Sermons on parlor tricks:

Appearances Can Be Deceiving Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Mar 25, 2017

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. We sometimes base our opinion of someone on the way they look. This is risky, because a person’s appearance has nothing to do with their character.

I buried a friend of mine twelve years ago this June (6/4/09); it was a funeral unlike any I’d ever attended. My friend was a biker. He rode a big loud Harley Davidson motorcycle, wore leathers, a bandana on his head, and had a beard that covered his entire chest. His arms were covered with ...read more

Denomination: Other

Living In Your Skin Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Mar 14, 2020

Are you comfortable living in the skin that you are in? I ask you that question because, just recently, I found myself asking that exact same question.

Introduction: Are you comfortable living in the skin that you are in? I ask you that question because, just recently, I found myself asking that exact same question. My situation was I found myself sitting in this vast waiting room with a bunch of other people waiting to see my oncologist for the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

We Could Not Forget What God Placed Us Here For

Contributed by Pablo Catala on Jun 2, 2019

Remember

The church: whatever happened to worshipping God with up lifted hands, thankful of His grace and mercy, being in complete submission to the will of God, no programs, no 50 person choir just worshipping God in spirit and in truth, whatever happened to those that feared God and didn’t want to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sincere Faith: An Exposition Of Matthew 23:1-12

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 24, 2020

It is all too easy to play the hypocrite. Sermon for Proper 26, After Pentecost, Year A

Sincere Faith: An Exposition of Matthew 23:1-12 Everyone wants to feel important. People want to display their titles and achievements. Everyone wants to have a lot of followers on social media. People want to become influencers. Not only does it bring prestige, but it can also be quite ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Grace And Glory

Contributed by Colin Bain on Dec 1, 2011

The mystery of the gospel is revealed in the glory and grace

Ephesians 3 Grace and Glory Mystery I love a good mystery. I have been a fan of Agatha Christie and PD James for years. I also love magicians and illusionists. There is something about a mystery that we all like. The moment when we ask ourselves, “What is going to happen next?” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

Them Dry Bones

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

There is something about being surrounded by death that makes us contemplate life in a very honest way. God uses a kind of cemetery full of bones to illustrate the need for the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Them Dry Bones Ezekiel 37:1-12 Acts 2:17 NIV In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Joel 2:28 NIV [ The Day of the LORD ] And afterward, I will pour out my ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Judge Ehud Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 28, 2018

They made the Israelites serve them, that is, they exacted tribute from them, either the fruits of the earth in kind, or money in lieu of them. They neglected the service of God, and did not pay him his tribute; therefore, God recovered from them . . . .

Chapter 13 The Judge Ehud [Judges 3.12-3.30] Scripture 12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees done evil in the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 3:12-30

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Deeper Through Discipleship Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 28, 2015

I relied heavily on SermonCentral contributor Larry Sarver's sermon "Defining Discipleship" for this lesson. I addressed the topic of Growing Deeper through Discipleship in two sermons.

A. The story is told of a pig and a chicken who were walking down the road one day. 1. As they passed a church, they notice that a potluck charity breakfast was under way. 2. Caught up in the spirit, the pig suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution. 3. “Great Idea!” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Easter People

Contributed by Gregory Neal on Mar 14, 2005

An Easter Sunday Sermon from 1991, based upon John 20:1-18.

What is there to say on this on this Easter Day? There is an ancient liturgy of the Church, a saying from our grandparents in the faith, so to speak. The worship leader, looking out on the people gathered for worship, would proclaim: "The Lord is Risen!" And the people respond: "He is risen ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Methodist

Coming Home

Contributed by Richie Oswald on Dec 16, 2002

It is never too late to come home to the Lord.

Luke 15: 11-32: "And He said, a certain man had two sons: 12) And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13) And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

What Does This Evil Generation Need

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Jun 8, 2001

describes what this evil generation needs to see and hear

WHAT DOES THIS EVIL GENERATION NEED? Matthew 12:38-42 As if the scribes and Pharisees had not provoked Jesus enough, they demand a sign from heaven from him. Their demand was swiftly and categorically denied. What more could He had done to convince them? The attitude that demands miraculous ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

How To Utilize Christ's Principles Of Missions

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 26, 2001

Guidelines for a growing church that knows how to put mission back in the great commission

How To Utilize Christ’s Principles for Missions Quote: The greatest sin that most Christians make is the sin of omission. Here are some time tested guidelines for helping us avoiding the sin of omitting the great commission in our service to the Lord Jesus. Illustration:It is easy to determine ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Looking Forward

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 23, 2001

Funeral sermon for Edward D. Mitchell -- accountant, musician, deacon; age 85

That classic spiritual writer John Bunyan ends his Pilgrim’s Progress with a triumphant note, saying that after Pilgrim had traveled many miles and fought off many adversaries, when he got to the other side, the angels came out to welcome him. John Bunyan knew that if your lifestyle is that of a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Choosing The Best: And Leaving The Rest Series

Contributed by Charles Wilkerson on Nov 13, 2003

Learning to look for God’s will

Let me share with you some statistics from 1992. The New Republic in its January 27 issue reported that the number of products in a typical supermarket in 92 was some 30,000. In 1976 it was 9,000. Likewise in 1992’s produce section there was 285 products while in 1975 only 65. My how our ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

God Doesn't Expect Us To Do Everything Ourselves

Contributed by David Haun on May 16, 2004

F"olk often face the frustration of feeling they must do everything themselves and at the same time feeling that they often are the only one who can. This sermon attempts clarify leadership and our responsibility as Christ’s leaders.

GOD DOESN’T EXPECT US TO DO EVERYTHING OURSELVES Exodus 18:13-24, I Cor. 12:14-27, Matt. 9:1-38, Acts 6:1-7 Dr. David L. Haun Hope Christian Church, May 9, 2004 Have you ever had an inspector climb down from your attic or up from the foundation of your house with the dreaded news, “You’re ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-27, Exodus 18:13-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ