Sermons on Soup:

Why Don’t I Sense God’s Closeness More Often?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 3, 2018

Jesus said the kingdom is near, yet often we don't sense God's closeness. This sermon looks at five places where we're likely to meet God.

A GOOD QUESTION: Why don’t I sense God’s closeness more often? - Most of us can tell you about moments in our lives when we sensed God’s closeness. - One such moment for me was when the Holy Spirit spoke to me at 4 a.m. in Guangzhou, China. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so palpable and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

Preach For Free? Must Be Crazy!

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 24, 2017

People say preachers are in it for the money, but if one comes just ready to preach for free they think you are nuts. Where's the win-win? ;-)

Ever since I have been saved, I have heard that "Preachers are only in it for the money." My first pastor was driving a twelve-year-old car, raising four kids on a salary that was equal to what my father-in-law was paying in weekly taxes. Admittedly, when you look at the lifestyles of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:7-8, 1 Corinthians 9:18

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 36: Preach An Analogy Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 15, 2018

Preaching analogies is very biblical

Lesson Goal I hope to encourage the preaching of sermons using an analogy. Lesson Intro Jesus is our prime model of good preaching. He used analogy continually. Many of his parables are analogies. Yet, his analogies are not limited to his parables. Jesus is the door, the bread, the light, the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Race Of Life: Starting Well Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Jun 14, 2012

A well-lived life requires teamwork, preparation, endurance and focus.

Starting Well—The Race of Life: Introduction Racing, Dale Earnhardt once said, is life. Well, Earnhardt actually had it backward. Life is a race. Racing to work, racing home, racing to some type of sports practice, racing to recreational activities, racing to church. Racing here ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Methodist

Momentum

Contributed by Betty Johnson on Jun 28, 2012

This is the second in a series of three sermons taken from Wayne Schmidt's book, "Ministry Velocity: The Power for Leadership Momentum" as it related to us moving from a rented facility toward the purchase of a dedicated worship facility.

Momentum Scripture: Joshua 3 The momentum is building - no pun intended. Can you feel it? Today, we’re going to talk about momentum. Here’s a definition of momentum from Wikpedia: In classical mechanics, linear momentum or translational momentum is the product of the mass and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

Yes Or No

Contributed by Tom Tarpley on Feb 26, 2012

Sometimes, there are only two options in life, "Yes" or "No'.

Matthew 4:1-11 Mark 4:17-22 "Yes or No" You Decide. A few years ago Gloria and I were traveling on one of the freeways our on our way home from vacationing some place in the south, I can't remember exactly where we were coming from. All of a sudden, all I could see ahead of us were braking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: *other

You Have A Part To Play Series

Contributed by John Baker on May 7, 2008

Every part is needed within the church. There are no useless or devalued parts. When every part does not do its part we can not be what we are to be as a church.

Sermon Title: You have a Part to Play Place: Oakdale Wesleyan Church Date: April 20, 2008 Subject: Missions – Call Introduction I brought to church with me this morning some everyday objects that would be around any of our homes. These are very useful and sometimes needed objects. What I would ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Denomination: Holiness

When Laughter Is Not The Best Medicine

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Mar 15, 2010

James urges us to turn our laughter over sin into mourning.

“Knock, knock.” Who’s there? “Sadie.” Sadie who? “Say de magic word and I’ll let you out!” “Knock, knock.” Who’s there? “Nobel.” Nobel who? “No bell so I knocked!” “Knock, knock.” Who’s ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-10

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power Of Words Series

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jul 24, 2015

Wise people learn words have power... The conjuction and --- The power of life and death? Learn to release life words not poison.

THE POWER OF WORDS... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com This is several part message. I. DO WE DESIRE OUR WORDS TO PLEASE GOD? DO WE REALIZE THE WORDS WE SPEAK COULD BRINGTHE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD? DO WE KNOW OUR WORDSCOULD RELEASE DIVINE WRATH AGAINST OUR FAMILIES? COULD OUR ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Light Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 5, 2018

Lights and Christmas go together like peas and carrots. The message series reflects on the candles of the Advent wreath. The message concerns the Christ candle at the center of the Advent wreath.

All the Pretty Lights: The Light of Jesus John 1:1 – 14 For our guests, we’ve been talking about all the pretty lights of Christmas here at FUMC, Monroe for the past four weeks. We’ve talked about the lights of Christmas, their origins and meanings, and we’ve lighted a light on the Advent ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

The Journey Of Faith Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Dec 8, 2014

It is through Jesus that God speaks to you and me – no matter how dark the times, no matter how difficult the way, no matter how unfaithful people around us may be. God speaks to us through Jesus, and he calls us to himself just as he did Ruth.

The book of Ruth is the story of an extended family living in a dangerous place during turbulent times. The story is told in four scenes, with a chapter devoted to each scene. Chapter 1 is about a journey, chapter 2 a day in the field, chapter 3 a night to remember, and chapter 4 a morning that ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Depend On God’s Spirit” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 14, 2019

If we are going to apply God's wisdom and stand firm in God's will, we must depend on the Holy Spirit.

In the April 1989 edition of Time magazine, an article appeared which, I believe, is still relevant for us some 30 years later. It was titled, “How America Has Run Out of Time,” and the opening lines say it all: “If you have a moment to read this story with your feet up, free of interruption, at ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

2023 Lessons From A Child's Favorite Miracle Story

Contributed by John Huyser on Jan 31, 2023

It is the healing and the extent to which his friends went to bring him to Jesus that drew me. Oh to have friends like that.

This true Bible story was one of my Sunday School favorites growing up. Maybe it was yours as well ranking right up there with David and Goliath. I was drawn to the story by the healing and the great lengths the friends went to - to bring him to Jesus! Oh to have friends like! Lying on a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

How To Make A Difference Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 10, 2024

Jesus calls us to let our light shine; here, Paul calls us to walk in the light.

Background to passage: In this text we are reminded that we used to be darkness and now we are light. Jesus calls us to let our light shine; here, Paul calls us to walk in the light. I think he tells us some ways to do that, and I want to bring it down a little closer to where we live today. So, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:7-14

Denomination: Baptist

Celebrating A Faithful Shepherd!

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Oct 24, 2022

The Shepherd is a God-called, anointed person who is charged with feeding, protecting, leading, and admonishing the sheep under his care. He is a gift from God. Jer 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Sermon: Celebrating a Faithful Shepherd! Scripture: 1Thes 5:12-13 “Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Methodist