Sermons on Rodney Stark:

Live Generously Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Nov 25, 2019

When we consider God's abundant mercies, we grow a heart of generosity.

November 24, 2019 Stewardship Week Four Hope Lutheran Church John 10:10b-18; Philippians 2:1-11 Live Generously Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) Rodney ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, John 10:10-18

Denomination: Lutheran

New Clothes

Contributed by Justin Meek on Oct 28, 2001

Christians must remove the Old clothes in favor of the New.

New Clothes Col. 3:1-14 Do you remember the fable “The Emperor’s New Clothes” from your childhood? There is a deceitful and unscrupulous con artist that seeks to trick the king. He wishes to sell the king a new suit of clothes. The clothes, he says, will be made from the finest cloth and very ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-14

Denomination: Baptist

I Christmas, Year C Series

Contributed by Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson on Dec 19, 2003

A sermon based on I Sam 2:18-20, 26 and Lk 2:41-52.

Sermon for I Christmas Year C, 28/12/2003 Based on I Sam 2:18-20, 26 & Lk 2:41-52 By Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church & chaplain of the Good Samaritan Society’s South Ridge Village, Medicine Hat, Alberta A Rabbi and a Priest were sitting together on a train, and the Rabbi ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:18-26, Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Lutheran

Mirror, Mirror Series

Contributed by John Knight on Apr 14, 2003

Fifth in series. A look at the identity we truly have in Christ.

"In Christ" "Mirror, Mirror" Philippians 2:1-11 Introduction: Mirror, mirror in my hand; tell me how beautiful I really am! Arrogant statement. Arrogant to fucus on such external values. As though I had control over my genetic makeup. Determining which genes I wanted/ didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Holiness

Given, Not Taken Series

Contributed by Tim Spear on Sep 1, 2011

Jesus discusses important matters that are given but not taken especially His own life.

Jesus, the God Man: The Gospel of John “Given, Not Taken” John 10:17-21 Introduction: I like to use coupons to save money especially when eating out or for lodging. Businesses give coupons all the time, but not all are used. I found two such coupons in my wallet this week and started ...read more

Scripture: John 10:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Is God's Answer Sermon Ix: Through Christ Our Lord, Hope Springs Eternal Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jan 6, 2020

Continuing life's journey with Christ as Lord, our Father has guaranteed a glorious outcome by turning the greatest negative the world has ever known (crucifixion) into the greatest positive the world has ever known (resurrection)!

THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD, HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL John 11:17-27 . . . As far back as I remember, I loved watching a parade. On Palm Sunday we commemorated the triumphal entry of ...read more

Scripture: John 10:27-30, John 11:17-27, Romans 6:8-11

Victorious Christian Life Sermon V: "the Least Of These" Ministry Priority Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 3, 2020

To sing "Oh, How I Love Jesus" is to want to do - and to do - whatever you can, whenever you can, wherever you can to minister however you can to those identified by Jesus as "the least of these".

VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE: “THE LEAST OF THESE” A MINISTRY PRIORITY My brother John Tyler Cunningham is the best example I know of making “the least of these” a ministry priority. At the visitation prior to his memorial service, there came to the funeral home, one by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40

Spiritual Discipline PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 6, 2024

This sermon explores Psalm 1, emphasizing the contrast between righteous and wicked paths, and the blessings of a life devoted to God's Word.

Welcome, beloved friends, to this sacred space where we gather to engage with the divine truth of God's Word. We are not merely spectators here, we are participators in the grand narrative of redemption. We are not just observers, but active participants in the unfolding of God's eternal plan. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Topics: Discipline

Jesus, The Light Of The World PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 30, 2023

This sermon aims to explore the profound truths in John 8, highlighting Jesus as the Light of the World who reveals and condemns sin, not to shame us, but to guide us towards repentance and transformation.

Good morning, family in Christ! Let's dive into some rich and enlightening truths from the Word of God today. We're going to be exploring John 8, where Jesus boldly declares Himself as the Light of the World. Let's consider the contrast between Jesus and religion, which often gets murky in today's ...read more

Topics: Contrast, Jesus, Religion

Choose The Good Portion PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

The importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and abiding in Christ, as exemplified by Mary in the biblical passage, over worldly distractions and anxieties.

Good morning, Church! I hope this day finds you blessed and full of the Holy Spirit. As we gather today, I am reminded of a quote by A.W. Tozer, "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One." Isn't that a beautiful thought? Let's turn our hearts and minds now to the Word of God, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-41

Topics: Abiding, Christ

Christ Crucified PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

To explore the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus encouraging us to understand and be moved by His suffering and ultimate crucifixion.

Hey there, family! Today we're diving into a part of Scripture that's heavy with emotion, with sadness, but also with the greatest show of love the world has ever seen. We're stepping into Mark 15:6-32. This passage paints a vivid picture of the depths of Jesus' suffering, His unending love for us, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:6-32

Topics: Crucifixion, Jesus

Sola Fide PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 5, 2023

To emphasize the importance of humility and faith in our relationship with God.

Good morning, church family! Today, we’re going to delve into a powerful passage from the Gospel of Luke that really gets to the heart of what it means to be justified by faith alone, and the humility required of us as believers. I'm reminded of a quote by John Stott, a respected theologian, who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Topics: Saves, Grace

Remember The Word Of The Apostles: Beware PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 22, 2024

This sermon emphasizes the importance of discernment, biblical understanding, and submission to God's will in the face of false teachings and self-direction.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters. It is always a joy to gather together in the Lord's house, to lift our voices in praise, to bow our heads in prayer, and to open our hearts and minds to the wisdom of His Word. Today, we stand on the precipice of a powerful message, a message that will ...read more

Topics: False Prophets

Faith To Move Against The Stream Series

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Aug 6, 2007

Discover the kind of faith it takes to move against the stream of popular culture as you examine the life of Noah.

What fish is known for swimming up stream against almost insurmountable odds? The Salmon is the answer. The Salmon swims up stream to fulfill a God given instinct to reach its feeding and breeding grounds. Salmon are famous for their fighting spirit. They battle currents and leap across rapids and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Choice Is Yours Either To Be Servant Of Sin Or Servant Of Obedience Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 20, 2024

We are commanded by God to not let sin reign in our bodies, obeying its lusts, but instead we are to present ourselves to Him as instruments of righteousness..

Verse: Romans 6:12-23, John 8:34, 1 Peter 2:16. In John 8:34 Jesus tells the unbelieving Pharisees, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.” Once we come to Christ in repentance and receive forgiveness for sin, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit who comes to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 6:6