Sermons on Pure Ideals:

Martha, Martha, You're Not So Bad

Contributed by Clay Gentry on Aug 2, 2013

Often overshadowed by her sister Mary, Martha is often marginalized as an undesirable example of for disciples. However, when examined through the lens of scripture and not popular Christian books, Martha shines through as an example for all godly women.

When I survey the women of the New Testament, I find some remarkable women of faith, Mary the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) is the first to come to mind. But, there are others, such as Joanna, Susanna and Mary Magalene (Luke 8:1-3). Later on, I read about Priscilla who, along with her husband, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-12, Mark 14:3-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: *other

A Home Provided For Man Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 25, 2018

God prepared the earth for the man. The garden where He placed the man was designed to be his home, and it was apparently lush and perfect. This original habitat was a delightful shelter, containing everything the man needed.

June 28, 2013 Commentary on the Book of Genesis By: Tom Lowe Lesson I.B.1: A Home Provided for Man. Scripture: Gen. 2.8-14 Gen. 2.8-14. (KJV) 8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:8-14

Denomination: Baptist

Daring To Imagine More Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Oct 11, 2018

Daring to Imagine More Series: Daring Faith Brad Bailey – October 6, 2018

Daring to Imagine More Series: Daring Faith Brad Bailey – October 6, 2018 Intro Today we are continuing in our Fall venture “Daring Faith.” There are lots of ways we have described the nature of faith. In the largest of ways…I have said that: Faith is how the we as finite beings enter into the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Spirit Of Christmas Leaders

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 23, 2009

If we follow the wisdom of Isaiah, we will be effective leaders for good.

Christmas Eve December 24 2009 From the stump of Jesse Isaiah 11:1-3 The short reading from Isaiah we just heard is part of a longer passage that ends in a familiar passage: the reign of the king prophesied here will by ideal and idyllic. “Uprightness will be the belt around his waist, and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-6

Denomination: Catholic

Christmas Meditation

Contributed by Mark Higgins on Dec 22, 2001

Peace On Earth; Isaiah 9:6 Luke 2:8-14

Isaiah 9: 6 Luke 2: 8-14 Sometimes I worry that we get confused as to the meaning of these accounts of Christ. “Peace on Earth” is not wishful thinking. “Peace on Earth” is not an ideal to be strived for. “Peace on Earth” is not a prophecy to be enjoyed by future ages. No, “Peace on Earth” is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Come See What God Has Done For You! Series

Contributed by Kyle Sullivan on Nov 10, 2014

The Cross covers our past, present and future sins!

Martin Luther: “Romans 3:21-31 is the chief point of the whole Bible!” Nine Things Of What Has God Done For Us In Salvation: 1) Salvation was designed by God! Vs. 21a “A righteousness from God…” (NIV) 2) Salvation is not Earned! Vs. 21b “A ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-31

Denomination: Baptist

Mistaking People For Gods

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 13, 2022

Ayn Rand's philosophy would have led her, I think, if put in the position of Paul and Barnabas, to say, “bring on the sacrifice. I am a god!”

When I was teaching, my religion class would always study the philosophy of Ayn Rand, a deracinated Jew whose ideal of rugged individualism influenced people like Alan Greenspan and Rush Limbaugh. Her notions would have led her, I think, if put in the position of Paul and Barnabas, to say, “bring ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:5-28, John 14:25-27

Denomination: Catholic

Beyond The Myths Of Marriage Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 16, 2018

Beyond the Myths of Marriage

Beyond the Myths of Marriage Series: Making Relationships Work: Love, Sex & Marriage September 17, 2017 – Brad Bailey Focus: Marriage is less about personal fulfillment and more about personal growth… a truth which frees the unmarried and married alike from false pursuits and expectations. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church Is Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 13, 2019

This is the first message in a series about becoming the church Jesus intended and we will begin by looking at several the church is statements. In this message we will unpack the truths that the church is - Christ's; The Called Out Ones; Maple Grove; The Body Of Christ

The Church Is… Video – This Is Church (sermon spice) Good Morning Maple Grove! NOW THIS MORNING - we are kicking off a brand new series called, “Becoming The Church He Intended.” AND – that makes sense, right? THAT - seems like a logical and worthy pursuit for us, wouldn’t you agree? I MEAN ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Closing The Generation Gap Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Dec 3, 2001

A principle for how to close the generation gap and application of that principle to one specific group in the church.

Every generation throughout human history has struggled with its own version of the generation gap between the young and the old. I can picture Adam and Eve complaining about the next generation, predicting the demise of the human race because of the values of their children and grandchildren. I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Human Nature Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

The full Gospel is Christmas and Easter, and that Jesus was fully man and fully God. He was the God-Man. If you take either one out of the church year you have destroyed it, and if you take either of the natures of Jesus out of him you have destroyed the Gospel and the Jesus of the New Testament.

Superman has always been popular as a comic book character, and I can remember racing across the snow in a blizzard to trade comic books with a friend in order to get some new adventures of this heaven-like hero of humanity. In our day now the movies of superman have made millions because they ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

The Good Soldier-2(2025)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 3, 2025

2 of 2. Paul encouraged Timothy as a 'good soldier' of Christ Jesus. The level of commitment needed, for a believer to fulfill their calling in Christ, is comparable to that of a good soldier. BUT...What rules does a ‘good soldier’ live by?

The GOOD SOLDIER-II—2Timothy 2:4(:1-4) Attention: Twila Paris’—‘What Did He Die For’... *Last week we read the first part regarding the WW-II soldier...* He was twenty-one in 1944 He was hope & he was courage on a lonely shore Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears Just a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:4, 2 Timothy 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Really Sees Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 18, 2003

The Life of Abraham, Part 4 of 10.

THE GOD WHO REALLY SEES (GENESIS 16:1-16) Are you suffering, weak, or troubled? At the lowest point of my ministry, I took a course co-taught by two professors who required all students, mainly pastors, to stay together in a retreat center for two weeks, and every night there was a designated time ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Temptation To Be Perfect Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Oct 18, 2000

To be perfect as God is perfect, paradoxically, requires us to understand our own weaknesses and failures the way God does, and to love ourselves, despite those weaknesses and failures, the way God does.

It may sound like a contradiction in terms to have a sermon on the temptation to be perfect. After all aren’t temptations about being imperfect. Doesn’t God want us to be perfect just as he’s perfect? But you know, there is such a thing as the temptation to be perfect. All of us are subject to it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Anglican

"Hunger And Thirst For Justice.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Nov 30, 2001

Year A. Second Sunday in Advent December 9th, 2001 Title: “Hunger and thirst for justice.”

Year A. Second Sunday in Advent December 9th, 2001 Title: “Hunger and thirst for justice.” Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (Reader) Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king’s son. C. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 72:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran