Sermons on Pagan Neighbors:

Daniel 9: This May Take A While Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Sep 3, 2020

When hopes are delayed, turn to the Bible, pray, and look to the future. The final fulfillment is in Christ, (Daniel 9:24) "...to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness..."

THIS MAY TAKE A WHILE—Daniel 9 The family is on a road trip, when one of the kids starts the incessant refrain, “Are we almost there?” The parent replies, “Not yet; we have a ways to go.” Ten minutes later, the question and answer are the same. “Are we almost there? Are we at least making ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-27, Jeremiah 9:4-14, Matthew 24:15-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why A Christian Should Not Celebrate Halloween

Contributed by Ronnie Thrower on Oct 25, 2001

Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?

WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate? Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship? Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual? In North ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is Joseph Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 14, 2013

Alas, the great, powerful pagan monarch Pharaoh found ‘none’ in his colossal palace to give him a piece of advice and interpret the dream for him among the plethora of magicians and wise men of Egypt!

Where is Joseph! Genesis 41:8”…..there was no one who could interpret them (the dream) for Pharaoh.” In the wee hours of this morning as I read the Bible, the above scripture caught my attention! Alas, the great, powerful pagan monarch Pharaoh found ‘none’ in his ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

You Are What You Eat Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 6, 2017

Daniel and his friends were strangers in a strange land and were surrounded by paganism. How did they deal with standing up for God in that setting, and how can we stand up for God in an increasingly offensive world?

I read the true story about a wife who liked to make sure she had meals ready to cook. She made “freezer meals” ahead of time and carefully noted what they were in large clear letters. There was "Meatloaf", "Pot Roast", "Steak and Vegetables”, "Chicken and Dumplings" or "Beef Pot Pie." But whenever ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Universal Praise Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 18, 2021

Can a pagan glorify the God of the Bible? If he becomes a believer, he certainly can. This invitation of Psa. 117 is authentic when it says whosoever will may come, and praise the God who is the God of all peoples.

If you think Psalm 117 is a short chapter, you are right, for it is the shortest in all the Bible. But it is twice as long in English as it is in the original Hebrew. It is 33 words in English, but only 17 in the Hebrew. And it is another of the many paradoxes of the Bible, for small as it ...read more

The Place Where We Got Grace Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 22, 2020

Amazing Grace is such a powerful song that even pagans will tear up when they hear it. What is the message in this song that can speak to the hearts of people who don't understand what Jesus did?

OPEN: A very distinguished preacher and 2 of the leaders from his congregation had attended an out of town meeting that didn’t finish until late that night. As they headed home, they were hungry and decided to have something to eat before going home but the only place open was a seedy bar and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Restoring God's Masterpiece Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2023

Sin marred and disfigured God's masterpiece. But the Bible is one long narrative of how God sought to restore that which was damaged. Has God completely restored His masterpiece now... or is that yet to happen?

OPEN: One of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings was called “The Last Supper.” It was painted on the wall of the Sistine Chapel, and Da Vinci was sure that the unique painting style he used would create a masterpiece that would last forever. It didn’t quite work out that way. The painting ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Capital Of Hell Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

I want to call your attention to the fact that Jesus says in verse 13 that the throne of Satan was in that city. He ends the verse by saying Satan lives there. So here is the city where Satan lives, and where he has his throne. This is none other than the capital of hell.

Is there any truth to the popular idea that hell is right here on earth? There were a lot of Minnesotans who believed it in Jan. of 1873. The morning of the 8th was beautiful and the snow was melting. Masses of people made plans to travel, visit, and shop. But about 4 in the afternoon the wind ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

The Man Who Sold His Future Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 7, 2011

What’s wrong with being godless? If you can answer that question, you can avoid the tragedy that took Esau’s future away from him.

OPEN: A man filled his car with gas at a self-service gas station. After he had paid and driven away, he realized that he had left the gas cap on top of his car. He stopped and looked and, sure enough, it was gone. He thought for a second and realized that other people must have done the same ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How's Your Karma?

Contributed by Stephen Becker on Nov 3, 2007

A look at Israel’s history of (sinfully) worshipping the pagan gods of those people around them, its implications, and how Israel kept doing it again and again. The sermon compares this with how our contemporary society falls into this same trap (karma,

HOW’S YOUR KARMA? An Exploration of the Danger of New Age Mysticism in American Society Based upon the teaching of Isaiah 1:10-18 Stephen H. Becker, M.Div. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church—Elk Grove, CA November 4, 2007—23rd Sunday After Pentecost A few months ago I did something that really upset my ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Purpose Driven Life Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Oct 7, 2005

We see how God fits us to the task he has for us.

Nehemiah Sermon 2 The Purpose Driven Life (Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2: 11, 17) Part 1: Rebuilding the Wall (Ch. 1-2) A. Preparation (Ch. 1-2) 1. The Person Prepared 1:1,11 2. The Priority Elevated 1:2 3. The Pain ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Living For The Will Of God Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 13, 2012

Live for the will of God and not for our own sinful pleasures.

Introduction “What does God want me to do?” “Why has he put me in this school…in this dorm, this job, this neighborhood?” “I’m surrounded by people who give me a hard time? Why?” “What is it that I am suppose to be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Freedom Of Light Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 6, 2014

How did God get a self-sufficient, highly educated pagan and atheist to change his life around? And what do we need to know and do to take part in this miracle of conversion that takes place with men like Phil Robertson?

OPEN: ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP4r4sXmqmo] - from "time marks" 4:48 to 8:45. We opened the sermon with this video cut from a CBN TV interview with Phil and Kay Robertson. After we played the clip, I entered the auditorium dressed in camouflage hunting gear. After reading the text and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:9-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Christmas That Wasn't Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 1, 2021

The first Christmas was the Christmas that wasn't--at least in Jerusalem, the city that the Great King and Messiah came to save, and to rule from. Pagan visitors from far away had to tell them of the great thing that had happened in their midst.

Back in November, Jeanie and I received a newsletter from an organization called SAT-7. SAT, I assume stands for satellite, because that is the means by which they broadcast the Gospel via television programs into Muslim dominated countries in the Middle East. SAT-7 is the largest provider of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-15, Numbers 24:16-17, Daniel 9:24-26, Romans 6:23, John 1:11-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

Love Does Not Brag And Is Not Arrogant Series

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 11, 2004

This is an in-depth look at how pride is contrary to truly loving God and our neighbor. We examine how pride is often manifested in our lives.

Arrogance or pride (which often leads to bragging) cannot co-exist with love. Arrogance is having or showing an exaggerated opinion of one’s own importance, merit, ability, accomplishments, etc. It is being conceited. It leads to having and demonstrating contempt for others. Jesus stated that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ