Sermons on The Story:

Simon Of Cyrene - From Bystander To Cross-Bearer

Contributed by Michael Hobday on Jul 19, 2024

Today, we explore the remarkable story of Simon of Cyrene, the man who transitioned from being a mere bystander to bearing the cross of Jesus. His encounter with Christ teaches us about the transformative power of obedience and presence.

Praise be to the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Simon’s story is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Let’s take a closer look at who he was and what we can learn from his remarkable encounter with Jesus. Simon was from Cyrene, a city located in the northern part ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:21, Matthew 27:3, Luke 23:26, Acts 2:10, Acts 11:20, Acts 13:1  (view more)  (view less)

Seeking Forgiveness And Freedom Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Apr 6, 2022

Part of a Lenten Sermon Series on people in the gospels who seek out Jesus. This week reflect on “Seeking Forgiveness and Freedom.” We hear the story of two very different people and how forgiveness affects their hearts and lives.

April 6, 2022 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson Luke 7:36-50 Seeking Forgiveness and Freedom Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Tonight we conclude our Lenten series called “Seekers.” Each week we’ve reflected on stories ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Lutheran

Rough Beginnings Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 11, 2023

In this sermon, we consider the back story of the letters to the Thessalonians - the founding of the church. It's tumultuous beginning helps us to understand a bit of the environment into which the new church was planted and some of the ongoing struggles they faces.

Pre-quals Every story has a back story. We may not always gain insight into the back story, but there are things impact characters and cultures. When George Lucas wrote the original Star Wars series, he had in his mind some of the events leading up to the movie that many of us were first ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Longing For The Food In Egypt

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 30, 2023

When things get rough and disorienting, the predictability of the past starts looking pretty good. The story of the Exodus, with its powerful imagery of liberation from Egyptian slavery, holds a significant place in African American culture and history.

When things get rough and disorienting, the predictability of the past starts looking pretty good. The story of the Exodus, with its powerful imagery of liberation from Egyptian slavery, holds a significant place in African American culture and history. It has been a symbol of hope and resilience, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15

Denomination: United Methodist

"four Truths We Can Affirm In A Crisis"

Contributed by Brad King on Sep 13, 2021

Crises have long been a part of the human equation. During a crisis, it is difficult to know what to think or believe. The story of Job helps us to understand that we can affirm at least four truths during a crisis.

1. In crises we can affirm that God is in control. Job 42:1-2 2. In crises we can affirm that God knows things we cannot know or comprehend. Job 42:3 3. In crises we can affirm that the crisis can help clarify our understanding of God, though it may take time. Job 42:4-5 4. In crises we can ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven Set In Motion Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on May 22, 2023

In the story of Esther and Mordecai, the events seem to perfectly fit together at just the right times for things to happen. Coincidence? Not likely. Though God is not mentioned by name in Esther, God was working in their lives and continues to work in ours today.

Introduction Video Ill.: The Story of Esther - Second Look Films (segment 3) We are continuing our study today based loosely on Max Lucado’s book, You Were Made for This Moment. When we started, we saw that Esther and Mordecai just wanted to blend in — to be cosy in the Persian culture. Don’t ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:3, Proverbs 16:9, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

City Of Refuge - Kedesh Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Dec 1, 2022

The reason why there is so much detail mentioned even with regards to the names of these cities, is to help us understand that this was historical, and not just a made-up story. We will look at the name Kedesh which means ‘holy’ or ‘sacred place.’

Today’s meditation is based on Joshua 20:1-2,“Then the LORD told Joshua to say to the people of Israel, "Choose the cities of refuge that I had Moses tell you about.” (GNB) This commandment that God had given to Moses was executed only after the people of Israel took possession of the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 20:1

Denomination: Other

"the King Who Overcomes Evil"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Nov 19, 2020

Christ the King Sunday. A very unusual year. Worried. the cross, became the symbol of Christianity…. The cross was not his final destination…. There must be more to the story. Some quotes from the book "How Evil Works"

In Jesus Holy Name November 22, 2020 Text: Revelation 19:11, 15 Christ the King Sunday Redeemer “The King Who Conquers Evil” The Gospel of John records the words written above the cross on which Jesus died. It read: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:11-15, Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Lutheran

What Kind Of Loving God Is That? Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 20, 2021

The story of Abraham's call from God to sacrifice his only son, the son of the promise, can be confusing if we don't see the larger picture of God's love for humans.

2nd Sunday in Lent 2021 Imagine a young man, maybe eleven or twelve, picking up the Bible and reading this story of Abraham and his only son, Isaac. If he’s read the chapters leading up to this scene, he knows that Abraham and Sarah were promised a son by God, and that after decades of waiting, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-10, Romans 8:31-34, Genesis 22:1-18, Genesis 18:1-15, John 3:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Has Your Faith Sunk

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Sep 28, 2020

It’s a story that is told to us about a miracle that God performed through one of His greatest Old Testament prophets, Elisha. Elisha was the prophetic successor of another great Old Testament prophet named Elijah.

Has your faith sunk 1. 2 kings 6:1-7 2. Job 42:1-10 “Faith is not believing that God can; it is knowing that He will”. Faith allows God to do for us and with us what we could never do alone. It’s a story that is told to us about a miracle that God performed through one of His greatest Old ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:1-7, Job 42:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Quiz Of 40 Biblical Women

Contributed by Dennis King on Dec 29, 2021

The Bible tells of many dynamic or influential women whose stories are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. Their uncommon contributions or royal misdeeds are remembered today, even though some were old, and some were young.

The Bible tells of many dynamic or influential women whose stories are found throughout the Old and New Testaments. Their influence impacted the nation of Israel and the surrounding areas. Their uncommon contributions or royal misdeeds are remembered today, even though some were old, and some were ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

We Want A King Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 15, 2021

Long before the British royalty, the Bible tells the story of Israel’s royalty. Yet, many of us know so much less about Israel’s royal line than England’s royal line.

On the birthday of “The King” Elvis Presley, I am grateful to have you join me for a study of royalty. Some people think that America may have never known “President” George Washington had he had a desire to be King George I. George Washington is our nation’s first military hero because he ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

Access To The Presence Of God Series

Contributed by Kamalanathan Francis on May 15, 2022

In the previous message, faith and its function were discussed. Faith plays an important role in accessing the presence of God. In the New Testament, there are many stories that teach the value of the presence of God; Jesus Christ, and his impact on people.

Faith in God is a gift of God, the one who received, has the confidence to enter the presence of God. Apostle Paul in Eph 3:12, say, "...enter God's presence with boldness & confidence." This gift of faith is for everyone because Jesus Christ died for everyone. Be Confident in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:35-36, Ephesians 3:12, Luke 5:1-11, John 21:1-12, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 17:15, Psalm 36:7, Psalm 36:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Live By God’s Promise! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 24, 2022

The story of Hagar and the birth of Ishmael teaches us about what happens when we stop waiting on God. Our man-made plans will go astray. We need to seek God in all that we do.

Time flies when you are having fun. Time does not fly when you are waiting on God’s promise. When you are waiting on God weeks can seem like years. Waiting on God can be one of the most challenging times. The temptation to step in and take control of the circumstances is great. It also causes ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Destruction Of Sodom And Gomorrah Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 27, 2022

Here is the famous story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Even those with no bible background know what we are talking about when we mention the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It is the infamous fire and brimstone judgement of God passage.

We look at the life of Abraham. His call to leave his land and family and the promise he received. He has been waiting almost 25 years for the fulfillment of that promise. Abraham is promised that Sarah at the age of 90 will give birth to Isaac within the year. Now there is another turn in the life ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:16-33, Genesis 19:1-29

Denomination: Baptist