Sermons on Simple Pleasures:

When Jesus Called Levi-Matthew Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 11, 2025

Levi, also called Matthew, was a publican who collected Roman taxes from the Jews. One day Jesus came by Matthew's tax-collection site and said two simple words, "Follow Me". Levi did just that!

When Jesus Called Levi-Matthew, Luke 5 (This message is based on a sermon I preached at New Hope Baptist Church near Fulton, MO, on February 9, 2025 but is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: The Lord Jesus Christ picked 12 men to be His followers. We know the occupations of four (James, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

Action Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Desire alone is not enough to make us generous. We must actively engage in acts of generosity. When we bring what we have to God, he can do amazing things. It's a simple formula: What We Have + Who God is = Enough.

Today, we're talking about being generous. Here's the deal: wanting to be generous isn't enough. We've got to do something about it. It's like wanting to get fit. You can't just wish for it; you've got to eat right and work out. Same with generosity. We've got to do generous stuff. So, what are you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:15-21, Proverbs 11:24

Topics: Altruism, Charitable Acts, Kindness, Philanthropy

How To Find Financial Sanity Series

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on May 27, 2005

You can find tons of books on managing money... but not many on how to keep it from driving you nuts! Financial stability has to do with your habits with money, but financial sanity is all about your attitudes toward it. *HANDOUT INCLUDED*

For a CD of over 100 of sermons by Darrell Stetler II (most complete with handouts), please e-mail darrellstetler2@sbcglobal.net. NOTE: I am indebted to Brian Kluth (www.kluth.org) for his excellent resources on finances and giving. Stats and illustrations in this sermon are primarily his. I ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:12

Denomination: Holiness

Our Faithful God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 13, 2003

Here’s a simple definition: “God’s faithfulness means that everything He says and does is certain.” He is 100% reliable, 100% of the time. He does not fail, forget, falter, change, or disappoint. He says what He means and means what He says ­ and there

Our Faithful God In the country of Armenia, in 1988, Samuel and Danielle sent their young son, Armand, off to school. Samuel squatted before his son and looked him in the eye. “Have a good day at school, and remember, no matter what, I’ll always be there for you.” They hugged and the boy ran off ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-25, Lamentations 3:22

Denomination: Baptist

Be An Example

Contributed by David Marks on Oct 3, 2007

Paul’s words to Timothy provide an outline that we as believers should follow in our daily life. The really cool thing is if we follow this simple outline, not only will we be saved, but those who hear what we have to say will also be saved. In other wo

In I Timothy 4:11-16 Paul writes the following to Timothy. Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. Until I come devote yourself to the public reading of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Great Escape - Prison Break! Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Apr 27, 2006

Jesus set us free to live in freedom! Live as someone who is free and don’t let yourself be taken captive again! You have the choice to live in freedom or to be taken captive by the enemy. It sounds like a simple choice: live in freedom. Far too many

THE GREAT ESCAPE – Prison Break! Galatians 5:1 INTRODUCTION: ILLUSTRATION: In July 1976, one hundred and three Jewish hostages were taken by terrorists in Entebbe, Uganda. The Jewish nation sent secretly their commandos into Entebbe to free their people. The problem was tremendous; how do they ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:1-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Matthew 6 – Part 8 – Can’t I Serve God And Have Money Too? Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Feb 5, 2010

The simple answer to that question is “You may have it, but just remember it’s not yours!” In Luke 14:33 (NLT) Jesus says “...you cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you own.”

Matthew 6 – Part 8 – CAN’T I SERVE GOD AND HAVE MONEY TOO? The simple answer to that question is “You may have it, but just remember it’s not yours!” In Luke 14:33 (NLT) Jesus says “...you cannot become My disciple without giving up everything you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Gutsy Love"

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 10, 2010

The message this morning is simple yet quite profound. Some of you may be guilty of spiritual adultery. You've made a covenant with God, a promise to love Him and serve Him...but you've broken that...you no longer have the desire to remain true to Him.

"GUTSY LOVE" HOSEA 1:1 11 The main concern of the prophets was to communicate to Israel what it meant to be Israel...or to put it in a better way...they were concerned with the nature and mission of the church. Israel had vowed to give herself to God and the way they would stay true to Him was ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 1:11

Part 2 -- Finding Our Way To The Watchtower Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Nov 2, 2009

Last week we were introduced to the prophet Habakkuk and his first of two questions for God regarding the state of Judah. From this we developed some simple truth. First, God is in control. Second, Just because God has not answered, does not mean He ha

FINDING OUR WAY TO THE WATCHTOWER HABAKKUK 1:12-2:1 Habakkuk 1:12-2:1 O Lord, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, we will not die. O Lord, you have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, you have ordained them to punish. 13 Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

No Pain, No Gain Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Sep 15, 2014

It’s a simple statement that tells us this—before you will experience the benefits of exercises you have to first experience some pain. In order to get physically fit there is a level of pain you must go through. Same with our spiritual growth.

LIFE’S HEALING CHOICES “No pain, no gain” Matthew 5:4 If you have ever been to the gym or read anything about getting physically fit then you have probably heard this statement before: NO PAIN, NO GAIN It’s a simple statement that tells us this—before you will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Baptist

Candlemas, The Story Of Simeon, How Can We Prepare For Death?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Feb 3, 2014

Candle-mas, the story of Simeon is a simple story, but if you look closely, there is a lot about the way we should be living our lives … as either Jesus will appear one day on earth, or we will die and meet him in heaven; either way, we want to be ready.

Word Count: 2579 This sermon was delivered to the congregation in St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 2nd February 2014: by Gordon McCulloch (A Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries). Summary: "Candle-mas", the story of Simeon is a simple story, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Episcopal

He Comes

Contributed by Fred Michaux on Apr 4, 2017

I want to explore three simple phrases tonight together: He came, He rose, and He comes…and I believe that as we journey through each of them, all of us are going to find ourselves moving forward into new places spiritually in our lives!

Opening -what are some Easter traditions…favorite candies…(show pic of me in an Easter outfit…and then show one from prom just for fun) -We laugh at this pic but the reality is, too many of us get stuck spiritually, on the inside…so many other areas of our live progress, our careers, our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Being A Good Father

Contributed by Vince Miller on May 7, 2018

This sermon, designed for Father's Day, addresses two components I wish I would have known before I became a dad myself. Two simple principles that can be easily applied to a father of any age and includes material for men, women, and various life stages.

There is no script or instruction manual, for being a good father. Most men are thrust into the task of fatherhood that will change how we view our earthly father, Heavenly Father, and even ourselves forever. It is an adventure that will challenge us, drain us, beat us up, lending us to a few ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 1:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

Do This In Remembrance Of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 29, 2024

In the simple yet profound words of Jesus, "Do this in remembrance of me," we find an invitation to partake in a sacred act of remembrance—the Lord's Supper. Today, let's delve into the significance of these words, exploring the transformative truth they hold for believers.

Do This in Remembrance of Me 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 Introduction: In the simple yet profound words of Jesus, "Do this in remembrance of me," we find an invitation to partake in a sacred act of remembrance—the Lord's Supper. Today, let's delve into the significance of these words, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-24, Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:25, Matthew 26:28, 1 Corinthians 11:26, Revelation 22:20, Romans 5:8, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Content For The Faith Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 25, 2023

Christianity survived for centuries for a simple reason its built on Faith in God. It would survive till the end of the earth, end of the humanity and end of everything. Because God has built His Kingdom through one man and till the last person holds the faith, it would exist.

Jude 1:3 - Content for the Faith Delivered to Saints: Jude writes to encourage his readers to violently defend the faith that the apostles had taught. Jude writes that "the faith … was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). To be a saint means you stand shoulder to shoulder ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3

Denomination: Methodist