Sermons on Strange Territory:

The Joy Of Trials Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 15, 2023

The Pulpit Commentary calls this verse THE STRANGE PARADOX, and truly they are right, for what can be more paradoxical than being happy about the things that make you sad?

THE JOY OF TRIALS Let me share with you the different ways our text is translated to give you a broad view of what we are dealing with. First, we will look at some of the context of the verse. JAMES 1:2-4, "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, [a] whenever you face trials of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Joy In Trials?!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Feb 18, 2022

The idea that we could find joy in trials seems very strange. But it makes sense - and it could radically change the way we respond to the trials that inevitably come.

We’ve now reached the last in our series of ‘Messages of Encouragement’. And we’ve come to a very difficult piece of teaching! ‘James’ – whoever James may be – tells us TO CONSIDER IT PURE JOY WHENEVER WE FACE TRIALS OF MANY KINDS! Wow! That sounds crazy! How can we understand it? The general ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Revolutionary Request, Pt. 2

Contributed by Dave Kinney on Apr 20, 2008

This powerful prayer continues from part one. This prayer is a constant reminder that supernatural blessings bring supernatural territory that requires supernatural power and supernatural protection! This prayer has been an encouragement to my life and t

1. Touch My Power Moments. "That Your hand would be with me.” God’s Hand Upon Us Affects Our: (Acts 4) a. Purpose. Vs. 28 b. Passion. Vs. 29, 30 c. Prayers. Vs. 31 d. Preaching. Vs. 33 Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, not by power but by My Spirit says the Lord.” Billy Sunday said, “You can ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

The False Prophet Balaam: When Opportunity Knocked, He Answered Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Feb 28, 2025

The king of Moab had a problem: Israel was near his territory. He called on Balaam to come and curse Israel. This king gave Balaam what might be considered the opportunity of a lifetime. How did Balaam respond?

(Edited from and based on a message preached Sunday evening, 2-16-25 at New Hope Baptist Church of Fulton, MO; this is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: The story of Balaam is, or at least used to be, one of the saddest in the entire Bible. It seems he knew the One True God and could ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

How Far Can You See This Morning?

Contributed by Ronald Fair on Mar 7, 2001

Rev. Fair speaks of our needs to look to Jesus: Look full in his wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim. In the light of his glory and grace.

HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE THIS MORNING? Genesis 13:14 “And the Lord said unto Abraham after that Lot was separated from him, lift up now thine eyes and look from the place where thou art”. INTRODUCTION What we are and what we may become depends in a large measure upon what we can see, and what ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23, Genesis 13:14

Denomination: Methodist

When A Preacher Dies. What Is A Minister?

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Dec 7, 2005

Ministers of the Gospel are sometimes forgotten, by the very fact that they are ministers. Passed over for recognition for their indifference to the cares of this world, marked as strange for their un-tiring dedication to the truth of the Word of God.

When a Preacher Dies. What is a Minister? Dedicated to Pastor Chinna Dora who received the call from God and has gone to Paradise on 01.12.2005 03:00A.M. Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

You Don't Have To Go (To Hell)!

Contributed by Rich Cook on Jun 28, 2005

Easter Sunday. A strange place to end up on Easter Sunday, but where God led. The Gospel message: You don’t have to go to Hell. Close with invitation.

You don’t have to go (to Hell) Purpose: Evangelistic invitation. 1. Struggled this week to find the perfect thing to share with you this morning. Unlike Christmas, which enjoys worldwide attention most of November, all of December and even parts of January, Easter kind of comes and goes without a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23

Denomination: Nazarene

You Can’t Quarantine The Gospel!

Contributed by Greg Stier on Mar 23, 2020

We are living in some strange times! In this sermon Greg Stier, founder of Dare2Share ministries, shares some practical wisdom and insight into a gospel centered response.

We are living during some strange, strange times. More and more cities are taking drastic steps to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. We, as a ministry have taken drastic steps as well. We have cancelled our face-to-face large group meetings for the immediate future and have moved much of our ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:35-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Floating Axe, That's Weird Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jan 7, 2018

This is the first in the "That's Weird" series where we look at strange stories from the Bible. This message looks at the story of the floating axe head and what that means for us today.

If you did the Sunday School thing, or have been attending church most of your life then you probably know who I mean when I reference Elijah.  If you didn’t do the Sunday School thing or you’re relatively new to the church thing then you might not know who Elijah was. He was an Old Testament ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-7

Denomination: Wesleyan

Reflection C.6 / Does God Have A Purpose In Coronavirus? Waves?!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 27, 2020

Matthew, Mark and Luke have a lot in common. But only Luke mentions waves in connection with 'End Times'. It sounds strange. But perhaps it isn't.

Luke 21:25 says the following: And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves… The first part of the verse has a parallel in Matthew and Mark: ‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25

Denomination: Baptist

The Foolishness Of God

Contributed by Grant Adams on Sep 22, 2022

This seems like a strange statement to make, “The foolishness of God.” When I think of God, I think of every attribute of awe, but foolishness does not come to mind.

This seems like a strange statement to make, “The foolishness of God.” When I think of God, I think of every attribute of awe, but foolishness does not come to mind. I can see God as omnipotent, perfect, Acts 17:24. I can see God in justice and holiness, I can see Him in grace, mercy, and love, but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

According To The Christian Worldview, You Do Actually Live In The Matrix

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Dec 28, 2021

"Who are we!?" cried out the man in the military uniform. He and four strangers, a clown, a ballerina, a hobo and a bagpiper found themselves in a strange cylindrical area.

"Who are we!?" cried out the man in the military uniform. He and four strangers, a clown, a ballerina, a hobo and a bagpiper found themselves in a strange cylindrical area. Little did they know, they were simply toys, at the bottom of a salvation army toy donation bin. But is our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Denomination: Salvation Army

Christians Should Not Be Surprised! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Understand and embrace the concept that suffering is not surprising or strange, but rather a part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to share in Christ's sufferings and look forward to the glory that awaits us.

Good morning, Church family. We are living in unprecedented times, aren't we? Our world has seen a drastic shift in what we consider "normal." Yet, we shouldn't be surprised. As we’ll explore today, it's not surprising because the Bible has already told us about it. We're going to look at this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13

Topics: New Normal

Have You Forgotten To Be Grateful? Series

Contributed by Alis Cerrahyan on Jun 23, 2019

As citizens of heaven; we already know this is not the right territory for us. We are simply passing through. And if we are able to lead a few others along the way; God will continue to provide all that we need for our leadership.

If we have already made it to a point in life when we're kind of wondering about what else there is to life; that only means that we have already experienced a few terrifying moments, a few scabs as well as a few scars in the past. If we have been lucky enough to get up and dust ourselves off; ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:8, Job 2:9, Philippians 2:15, Luke 17:15

Appearances Are Deceiving Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 24, 2000

A quest for truth often begins with disillusionment, but is easily diverted to something that appears good on the surface; but when you find God's truth, even if it is in a strange place, embrace it quickly and fully.

The LORD does not see as [men] see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Ridgecrest is a large Baptist-run assembly ground, nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. All summer long, every year, thousands of Christians come to Ridgecrest for training, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist