Sermons on Rationalize:

Bowing To The Great Idol Of Self

Contributed by Mark Adams on Jan 13, 2007

The OT has a lot of interesting stories about idolatry, but is that really just a problem of the past? This sermon addresses the very real problem that our culture has in worshiping our own desires above all else.

To the reader: What inspired this sermon was a quote I read in R.C. Ortlund’s book, When God Comes To Church, p. 194. "Self is the great idol standing at the center of our conceptual world, to which all bow low. We even have a duty-to-self ethic, as if self-denial were harmful, immoral, and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's Kindness

Contributed by Grant Sisson on Oct 10, 2008

King David exhibits the kindness of God toward Mephibosheth.

Theme: God’s Kindness Object: Is shown to us in Jesus, even in the depths of our lowest times Did you see the movie Shallow Hal? It is a movie about an unattractive, really shallow middle-aged man named Hal Larsen who judges women on how “hot” they are. But then one day, Hal gets stuck on a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-9

The Blessed Mourners Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Oct 27, 2008

A look at this backwards statement about the blessed mourners. Part 3 of 9

October 12, 2008 The Blessed Mourners Matthew 5:1-4 Have you ever read something that as you were reading it, just didn’t make a whole lot of sense? Sometimes when we read the Bible, we may find ourselves struggling to make sense out of the words of Jesus. He tells us things which either don’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Things That Make Christians Different From The World: Marital Intimacy Series

Contributed by Terry Frazier on Aug 27, 2012

The world is working very hard to take over the conversation about sex and its role in our society.Christians have to stop being ashamed and embarrassed about talking about sex. Our kids need to know what God's plan for proper sexual behavior is. Christia

Things That Make Christians Different From The World: Marital Intimacy As we continue this series on the differences between what the world thinks and believes and what we as Christians think and believe it is important and in my opinion very necessary to talk about a very sensitive and sometimes ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:22-25

Denomination: Baptist

Things That Make Christians Different From The World: Sin Series

Contributed by Terry Frazier on Sep 29, 2012

Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. Since then all people are born into this world with a sin nature that we cannot fix on our own. The world tries to ignore the sin nature, tries to "manage" their sin nature and they fail every time. While Christ

Things That Make Christians Different From The World: Sin In this series I have been preaching about the differences between Christians and the world we have to talk about sin. Sin is what separates us from God as people. We are all born in sin and until people accept Jesus Christ as Lord and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Altar Of God In The New Testament

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Dec 12, 2013

To show that we are the New Testament altars of GOD under Grace.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you an offering? Are you an altar of GOD? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we are the New Testament altars of GOD under Grace. IV. TEXT: Genesis 8:20 (Amplified Bible) 8:20 And Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Almost Forgotten Man: Joseph

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 17, 2013

Joseph seems almost forgotten in the Christmas story. A look at Joseph's faithfulness in the midst of unexpected situations.

The Characters of Christmas: Joseph Matthew 1: 18-25 There is no greater Christmas classic than Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, and there is no greater Christmas character than poor George Bailey. He’s even referred to several times throughout the film as “poor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Methodist

Second Sunday Of Advent Series

Contributed by R Daniel Carlson on Dec 19, 2013

John's message of repentance is still as true for us today as it was 2000 years ago!

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. We have entered into a time when rational thinking, reasonableness, honesty, truth, and even humility is considered substandard; considered to be the enemy of progressiveness, seen as distasteful even. We live in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

You Have Never Read The Gerasene Demoniac’s Story Like This.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jan 24, 2014

The Gerasene demoniac is a true story and not a parable with much to encourage us; there are even some funny features within, somewhere between a political cartoon and a graphic novel. Read on … and you will see the bizarre from beginning to end.

1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a Psalm 42 and 43 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 Summary: The Gerasene demoniac is a true story and not a parable with much to encourage us; there are even some funny features within, somewhere between a political cartoon and a graphic novel. Read on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Denomination: Episcopal

Ready For Christ’s Return

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 1, 2013

There are some who are eagerly waiting for Christ's return, In fact some don't want Him to return now and desire to continue doing what they are and then there are those who believe this is just a hoax and don't believe that He will ever return. Which one

Opening illustration: A teacher tells her young students, “Class, I’m going down the hall for a few minutes. I don’t expect to be away long. I’m sure there won’t be any trouble. I trust you to work on your assignments while I’m gone.” Fifteen minutes pass, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Few Good Men Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on May 21, 2013

God is looking for a few good men to lean on him; lead like him; and learn to love as he does.

1. Men ARE from Mars and Women ARE from Venus – Communication Issues a. I heard a story that seems appropriate to the subject. A woman visited an attorney and was fed up with her husband and wanted a divorce, and she says to the attorney, ‘I wish to file for a divorce’. He says, ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Ever Happened To Sin?

Contributed by Cameron Bottema on Jan 3, 2013

In our society, sin has become a "bad word." In the name of tolorance, Christians are excusing their own sin and the sins of others. This sermon deals with the reality of Sin based on God's Inspired Word.

INTRODUCTION: Psychologist Karl Menninger asked this most significant question: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SIN? This is a haunting question. It lingers with us, and must be addressed from the perspective of Holy Scripture, and with undaunting courage. * - TODAY, we want safe sex, so people in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-10

Denomination: Friends

Sound - Pt. 5 - Sound Warfare Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Feb 10, 2013

We underestimate its power. It can change the outcome and the atmosphere. It can determine victory. What sound is your life producing?

Sound Pt. 5 – Sound Warfare If you have been here the last 3 weeks then you are surely becoming convinced that there is power in sound. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that is probably true. However, as powerful as sight is sound rivals its impact. You simply change the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:16-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

We Really Live

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jul 12, 2013

To show that we need to win souls to really live and be consistent in your attendances.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you have real life? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we need to win souls to really live and be consistent in your attendances. IV. TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 3:8 (Amplified Bible) Because now we [really] live, if you stand [firm] in the Lord. V. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

"The High Cost Of Discipleship"

Contributed by David Henderson on Jul 22, 2013

In this message we look at the real cost of discipleship. We have watered it down for today's culture. Jesus never did that.

“The High Cost of Discipleship” Luke 14:25-35 Last week we left the disciples standing on the shore. They had just brought in such a large catch of fish that the nets were nearly breaking and when they placed all the fish in the boats they began to sink. Jesus said to them, come and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

Denomination: Baptist