Sermons on sacraments:

Through Faith Alone Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 9, 2017

The concept that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone is a solidly Biblical teaching. Last week, we looked at grace, this week we will examine the idea of faith alone. Both grace and faith are exclusive and must stand alone.

Through Faith Alone (Romans 3:23-28) 1. I had a good time visiting Dale and Katie Daniels and Mary Ann Bolinger in Warsaw/Winona Lake area. I went from there to Luke’s house. But the GPS had me go too far south and then took me back north. It got me there, but it was complicated and probably ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:23-28

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Thirty-First Sunday In Ordinary Time, C- What Is Our Sycamore Tree?

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Oct 2, 2022

“It isn’t necessary for [others] to like me to save my life, and I don’t need to like them for me to be saving their lives.”

The Guinness Book of World Records keeps track of some very unusual records. The 1999 edition contains one entry titled, “The longest time living in a tree.” It seems a man in Indonesia named Bungkas went up a tree in 1970 and has been up there ever since. He lives in a crude tree house made ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Catholic

Why Did Jesus Have To Return To Heaven?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 28, 2025

Couldn’t Jesus have stayed on earth and God would have done all that?

Ascension Thoughts 2025 Why did Jesus ascend into heaven? Wouldn’t it be better if He remained here on earth. And, besides, Matthew records that He said “Behold, I am with you always, even until the end of days.” We know that when the Church celebrates the Ascension, forty days after Easter, we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Catholic

God The Son Series

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Jul 29, 2019

We may think we can make our own way to be good enough, but our only hope is in the redemption won by Jesus.

We are still at the beginning of working our way through one of the most amazing books of the Bible, Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It presents the most beautiful picture of the church and the Christian life, a picture that really stretches your mind. The last two weeks we have been working ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

On Christ, The Solid Rock I Need To Stand

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 6, 2020

In changing and uncertain times, we go back to Jesus, the Rock and Foundation of our faith

5.8.20 1 Peter 2:4–10 4 As you come to him, the Living Stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, like living stones, are being built as a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to bring spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Denomination: Lutheran

The Worship Of The Covenant People: Covenant Remembrance Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Jul 8, 2002

The Assembly of God’s New Covenant People is to know Jesus Christ through the act of consecrated remembering. Worship should be conscious of the covenant relationship between God and man, fulfilled in Christ.

INTRODUCTION: THOUGHTS ON THE STATE OF WORSHIP IN EVANGELICALISM “Everything flows and nothing abides; everything gives way and nothing stays fixed,” said the ancient Greek thinker Heraclitus. The subject of worship commands the attention of many today just because of the endless changes. If there ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Accepting The Cup

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Feb 16, 2007

Communion message based on Ray Vander Laan’s description of the acceptance of the "bride price" by the prospective bride.

Accepting the Cup Matthew 26:17-29 February 11, 2007 This last week Debra and I were at our annual Pastors Retreat in Rapid City with the other pastors of our district. It’s always a great time of refreshment and fellowship, not to mention listening to some great teaching from guest speakers and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-29

Denomination: Wesleyan

Holy Communion: Your Heavenly Brother’s Last Will & Testament Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Feb 22, 2010

How did Holy Communion come about? What does its mean that we have been named as it beneficiaries?

“Gifts and Giggles from the Grave” That is the title of an internet article about wacky wills and bizzare bequests (money.aol.com). Here’s a sampling. Economist Jeremy Bentham left a large fortune to the University College in London on condition that his preserved corpse annually “attend” the board ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Spiritual Idolatry Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 3, 2012

How do you commit idolatry when you don’t believe in idols? How do you fall from grace when grace is what you most affirm? How can you be in bondage while you revel in freedom? How can you know so much when your great knowledge keeps you from knowing what

Introduction How do you commit idolatry when you don’t believe in idols? How do you fall from grace when grace is what you most affirm? How can you be in bondage while you revel in freedom? How can you know so much when your great knowledge keeps you from knowing what really matters? Let our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Original Meaning Of Communion

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Sep 3, 2024

What did communion mean when Jesus’ performed it for the first time? It’s Aramaic cultural meaning will enhance today’s usage of the evennt.

The Original Meaning of Communion Luke 22:14-23 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 14 And when the hour had come He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him. 15 And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I say to you, I shall never ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-23

Denomination: United Methodist

Our Prayer To The Father And What It Can Do

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 21, 2024

The apostle James is writing us today with some serious advice about living the Christian life, and it has solidarity with our Gospel.

Saturday of the seventh week in Course 2024 Isn’t it remarkable as we read the Gospels just how frequently Christ’s disciples completely misread Jesus and His message? People were bringing their toddlers and other children to Jesus so that He might touch them with His special blessing. Jesus, we ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20, Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Catholic

There Are No Magic Buttons

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 7, 2024

We must all be taken aside continually and taught more about the truth of Jesus and the Church.

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter 2024 Today’s Scripture from the Acts of the Apostles introduces someone new to the story of Paul’s time in Asia Minor. Paul is ministering in Galatia, up toward the Black Sea coast, while the scene shifts to Paul’s future destination, much farther south closer ...read more

Scripture: John 16:23-28, Acts 18:23-28

Denomination: Catholic

False Teachings Of Today

Contributed by Larry Wolfe on Jul 27, 2009

A survey of the major cults and their false teaching

’The False Teachings of Today’ I. The Catholic Church/Romanism A. It’s False Salvation is in the Seven Sacraments Definition: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:4-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Five Solas And Catholic Teaching Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 15, 2017

"we all know that few folks will change a closely-held opinion by arguing. No, let’s do it by service, by showing our faith in acts of unselfish love."

Thirtieth Sunday in Course 2017 Reformation or Revolution? Today’s Gospel is treasured by all Christians, and, in a perfect world, would be treasured by all humans. Our Lord challenges us to love our neighbor as ourselves. We find this law, which we can consider the core teaching of both the Old ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Catholic

The Divine Mercy And Reconciliation Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 10, 2010

The first gift of the Risen Christ was the power to forgive sins.

Second Sunday of Easter April 11, 2010 Divine Mercy Two revolutionary phrases punctuate today’s Gospel. The one that commands the attention of most preachers is the one proclaimed by Thomas, who had doubted the Resurrection. The one who had said “I will not believe” unless his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Catholic