Sermons on Unwelcomed Guest:

Dressed For The Wedding

Contributed by William Mouser on Oct 25, 2005

Jesus’ parable of the Wedding shows God’s judgment on those who refuse his invitation, and his grace on those who do.

Dressing for the Wedding Matt. 22:1-14 Today when you enter various restaurants, you are confronted by a sign that says “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” A sign like this is also a sign of the time, I suppose, for it would not be necessary to post such a sign, except that there are a number of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Showing Partiality Is A Sin

Contributed by Bill Butsko on Sep 3, 2009

Favoring one person over another indicates failure to follow Jesus’ example of how to treat people.

Text: “But if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9). There is a wonderful old story by John Denver about a man invited to a fancy banquet. He arrived wearing simple clothing and was told to get out and go in the kitchen door for a handout. ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-10

Denomination: Christian Church

Cost Of Service Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 20, 2009

The cost of serving Christ includes insult, rejection and death for some, but those who want to be powerfully used by Christ must pay the price.

Cost of Service (Mark 6:1-29) Linda, who teaches first grade in Dallas Texas, has an interesting job, especially when it comes to helping children adjust to their first whole day of school. Little Ryan was used to going home at noon in kindergarten; so when it was time to go to lunch with the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Church Vessels

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on May 6, 2019

I read an article recently that described different types of churches as ships. One definition of the word vessel is a type of boat or ship. There are many types of vessels. And some of these vessels can be compared to different types of churches we see out there.

CHURCH VESSELS I read an article recently that described different types of churches as ships. One definition of the word vessel is a type of boat or ship. There are many types of vessels. And some of these vessels can be compared to different types of churches we see out there. 1) The Cruise ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-4, Galatians 5:14-15, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Table Manners Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 13, 2012

The Table . . . A common everyday item. Every house has one. A simple table or a meeting place. Perhaps a classroom. Could it be that a  simple table is really a blank canvas?

The Table Pt. 2 - Table Manners I. Introduction I don't know what your home was like growing up, but in my house we were taught table manners. In fact, you need to pray for me as I try to find something to do while I am grounded this week for even playing that video. We had some very specific ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

If Every Christian Could Take One Look Into Heaven

Contributed by Carl Allen on Jun 3, 2008

The Bible does not give us all the answers to the questions we may have concerning heaven and hell. Someone has suggested that if we were given a full description of the joys of heaven, it would be impossible for us to be happy here on earth.

If Every Christian Could Take One Look into Heaven John 14:2 Intro The Bible does not give us all the answers to the questions we may have concerning heaven and hell. Someone has suggested that if we were given a full description of the joys of heaven, it would be impossible for us to be happy ...read more

Scripture: John 14:2, John 14:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Cost Of Service Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 18, 2013

Don't let ridicule, rejection or even death stop you from serving Christ, because in the end it is the only way to live!

Linda, who teaches first grade in Dallas Texas, has an interesting job, especially when it comes to helping children adjust to their first whole day of school. Little Ryan was used to going home at noon in kindergarten; so when it was time to go to lunch with the rest of the class, he got his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Leave The Weed

Contributed by G W Bill Elliott Jr on Feb 8, 2020

"Weeding the garden" is something we believe is a good thing, but many times doing this can destroy the good roots around them. Jesus helps us grasp why working to remove the 'weeds' from your life is not necessarily His way of leading you.

Right… at first glance you may quickly think I am going to try convincing you how wrong it is to smoke marijuana… or to do drugs of any kind. No… this is not that kind of ‘weed removal’ encouragement… although… wait… OK… I’ll refrain! Rather, this is an admonition to be careful about being SO ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 20:7, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 5:45, Matthew 13:40-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

6 Church Killers

Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Apr 23, 2015

It seems that Satan was neutralizing local churches 300 years ago in the same way he is today...

6 Church Killers John 10:10 (KJV) 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. It seems that Satan was neutralizing local churches 300 years ago in the same way he is today. I ...read more

Scripture: John 10:10

Denomination: Foursquare

No Place In The Inn

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 24, 2018

A Christmas Eve devotion that calls on those who listen to make room for the Christ.

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

You Are Evited Part 1 Series

Contributed by Todd Pope on Dec 12, 2011

Two-part series that looks at 5 invitations of Christ. An evitation is an online invitation that asks for a response. Christ's evitations ask for a response.

(Play Mr. Rogers CD) (enter through door to “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” by Mr. Rogers. Had a temporary door set up on stage) That song takes many people back to Mr. Rogers. He was a welcoming presence on television for 38 years. There was something warm and ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Imprinted (Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany February 5 2023)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 4, 2023

Paul’s purpose was not to make an impression by his human ability and attainment but to let the Holy Spirit make an impression on them through his preaching.

IMPRINTED Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1 – 11 1 Corinthians 2:1-11  When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.  (2)  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

The Parable Of The Great Banquet. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Oct 9, 2019

Excuses Excuses, Invitation to the Great Dinner.

The Parable of the Great Banquet. Excuses Excuses Luke 14: 1-24 In our text, the entire section is centered around a meal table. A prominent Pharisee asked Jesus to eat at his home. A number of things took place at this table, but none of them were very pleasant. All-in-all, it was a most ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Who Needs Forgiveness?

Contributed by Susan Blader on Aug 25, 2008

Sometimes the people we think need forgiveness are the ones who already have it.

Tradition tells us that Abraham Lincoln once went to a slave auction. While he was there, he noticed a black woman who was about to be auctioned off, and entered the bidding. The bidding went back and forth until eventually Lincoln won, paid the price, and purchased her. When they brought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ