Sermons on Rodney Stark:

The Marks Of A No-Compromise Christian Vs. A Worldly Compromise Christian Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 22, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore the differences between a no-compromise Christian and a worldly compromise Christian, based on biblical principles.

As believers in Christ, we are called to live a life that is separate from the world and its influences. However, many Christians today are compromising their faith and values, leading to a watered-down version of Christianity. In this sermon, we will explore the differences between a no-compromise ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:160

Abimelech Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 2, 2023

After the death of Gideon, Abimelech craved to inherit his father's position of authority over Israel. But as the son of a concubine, he does not enjoy the privilege to succeed. So, Abimelech used money to hire rough, immoral men as paid goons to help him slaughter his brothers.

Text: Judges 9 Theme: Abimelech Introduction: After the death of Gideon, Abimelech craved to inherit his father's position of authority over Israel. But as the son of a concubine, he does not enjoy the privilege to succeed. So, Abimelech used money to hire rough, immoral men as paid goons to ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

The Radical Transformation: A Study Of 1 John 3:4-10 Series

Contributed by Sandeep Samson on Apr 28, 2025

A Life Marked by Holiness and change. The Christian faith is not merely about forgiveness—it is about transformation.

The Christian faith is not merely about forgiveness—it is about transformation. In 1 John 3:4-10, the apostle delivers a powerful message that cuts to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ. This passage is both a warning and an encouragement, revealing the stark contrast between a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Your Treasure Lies

Contributed by Jessie Manuel on Aug 14, 2025

But Jesus, with divine wisdom, sees beyond the surface conflict to the heart issue that threatens both brothers: greed. In response, He tells one of His most sobering parables, a story that cuts through our material obsessions and calls us to examine where we place our trust and hope.

The scene opens with a dispute over inheritance - a matter as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. But Jesus, with divine wisdom, sees beyond the surface conflict to the heart issue that threatens both brothers: greed. In response, He tells one of His most sobering parables, a story ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Methodist

The Urgent Call To Repentance. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 20, 2024

“I tell you, unless you repent, you will all perish.” — Luke 13:3.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it's easy to become complacent and lose sight of what truly matters. But the Bible warns us that complacency can lead to spiritual disaster. In Luke 13:3, Jesus issues a stark warning: unless we repent, we will perish. What does it mean to repent? ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:3, Romans 6:23

Roots And Leaves Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 19, 2005

Growth comes in our lives as we meditate on God’s word.

GOD, WATER AND LIFE OCTOBER 3, 2004 Psalm 1 “Roots and Leaves” INTRODUCTION The desert is abundant with life, but there is a stark contrast between plants that are near water and plants that are in the drier parts of the landscape. Those plants near the water display abundant growth. Those ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Ministry Outside The Circle Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 26, 2005

Leprosy has been understood to be an allegory for sin throughout the history of the church. We learn a great deal about our need and God’s great love in this story of the leper and Jesus.

Matthew 8:2-4 “Ministry Outside the Circle” INTRODUCTION When reading a passage of Scripture, it is important for us to ask the question, “How does this apply to my life today?” The question before us, as we read this miracle story is, “What could we today, in the twenty-first century, have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:2-4

Denomination: Lutheran

Martyrdom--Its Real Meaning Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 27, 2020

What Matthew records of the prophecy given by Jesus about persecutions has been lived out somewhere in the world in every century since the Resurrection.

Tuesday of the 13th week in Course 2020 The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church Today’s news is troubling, and we fear that tomorrow’s will be even worse. Mobs of misinformed and misled millennials have been rampaging across the urban landscapes, tearing down monuments to long-dead role models ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39, Matthew 24:4-13, Luke 1:38

Denomination: Catholic

The Call Of Wisdom

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 23, 2018

Make me an offer I can't refuse!

THE CALL OF WISDOM. Proverbs 9:1-6. Even before she invited us, Lady Wisdom “built her house” (Proverbs 9:1). The hewing out of Lady Wisdom’s “seven pillars” speaks of completeness (unlike the ‘folly’ in Edinburgh which was never completed), spaciousness, and endurance. ‘I go to prepare a ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Contest On Mount Carmel

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 13, 2013

Prevarication is not an option!

THE CONTEST ON MOUNT CARMEL. 1 Kings 18:20-39. The prophet Elijah is nothing if not bold in his confrontation with King Ahab. The king accused Elijah of being “he that troubles Israel” (1 Kings 18:17). The prophet’s retort was rather to accuse Ahab and his family of troubling Israel, as they had ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Witness Of Maria Goretti Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 13, 2012

The life and death of Maria Goretti teaches us something about resisting evil.

July 6, 2012 St. Maria Goretti Mt 5: 38-41 The commandment to not resist the evildoer is one of the most stark and, admittedly, controversial ones in the NT. A few Christian pacifists have interpreted it to mean that we can neither resist evil persons or evil actions in any way. But that is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-41

Denomination: Catholic

Water For Dry Times Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 8, 2014

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well, speaks of living water, true worship, and the fields white for harvest.

John 4:1-42 “Water for Dry Times” INTRODUCTION The writer of John paints a stark contrast between the Jewish leader, Nicodemus in chapter three and the Samaritan woman at the well in chapter four. The Pharisee and religious leader has a name, the woman is unnamed. The man was a ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Lutheran

Does The Non-Believer Get Points At Final Judgment For Going To Church?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 9, 2017

A look at how knowing more about God without accepting Him worsens your Judgment Day.

AN INITIAL CONFUSION: What do the “many blows” mean for a Christian? Answer: This is for non-believers. - Luke 12:47-48. - For me, one of the first places that my mind drifted in thinking about this passage was the idea of purgatory. After all, where else do you get the idea of a believer being ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:47-48

Denomination: Baptist

Living The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 3, 2016

The practical love we show to the poor is critical for our discipleship.

Thursday after Epiphany 2016 Joy of the Gospel As we celebrate this day after Epiphany, we continue the readings from St. John that ornament our Christmas-Epiphany season. We also continue our review of the Pope’s long letter, the Joy of the Gospel, and we do so in this Holy Year of mercy. ...read more

Denomination: Catholic

Title: The Unthinkable Absence: What If Jesus Never Came To Earth? Series

Contributed by Don Aldrich Tamayo on Jun 23, 2023

Let us imagine, if only for a moment, a world without Jesus Christ. What would our lives look like? What impact would His absence have on our present reality?

Dear brothers and sisters, today I want to take you on a profound journey of contemplation. Let us imagine, if only for a moment, a world without Jesus Christ. What would our lives look like? What impact would His absence have on our present reality? It is a question that calls us to delve into the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:12, Mark 10:17-27, John 14:6

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist