Sermons on Rites Of Passage:

Why Does The Government Do More Than The Church To Help The Poor? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 26, 2015

This passage on the care of widows opens up a larger question: what's the place the church should have in the care of the poor (versus the place the government should have)?

THE POINT OF THE PASSAGE: Taking care of the needy widows was a big deal in the early church. - There was a different societal structure and a lack of social safety net back then. The church stepped in to help. - Unpack some of the passage. - The passage raises a more general question: why ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Repentance?

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jan 12, 2017

In this passage Jesus teaches us about Repentance - Repentance involves 1. Revelation and Realization 2. Redemption and Renewal 3. Reorientation and living a life of Righteousness

Scripture: Matthew 4: 12 - 23 Theme: Repentance In this passage Jesus teaches us about Repentance - Repentance involves 1. Revelation and Realization 2. Redemption and Renewal 3. Reorientation and Righteousness INTRO: Grace and peace from God our Father and from His Son Jesus Christ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

Denomination: Nazarene

I Forgot Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Mar 31, 2016

Our present passage provides insight as to why the Israelites stumbled in fulfilling their obligations, and consequently should give us some insight into our own stumbling.

Psalm 78:9-11 I Forgot 12/30/08 D. Marion Clark Introduction This psalm is excellent for studying at the end of the year – for it is a psalm of looking back so as to look forward. The first eight verses focus on the obligation God’s people have to pass on to the next generation what ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:9-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Finding Strength In God: A Transformed Life Isaiah 12:2 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 22, 2024

Isaiah 12:2, reminds us of the source of our strength and salvation. Let us delve into this passage to uncover the profound truths it holds for our lives.

Finding Strength in God: A Transformed Life Introduction: As we gather together today, let us turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God, seeking the transformation and strength that only He can provide. Our focus scripture, Isaiah 12:2, reminds us of the source of our strength and salvation. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:2, Exodus 15:2, Psalm 28:7, Romans 8:37

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Salvation Of The Lord

Contributed by Darren Felarise on Nov 19, 2020

Has there ever been a time in your life that everywhere you turned there was a wall of trouble? That's just what Moses is facing in this passage.

Ex 14:10-14 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Is The Bread Of Life?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 14, 2018

The passage we read from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel has from earliest times been used to explain the orthodox teaching on the Eucharist.

We all know what a eunuch is, and such men were common in the various courts of Biblical times. What was valuable about them to the kings of the Middle East is that they could be trusted–if they were trustworthy at all–even with the kings’ wives and children. There would be no question of bad blood ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40, John 6:44-51

Denomination: Catholic

A Motivation To Give For Small Givers Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 26, 2019

We are called by Paul to be cheerful givers. That seems ridiculous to many! This passage, though, gives us a great starting point for making that generous attitude happen.

IT JUST SEEMS RIDICULOUS: How can anyone be a cheerful giver? - 2 Corinthians 9:7. - Paul tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. That’s all well and good, many of you are thinking, but who exactly is joyful about giving to the offering plate? It’s hard for many to believe that there are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Not Your Name; My Name - Mark 9:36-41 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 31, 2023

Do you long for a greater experience of the presence of God? In this passage Jesus teaches how to attain that while bringing honor to Jesus and accruing eternal reward.

Mark 9:33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:36-41, Matthew 1:5, Luke 9:48-50

Transformed By Truth: Living In The Light Of God's Grace Luke 1:68-75 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 14, 2024

A journey through a profound and transformative passage from Luke 1:68-75 - in these verses, we find rich themes of redemption, promise, covenant, and hope.

Transformed by Truth: Living in the Light of God's Grace Luke 1:68-75 It is a blessing and a joy to gather together in the presence of the Lord, to worship, to fellowship, and to grow deeper in our understanding of His Word. Today, we are going to embark on a journey through a profound and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:68-75, Luke 1:68, John 3:16, Luke 1:69-70, Isaiah 9:6, Luke 1:72-73, Deuteronomy 7:9, Luke 1:74-75, Romans 12:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Hangry

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Aug 13, 2024

Intro Did ya? Read something new in God’s Word today? See a familiar passage with new eyes? I hope you did!

Today’s word is sort of centered around those questions. Do you ever have those days that you have your complete agenda lined out, and then “poof” it was gone? Nothing went as planned? Monday as I was leaving work, I had planned everything I was going to accomplish when I got home. As I pulled into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6, John 13:34

Proper Orbits Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 10, 2024

The passage deals with immorality that shouldn’t be named or practiced among the believers at Ephesus, I want to emphasize that the scripture should not be burdened with baggage that it is often saddled with

Background to passage: It’s been a while since we have been in Ephesians, so a quick overview. First three chapters are deeply theological about Christ’s role in our salvation and in the life of the church. Last three chapters are very practical. In fact the end of chapter four some of the “most ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Lesson In The Leftovers

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 31, 2022

Undoubtedly many have heard this passage of Scripture before and hopefully, many have read this story. This is the story of where Jesus feeds the multitude, the five thousand.

What a miracle to perform. I cannot imagine trying to feed that many people. No doubt there are quite a few mothers out there that would find that a daunting task. Can you see five thousand people coming through your door, walking to the dining room, either trying to find a place to sit or going ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Are We To Do If There Is A Tater Family In Our Church?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 8, 2023

Although the title to this message mentions a Tater Family, the passage of Scripture speaks about the servants working with the pounds. Do Christians of today resemble the servants in the Scripture?

This is the story about the pounds. This story tells of a certain nobleman who received a kingdom, and it showed the followers of Jesus what they were to do during the time between when Jesus would leave and his Second Coming. The followers were to be unwavering and fruitful while he was gone. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Immortality Through Good Deeds

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Feb 7, 2023

Jesus tells us in this passage that we need to do good works and that will enable us to be remembered through time. That is one of the reasons we remember Him.

Immortality through Good Deeds John 8:48-59 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 8:48 The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not ahave a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 “But I do not seek My ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Denomination: United Methodist

The Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit - Mark 3:20-30 (Matthew 12:22-37) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

People often say the unforgivable sin is attributing demonic work to Jesus. But several other passages speak of an unforgivable sin, and none of them identify it that way.

Mark 3:20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-30, Matthew 12:22-37