Sermons on Receptivity:

The Matrix

Contributed by Rick Pendleton on Dec 30, 2014

My question for you today is… are you dis-satisfied with YOUR current level of spirituality, are YOU ready to move forward and have a deeper spirituality, a closer relationship to God?

The Matrix Two weeks ago we discussed how these Israelites had praised God and that praise led to a bigger awareness of God and His Holiness, purity and worthiness That led to a greater awareness of their own sinfulness and unworthiness That led them to confess their sins And that led them to ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 10:28-39

Denomination: Baptist

Angels And Shepherds

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 7, 2013

No person is an 'untouchable' to God: and the things revealed that first Christmas are such that 'angels desire to look into...'

ANGELS AND SHEPHERDS. Luke 2:8-20. To be a shepherd was not necessarily considered to be one of the higher occupations in the Judean province. This is surprising, since some of Israel's great leaders had been shepherds. Abraham had his flocks, as had Isaac. Jacob kept the flocks of his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Story 24 Kingdom Treasure Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 2, 2014

Jesus' priority in his ministry was the Kingdom of God. This lesson focuses on the value and power of the kingdom.

1. Thy Kingdom Come Astronaut James Erwin is one of but a few men to walk on the moon. As he stood upon the lunar landscape and looked up at the earth, he prayed for the first time in his life. He thought about the strife among nations, poverty, hunger, and rampant evil; and he thought to himself: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Obedience Of Faith

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 13, 2014

Faith is critical, but it was not enough in the life of Mary, and it is not enough in our own life. What is needed is the obedience of faith.

Fourth Sunday in Advent 2014 My most intense memory of today’s Gospel–which unlike the rest of this year is taken from the writings of St. Luke–is of singing it at a Mass celebrated where the angel appeared to Mary. It was in Nazareth, in 2005, with a pilgrimage group. The ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:25-27

Denomination: Catholic

The Bridegroom Comes

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 6, 2013

The Baptism of the Lord should be seen as the coming of Jesus, the Bridegroom of the Church.

Baptism of the Lord 13 January 2012 The Bridegroom Comes Today’s feast, the Baptism of Jesus, is the midpoint of a two-week festival called Epiphany, or “manifestation.” It begins with the Feast of the Three Kings, and their gifts of gold, incense and myrrh to Mary and Jesus. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-22

Denomination: Catholic

I Reject. . .i Believe: An Easter Homily Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 29, 2013

The promises we make in baptism are challenges to be soaked with Christ.

Easter Sunday 2013 “I Reject. . .I Believe” In my ministry of deacon, about five times a year I have the privilege of welcoming young children into the Church through the sacrament of Baptism. The rite of Baptism of Infants is pretty straightforward, involving the reading of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-5

Denomination: Catholic

Not What We Expected

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jul 9, 2018

Opposition to the Good News of Jesus Christ is nothing new. The first 12 pastors were instructed how to deal with it. Think long and hard how you respond to the message of the Good News as there are consequences depending on your reaction.

Not What We Expected Mark 6:1-13 Jesus said that; ““A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” “He was amazed at their lack of faith.” Mark 6:4 Sometimes people think they know you. They think they know your family and your family ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-3, James 5:13-16, Mark 6:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Know It All Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Oct 14, 2019

God wants my neighbor (and me) to know all of the will of God and to know HIM.

1. You may remember the story of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14, 2 Corinthians 1:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Butterfly Effect Of Prayer Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 1, 2016

A simple prayer can have amazing impact

The European union was fracturing along national lines. Political and religious rivalries had caused chasms of separation to grow, so that a threat to one part was even seen as a good thing to other parts of the continent. A resurgent Islamic state had taken territory and executed hundreds, even ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Catholic

His Mother And Brothers Seek An Audience Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 4, 2017

Jesus addressed the crowd, on this day, regarding subjects which drew the resentment of the Scribes and Pharisees. And while He was speaking, His mother, Mary, and His brothers arrived at the house where He was at.

Harmony of the Gospels -AD 28- Capernaum Lesson: His Mother and Brothers Seek an Audience Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21 -Matthew- Matt 12:46-50 (KJV) 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

The First Fruits

Contributed by Robert Tallent on Sep 30, 2017

Why God wants to be first in our lives

The First Fruits Joshua 7:1 I had just read about all that happened to Achan because of his thievery 36 soldiers died, Achan, his children, animals and all he had destroyed and then I read Josh 8: 1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Prepare Ye The Way - Yes! Prepare Today

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Dec 8, 2019

John the Baptist was speaking to the Jewish people in his day; he is speaking to you and me today.

Message/Devotion December 8, 2019 Matthew 3:1-12 The reading In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Emerging Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jun 16, 2021

A sermon for the Sundays following Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary 11

June 13, 2021 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Mark 4:26-34 The Emerging Kingdom of God Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Preservation By His Unfailing Mercies

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on May 13, 2023

We need the mercy of God for our preservation, protection, provision and promotion in all areas of our lives.

Preservation by His Unfailing Mercies Study Text: Lamentation 3: 21 - 23 Introduction: - The journey of life is too cumbersome and very difficult to predict. Sometimes, certain unwholesome events come calling, when they are least expected. -. Most certainly, it is not the strongest of the ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:21-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are The Seeds Still In The Barn Or Have We Taken Them Out For Planting? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on May 14, 2023

In this passage of scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils in Mark 4:1-9. Then in Mark 4:10-25, Jesus gives an explanation about the parable of the four soils.

Jesus used parables to instruct the people. Parables are brief tales utilizing recognizable scenes to clarify spiritual truth. This technique for educating urges the audience to think. It disguises the truth from the individuals who are excessively obstinate or biased to hear what is being ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible