Sermons on Rodney Stark:

Losers Never Win

Contributed by Craig Benner on May 18, 2011

You don't have to be a loser. Unfortunately, many choose this route as a way of life. They never really become overcomers. Make the right choices, as hard and sacrificial as they may be. Remember Lot and Lots' wife.

Central Text---Gen. 13:7-14 Lu 17:28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; Lu 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Lu 17:32 Remember ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:27-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

Of Vicious And Virtuous Cycles!!!

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Oct 24, 2020

In contrast with a vicious cycle, Yours Truly aims to bring to the fore the spiritual dynamics of a beneficial spiritual virtuous cycle!!!

Of Vicious and Virtuous Cycles!!! We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4, Romans 8:28-29, James 1:2-4

Denomination: *other

Beware Of False Gods

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 4, 2020

Worship only the true God

Elder Thaddeus (Strabulovich) of Vitovnica once stated: “One must love God first, and only then can one love one's closest of kin and neighbours. We must not be idols to one another, for such is not the will of God.” Many of us have probably heard the names of Artemis, Ashtoreth, Baal, Chemosh ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:1-18

Whese's The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 19, 2014

Jesus stands before Pilate. Jesus’ kingdom is not from this world, but he is still King of kings and Lord of lords.

John 18:28-40 "Where's the Kingdom?" INTRODUCTION It has often been said that Jesus, "Lived so that he could die." Such comments stress the crucifixion, but down play Jesus' life. I think it might be more accurate to say that Jesus died because he lived. In other words, Jesus bringing in the ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Lesson 15. The Specific Evidence Of Response (James 1:26-27) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

Obedience to God’s Word is never mandated nor vainly beneficial. It is transformational. Following God’s Word changes us. Certain things will follow. Obedience will make a difference, and as James shows us, he gives us examples of some of the changes to come.

Tom Lowe 2/7/2021 Text: James 1:26-27 (KJV) 26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Why I Am A Christian Mystic

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

What is a Christian mystic? A Christian mystic is a follower of Jesus who believes in and experiences the supernatural realities of relationship with God.

What is a Christian mystic? A Christian mystic is a follower of Jesus who believes in and experiences the supernatural realities of relationship with God. I would like to convince you today to join me as an authentic Christian mystic, one who fully engages in the spiritual realities of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-14

Denomination: Salvation Army

Choose This Day Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 3, 2022

Joshua said, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. The people responded; we will serve the Lord. OK says Joshua, then throw away everything and anything that stands as a hindrance to serving God and yield your heart to God (Joshua 24:23). The people followed God as long as Joshua lived.

Many things have been computerized in our day. The game of chess is completely computerized. If you play against the computer in a game of chess you can even find out the rating for every move you make. The computer can tell you if you made a good decision or a bad decision in your chess move and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Words And Deeds Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Apr 5, 2022

Actions speak louder than words. What do yours say?

Words and Deeds lanny smith 2022 Lent / Psalm 23; Matthew 26:6–13   • Proverbial statements: • Talk is cheap. • Actions speak louder than words. • Our experiences tell us these statements carry a lot of truth. • It is critical that disciples of Jesus have words and deeds that are congruent. ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:6-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 30, 2023

This marriage supper is a celebration of what Christ has done for all the invited. This is why the event is so incredible – all of Heaven comes together for it!

Alpha and Omega, Part 46, Revelation Part 23 The Marriage Supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:1-10 Introduction - Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation -- REM: Redemption of sin is granted through Jesus; and yes, we have a choice - Last week we unpacked ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:1-10, Psalm 95:6, 2 Corinthians 9:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sin And Forgiveness.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 15, 2023

Perhaps the original grievance was resolved, between one brother and another. The brother was ‘regained’ (Matthew 18:15): but what if he offends again?

SIN AND FORGIVENESS. Matthew 18:15-35. 1. Regaining the straying brother. Matthew 18:15-20. ‘The Son of man is come to save that which was lost,’ declared Jesus (Matthew 18:11). The Lord illustrated this with a story of a man who left his ninety-nine sheep to seek out just one lost sheep ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gender: Creation Over Confusion

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Aug 24, 2025

Gender appears to be complicated, but really it is pretty simple. Jesus and God’s word affirm there are two genders: Male and Female. There are, however, males or females who do have physical anomalies. In certain, very rare instances, it can make it difficult to know which is which.

Gender: Creation over Chaos Genesis 1:27 In California, pronoun preference discrimination is illegal. The Armstrong Law Firm advocates for employees' rights against such workplace Neither state law nor federal law require a coworker to use the preferred pronouns and name of a fellow ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27

Denomination: Bible Church

The Sign You're Looking For

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 5, 2025

This sermon warns against seeking signs from a hard heart, highlighting the hypocrisy of being able to interpret worldly things while being blind to spiritual truth, and ultimately points to Christ's resurrection as the only sign we truly need for faith.

Introduction Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, desperately asking God for a sign? "Lord, if you want me to take this job, let the phone ring in the next ten minutes." "God, if this is the person I'm supposed to marry, have them wear a blue shirt tomorrow." We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Wisdom From Solomon About Wisdom Itself

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Sep 22, 2024

There is perhaps no stronger theme in Proverbs than Wisdom itself. It starts and ends the book–like two bookends, it encompasses all in between. Let’s look at how Christians are to feel toward wisdom.

God’s Will for You: Wisdom from Solomon about Wisdom Itself There is perhaps no stronger theme in Proverbs than Wisdom itself. It starts and ends the book–like two bookends, it encompasses all in between. Let’s look at how Christians are to feel toward wisdom. 1. The Christian Has a True ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 8:35-36

Denomination: Bible Church

Black And White Morality--Absolutely!

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 12, 2025

Jeremiah knew what God wanted for them, but they continually rebelled.

Sixth Sunday in Course 2025 It’s likely that if you were educated, as I was, mostly in the 1960s or later, you might have bristled a bit at today’s Scripture passages. They have moral language that is very much black-and-white. If you trust in God and follow His way, you’ll bear much fruit; if you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12, 1 Corinthians 15:16-20, Luke 6:17-26, Psalm 1:1-4, Psalm 1:6, Jeremiah 17:5-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

It Is Finished

Contributed by Larry Grant on Apr 19, 2025

The words we will consider today echo through the corridors of time, words that have changed the course of history, words that hold within them the very essence of our faith. “It is finished,” It is a word from Christ that speaks of fulfillment, of finality, and of freedom.

John 19:30 (NKJV) It Is Finished April 20, 2025 ILLS: I heard a preacher this week tell us that his Momma would say, “You ain’t got nothing to worry about.” Momma said that there are only two things in this life to worry about; whether you are healthy or whether you are sick? If you are healthy, ...read more

Scripture: John 19:30

Denomination: Baptist