Sermons on Religious Vocations:

Patched Old Clothing, New Wine In Old Wineskins Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Jan 20, 2017

Teaching can be boring, teaching can be tiring, or teaching can be interesting and exciting. Our Lord never bored people in His teaching. Some were converted, some angered, but no one was bored or uninterested.

Introduction A. There are many literary forms used in the Bible. 1. There is poetry 2. Proverbs 3. Legal documents 4. Dramatic narratives 5. Hymns 6. Sermons 7. Theological treatise 8. Personal letters 9. And apocalyptic visions 10. And sprinkled into all of these forms are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Vineyard And Wicked Tenants Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 2, 2024

The Parable fo the Vineyard and Wicked Tenants

In our study of the parables, we now come to the last of three parables taught by Jesus in Matthew chapter 21. Now as I always say, Jesus taught using parables to illustrate a spiritual truth regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. Parables are not meant to be taken literally, mom, but are necessary for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Denomination: Brethren

United Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As a church, we are in the process of transitioning from traditional Sunday School classes to home-based community groups. In this process, we are going to take a few weeks to consider what it means for us to be a biblical community. We begin with the consideration that we are united.

Introduction Series on biblical community in preparation for the launching of community groups next month we will look at a variety of passages, but most of our time together will be in the book of Ephesians Background Diversity There were cultural, ethnic, and religious divisions in the city - ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Witnessing To Postmodern People

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 29, 2022

This message discusses postmodernism. In today's moral relativism, truth is seen as subjective, and it can supposedly change with circumstances. So, how do we share about Jesus who is "the way, the TRUTH, and the life?"

Our message this evening is entitled, “Witnessing to Postmodern People.” As we seek to understand how to better share our faith in today’s western culture, we must begin with a discussion on modernism and postmodernism. Modernism and postmodernism are eras, or time periods of societal thought and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Need For Compassion!

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 7, 2022

Today I want to preach on something that some seem to think is not that important….BUT IT IS! It affects our life everyday.

I want to preach to you about compassion. We miss compassion when we do not have it and we admire it when we see it. Illus: A pastor wrote, "I was in Time’s Square, in New York, during rush hour. Thousands of people were thronging and pushing at the corner, ready to cross at the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruit Of Goodness Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 9, 2021

Jesus blasted all religion that failed the test of goodness. If people are not made good by their faith, their faith is no good. God is good, and what is not good is not of God. That is Biblical theology in a nutshell.

A young boy had been sent to his room for bad behavior. After awhile he emerged and told his mother he had thought it over and prayed about it. "That's wonderful", said the mother. "If you ask God He will help you be good." The boy responded, "But I didn't ask God ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Confronting The Scandal Of Our Prejudices Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

Jesus came to buck the system and to reject the prejudices in all its forms. He goes against the grain of His culture and dares to love all people equally.

Billy Graham has preached the Gospel around the world to every race. In an interview with Diane Sawyer he was asked this question: "If you could wave your hand and make one problem in this world go away, what would it be?" Without hesitation he replied, "Racial division and ...read more

The Blessing Of Embracing The Truth

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jul 8, 2021

Winston Churchill once said, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.” But how we respond to truth determines the direction of our lives. It will determine the quality of our lives and the destiny of our eternal soul.

We have experienced the first miracle of Jesus at Cana of Galilee, where water was turned into wine, then we moved to the first ministry of Jesus at Jerusalem. Jesus was interviewed by Nicodemus concerning Who he really was. Nicodemus represented the ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-30, John 8:31-32

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus On Trial Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 3, 2021

Today, the civil phase begins. The story of Jesus’ trek between Gethsemane and Golgotha is known as the Passion. You really cannot truly understand the cross until you understand how Jesus got there and what took place on the day He was crucified.

Johnnie Cochran was the famous defense attorney of OJ Simpson. Many of you will remember his closing arguments in that case, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” He was once asked whom he would have liked to defense. Cochran’s answer is telling: “Jesus is the person I would like to have defended. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Broken (Part Two)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Apr 22, 2019

Last week we looked at some events leading up to the crucifixion that had to do with brokenness. We looked at the broken seal on the jar of perfume, the broken protocol in Jesus' arrest and trial, and the broken hearts. What else was broken?

BROKEN (part two) Recap: Last week in pt. 1 I talked about some events leading up to the crucifixion that had to do with brokenness. First, we looked at Mary breaking the seal on her jar of expensive perfume so she could anoint Jesus. She was willing to let go of something very valuable to honor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:50-54, Hebrews 10:19-22, John 11:25-26, Psalm 107:10-14, Acts 3:19, Job 36:8-12, Acts 2:36-38, Psalm 51:17, Luke 18:9-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Predicts His Death Series

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 18, 2019

ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS JESUS PREDICTED HIS DEATH TO HIS DISCIPLES. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME AS RECORDED IN THE BOOK OF MATTHEW.

JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH MATTHEW 16:21-28 MARCH 10, 2019 TODAY I WANT TO BEGIN A SERIES OF MESSAGES THAT WILL TAKE US THROUGH TO THE WEEK FOLLOWING EASTER SUNDAY. THE GOSPELS CONTAIN MANY SITUATIONS THAT JESUS WAS FACED WITH DURING THE FINAL MONTHS OF HIS EARTHLY LIFE AND WE WILL TAKE SOME TIME ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

Growth And Love

Contributed by Chidi Ejeagba on Jan 22, 2021

There is a very powerful relationship between growth and love. Without growth, it will be impossible to share love. A full grown love must be shared.

Dr Martin Luther King Jr once said, and I quote: "We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love. And when we do that, we will make of this old world a new world, for love is the only way." Now we are in the rainy season, and the rains have started, everything has ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Speaking Truth In A Skeptical Age

Contributed by Roger Thomas on May 26, 2004

Speaking the truth in love is the needed standard in a post-Christian/post-modern world.

Speaking Truth to a Skeptical World 1 Peter 3:15 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO If there were a patron saint of our age, a hero or symbol for the times, it might well be Pilate. The Roman politician did his best to find a way to not condemn Jesus, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Tipping Points

Contributed by William Mouser on Oct 25, 2005

In the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Jews reached a tipping point in their rebellion against God. Nations, kings, and ordinary men arrive at tipping points, from which they retreat, or pass on to judgment.

Matthew 21:33-43 Tipping Points The gospel for today recounts yet another parable which Jesus told against the religious establishment of Israel. After he had spoken the parable, Matthew records these words: 45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Prescription For Church Unity Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jul 29, 2003

It seems like there is a real danger for the church in that, the stronger a they hold to their beliefs, the greater the chance of disunity. There is such need for us, with our great beliefs that we hold dear, to talk about church unity.

Introduction: You may notice that during this time of the year that many of our men around the country are glued to the football games on television. College football is such a great part of American tradition. It all builds up to the bowl games at the end. That is what people are waiting for, to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist