Sermons on Paschal Mystery:

"In A Manner Of Speaking": 'the Prodigal Son' [part Six]

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Oct 1, 2016

Did Jesus resort to using allegory as a clever ruse so as to keep things hidden? On the contrary! Jesus resorted to using parables so that the listener could better understand “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 13:11].

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, September 6, 2015 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter In a Manner of Speaking: “The Prodigal Son” Luke 15:11-32 [NET] The scriptures tell us that on one occasion ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Unrequited Love Of God

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 1, 2019

The passionate love of God is the blazing fire at the heart of all creation. God thinks about you every moment of every day. His love will never vary or change. That God would love even the vilest of sinners is the greatest mystery of eternity.

God has commanded that every human being love Him with EVERYTHING in them (Deut 6:5). The GREAT commandment supersedes all others. Sadly, in the lives of too many Christians, God’s love is unrequited. There are some Christians who are not comfortable with the way God truly feels about them, so ...read more

Scripture: James 2:26, Hebrews 12:2, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:22, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, James 2:17, Habakkuk 2:4, Luke 11:11-13, Genesis 2:18, 1 John 4:7-10, Acts 17:28, Deuteronomy 6:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does It Mean To Be Commissioned?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Feb 6, 2023

Isaiah’s perspective on God in the initial four verses gives us a feeling of God’s significance, power, and mystery. Isaiah's case of perceiving his sin before God urges us to admit our own wrongdoings.

Isaiah 6:1-13 The image of absolution that Isaiah gives advises us that we are pardoned as well. At the point when we perceive how incredible God is, how guilty we are, and the degree of His absolution, we get the strength to accomplish His work. How does our idea of the significance of God match ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Double Exposure

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 8, 2023

The photographic process is mysterious; a piece of film is exposed to light and images are left. Our lives are like that film. We present what we want others to see, but God sees beneath it. A 2nd exposure will happen - now or later!

DOUBLE EXPOSURE Eph. 5:8-16 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Squeaky clean 1. One young woman decided to try clean her purse by throwing it into the washing machine—with the rest of the laundry. Her younger brother was startled, and asked, “Why are you washing your purse?” 2. Their father, who ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Testing At Cana: Do You Measure Up?

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 3, 2023

Cana was mysteriously chosen to be the site of Jesus' first two miracles in Galilee. Cana means "a rod for measuring." At Cana a desperate man met Jesus. His perspective was changed and his gold-like faith emerged.

THE TESTING AT CANA: DO YOU MEASURE UP? John 4:39-54 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There was a man in prison for robbery of a bank. He’d never told the police where he’d hidden the money. 2. His old father wrote him a letter, “Son, I wish you were here. I’d like to have a garden this year, but ...read more

Scripture: John 4:39-54

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Word Of Life Celebrated Series

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Feb 1, 2021

John says, “We write this to make our joy complete. He presents Jesus as the source of the completed life. John says, “and the life was manifested.” Jesus is not a mysterious entity that is evasive, he is real, and Christians find their joy through him.

Reality shows continue to draw people’s attention. . . In an article, 10 Reality Shows That Aren't Real At All (And 10 That Totally Are), Chris Littlechild, talks about how they claim to be real; however, “the producers are just looking to stir up drama with fake moments. These shows are ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Christmas Is Not Your Birthday”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 22, 2021

Mike Slaughter challenges our comfortable traditions his book: Christmas Is Not Your Birthday. Quotes from Linus. Incarnation,.. how divinity interacted with human DNA, that’s the mystery the Virgin Birth. Quote from Christianity Today 1996

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2021 Text: Matthew 1:20b-21 Christmas Eve - Redeemer “Christmas Is Not Your Birthday” It’s Christmas Eve. Excitement & anticipation are in the air. Christmas trees light up our homes with bright lights and shiny ornaments. Colorful ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Open Secret

Contributed by David Mcallan on Aug 8, 2008

What was a mystery has now been made plain - God has healed the rift between Jew & Gentile - He has broken down the dividing wall. God heals the broken hearted & broken relationships - all by the work of Christ as revealed in the Gospel.

Intro - In 1956, Stuart Hamblen wrote the song “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do) - the chorus runs like this... It is no secret, what God can do what He’s done for others, He’ll do for you with arms wide open, He’ll pardon you it is no secret what God can do - This is the issue in today’s ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prophecy In Perspective Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Jan 19, 2009

Before we delve into this great prophetic section of Revelation with all of its symbols we need to begin with an understanding of prophecy in general. Why should we study prophecy if it involves a lot of mysteries? If we can’t figure out what all of the

Revelation 6-18 Purpose: To understand the reasons for biblical prophecy and see the big picture of chapters 6-18. Aim: I want the listener to be motivated to walk closer to Jesus Christ. INTRODUCTION: The book of Revelation comes to us in four great movements: Chapters 1-3 Christ enthroned ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Paul's Prayer For His Converts Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Mar 9, 2009

Paul reminds his converts that the mystery of God, that we’re to show God’s glory through our unity under Christ has been revealed in the gospel, then prays that the power of God might be given to the church so they can achieve that end.

Have you noticed how the more you want something the more likely you are to pray for it? And to pray for it consistently. That means if you want to know what someone is really passionate about see what they pray for regularly. Well Paul is about to let us in on the great desire of his heart. He’s ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-21

Denomination: Anglican

Don't Let Your Haters Get You Down

Contributed by Spencer Miller on Jun 14, 2013

It is a great mystery to me; I truly cannot understand how people with Jesus in their hearts can be so hateful and hurtful towards one another? How can they be so impatient and angry at each other? When that should love each other instead.

6 And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. 7 And the women answered one another as they played, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Watching You

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 27, 2012

Some people seem to be especially watched by God. We hear about people who are being “shadowed” or followed by the police; but there are certain ones who feel like they are being shadowed by God; they are mysteriously tracked by our Heavenly Father and t

God is Watching You Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me? Job 7:12 (KJV) Job was in great pain when he cried out to God and asked this question. He was covered with sores, setting upon a dunghill and scrapping himself with pieces of ...read more

Scripture: Job 7:12

Denomination: Baptist

Family Unit Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jun 7, 2024

Ephesians 5:22–33 talks about an ideal and godly relationship between a husband and a wife. The profound mystery of marriage relates to Christ and the church. Our common and ordinary marriages can display a radical witness to the world of Christ’s redeeming love.

Theme: Submission in Family Text: Ephesians 05:22-33 Greetings: The Lord is good, and His love endures forever!! Introduction: The month of June is called Family month. A family unit always starts with a husband and wife because God created a male and female in the beginning and put them into a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-33

Denomination: Methodist

Are You Missing God's Best For Your Life? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 10, 2022

1. Have I measured the value of my life? (vs. 24-26). 2. Have I determined my destiny? (vs. 26). 3. Do I recognize my responsibility before God? (vs. 27). 4. Am I trusting Jesus when I don't understand? (vs. 28). 5. Am I focused on Christ's return? (vs. 27-28).

Are You Missing God's Best for Your Life? The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 16:24-28 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared September 10, 2022) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to Matthew 16. This chapter began with Christ-rejecting Pharisees and Sadducees trying to trap Jesus by asking Him for a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

God's Secret Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 25, 2022

If you want to get in on God’s secret, look for it in a simple package, then find it in a simple, spiritual message for spiritual people. Submit to God’s Spirit and let Him lead you into ways you can’t even imagine right now.

Mary Williamson, a pediatric nurse in Kirbyville, Texas, once neglected to tell her new patient, a little boy, how his hospital room intercom worked. Soon his light flashed. She called his name and asked what he wanted. There was complete silence. She repeated herself. After a long pause he said, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Colossians 2:2, Ephesians 3:6, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free