Sermons on Pagan Rites:

Celebrating Epiphany Isaiah 60__ 1 – 6

Contributed by Charles Scott on Jan 19, 2008

Where is He born King of the Jews? Where was God in the slaughter of the innocents? God was in a caring Father and Mother who fled to Egypt to protect the precious life of the child. God was in this Christ reconciling the world to himself.

Celebrating Epiphany Isaiah 60__ 1 – 6 Isaiah 60: 1 – 6, Ephesians 3: 1 – 12 and Matthew 2: 1 – 12. The Christian’s calendar is always out of sync with the secular calendar. And to further confuse Christian children in regard to holidays, the sacred holidays differ from Church to Church. The ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Denomination: Anglican

The Sanctifying Shield Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 15, 2013

Jesus prays that the Father will protect us. But how does the God do that? How does God guard us and shield us when we live so exposed to the temptations and lusts of this world?

OPEN: Down in Kentucky, our nation has a very special place designed to protect our gold supply. Do you know what it’s called? (Fort Knox). That’s where our nation keeps most of our gold. But more than gold has been stored there over the years. Ft. Knox has also held the Magna Carta, ...read more

Scripture: John 17:11-19, John 17:1-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Will God Send People To Hell? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 24, 2014

There are many people who are uncomfortable with the idea that God sends people to hell. Does He? And if He does, what kind of people does He send there?

OPEN: Calvin Coolidge was known for his dry wit and the fact that virtually nothing seemed to upset him or disturb him. Before Coolidge became President of the United States, he was a senator in the Massachusetts State Senate. Apparently one of Coolidge’s responsibilities was to decide which ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Creativity--The Opposite Of Liturgy Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 21, 2011

Our profession of faith in Christ is guided not only by Scripture, but by the Fathers of the Church, the historic creeds, and our liturgical tradition.

Monday of the 5th Week of Easter Spirit of the Liturgy Mistaken identity. It’s an embarrassment, and occasionally a lethal inconvenience. Consider poor Jude here. No wonder he appears to have preferred the name “Thaddeus,” and became patron saint of hopeless causes. Even the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:5-18

Denomination: Catholic

Reflections On Halloween

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Oct 31, 2005

How does a Christian deal with Halloween in a way that glorifies God?

Halloween can be a troubling holiday. Many of us carry fond memories of Halloweens long ago, back when we were growing up. Many of us remember it as innocent fun—a special day just for children. I remember dressing up in silly costumes and going door to door begging for candy. When I was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Preparing For Jesus Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 16, 2012

Who is this Jesus? That is the question that underlines the gospel of Mark. He is a man like us and yet so much more. Throughout his gospel Mark raises that question and he begins in his opening passage about John the Baptist.

Introduction Who is this Jesus? That is the question that underlines the gospel of Mark. He is a man like us and yet so much more. Throughout his gospel Mark raises that question and he begins in his opening passage about John the Baptist. The Prophecy 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

He Is Not Here. He Is Risen!

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Apr 5, 2023

Easter is more than a party. It is a life-changing reality.

He is not Here. He is Risen Luke 24:1-11 It’s Easter time again. And again we are challenged with what Easter is all about. In some circles, robed choirs, priests and congregations go through the prescribed Easter ritual, some of which goes back nearly two thousand years. I have found Easter ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"an Opinion Poll... What's The Buzz?

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 22, 2020

Jesus reminds the disciples at Caesarea Philippi that the "Gates of Hell" will not prevail against the church and the confession of faith.

In Jesus Holy Name August 23, 2020 Text: Matthew 16:15-16 Pentecost XII – Redeemer “An Opinion Poll…What’s the Buzz?” When Jesus and His disciples arrived at Caesarea Philippi He asked them a critical question about His identity, purpose and mission. It was an opinion poll. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:16, Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wonder Of Jesus Accepting Us Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 10, 2013

It’s become fashionable for churches to "target" a specific audience in their messages and ministry. But is that really such a good idea? Is it possible that in targeting specific groups we might be undermining our real ministry?

OPEN: In my files I ran across these nuggets of wisdom from little children: Patrick, age 10 - "Never trust a dog to watch your food." Hannah, age 9 - "When your dad is mad and asks you, ’Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer." Taylia, age 11 - "When your mom is mad at your dad, don’t let her brush ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The First Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 13, 2014

Nakedness is equated with sin in Scripture and Adam and Eve tried covering their nakedness with fig leaves. Do we do the same? And, if so, how successful can we be at doing that?

The true story is told of a banquet where a famous religious leader found himself seated next to an extremely beautiful woman who was wearing a gown with a perilously low neckline. He introduced himself to her… and then offered her an apple. She was a little surprised, but he explained ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:6-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Baptism Divides God's Church But Should Unite It

Contributed by David Mcnally on Feb 8, 2014

John the Baptiser preached repentance and Jesus who had no sin was baptised by John, and the first Christians were baptised. The church should be united with regard to this Sacrament or Ordinance but is sadly divided over belief and practice.

Text: Luke 3: 21 and 22 ‘After all the people had been baptised, Jesus also was baptised and a voice came down from heaven, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:21-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dangers Of Religion

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Jan 31, 2013

Paul tells that it is actually dangerous to be religious

Dangers of Religion Romans 2:17 - 3:8 Paul wrote to a very proud people, the Jews. They were convinced that they were God's chosen people ... His ONLY chosen people ... and that everyone else was a heathen .... hated by God and marked for destruction. The Jews on the other hand were a people of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Of Praise Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Nov 7, 2000

Christianity is much more than an academic exercise or an experiential happening – it is a lifestyle.

A LIFE OF PRAISE 1 Peter 4:1-11 Introduction: 1. How much commitment does it take to be a Christian? Christianity is much more than an academic exercise or an experiential happening – it is a lifestyle. There is clear teaching in the New Testament thatGod wants more than rote obedience, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Our Faith Is Not Based On Our Relationship Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 22, 2008

When our faith does not spring from our relationship with Jesus, we will have problems.

INTRODUCTION • RELATIONSHIP VIDEO (NOT A POWERPOINT) • SLIDE #1 • Should relationships make a difference in your life? Should a relationship with Jesus make a difference in your life? • Our relationships in many ways define who we are. Think about it, to Rachel’s friends, I am Rachel’s dad. To ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is The Church?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 7, 2020

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do?

What is the church? Why the church? How is the church governed? What are the most important rituals of the church? What does the church do? What is the church? The Greek Term The early church borrowed a Greek term, meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 9:31, Ephesians 4:11

Denomination: Baptist