Sermons on Perplexed:

Why Have You Forsaken Me? - Mark 15:34 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 30, 2024

What did Jesus mean when he said, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" Did the Father forsake his Son?

In Mark 15:34 Jesus cries out from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Did God actually forsake Jesus? If so, what’s the answer to Jesus’ question? Why? And if you think the answer is obvious, then why does Jesus ask the question? He knew he had to drink this cup, he agonized ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46

Dream Come True

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 19, 2023

We dream small, but God dreams big. Mary’s dream was a small one, limited by her time and place and circumstances. Yet when God called her, she became a part of the greatest event the world has ever known.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “American Dream”? All of us here are immigrants, one way or another.... Some have been here for two or three hundred years - or more! I think some of mine came in the 17th century. What did your ancestors come here for? Was it for religious freedom, or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jesus Is The Only Way

Contributed by Gary Holt on Sep 13, 2025

Jesus is the only way to the Father.

“Jesus is the only way” John 14:1-6 A bank in New York had some flowers: ­ sent to a competitor who had recently moved into a new building. ­ There was a mix up at the flower shop, and ­ the card sent with the arrangement read, “With our deepest sympathy.” The florist, who was ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6, John 14:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Transformation At The Jordan

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Dec 2, 2025

The Jordan River that was overflowing miraculously parted for the Israelites, in that same River Jordan Naaman was healed of his leprosy, and Jesus was baptized in the same river. Miracles will happen in our lives when we too can trust God fully, and obey His Word implicitly.

Today’s meditation is based on Joshua 3:13, “When the priests who carry the Covenant Box of the LORD of all the earth put their feet in the water, the Jordan will stop flowing, and the water coming downstream will pile up in one place." (GNB) These are the words that Joshua received from God ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:13, 2 Kings 5:8-11, 2 Kings 5:13-14, Acts 2:38, Matthew 3:13, Matthew 3:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Joy At Christmas Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 20, 2025

This sermon proclaims that the true joy of Christmas is not found in changing circumstances or earthly comfort, but in the unshakable, eternal joy that comes from God drawing near in Christ—who lived, suffered, died, and rose again to secure our salvation and remain with us through every trial.

To begin our discussion this morning, let’s do a quick, informal congregational survey. I’m going to describe a few scenarios. If the scenario brings you joy, give me a thumbs up. If it brings discomfort, frustration, or sorrow—give me a thumbs down. Just respond honestly. First scenario: ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

When I See A Runner Smile

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Feb 19, 2003

Maybe our churches aren’t overflowing because Christians make servanthood look painful.

When I See A Runner Smile Introduction: When I was a freshman in High School my dad really wanted me to be involved in a sport. I had played baseball in little league, and in middle school and wasn’t real thrilled with the idea of playing High School ball. Basketball was out of the question ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Actions Speak Louder Than Words 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Why Actions Speak Louder Than Words - Acts 10:17-33

Why Actions Speak Louder than Words - Acts 10:17-33 1. Few people realize how important it is to love not just in word, but in deed and in truth. Illustration: Research experts tell us we communicate only 7% with our words, 35% with our tone of voice and 58% with our actions. Peter knew that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:17-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Contributed by Tyranne Mcmillan on May 4, 2002

The waves of life will sometimes throw tidal waves at us, but we must remember that there’s a Saviour that can calm the storm.

In our Christian walk, we go through different seasons. There are seasons where we are experiencing the good times: blessings one after another. During these times, we sing the songs of Zion with joy. Then there are seasons where it feels like we are going through a drought and famine. This is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Facing Terrorism Firsthand

Contributed by Keith Linkous on Sep 13, 2001

In wake of the September 11, 2001 attack in New York and Washington, D. C., this may serve to help convey some shared feelings in the Church and in America.

Psalms 46:1-3 On Tuesday Morning, September 11, 2001, the United States of America, this blessed land, was recipient of the worst terrorist attack in the world’s history, forever altering our way of thinking and our way of life. America will never, and should ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bread Of Death

Contributed by Sweep Adams on Oct 19, 2001

Deals with Saul and the witch of Endor

The Bread of Death Intro; Bread, a life-sustaining food source, consumed, broken down by the body, and made energy. But there is another bread, the bread of life, which is sustaining to the soul. I perceive Jesus gives this bread of life, yet also I believe everything has its contradictory. Thus, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 28:1-15

Denomination: *other

Knocked Down But Not Knocked Out

Contributed by Stuart Blount on Apr 20, 2001

How often have we felt the blows of life and needed to know that we are ultimately victorious in Christ? Whatever comes our way we are more than conquerors.

KNOCKED DOWN BUT NOT KNOCKED OUT 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 (Living Bible) ….. But this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in a perishable container, that is in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Obedience Of Faith

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Sep 5, 2002

Can mere belief in God and the truths of His Word win the Lord’s approval and blessings? To the contrary, the Scriptures plainly teach that only a faith that leads to obedience to God wins approval and reward.

When one reads the Letter to the Romans and then reads the Letter of James, there may appear to be a contradiction. Romans 4:1-6 clearly teaches that we are justified by faith apart from works. However, James 2:24 says that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. Martin Luther saw ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:26-27, James 2:24-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Preachers Kid And You

Contributed by Tim Bartee on Sep 14, 2002

How does the congregation relate to the PK? As a pastor do you ever stop and put yourself in your kid’s shoes? This message has specifics that answer bith these questions.

The PK (Preacher’s Kid) and You Have you ever had one of those days where it seemed that nothing goes your way? Recently I was having one of those kind of days until I heard the testimony of a pastor who shared the story of his daughter and son. His daughter, at the age of six, was struck by an ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Denomination: Church Of God

Put Out To Pasture

Contributed by Guy Glass on Aug 27, 2004

King Nebuchadnezzar had a problem with pride and God by both dream and judgment makes him aware of what the real issue is -- God’s ultimate control over the affairs of men

PUT OUT TO PASTURE Daniel Chapter 4 INTRODUCTION: Nebuchadnezzar was a prolific builder, with a reign as king spanning some 43 years from 605BC – 562BC. He is responsible for some of the most interesting structures of ancient times – most notably would be that of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:1-37

Denomination: Baptist

Doing The Work Of God

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jun 4, 2003

To stress the importance of showing the compassion and love of God to others

“Doing the Work of God” John 9:1-7 Primary Purpose: To stress the importance of demonstrating the compassion of Christ. God calls us to work alongside him to do the work of God that we might display that we know Him. In this passage, the disciples see a man born blind. They assume v.2 that ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-7

Denomination: Baptist