Sermons on Urban Culture:

Revolutionary Patience

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jun 2, 2021

An alternate interpretation of the sower and seed parable is offered.

Binding the Strong Man – A Political Reading of Mark's Story of Jesus authored by Ched Myers is a fascinating look at Jesus' life and His words. It is an entirely different method than the usual Christian commentaries. The story of the sower of the seed is always seen as a spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

The Black Sheep

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Oct 7, 2021

Jezebel was the stimulus that moved King Ahab to violate the Torah and turning to evil and idolatry. Something similar was happening in Thyatria. Don't let it happen in your church.

“The Black Sheep” Rev. 2:18-29 Michael H. Koplitz This letter to the church at Thyatira is the longest of the seven letters. It’s symbolism focuses on a woman named Jezebel. I am sure that you all have heard that name before. We tend to use it today in a similar way that was used in the letter to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: United Methodist

The 2nd Most Misunderstood Word (Peace)

Contributed by Gordan Runyan on Feb 12, 2002

This old priestly benediction gives a definition of "peace" that puts our typical version of that concept to shame.

THE 2ND MOST MISUNDERSTOOD WORD IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: PEACE! Numbers 6:22-27 (First most misunderstood word is “Love”: proof—listen to what the radio says about love and then read I Cor 13. Big, big difference.) What the culture thinks peace is: 1. cessation of war 2. no present crisis ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 6:22-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Bound-Tos And The Kaint Hep Its Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 24, 2010

We don't have to be experts in order to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ

St. Anne & Joachim July 26, 2010 You Will Be My Witnesses A few years ago, a U.S. President was facing his last term and began to wonder about his “legacy.” In other words, what would he be remembered for? Jeshua ben Sira, whom we know as Sirach, wrote the answer about a hundred ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:16-17

Denomination: Catholic

Can We Win More People By Softening The Gospel?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 12, 2017

A study of Jesus' teaching that He did not come to bring peace to the earth and how we need to "fire it up" instead of "watering it down."

CAN WE WIN MORE PEOPLE BY SOFTENING THE GOSPEL? The best plan is not to “water it down” but “fire it up.” - Luke 12:49. - Fire is referred to in this verse. There is a sense in which the truth of Christ is going to bring fire to the earth. - Fire burns down what already exists. - The fire ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Baptist

Faithful In Every Circumstance

Contributed by Chris Herring on Oct 11, 2001

Joseph had a variety of trials before him but through it all he remained faithful to God.

Faithful in Every Circumstance Preparing the group for the message: How was your week? Was anyone put in a place of Fear Sadness What was the happiest moment of the week? The hardest? Any fighting Loneliness Bible teaches that a Christian = can find joy through any circumstance. Doesn’t need to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Tradition

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 18, 2016

Traditions of men die hard, but they should die.

Tradition? During these holy days, many will be following traditions of men. Some can be dangerous as they can lead people away from the true Gospel. Others muddy the message taking the focus off of Christ. . Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:8

Denomination: Baptist

Juneteenth Homily

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 19, 2022

What is slavery and how can one be a slave and not aware of it?

Juneteenth 2022 It was in 1865 that Union General Granger read and enforced the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves. The thirteenth amendment banning slavery in the United States had not been passed and ratified yet, but Lincoln’s executive order was enforceable and Galveston Texas was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 17:5-18, Psalm 60:3-5, Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Catholic

Guilt By Association

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jun 2, 2021

Have you ever been deemed guilty of something only because of someone you know or a relative? This message examines that human trait and why it is a mistake to do.

Guilt by association comes to mind when reading this narrative. Jesus was rejected as a teacher of the Word of the LORD because the culture of His day said so. The first point is that the people of the town He grew up in rejected him as a religious man because centuries of culture guided them. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

The Gift Of The Apostle Series

Contributed by Nigel Heath on Jul 3, 2011

In what sense is the ministry of the Apostle active in the Church of today? In which ways is this different to that of the Apostles of the New Testament? There is a ministry today in the Church that can be described as apostolic, even if distinct from t

15.5.11 THE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY -- ROM 10:1-15 'First apostles' INTRO RECAP. Last Sunday we did what we called a mini-consultancy. Bill has all the data and is working on it, but it will be a while before we can get back to you with what it all means. I began by stating that: The church is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Christianity Vs. Progressive Ideology

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 23, 2021

There are several dangers to biblical Christianity that have come about through progressive ideology.

There are several dangers to biblical Christianity that have come about through progressive ideology. Progressive ideology essentially stems from non-biblical positions about the nature of truth (that it is relative), the nature of people (that people are basically good) and the nature of scripture ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Jude 1:1

Denomination: Salvation Army

Understanding Lawlessness: A Biblical Perspective

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Oct 4, 2025

This is an insert to my book, "The Narrow Road" on Amazon.The sermon discusses how lawlessness, defined as the rejection of biblical authority and moral order, is increasingly evident in society and even within churches, leading to confusion and chaos.

Understanding Lawlessness: A Biblical Perspective In 1 John 3:4, we read, "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." Sin, at its core, is lawlessness. It is not merely the absence of law but rebellion against the moral order established ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:7, Judges 21:25

Denomination: Church Of God

Something To Stand For...

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Nov 1, 2004

This is a message to encourage God’s people to vote according to biblical values

The commercials come at us back to back. Vote for Bush. Vote for Kerry. Everybody wants your vote. Many of us are left thinking, “What should I do? I don’t like this about that party. I don’t like that about this party. I like that about this guy. I like this about that guy. Help. I’m ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The Sage Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on May 28, 2002

Jesus as a teacher of wisdom, and how God’s wisdom is "upside down" compared to the wisdom of the world.

Jesus The Sage – “Portraits of Christ” series Steve Simala Grant - Feb. 2/3, 2002 Intro: I have a picture here taken in Disney World, outside of the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” pavillion. I want you to look at it closely: What’s wrong with this picture? Look closely at the waterfall. Think ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Drawing Lines And Little Boxes

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 23, 2001

Be careful what lines you cross and whose box you jump into.

Drawing Lines and Little Boxes Recently I was described as one who draws lines all through their sermons. I was also told that I have a very small theological box and it was easy to surmise that neither comment was meant to be a compliment or to affirm that these were traits to hold on to and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:16-17

Denomination: Baptist