Sermons on stephens sermon: showing 271-285 of 82,048

Sermon On Reciprocity

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 27, 2022

Reciprocity is defined as the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

Erik Pevernagie, a Belgian painter and writer once remarked: “While we are threading our way through the vagaries of life, our shortage of reciprocity and solidarity may corner us into breaches of culpability. We can eschew this and kindle a dream of universalism that does not impose itself but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9, Philippians 2:4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17

Sermon On Contrition

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 27, 2021

Contrition is defined as a state of feeling remorseful and penitent.

Washington Irving, an American short story writer, once remarked: "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 66:2, Proverbs 28:13

Sermon On Cupidity

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 4, 2021

Cupidity is defined as "Greed for money or possessions."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, a German philosopher and philologist once remarked: “In spite of all the value which may belong to the true, the positive, and the unselfish, it might be possible that a higher and more fundamental value for life generally should be assigned to pretence, to the will to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Jeremiah 6:13

Sermon On Courage

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 10, 2021

Courage is defined as the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation.

Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist and civil rights activist once remarked: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” 2 ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 16:33

Sermon For Christmas

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 25, 2021

Christmas is considered by many to be one of the most important holidays of the year.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, usually referred to as: G. K. Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher and lay theologian once remarked: “Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” Matthew 1:18-21 reminds us: “Now the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6

Funeral Sermon Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Oct 25, 2021

“I am the resurrection and the life. ... everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25). Martha believed it ... and I hope and pray that when the New Jerusalem is ready and Jesus commands all who believe in Him to awaken from their sleep that you are there too, amen?

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem … to die … when He received word that His friend, Lazarus, was sick. Jesus’ reaction was strange. He didn’t rush off to Bethany to heal His friend. “This illness does not lead to death,” says Jesus, “rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-6, John 11:28-32, John 11:38-44, John 14:1-3

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon On Divergence

Contributed by William Meakin on May 21, 2024

Divergence is defined as a situation in which two things become different, or the difference between them increases.

Charlan Jeanne Nemeth, a female professor of psychology at the University of California once remarked: “Consensus, while comforting and harmonious as well as efficient, often leads us to make bad decisions. Dissent, while often annoying, is precisely the challenge that we need to reassess our own ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12, Genesis 1:1-31, Isaiah 14:1-32, Genesis 2:4

Sermon On Pilgrimage

Contributed by William Meakin on Jun 18, 2024

A pilgrimage is principally defined as a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

Eric Clapton, an English guitarist and singer-songwriter once remarked: “I think everybody has their own way of looking at their lives as some kind of pilgrimage. Some people will see their role as a pilgrim in terms of setting up a fine family, or establishing a business inheritance. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16, 1 Peter 2:21, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Isaiah 40:31

Sermon On Collegiality

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 15, 2023

Collegiality is defined as the relationship between colleagues. It may include companionship and cooperation.

Deepak Chopra, an Indian-American writer once remarked: "Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution." ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12, 1 Peter 2:17, James 5:16, Titus 2:7

Sermon On Autumn

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 20, 2023

Autumn is defined as the season after summer and before winter, in the northern hemisphere from September to November, and in the southern hemisphere from March to May.

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster, an American poet, author and editor once remarked: "Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves." James ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9, Psalm 23:4, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Psalm 104:19

Sermon On Tolerance

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 28, 2023

Tolerance is defined as the ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions or behavior that one dislikes or disagrees with.

Linda Diane Thompson, an American songwriter and former actress once remarked: Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1, 1 Timothy 6:3-5, Exodus 14:14, Colossians 3:12-13

Sermon On Grief

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 21, 2023

Grief is defined as intense sorrow, especially caused by someone’s death.

Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, once remarked: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” These meaningful words were adapted from a passage written by Dr. Colin Murray Parkes, a psychiatrist based at St. Christopher’s Hospice in Orpington, London. Psalm 31:9-10 reminds us: “Be gracious to me, O ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4, John 14:2-6, John 16:16

Sermon On Guidance

Contributed by William Meakin on Mar 15, 2023

Guidance is defined as advice or information aimed at resolving a problem or difficulty, especially as given by one in authority.

John Rampton, an American businessman once remarked: “Empowerment isn't a buzzword among leadership gurus. It's a proven technique where leaders give their teams the appropriate training, tools, resources, and guidance to succeed.” John 16:13 confirms: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:21, Psalm 25:4-5, Psalm 119:105

Sermon On Redemption

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 7, 2023

Redemption is defined as the action of saving or being saved from sin, error or evil.

Michael Bakari Jordan, an American actor, producer and director once remarked: “I think redemption is about righting a wrong, and in that pursuit, it's about trying. You can stumble, you can make mistakes, but it's about trying to do the right thing.” Ephesians 1:7 confirms: “In him we have ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:14, Psalm 111:9, Psalm 130:7, John 3:16

Sermon On Doubt

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 10, 2023

Doubt is defined as a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.

Francis Bacon, a former Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain once remarked: If we begin with certainties, we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient in them, we shall end in certainties. Proverbs 3:5-8 confirms: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:22, Matthew 14:31, Mark 11:23, Luke 24:38