movie, the Fellowship of the Ring, Gandalf the wizard says, "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." And while that's a humorous way for the character to get around the fact ...read more

Scripture: John 7:6, John 8:20, John 7:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Goodwill Should Be Extended All Year Round

Contributed by Thomas Wilson on Dec 23, 2006

Proclaiming the message of Peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind - the true meaning of the message.

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to all mankind.” Glory to God indeed, as this Christmas Eve we gather, in preparation, we wait in anticipation; we wait eagerly wondering what tomorrow morning will bring to us, our families and our friends. We have become a little ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Congregational

God Is Good Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Dec 1, 2018

Thy name is good (Ps.52:9,54:6). i.e., powerful, majestic, awesome and pleasant(Ex.15:3, Jer.33:2, Is.42:8, Am.5:8). Wherever his name is declared and honored, he would bless that place(Ex.20:24). When God declared his name to Moses implied his characters are good (Ex.33:19,34:6).

Nahum 1 Introduction: Sennacherib’s general Rabshakeh challenged with a louder voice to Israel ‘which God can deliver you from my Hand’ in 722BC (2Ki.19:10-11). But within 100 years, the fall has come to Assyrians. Nahum, Habakkuk and Malachi are the three minor prophets talk about burden ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus And The Temple

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Mar 13, 2018

Why did Jesus lose His temper in the Temple when He saw the traders and money changers there? The context explains everything - they were on the take! Jesus was a danger to their profits and had to go.

The temple John 2:13-25 The reading we have just heard from John's gospel might seem rather strange especially as it is at the start of his gospel; but ironically the synoptic gospels have this incident in the temple at the start of His last week just after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem - ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-25, Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46

Passover Jesus To Pilate

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Mar 24, 2018

How much do we really understand about the context behind the trial and death of Jesus. Why were the Jews so insistent that Jesus should be put to death and what's more by the hated Romans?

Passover Jesus to Pilate It is the feast of the Passover in the city of Jerusalem around AD30. The city is full of pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean world to attend this great national festival when they celebrated their release from slavery in the land of Egypt. Now they were effectively ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-15, Matthew 27:11-26, Luke 23:1-25

Be Prepared

Contributed by Craig Condon on Nov 27, 2015

We are called to be faithful to God and obey him. Being faithful is the meaning of waiting for the Lord to come. There will be no second chances when Christ returns.

It’s not hard to tell that we are getting closer to the end of the church year. In fact, three weeks from today we will be celebrating the First Sunday in Advent. The Gospel readings for these last few weeks of the Season of Pentecost talk about what God’s judgement will be like. They ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Anglican

When God Moves Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 29, 2020

This is the 2nd sermon in the Action Series. This series began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Series: Action [#2] WHEN GOD MOVES… Acts 2:1-13 Introduction: Last Sunday, I did several things that I normally don’t do. Instead of Sunday School, we had a 1 hour Worship Service with a 20 minute sermon. Then, I did it again- Another short Worship Service. Karen and I attended both of the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Vs Traditions (Colossians 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 23, 2024

Is our faith based upon Christ or human traditions? Let's look in Colossians 2.

Church traditions build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). Some traditions are like gold, silver and precious stones. Some are as worthless as wood, hay and stubble, not surviving the testing fire of God’s judgment. Upon whom do we base our faith? Let’s discuss this in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' First Miracle

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 10, 2022

What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of God in John 2:1-11.

Prelude What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Purpose: Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Plan: Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Kingdom Preparation

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Aug 14, 2025

We are called to be faithful to God and obey him. Being faithful is the meaning of waiting for the Lord to come. There will be no second chances when Christ returns.

Ps: 150 1. Matthew 25:1-13 2. Revelation 19:5-9 We are called to be faithful to God and obey him. Being faithful is the meaning of waiting for the Lord to come. There will be no second chances when Christ returns. It’s not hard to tell that we are getting closer to the end of the church ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13, Revelation 19:5-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Amos: Justice And Righteousness Matter To God” Series

Contributed by Charles Clemons on Feb 12, 2021

“The prophet Amos was sent by God to warn Israel of the coming judgment upon their idolatry and rampant injustice.“They had a form of self-satisfied religion where they actively wanted the blessing of God for themselves and their family yet had little concern for their neighbor. ”

“ I. What God Hates (5:21-23) A. Hypocritical & False Worship 1. Festivals 2. Assemblies B. Insincere Repentance & Giving 1. Burnt Offerings 2. Grain Offerings 3. Peace Offerings II. What God Approves (V.24) A. Justice ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:21-24, Jeremiah 22:3, Micah 6:8, 1 Peter 3:18