Sermons on Stern:

A Critique Of Pharisaic Hypocrisy

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 20, 2014

To say and to do not, versus the grace of humility.

A CRITIQUE OF PHARISAIC HYPOCRISY. Matthew 23:1-12. Turning away from the Pharisees, Jesus addressed both the crowds and His own disciples (Matthew 23:1). From the outset, Jesus acknowledged the legitimacy of the Pharisees as a party within Judaism: they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matthew 23:2). ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Participating In The Triune God

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 14, 2014

Through the grace of Christ we encounter the love of God, and participate in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

PARTICIPATING IN THE TRI-UNE GOD. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14. The final imperatives of this letter seem quite abrupt, almost staccato, but they sum up the situation which gave rise to the challenges of the previous four chapters. The closing benediction comes as a pleasant surprise, and something of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hakuna Matata Series

Contributed by Aneel Aranha on Jan 29, 2021

Do you worry? Of course you do! Do you want to stop worrying? Of course you do! Here’s how!

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Leper Cleansed By Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Aug 14, 2022

Leprosy is often used as a figure for sin.

A LEPER CLEANSED BY JESUS. Luke 5:12-16. The various skin diseases which fall under the Biblical heading of ‘leprosy’ have long stood as a metaphor for that worst of all human diseases: sin. However, this does not detract from the historicity of the incident which Luke now sets before us. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:12-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cost Of Mission.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 23, 2023

They hated Me without cause.

THE COST OF MISSION. John 15:18-25. Jesus was preparing His disciples for the work of world mission. He warned them that they would face opposition, even as He first faced opposition ahead of them. In effect, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me before you” (John 15:18). One of ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Called Into The Fellowship Of His Son

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Nov 28, 2022

Set apart for the service of God.

CALLED INTO THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SON. 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. Paul identifies himself as a “called Apostle” (1 Corinthians 1:1). The Apostle addresses “the church of God which is at Corinth” as those who were “called saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2). The verb “to be” does not appear in the original ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Joy Is A Fruit

Contributed by John Kapteyn on Oct 18, 2000

What is the fruit of joy and how can we get it?

Introductory Considerations 1. Today we look at the second fruit of the Holy Spirit. Of all the fruit this is the one that seems a little different - for the fruit represents the character of God. 2. While we may think of God as faithful etc. we seldom think of joy as a character of God. We have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:17-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How Should We Temper Justice With Mercy

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Have you ever wondered how leaders should temper justice with mercy? Peter provides us with an excellent example in his sermon. The apostle shows us how to integrate grace in his message of justice, truth and righteousness. First, Peter acknowledges that

Have you ever wondered how leaders should temper justice with mercy? Peter provides us with an excellent example in his sermon. The apostle shows us how to integrate grace in his message of justice, truth and righteousness. First, Peter acknowledges that some people merely acted out of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:17-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tough Love

Contributed by John Beehler on Mar 20, 2001

We must love everyone, even our enemies.

Tough Love 1. Valentine’s Day. Candy, flowers, Hallmark cards. Day for people “in love”. What is love? Emotion? Feeling? Physical desire? What is love? 2. Young adults discussing how to say “I Love You”. Group, suit, knelt, ask to marry. Mom, tough ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-36, Genesis 45:3-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Elijah: The Weatherman.

Contributed by Melvin Shelton on May 19, 2004

There were only 7000 of all the millions in Israel who had not bowed to this false God. But truth is truth whether people accept it or not.

Elijah: the weatherman. 1st. Kings 17: 1. 05/02/04 I want to talk to you about a man we find in the Old Testament that was a no-nonsense type of personality. There are several things we could say about this prophet but one thing I want you to know is there was no middle ground with this man. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1

Denomination: Baptist

Purposeful Ministry Series

Contributed by Jeff Stewart on Oct 19, 2002

Describes the role of the pastor, deacons and members of a purposeful church.

Purposeful Ministry September 29, 2002 Oran FBC Selected Scriptures INTRODUCTION: Over the last few weeks we have discovered and examined the purposes of the church. We have learned that churches must evangelize, not only overseas, but also right in their own backyards (Acts 1:8). We have also ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-45

Denomination: Baptist

A True Faith

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jun 1, 2003

To call people to a true and living faith.

A True Faith Luke 11:37-44 Primary Purpose: To call people to a true and living faith When you think of a Pharisee, what comes to mind? You don’t think of someone fun and enjoyable to be around. Most of us think of someone like Jesus encountered: stern, legalistic, cruel, rigid and judgmental. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-44

Denomination: Baptist

Imitations: Good And Bad

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Jul 24, 2003

The word "imitation" has three distinct meanings, each of which has a significant spiritual application. This outline sets forth these distinctions.

IMITATIONS: GOOD AND BAD "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) The word "imitation" has three distinct meanings, each of which has a significant spiritual application. I. IMITATION: "AN ARTIFICIAL LIKENESS UNFEIGNED." Unfeigned: No effort is made to deceive ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1

Denomination: Baptist

Victory In Jesus Foretold

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Nov 13, 2006

In the first prophecy of the Christ God promises perpetual hostility, a Deliverer, and ultimae victory.

Victory In Jesus Foretold Gen. 3:15 INTRO.: Tell the story of the fall of Adam and Eve leading up to the text. The introduction and presence of sin in our world has caused many changes. All the diseases, problems, and even death are the result of sin’s influence. Stern penalties were imposed ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 3, 2016

The practical love we show to the poor is critical for our discipleship.

Thursday after Epiphany 2016 Joy of the Gospel As we celebrate this day after Epiphany, we continue the readings from St. John that ornament our Christmas-Epiphany season. We also continue our review of the Pope’s long letter, the Joy of the Gospel, and we do so in this Holy Year of mercy. ...read more

Denomination: Catholic