Sermons on Util:

Jesus The Struggler Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 21, 2016

Sometimes we so emphasize that Jesus is the Son of God (fully divine) that we forget He is also the Son of Man (fully human). At Gethsemane, we see Jesus’ human nature struggling with the perfect will of God — for our sakes!

Jesus the Struggler (Mark 14:32-42) 1. We all do goofy things. “Today, I took a picture of the combination to my new lock so I would always have it on my phone if I ever forgot it. I put my phone in my gym locker, locked it with the new lock, then promptly forgot the combination.” 2. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

My Father’s Business

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Sep 29, 2011

We are to be about our Father's business

I. Your Priorities Will Change - When Christ was missing He was twelve years old. Where would one suppose to find a twelve year old? Playing with friends, wrestling with other boys, having fun, and all the other things twelve year olds like to do. But Jesus was in the Temple sitting among the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:40-49

Denomination: Baptist

Using Abram & Hagar To Understand Reproductive Technology

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Dec 30, 2013

Using Abram & Hagar To Understand Reproductive Technology

Scripture reminds us there is nothing new under the sun. And even though the way certain things are accomplished and the settings might change to some degree, most human dramas have not changed all that much since the earliest days of recorded history. One such desire that has been a constant ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Moving To Commitment Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message a contrast is drawn between involvement and commitment. Special attention is given to the need for commitment to be a part of God's plan.

INTRODUCTION * Difference between involvement and commitment - involvement = to include as a condition; to engage or employ; to include - commitment = to give in trust; to pledge oneself to a position; to bind or obligate - involvement is partial; commitment is total - involvement means I take part ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:18-28

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Plan For Economic Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 5, 2018

Are there national economic principles in the Bible? Does God believe in economic equality? Is there a biblical basis of economic equality?

Prelude Are there national economic principles in the Bible? Does God believe in economic equality? Is there a biblical basis of economic equality? Purpose: Let’s look at one of the most wonderful economic laws ever written and its implications for us. Plan: Let’s look at the Jubilee, how it could ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Build Mentoring Relationships

Contributed by Vince Miller on Apr 25, 2018

While we often aspire to be better men, aspiration will not be enough. We have to build a better plan to become a better man. The following are six clear steps to consider that will help you develop an effective plan.

How a man can build a mentoring relationship a forge a plan for a better future. (Hint: Consider utilizing the questions for developing your plan.) First | Take A Personal Inventory As a man, there are some things that only we can define. We need to take inventory and identify your goals, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

A Fortune In A Field And A Goodly Pearl

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 18, 2022

The Kingdom of Heaven is more significant than all else we can have, and an individual should be willing to forsake any pretense of everything to get it.

The Field The Kingdom of Heaven is more significant than all else we can have, and an individual should be willing to forsake any pretense of everything to get it. The one who found the fortune in the field coincidentally found it unintentionally, however, he knew its worth when he discovered it. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Is Primer Or What Is A Primer?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 18, 2022

Look at what our society has turned into. Look at what society considers more important to instruct our children.

What is primer or what is a primer? The online Merriam-Webster dictionary gives the following: A small book for teaching children to read - (to teach regardless of age) A small introductory book on a subject or a short informative piece of writing A compound used to ignite a spark - (needed to ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Affliction Of Naomi Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 18, 2022

The book of Ruth shows how God used three people to achieve his purpose. These three people had character and were true to God. It also tells the story of how God’s grace was given during a challenging time. We can see that Naomi used her life as a witness for God and it touch others.

In verses 1-3: The story of Ruth happens at some point during the time of the judges. These were dull days for Israel, when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). Regardless, during those dim and fiendish occasions, there were still some who followed ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Have We Been Put To The Test? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Check the words that people speak with what God says in the Bible. Check the commitment to the body of believers

1 John 4:1-6 cautions Christians not to indiscriminately acknowledge every single spiritual case. There are numerous bogus instructors (false teachers) on the planet. It is vital to painstakingly consider both the source and the substance of an instructing (teaching) before we acknowledge it. John ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Genesis Chapter Thirty-Six Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Jan 26, 2024

These are thoughts on Genesis Chapter Thirty-Six. In his work, "What does every Bible chapter say..." John Hunt gives an overview of each chapter of the Bible. It is my intention to do the same thing here.

GENESIS CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX OVERVIEW Overall what is happening in this chapter is that you have a record of Esau's descendants. Thomas Coke (1801) – Genesis 36 Esau departs from the land of Canaan, where Jacob was, because of the multitude of their flocks. Esau's posterity is enumerated. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 36:1-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Are We To Be Prepared To Face Doom Or Deliverance?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Feb 11, 2024

In this passage of Scripture, God is placing judgment on a sinful world. Assyria had been a powerful nation. They were proud of themselves at how they conquered the various lands and its people.

The Patience and Power of God: Like Jonah, Nahum was a prophet to the capital of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh, and he prophesied somewhere in the range of 663 and 654 B.C. Jonah had seen the city atone a century sooner, however it had fallen once more into devilishness. Assyria was controlling the ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fearless Sowing Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Oct 23, 2023

The fourth sermon in a 4-part stewardship series. This week's sermon considers the overall stewardship of all that we have and are.

October 22, 2023 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Stewardship Sermon – Week Four Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 4:1-9 Fearless Sowing Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Today we conclude our fall stewardship emphasis. Our theme ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21, Mark 4:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus And Parables Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 20, 2023

Jesus was an excellent teacher and guru. He used all the available sources to teach the high values of the Kingdom of God. Every parable is unique and admirable to know the wisdom of God.

Mark 4:1-21 Parables in Mark Definition of the Parable: The Catholic Encyclopedia explains, “The word parable (Hebrew mashal; Syrian mathla, Greek parabole) signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to illustrate another (ref: Aleteia). The Greek word Parabole ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-21

Denomination: Methodist

Charging Up Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Apr 20, 2021

All batteries need to be charged to be effective. The Holy Spirit "charges up" the disciples and empowers them to take Jesus' message out to the world.

Charging Up   • Electric cars. Different spots to plug in and charge up. • Hyundai develops universal charging station based on car wash wands. • The charger looks like this: [image] • It’s a universal charger. • Cars aren’t the only thing that aren’t “one size fits all.” • Let’s take that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ