Sermons on Ploys:

The Trial: Pontius Pilate & Jesus!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 13, 2016

The Trial: Pontius Pilate & Jesus! John chapter 18 verse 28 to chapter 19 verse 16 – sermon by Gordon Curley PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (A). PILATE & JESUS (1): Step 1: Accusation (vs 18-32): Step 2: Interrogation (vs 33-35): Step 3: Defense (vs 36-38a) Step 4: Verdict (vs 38b) (B). PILATE & JESUS (2): An Interval (Luke chapter 23 verses 6-12): A Custom (vs 39): A Final Appeal (vs 4-15): A Conclusion (vs ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Amazing Grace Sunday

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Feb 20, 2007

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade, God is calling us to abolish modern day slavery

Amazing Grace Sunday February 18, 2007 Exodus 3:7-8 Amazing Grace is probably one of the best loved Hymns of all time. I understand it has been recorded on at least 1100 albums; there are almost 1000 arrangements for the song. After singing the hymn at Woodstock, Arlo Guthrie said “I’ve ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:7-8

Denomination: *other

The Beginnings Of A Movement

Contributed by Dr. Jesse Davis on Sep 23, 2008

One of, if not the greatest movements in all of history, is the Jesus movement which began with a simple word, COME. Every great movement starts with a cause, an invitation to come, and someone who is willing to take the first step...

The Beginnings of a Movement What are some of the great movements that have shaped history? Answers… I. Great Movements always Involve a Cause • There was a cause (right/wrong). There was an injustice. There was a need that became someone’s cause. (someone saw something that needed to be ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trick Questions - Probing Answers Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 26, 2006

Jesus’ opponents try to trip him up, but his answers back reveal much about the human character and how many of us "play" church.

In a way this chapter is a direct attack against Jesus’ authority as the King and Messiah He has just claimed to be. They were not engaging in a verbal dialogue to discern the truth, they were engaged in verbal warfare in a public relations game to discredit Jesus and eventually kill him. Verses ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:1-47

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Grace And Rituals Series

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Mar 31, 2011

While our rituals and ceremonies testify of our faith, they are not the source of our faith.

Grace And Rituals Romans 4:1-11 I. Abraham’s Faith (vv. 1-3) A. Paul’s continual discussion that salvation is by neither works nor heritage or through the Law. 1. It may appear Paul belabors this point, but establishing a proper foundation for how salvation is attained is just as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Lord, I Clearly See, Restore To Me

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Sep 15, 2013

Restoration, is still paramount in the deep south, in a diaspora, that practiced redistribution of wealth and sinned against God, when they took, from their neighbors, and falsely claimed lands and properties that did not belong to them.

Lord, I Clearly See, Restore To Me “Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found,” ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 6:1-30

Denomination: Friends

Living Without God Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 27, 2016

Abner was driven by his own will, his own gains, and his own ambition. Such godless pursuits lead him to a life of vanity and fruitless end.

The author devoted 4 chapters in the beginning of 2 Samuel to the 7½ years before David was made King over all Israel. • And half of this portion has to do with this man Abner, the commander who once served under Saul. • He was only mentioned briefly in 1 Samuel as the son of Ner, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:6-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Praying...not Preying!" [part Four]

Contributed by Reverend Cooper Mcwhirter on Sep 28, 2016

“The value of persistent prayer is not so that God will hear us, but that we will finally hear Him.”

Sermon Preached at Grace Community Church (EPC) Sun City Grand, Surprise, AZ Sunday, May 29, 2011 by the Reverend Cooper McWhirter “Praying … Not Preying: The High Priestly Prayer” [Part Four] John 17:6-19 One of the most heartening experiences a person can enjoy is to ...read more

Scripture: John 17:6-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Barnabas - Giving & Receiving Encouragement

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Aug 29, 2018

Could you use some encouragement? Couldn't we all? See how Barnabas is a wonderful example of the blessings of Christian encouragement. Encoruagement needed, given and received!

“You look like you could use some encouragement.” Has anyone ever said that to you? Maybe they didn’t have to say it out loud, because the look on your face said it all. It had been a long week at work, it had been a disappointing meeting, it had been a rough day at school, it had been another ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30, Acts 13:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

Naaman: Do Not Despise Small Things

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Apr 29, 2024

A message about how small things can turn into something big.

Title: Small Things Text: 2 Kings 5 Opening Scripture 2 Kings 5:1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-17

Denomination: Church Of God

Go Write Your Song: Reclaiming Your God-Given Identity Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Aug 1, 2025

This is the 8th talk and final in an 8-week class called "Trauma and Transformation, Level 1." It explores how true identity is formed—rooted in a relationship with God. It invites participants to reject old, harmful messages and embrace a new identity shaped by God's love.

Trauma and Transformation - "Go Write Your Song: Reclaiming Your God-Given Identity" This is the 8th and final talk in an 8-week class called "Trauma and Transformation, Level 1". The course takes a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach to healing. Both Christians and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:16, 1 Corinthians 2:12, Galatians 5:25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love

Contributed by John Beehler on Dec 29, 2003

Christmas series part 4

Love Well, Christmas is only 4 days away. All of you procrastinators had better get going because, you know that the local 7-11 only has so many of those “World’s Greatest Mom” mugs, Lovin’ Spoonful greatest hits cassettes and those beverage helmets where you can place a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Light Of The World Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Jun 6, 2004

The second message in a series on the "I am" discourses found in the Book of John

The Great I Am – The Light of the World May 2, 2004 John 8:1-12 Sunday AM Intro: A few weeks ago, we began a study on the self descriptions of Jesus found in John better known as the “I am” discourses – 7 identifying statements made by the Messiah to help us to understand He wasn’t just any man, ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Through The Dust: Deacon Ordination Service

Contributed by Richard Sams on Oct 4, 2002

Describes the qualties necessary for the ordination of a deacon.

Deacon Ordination Service “Through the Dust” Sept. 29, 2002 AM Worship For the next 28 days you are being asked to join us in prayer and fasting with the sole desire being that God will not just “show up”, but that He will “show off” in McLean County. On September 18th we embarked on a 40 day ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

What Christmas Is All About

Contributed by Frank Wiederrecht on Dec 17, 2002

Christmas began in the heart of God, and finds it’s completion in the heart of man.

WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT How are you all doing? Myself, this time of the year kind of wears me out! This week I got to thinking about what Christmas has become for most of us, and just thinking about it makes me tired! Ask any mother and she’ll tell you that at this time of year, her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20-21

Denomination: Baptist