Sermons on preconceptions: showing 196-210 of 235

Simon Magus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 11, 2022

Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for the position, is named after Simon, who tried to buy his way into the power of the Apostles.

Simon Magnus Simon and Peter were intense rivals until Simon challenged Peter's authority and fell out of the sky. Simon magus, also known as Simon the Sorcerer or the Magician, was a religious figure whose confrontation with Peter is recorded in Acts 8:9–24. The act of simony, or paying for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-24

Denomination: Baptist

A Return To Civility: Intro Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jun 23, 2024

I noticed that as a society we've seemed to have lost our Civility, we no longer show one another respect. Could that be because we've lost our common morality? This is a new look at the 10 Commandments

Earlier this year I was struck by how uncivil our society has become. I can’t remember if it was a personal encounter with someone or something I saw on the news or read on social media. But I do remember thinking: Why can’t we just be civil to each other, what can’t we just be nice? It seems that ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

The True God - What Is He Like?

Contributed by Brian Chavarria on Nov 16, 2000

The True God - What is He Like?

We Need to Know Whom We Worship One of the most important revelations we can receive from the Bible is the character of God. The Bible tells us what God is like - his attributes, his ways in dealing with mankind, his heart. Our traditions, preconceptions, experiences and reasonings do not always ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:3-5

"The Confidence Of Peter And John"

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Oct 14, 2004

Confidence can be well-placed, or misplaced. The difference in consequences can be eternal.

On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, "By what power, or in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Orthodox

Time To Straighten Up Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Mar 3, 2008

2 of 4 on Hebrews (2nd part of study). This message focuses on the warning about not falling away from following God in Hebrews 6

A Severe Warning It is impossible… Hebrews 6:4a We are continuing in our series on “Hebrews – Higher Standards – Less Sin… You may not have noticed but are logo is a take-off from the Meijers stores. They are pushing the idea of higher standards and lower prices! We’re talking about a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:4-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Messiah On Trial Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Mar 6, 2012

Once we have honestly and objectively examined the truth about Jesus we can only come to one conclusion: He is who He said He was, the Son of God.

Messiah On Trial Text: Matt. 26:57-68 Introduction 1. Illustration: When C.S. Lewis came to Oxford University he was an atheist. He had lost his mother at nine and the rest of his life was spent in boarding schools. But had no use or belief in God. But while at Oxford he met a man who became his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-58

Denomination: Methodist

A Fantastic Discovery - Peters Confession.

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 24, 2010

A Fantastic Discovery - Peters Confession. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: Matthew chapter 16 verses 15-23. (1). Background: (a). Geographically. • Jesus and his disciples are in the region of Caesurae Philippi. • Caesarea Philippi lies about twenty-five miles Northeast of the Sea of Galilee. • This region was outside the domain of Herod ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:15-23

Denomination: Brethren

Introduction: The Battle For The Better Babel Series

Contributed by Rolland Bouchard on Dec 10, 2009

Introduction to a series of lessons on the church and the struggles it is facing in this post modern world. An indepth look at an image of the church found in Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel.

THE CHURCH INTRODUCTION Where do I begin? In a world of scattered thoughts, beliefs and values, it is hard to find a green light to “Go” on! I want to talk about so many items concerning the church, yet which topic has merit and which does not? Which topic is the best use of your time? In recent ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What About Transgender? Series

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Nov 9, 2018

Addressing today's transgender movement by acknowledging the fact that God has created you, accepting the form that God has created you and accomplishing the feats for which God has created you

WHAT ABOUT TRANSGENDER? I want to talk today about a subject that we all know is a difficult issue in our nation today. We are continuing in our series Choose Life and I want to look at the issue of the transgender movement. Back in 2012 the words gender identity and gender expression were added ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 22:5, Genesis 1:27

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Freedom's Restoration Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 16, 2017

If we as a church want to be known as a place of healing for broken people, we restore them spiritually, gently, humbly, and lovingly.

Tell me: If you were caught for drunken driving, and the headlines in the Lyons News said, “So-and-so Arrested for Drunken Driving,” would you go to church the next Sunday? Most people would say, “No,” because they’d be too embarrassed to face their Christian friends. But why not go to church ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Logic, History, Mathematics, And Science: Investigating Truth Claims Of The Christian Faith

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

So today I'd like to build a case. Let's see how we can approach the truth claims of Christianity from an interdisciplinary approach.

So today I'd like to build a case. Let's see how we can approach the truth claims of Christianity from an interdisciplinary approach. I like to look at Christianity from several different angles. Those angles are logic (specifically logical fallacies), history (tests for historicity), ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:25-27, 1 Timothy 1:10

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Supporting Cast Of The Christmas Story Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Dec 22, 2022

Almost everywhere you turn in the Christmas story, you see an angel! We are better because God created the angels. The angels serve us, believers, and they serve the Christmas story.

It’s now just one week until Christmas! Christmas is so exciting for so many reasons. After all, you have presents carefully wrapped under the tree with your name on them! And some of the best food you’ll eat happens to be shared by friends and family. Whole neighborhoods are lit up with beautiful ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:4-14, 2 Kings 6:17, Exodus 3:2, Psalm 91:11, 2 Peter 2:11, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Genesis 19:1-10, Matthew 18:10, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Fortunetellers, Witchcraft, And Magic

Contributed by Dennis King on Oct 25, 2021

The Bible does not differentiate between “good” and “bad” magic. Scripture doesn’t distinguish whether the magic is supposed to be used for good or for bad; it’s forbidden when and if it appears from a source other than God's powers or implementations.

Over the course of your life, you probably have been exposed to discussions on white or black magic. White magic is often considered and described as “good” magic. This is in contrast to black magic, which is a power or phenomenon evoked by evil spirits. Some people believe both variants exist. ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:31, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Father Who Finds Nemo

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 12, 2024

Nemo's father Marlin reminds us of the father in the Parable of the prodigal son who is a mirror for God our Heavenly Father.

FATHER’S DAY 2024 THE FATHER WHO FINDS NEMO LUKE 15:11-32 #FathersDay STORY SEGMENT 1 Clownfish Marlin and his wife, Coral, live happily in an anemone in the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. They are about to become parents, waiting for their many eggs to hatch. It is a happy time full of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Glory Revealed Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Jun 29, 2006

Understanding the glory of God

Unexpected Glory – 2nd in Series on the Glory of God. Last week, I introduced the concept of God’s glory, with the definition that God’s Glory, also known as the “Shekinah” glory of God. We tried to grasp the fact that God’s glory, just like His nature, defies definition. And we also came to ...read more

Scripture: John 17:24

Denomination: Baptist