Sermons on Preconceived Ideas:

Part 1 - Matthew 11:2-6 - Jesus-In-A-Box! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on May 29, 2010

My grandchildren sometimes play with a Jack-in-a-box. Sometimes we want a JESUS-IN-A-BOX too. We want Him to fit into our pre-conceived ideas of who He should be and how He should act.

Part 1 - Matthew 11:2-6 - JESUS-IN-A-BOX! I get the privilege and opportunity to speak to many old people in the course of my day. Being a chaplain and Pastor in an aged care facility (fancy name for old people’s nursing home) I am fascinated by the amazing lives that they have led. Last week I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus To The Rescue Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Sep 7, 2001

Are you ready for Jesus to rescue you?

INTRODUCTION  A man went into a drug store and asked the pharmacist if he could give him something for the hiccups. The pharmacist promptly reached across the counter and slapped the man’s face. The man said, "What in the world did you do that for? The pharmacist said, "See, you don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 4:46-54

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What's The Meaning Of The Cross

Contributed by John Mccaherty on Mar 23, 2006

After asking several people on the street what the cross meant to them, the answers were astounding, how would we as Christians answer that question? What does the Cross mean to us.

What’s the meaning of the Cross? 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 1. To some a symbol, maybe a religious symbol (like the star of David) a reminder, a crutch, a form of punishment, where some nice Jewish boy died years ago. 2. Bible says it is foolishness to them that perish – If you’re looking for some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Have You Any Idea Of How Powerful It Is, To Wait On God?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Dec 9, 2014

One of the most difficult things for Christians to do is to wait on God. Why is it this so important? This my friend is exactly what God wants us to do, … to wait, that way he can change and develop us more into what he wants us to be. Read on and enjoy!!!

Welcome Today we continue our study into the New Testament, and move onto 2nd Peter, and it is amazing that we will cover similar ground to that of Paul in Thessalonians. The theme of today’s service is on waiting, … that is waiting on answered prayer or the promises of God; and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-15

Denomination: Episcopal

Increase Your Quality Of Life With This One Big Idea - Genesis 26 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

There's much said about quality of life on a number of different planes.

There's much said about quality of life on a number of different planes. You can go to certain lists of states that have a better quality of life than others. But today I want to zero in on a truth that will increase your quality of life. In fact you know there are several different biblical ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Getting It Wrong Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 29, 2009

This passage is hard on the disciples, no getting around it. They fail, repeatedly. But when I step back and look at me, and at today’s church, I refuse to condemn the disciples because I see these very same failures in me and in today’s church. We’ve

Getting it Wrong: Breaking Boundaries Luke 9:37-50 May 17, 2009 Intro: What we usually do when we study Scripture is good – we break it down into smaller pieces so we can really get into the stories and try to understand them, see Jesus in them, and reflect on what they mean for who we are and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:37-50

Denomination: Baptist

Sign Along The Dotted Line

Contributed by Craig Smee on Nov 27, 2005

To covenant with God we need to know Him

Please sign along the doted line: INTRO ILLUSTRATION TESTIMONY – The God I have Covenanted with? Who is my God? Naming Kyle. Eg Smee surname had to be careful. A lot is based on name etc. In bible, names mean a lot: Name = personality or related experience Hebrew name for Eve =WOW! Moses = ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:26

Denomination: Christian Church

The Danger Of Following God With Human Wisdom

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 5, 2025

God is not seeking experts; He is seeking the obedient. Following Him requires that we crucify our natural wisdom and embrace divine instruction. There is danger in depending on human intelligence to navigate spiritual assignments. Such a path leads to error, frustration, and loss.

THE DANGER OF FOLLOWING GOD WITH HUMAN WISDOM By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God…” (1 Corinthians 1:18) Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-7, Romans 8:6-8, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Blessing Of Brokeness Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 4, 2004

Jesus’ followers are to submit to His Lordship and do His will. If we are to submit ourselves to the Lord, we must begin with a broken, teachable spirit. That teachable spirit is described for us in the "beautiful words," the Beatitudes"

The Blessing of Brokeness (Matt. 5:1-6?) Intro 1. We all have our dreaded moments: medical tests, standing on the scale, childbirth, sea-sickness, nursing home…. 2. One of my dreaded moments is beginning right now—preaching through the Sermon on the Mount…. 3. The Sermon on the Mount contains ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up. Series

Contributed by Ken Kersten on Jan 22, 2004

The first in a series on the life of Jesus through the book of John. Many things influence our perception of Jesus. This sermon attempts to open our eyes to the real Jesus vs. the Jesus we may have perceived him to be.

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up John 1:1-18 The other day as I sat at my desk I was talking on the phone, communicating by Instant Messenger and answering email all at the same time. I also had the radio playing in the background. It was during this time that I glanced down at my Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Communication In Marriage

Contributed by David Ibeleme on Jun 28, 2008

Understanding and Improving Communication in Marriage

COMMUNICATION DR. DAVID IBELEME  Relationship is the position you hold in respect of another or to someone else.  The major problem in marriage is disrespect for one another, however, this primarily or mainly manifests in the form of breakdown in communication.  One can ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The God Who Heals In Unexpected Ways Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 16, 2025

Naaman’s story teaches that healing is not about status, expectations, or emotions. It is about humility, obedience, and faith.

THE GOD WHO HEALS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 5:1-14 Supporting Texts: Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Matthew 8:1-3; Isaiah 55:8-9; James 5:14-16 INTRODUCTION: Naaman was a highly decorated military general—valiant, respected, and a man of influence. Yet, behind the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sovereignty Gone Viral Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 18, 2013

All things work together for ultimate good because God is Sovereign over all.

Sovereignty Gone Viral (Isaiah 45:1-13) 1. My friend reviewed her young son's fill-in-the-blank homework. One line: "At Christmas, we exchange gifts with ____." His response: "Receipts." [Reader’s Digest] 2. The word “exchange” can imply the mutuality of gift exchanging, or ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fourth Sunday Of Advent, A--Four Advent Annunciations

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 8, 2022

To all the Marys everywhere; to all the Josephs everywhere; to all the Pauls everywhere; and to even all the Ahazes everywhere.

There are four annunciations or announcements in our Gospel this Sunday. 1. To all the Marys everwhere— Mary’s Annunciation— reminds me of an advertising slogan for a shoe company that says, “No great story starts, “it was cold, so I stayed in.” In classical Greek and Roman mythology every ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24

Denomination: Catholic

Get Out Of The Box

Contributed by John Slythe on Feb 21, 2003

What happens when we take off the blinders of faith and really come to Jesus with the faith of a child who believes in the impossible?

GET OUT OF THE BOX! A man became lost in his travels and wandered into a bed of quicksand. Confucius saw the man’s predicament and said, “It is evident that men should stay out of places such as this.” Next, Buddha observed the situation and said, “Let that man’s plight be a lesson to the ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Christian Church