Sermons on Squandered:

Mistreating The Vulnerable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2020

Christians are taught to treat the vulnerable with compassion and with generosity. The study is based upon the practised instituted by Moses for Israel, which practise is continued among the churches to this day.

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

Luke 16:1-13 - Dirty Money And Kingdom Purposes

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 10, 2024

An interesting teaching on how we as disciples should view and utilize the money systems of this world.

Last week, we were going through the parable of the prodigal son—prodigal meaning somebody who squanders resources. Today, we're going to be talking about the prodigal manager, another person who is squandering resources. Jesus is going to use this illustration to prove one main point, but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Talking To Yourself

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2022

When you have had enough of living in the pigpen, you can return home knowing that the Father waits to receive you.

“Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

You’re Alive! Act Like It - Ecclesiastes 9:2-10:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 26, 2025

It’s better to be alive in a painful life than to be dead. This passage explains why and teaches us how to seize the day and enjoy life through relationships and work.

9:1 Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: the righteous, the wise, and their works are in God's hands. People don't know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them. 2 Everything is the same for everyone: there is one fate for the righteous and the wicked, ...read more

The Perfect Father

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jun 16, 2025

In the story of the proigal son, Jesus tells us about the heart of the Father.

A Perfect Father Luke 15 Chenoa Baptist Church Pastor Jefferson M. Williams 6-15-2025 Happy Father’s Day Good morning! I would like to wish you a Happy Father’s Day. In 1909, Sonora Dodd sat through in church listening to a Mother’s day sermon and wondered to herself why there wasn’t a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Debt And The Conscientious Christian

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 28, 2023

The sensitive subject of indebtedness is addressed in the message, pointing to the universal debt that rests upon each Christian.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” [1] Living beyond one’s means has become de rigueur in the contemporary world. It is virtually impossible to imagine the average family in this day living within their means—living without ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8

Denomination: Baptist

Bringing A Sinner To Repentance - Luke 15:11-32 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 16, 2024

Our natural response to those in sin is to either be hostile toward them or ignore the sin to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. Both are unloving. God requires us to work at bringing the person to repentance, and this message is all about the various ways to accomplish that.

Luke 15:11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. 13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

The Homecoming

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Sep 1, 2002

It is interesting to try and identify with the three characters in the story: 1. The prodigal. 2. The older son. 3. The father.

I realize that I have recently preached on this passage of scripture, but I feel compelled to speak on it again. The reason is that while on vacation I picked up Henri Nouwen’s excellent book entitled: The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming. It is one of those books that pulls you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Methodist

The Story Of Esther - A Heroine In Personal Crisis Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The book of Esther is the biblical answer to Walt Disney’s story of Cinderella. An orphan girl from an enslaved nation ends up marrying the king. It’s short story at its finest.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: One of Megan’s favorite stories is Cinderella. She was the abused, ophaned house slave with no hope of a future or ever attending the royal ball much less luring the handsome prince into marrying her. Her fairy god-mother magically helps her to not only attend the ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:12-16

1 Corinthians 13 Part 5: Unbreakable Love Series

Contributed by David Petticrew on Mar 28, 2004

Love never gives up and endures through all circumstances, it is unbreakable.

Introduction Welcome to our penultimate sermon on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is at the heart of Christianity, we saw that God is love and that we must love as a response. The world is calling out for real love, the Beatles sang I just need somebody to love. Love is such a popular theme in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Holiness

The Goalie

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 29, 2004

A sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (Some illlustrations taken from other SermonCentral contributers)

Sermon for 3/28/2004 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Introduction: A. Vs. 8 in some translations talks about being sober. In many worship services we have that one down. Nothing will move us. This is not how people in the New Testament were. When Paul went before Festus, he called Paul mad. When the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Parables Of The Talents And Pounds Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Aug 26, 2005

Jesus used the Parables of The Talents and The Pounds to teach His followers of the Kingdom of God - of its Coming, postponed in all its fulness until His Return, but in the meantime, Waiting and Working for it, and Accountability for what we do for it.

When Jesus walked the highways and byways of the land of Israel preaching the coming Kingdom of God he caused quite a stir. The religious establishment were generally suspicious and increasingly hostile to His message. His reception by what were known as the ‘common people’ was quite different. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Baptist

How To Have A Fresh Start

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Nov 10, 2004

How do you start over in a dead-end life?

In the old movie, City Slickers, there is a scene in which three friends are together, and one of them is telling the others about how he has messed up his entire life. He’s lost his wife. He’s lost his child. He’s lost his job. He’s lost his self respect. He’s lost everything. He is ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:10-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

After The Cicadas

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 15, 2004

In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education: God still sees much to judge in America, and we are laid waste by lingering racism. We must recommit to justice in the nation and in the church.

I am here to announce an invasion. This land has been taken over by an alien army. The invaders are so numerous that all hope of turning them back is gone. It is useless to resist. And not only are they here in massive numbers, these invaders, but also they know no fear. They are perfectly ...read more

Scripture: Amos 2:6-8, Amos 5:24

Denomination: Baptist

Weight Of Small Things

Contributed by Kevin Mullins on May 20, 2004

Our divine potential is released when we are faithful with the small things

Weight of Small Things Matthew 25:14-30 Text Read- Opening comments, prayer Story - Promisekeeper progression- Faithful with a small thing- Would have missed out on next-level experiences if I had passed up on the small things- Those things that didn’t seem important- Even insignificant- ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational