Sermons on Pretenders:

27 Sweet Wrappers

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Mar 6, 2019

We like to do one of two things with sin - pretend it doesn't matter or pretend it is something only monsters who are nothing like us do. The reality is something more awful.... and more wonderful! A sermon for Ash Wednesday.

...................................................... When my children were younger, sometimes I would be looking for the remote control. You know how it is, no matter what you do, somehow the remote always ends up under the sofa cushion. So I would lift up the sofa cushion. And there would be the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11, Joel 2:1-17, Psalm 51:1-18, Isaiah 1:18, Psalm 103:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Enemies: Don't Deny It, You Do Have Them

Contributed by Fr Mund Cargill Thompson on Sep 2, 2023

We like to pretend we are far too nice to have enemies. But the bible is realistic. It doesn't try to pretend we don't have enemies. Instead it tells us how God wants us to treat them...

Who is your enemy? Who is your enemy? You are probably going to reply to me “I don’t have any enemies….” Afterall it hardly seems very nice to have enemies? “Live peaceably with all” said our reading (at least if I cut out the words that came before) Surely if I am a Christian I am not allowed to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 5:43-45

Denomination: Anglican

The Kiss Of Betrayal

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 18, 2002

While pretending to kiss Jesus, we may be betraying Him without even thinking about it.

April 8, 2001 John 13:18-30 “The Kiss of Betrayal” INTRODUCTION What do you think of when I say the word “kiss”? Now, I’m not talking about the rock group by that name, and I’m not using it as an acronym (Keep It Simple Stupid). I’m talking about that thing that two people who are in ...read more

Scripture: John 13:18-30

Denomination: Baptist

When You Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 26, 2018

Encouragement when we're tempted to hide our sin or pretend that we didn't sin.

- In this sermon, I’m going to focus on the transition statements within this passage. I want to do that because in this particular passage those words give us some clues to the point that Paul is making. They each point to a significant idea within this passage. When You Feel Like You’re Not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Rearranging Deck Chairs On The Titanic

Contributed by Ricky Taylor on Dec 13, 2014

The World is coming to an end, just as the Titanic was sinking, and, as they were pretending all was well, so is the world...

Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic 2 Peter 2:4, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:4-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sexual Trash Series

Contributed by Kirby Lloyd on Jul 1, 2019

Sexual immorality is a topic that the church cannot pretend is not a problem and must be dealt with directly despite how staggering the numbers are.

Sexual Trash Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Last week we threw away the first piece of trash that we needed to get out of the way as we tossed pride in the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Importance Of Truth

Contributed by Rodney Kelley on Sep 15, 2008

The world cultures pretend to have something better to offer but the real truth can only be found in Jesus Christ and the Word of God

Introduction: Psalm 119:98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. Some commentaries believe that Daniel wrote Psalm 119. Being instructed by God, he was found to have more knowledge than any of the Chaldeans, and his wisdom soon appeared to ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

:what If I Am The Hypocrite?" Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Mar 25, 2022

A hypocrite is a person who puts on a false appearance. A hypocrite acts in a way that is inconsistent with their beliefs. A hypocrite pretends to be something he is not.

GOING PUBLIC WITH OUR FAITH “What if I am the Hypocrite?” Luke 12:1-9 So the excitement is building and is all centered round Jesus—so much so that right out of the gate we read that there are literally thousands of people “milling about and stepping on each other.” ? That’s a pretty clear ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Wins - 1 Peter 3:17-22 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 24, 2025

Scripture requires that we not only endure suffering for righteousness sake, but that we actually rejoice in it. How is that possible without pretending?

1 Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17-22

Who A Christian Is Not Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 27, 2025

To walk in true discipleship, we must be clear about what Christianity is not. This study helps us examine and avoid the false assumptions and appearances that can deceive both ourselves and others.

WHO A CHRISTIAN IS NOT? By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 7:21-23 Supporting Texts: Titus 1:16, 2 Timothy 3:5, James 2:19-20, Matthew 15:8, 1 John 2:4-6 INTRODUCTION: In a world where the term “Christian” is loosely used, there is a great need to define not only who a Christian is—but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

‘the Increase Of The Word.’

Contributed by Milo Velebir on Jul 22, 2011

Pretended religion doesn't work, but where believers come together in unity and pray, the anointing of God comes and the demonic powers are on the retreat.

15th of May 2011 Readings: 1 Peter 2:19-25 Acts 6:1-7 Theme: ‘The increase of the word.’ Dear friends in Christ Jesus, We are reading the book of Acts of the apostles, which should be rather called the Acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles and others; or is could be also ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

The Serious Side Of Sin Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 4, 2008

Yes they were hypocrites, pretending to give all but in actuality only giving part. But how could they receive a death sentence just for that?

There are two approaches to presenting the gospel. One is a positive approach and the other is a negative. An emphasis on the positive is good for making a long term impact. The negative side sometimes instills a more reactive response. This passage is about the negative side of sin. It is a harsh ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Iniquity Shall Abound

Contributed by Nelson Emeonu on Jul 14, 2014

We are in the end time.Many People are missing the way, following the path of wickedness and pretend to love the Lord, but in actual sense, are not really with Him.

INIQUITY SHALL ABOUND MATTHEW 24:12 Beloved, you are welcome to today's episode in the hour of the trumpeter. It is aimed at waking up the believers in Christ through the undiluted word of God, and also warning the unbelieving world about the imminent judgement of God.I sincerely thank God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:12

Denomination: Anglican

Amnon Assaults His Sister Tamar: How To Heal From Past Abuse Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Aug 14, 2023

Amnon sets the trap, and clears everyone out of the room. He pretends to be sick to get her alone and he goes after her.

Family drama, I’ve seen it in my family and in many other families. I’ve arbitrated disputes between sisters. I’ve worked with families during funerals where there are arguments and disagreements. I’ve seen some seriously terrible things happen in families. Family is tough. Very tough, and in this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:1-22

Denomination: Salvation Army

Stained-Glass Masquerade

Contributed by Scott Johnson on May 16, 2008

So often in the Church we pretend that everything is perfect, but truth is, it isn’t. The book of James offers insight into how to cure this ailment.

Stained-Glass Masquerade (James 5:13-16) Intro: Do you ever walk in to a church service and begin to question the validity of the perfection that’s displayed? Do you ever look around at the people and ask “Is there anyone in here who fails?” or “Has anyone fallen down in their walk with God ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ