Sermons on Rodney Stark:

Paid In Full PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the heavy cost of sin, its inevitable consequences, and the redeeming grace offered through Jesus Christ, as outlined in Romans 6:23.

Good morning, church family! As we gather together this morning, let's dive into a crucial topic that affects us all - the cost of sin, the consequences of our actions, and the beautiful redemption offered through Jesus Christ. Today, we'll be unpacking Romans 6:23, which reads, "For the wages of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Topics: Sins, Affect

How Many Times? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the power, necessity, and example of forgiveness as demonstrated in Matthew 18:21-35, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dig deep into the power, the necessity, and the example of forgiveness as shown to us in Matthew 18:21-35. It's a passage that might make you squirm a little, but boy is it powerful! Before we dive in, I want to share a quote from Dag Hammarskjöld, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Topics: Forgiveness

That Day PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Emphasize the certainty of Jesus Christ's return and the urgency of preparing for it, as guided by the scripture from 2 Peter 3:10.

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters. We are gathered here today to delve into the heart of a powerful promise from the scriptures. It's a promise that has been passed down through generations, one that stirs our hearts with both anticipation and a sense of urgency. It's the promise of our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:10

Topics: Second Coming

Idolatry: The Trojan Horse Of Demons PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Warn against the danger of idolatry, emphasizing that it's not just about worshipping physical idols, but anything that takes the rightful place of God in our hearts, and to encourage believers to examine their lives for any such idols.

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Today, we're going to take a deep dive into a passage that might just rattle our comfort zones a bit. It's about the danger of idolatry, the temptation that sneaks in when we least expect it, and the spiritual warfare that's constantly happening around us. I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Topics: Idolatry, Demons

It's My Turn PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

This sermon will explore the healing power and compassion of Jesus as demonstrated in the story of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-8.

Good morning, church family! Today we’re talking about John 5:1-8, a powerful Scripture where we see the mercy of Jesus and His power to heal in action. We'll specifically be touching on the miraculous healing of the paralytic and focusing on the significance of the Pool of Bethesda. It's a story ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-8

Topics: Jesus' Mercy

Who's Coming To Dinner PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 10, 2023

Explore the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22, emphasizing the radical hospitality of God's invitation, the consequences of rejecting it, and the joy that comes from accepting it.

Good morning, family. Today, we're going to delve into an intriguing parable in Matthew 22, verses 1 through 14. It's a story about invitations, hospitality, rejection, and joy. We'll be looking at the three facets: the invitation to radical hospitality, the cost of rejecting the invitation, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Topics: Radical Hospitality

Grief During The Holidays PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 14, 2023

This sermon encourages finding hope in God's promises during times of heartache and grief, and holding onto the eternal, unseen blessings He has prepared for us.

Welcome, beloved family of God. We are gathered here today, not as strangers meeting for the first time, but as a family, united in love and faith. We are united in our shared hope and belief in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. We stand together, not because we are perfect, but because we are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Topics: Grief

My Life PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

This sermon explores Micah 6, emphasizing the need for introspection, transformation, and living out the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.

Welcome, dear friends, to this gathering of hearts and souls, united in our shared love for the Lord and our desire to understand His word more deeply. We are gathered here today, not as strangers or acquaintances, but as a family, bound together by the unbreakable ties of faith and fellowship. We ...read more

Topics: New Year

Naboth's Vineyard PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

The sermon emphasizes trusting God in dark times, rejecting injustice, safeguarding God's anointed, and resisting envy, as illustrated in 1 Kings 21. Key

Welcome, dear family of faith, to this sacred gathering where we come together, not just as individuals, but as a collective body, knit together by the love of our Savior. We are here to lean into the wisdom of the Word, to let its truths shape us, to let its promises uplift us, and to let its ...read more

Topics: Grapes, Envy

Extravagant Love: The Alabaster Jar Of Devotion PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 21, 2024

Explores expressing daring devotion to Christ, defying societal norms for Him, and understanding the profound impact of our dedication to Him.

Welcome, beloved brothers and sisters, to this gathering of hearts and minds in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are here today to reflect on a passage of Scripture that is as profound as it is poignant, a narrative that unveils a depth of devotion that is as daring as it is divine. Before we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Topics: Lent, Preparing, Surrender

The First Miracle

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 8, 2001

Miracles happen when we understand that 1.Jesus cares about our everyday needs. 2. Jesus transforms our everyday experiences. 3. Jesus extravagantly provides for our everyday requests.

You have seen the commercials showing someone with a mouth full of cookies, as the question was asked: “Got milk?” Well, the question in the story we have read today was: “Got wine?” And the answer was: “No!” The wine was gone. A miracle was needed to save the family, and the new couple, the ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

God Still Communicates With Us

Contributed by Rodney Byrd on Jul 11, 2001

This sermon discusses the 3 methods of communication God has and still uses to communicate with his people.

The key to any successful relationship is communication. This is true in the case of a marriage, a parent-child, brother-sister, or any other type of relationship. It is also very true of our relationship with God. We need to ensure that our lines of communication are open when it comes to our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:21-22

Denomination: Baptist

What Is A Christian?

Contributed by Rodney Byrd on Jul 12, 2001

The term Christian is often used loosely my many different people. This sermon discusses the traits of "true" Christians.

I was reading a great book the other day that gave me the inspiration for this sermon. It discussed ways of growing as a Christian. It really opened my eyes to how ambiguously some people viewed the question, "What is a Christian?" This is a question that has been asked by many people, and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:26, John 3:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Nicodemus

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 15, 2001

A right standing with God does not come through 1. correct beliefs, or 2. correct moral conduct, but 3. through an ongoing relationship with God.

A national magazine recently ran a contest to see who could come up with the best real-life quotes resembling the cartoon “Dilbert.” If you are not familiar with Dilbert, he is a character caught in a bizarre office situation where bureaucracy rules and common sense is uncommon — a workplace not ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-19

Denomination: Methodist

The Samaritans

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 22, 2001

When it comes to having people as a part of his kingdom: 1. God breaks all the rules. 2. God wants everyone to know him. 3. God wants us to open our eyes.

Times are changing, and it is rocking our country to the core. Cultural shifts are happening so fast that most of us cannot keep track of them. The country that our grandparents loved and grew up in no longer exists. It used to be that you graduated from high school and worked for one company ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-26

Denomination: Methodist