Sermons on Ugliness:

The Foolishness Of The Cross--Updated Version

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 18, 2025

How does the Cross show us the love of God and steer us in the way we are called to live?

“The Foolishness of the Cross” 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 There is a story about a wealthy early colonial settler who asked the rector of the church if it was possible to find salvation outside of the Church of England. The rector wrestled with how to answer the question because he knew it was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Denomination: United Methodist

Beloved

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 25, 2025

A sermon about how much God loves you.

“Beloved” Luke 15:1-32 If there were one word I could use to describe how other people see you what would it be? Maybe it would be “smart” or “athletic” or “funny” or “popular” or “loner” or “nerd.” Think about it for a minute. What is that one word I could use to describe how other people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-32

Denomination: United Methodist

The Ministry Of Restoration

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 25, 2025

Restoring people to the faith is a vital ministry. Everybody stumbles and many become convinced they can't be successful as a Christian. That's why salvation is by grace. Restore someone with the right attitude.

MINISTRY OF RESTORATION Gal. 6:1-2 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE TAILGATER 1. A stressed-out man on a busy street was tailgating a woman. Suddenly, the light turned yellow just in front of her. She did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though she could have beaten the red light by ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 15, 2025

True joy is not tied to circumstance but planted by the Spirit, anchored in Christ, and sustained by what is true, pure, lovely, and eternal.

Introduction: A Cartoon Jingle Some of you may remember a wild cartoon from the 1990s that sang, “Happy Happy Joy Joy!” over and over again. It was silly, catchy, and fun—but it never told you what happiness or joy really are. In that way it’s a lot like the world we live in. We hum the tune of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9, Hebrews 12:2, John 15:11, Proverbs 17:22

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

God’s Christmas Tree

Contributed by John Gaston on Dec 16, 2025

In 1659 Christmas was banned. More recently, genuine Christmas has been supplanted by a commercial Christmas with the Christmas tree as its center. Yet strange to tell, long ago, God picked out a Christmas tree for His Son.

GOD’S CHRISTMAS TREE 1 Pet. 2:24 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. In one Dennis the Menace cartoon, Dennis rushes into the living room. His mother is standing there with her mouth open and Dennis is holding a large box. 2. He announces with a loud voice, “We’d better tell Santa Claus to forget about ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Rejection Denied.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 4, 2023

So just what is rejection? For a child, it could be another child not sharing. -For a teen, feelings of not fitting in. Constant peer pressure. -For an adult, rejection might come by prejudice, race, religion, rejection comes with many faces.

Rejection Denied. Romans 15:7TPT Rejection is one of the most painful experiences known to mankind. I can remember my first year in High School/9th grade. I was going by the lunchroom when a girl motioned for me to come close to the window. When I did, she shouted, “You’re ugly!” The words ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:7, Isaiah 53:1-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Branch On The Tree.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 16, 2024

Israel could not produce the type of fruit that God had intended because they tried to produce it on their own- and not God’s way. God expected to find peace, but instead He found bloodshed; He expected to find justice but instead He heard cries of oppression.

A Branch On The Tree. Charlie Brown, “Snoopy some day we will all die.” And Snoopy says, “True, but on all the other days we will not.” Here's my addendum, -The believer never dies! The grapevine has always been central to Israel’s agriculture and economy and was an important symbol for ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Daniel 12:3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy Comes In The Morning

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Mar 30, 2024

Resurrection message dealing with Mary Magdelene meeting Jesus at the empty tomb. Jesus found her weeping but she left full of joy.

Title: From Weeping to Joy Theme: To show how Mary Magdalene went from weeping in her life to joy. Text: John 20:1 – 18 Note: Part of the idea for this message came from Unshakable Hope by Max Lucado ch. 11 John 20:1-18 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18, Psalm 30:5

Denomination: Church Of God

Joy Contest: God Vs. World - Psalm 4:2-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 6, 2025

David gets more joy from the smile of God than unbelievers would have even if they got everything they desire.

Psalm 4:1-8 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God (lit God of my righteousness). Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. 2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:2-8

Ending Christian Intolerance Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Jun 28, 2001

What Christian tolerance is, what qualifies for tolerance, and why God views it as significant.

In our culture, tolerance has been exalted as the highest virtue to be embraced and pursued. In a recent article about tolerance in "Christianity Today," Christian author Daniel Taylor suggests that intolerance is the only serious sin left in our culture. Taylor says, "America is sick of intolerant ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-12, Romans 14:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taming A Hurtful Tongue

Contributed by Gene Haraldsen on Jul 26, 2004

What are the consequences of an untamed, hurtful tongue? What are the consequences of an under control, helpful tongue?

Taming a Hurtful Tongue Ephesians 4:29-32 Week one I don’t mean to upset anyone, but someone brought a lethal weapon with them to Church this morning. For purposes of security and safety, our ushers should have asked some to check such deadly weapons at the door...but they ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Secrets Of The Dream Keepers Series

Contributed by Bumble Ho on Jun 20, 2005

Part 3 in DreamMaker series. Big-Idea: Dream Makers are really Dream Keepers: they are faithful in the bottom of the pit of discouragement as well as on top of the world of distractions

{Introduction – after a short clip on Sport Fest promotion} Thank you Hieu for capturing those fine moments on tape. Every summer we participate in the Sport Fest for the last two weekends in July, where we compete with the other churches in the region many different sports. Many people practice ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

How To Build A 3-D Marriage Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Apr 10, 2003

Malachi 2:13-16 outlines three dimensions of marriage: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Learn three “Ds” to help develop a healthy marriage for today’s world.

How to Build a 3-D Marriage Malachi 2:13-16 by David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION At one time the “typical” family consisted of a husband who worked, a wife who was a full-time mom and two kids. Is that kind of family becoming an endangered species? Some reports seem to indicate it is true. The results ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 2:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Zacchaeus: Out On A Limb For Jesus Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 27, 2003

Like Zacchaeus, none of us really measures up but Jesus knows what you need—a relationship. He knows your name and sees you not who you are, but who you can become.

Zacchaeus: Out on a Limb for Jesus Luke 19:1-10 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION After the series on getting Plugged In, we’re back in the gospel according to Luke. Today, we’re going to look at one of the most wonderful stories in the Bible: Zacchaeus. Like many of you I was first exposed to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Luke 19:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

What's In Your Account?

Contributed by James May on Jul 27, 2003

Gehazi deposited his talents of silver in the tower and thought that he had gotten away with his secret sin, but God knows all and sees all and judgment has already been given.

WHAT’S IN YOUR ACCOUNT? 2 Kings 5:15-27 All of us have heard of the story of Namaan. He was a Syrian who was the commander of the armies of Benhadad II in the time of Joram, King of Israel. Namaan was afflicted with leprosy. Leprosy! Just saying the word sent chills down the spine and fear ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:15-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible