Sermons on Weird Passages:

A Rebuke To Forgiveness-Only Salvation

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 30, 2025

This is a challenging passage. Surely Paul doesn't mean that we have to actually live like that?! What it all points us to is a false gospel that is too often preached today - "forgiveness-only" belief. What does this passage tell us about what real salvation looks like?

A COMMON BELIEF TODAY: I am “saved” and unchanged. - Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 13:6-9; John 15:8. - This passage makes us uncomfortable. It sounds harsh and unrealistic. We will delve into how we are to understand it as we move forward. - A good place to start is a major reason why ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Being A Servant

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 13, 2023

Did you learn something new in God’s word today? Did you see a familiar passage with new eyes? I hope you did! Last week we examined what sacrifice looks like, and one of the aspects of sacrifice is service. Today we will look at 3 key passages about servanthood.

Let’s begin in John 13:1 (Tell who John was) • Was the son of Zebedee, brother of James and one of the “sons of Thunder” • Audience was new Christians and searching non-Christians • Last surviving of the original 12 disciples • Wrote 5 books in the NT (read v.1-5) NLT Service is about action: v.4 ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45

Fear Factor Series

Contributed by Chris Carroll on Apr 30, 2007

This passages encourages us to make fear a non factor in our lives: I. Jesus Comes To Us II. Jesus Brings Assurance To Us III. Jesus Commissions Us IV. Jesus Enables Us

Resurrection Encounters: Part I Fear Factor: April 15, 2007. John 20: 19-23 CBC When it comes to television, the only thing that is must see tv to me is some type of ballgame be it basketball, baseball, etc. Yet as I read the paper and listen on the radio they will run down the top shows on ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Path Of Praise

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 16, 2007

This great passage shows us HOW to praise God: Personally, Verbally, & Continually, and then we find ’5 Results of choosing to walk the Path of Praise.’ Link included to formatted text, audio & video, & PowerPoint Presentation.

The Path of Praise Psalm 34:1-7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PathOfPraise.html We must choose whether we will walk the path of praise or just continue to follow the avenue of the average. But consider carefully, for the path of praise leads to bigger and better things that tower high above ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Forgivable & Unforgivable Sin? Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Aug 13, 2018

Jesus talked about a sin that was unforgivable, or unpardonable. What is the unpardonable sin? Is it possible that a believer can commit it? Let's do some hard thinking about what Jesus said in Matthew 12:30-32 and what the book of Hebrews says.

The Paradoxical Sayings of Jesus: Forgivable & Unforgivable Sin? Matthew 12:30-32 This morning we consider another of Jesus' paradoxical statements: "Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 Whoever speaks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:30-32, Hebrews 6:1-7, Hebrews 3:12-15

Denomination: Bible Church

God Is With Me Series

Contributed by Erik Estep on Aug 15, 2006

Today in our passage of Scripture we’re going to see Jesus sharing w/His followers that He is always w/them; that He’ll never abandon them or leave them alone.

“God Is with Me” John 14: 15-18 July 16, 2006 Intro: Bob and Lynne weren’t what they would consider good neighbors, but when they saw a moving van in front of the house across the street, they decided to change their ways. Lynn prepared some homemade bread and together they approached the ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Snapshots

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Dec 6, 2001

It is through photographs that my family traces time. Simeon was a man who understood the passage of time - then he met the Messiah! A Christmas Eve devotion.

Christmas Eve Service 12-24-98 INTRODUCTION (Slides of our family Christmases through the years are shown while I’m talking). Every year at the Christmas celebration in the home of my parents, the camera comes out. It’s somewhat of a running joke among us that our Christmas pictures year ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Made You For Each Other

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jun 7, 2002

Wedding Message and Vows. This message was based on two scripture passages requested by the couple. Psalms 100 and Colossians 3. The Vows were written by the couple.

Prelude: General Seating Procession: Groomsmen Bridesmaids Maid (Matron) of Honor Bride and Father of the bride Welcome & Prayer Giving away of Bride by Father Introduction We are gathered this beautiful spring afternoon to experience a mystical and magical ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5, Colossians 3:12-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Kinds Of People

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 7, 2003

This passage answers one of the most common questions we have. Why can the gospel be life itself to one person, and a laughable joke to another.

Passage: I Corinthians 1:18-25 Intro: According to Pres. Bush, there are two types of people in the world. 1) terrorists and non-terrorists. 2) For his purposes, he’s right. 3) But terrorists and non-terrorists are really subsets of the only real division in the world, the only one God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Women's Role In The New Testament Church Series

Contributed by Phillip Day on Aug 21, 2006

There have always been divisions over what woman’s role can be defined as in the church, and Paul gives Timothy the guideline in this passage of scripture.

Women’s Role in the New Testament Church 1 Timothy 2:9-15 I. Adorned with Good Works, Not Flashy Apparel (v. 9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4) II. Submissive to Instruction by the Spiritual Leaders (v. 11-12; 1 Peter 3:1-6) a. No contradiction (v. 11) b. No Authority over man (v. 12) III. Reasons for Women’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Would I Lie To You? (Abraham On Honesty And Lying)

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 3, 2006

This passage uses Abraham’s deception as a chance to look at why we fudge the truth so often and what the consequences of our lies are.

- Lies are a common part of our everyday lives. In fact, some of us believe that we can’t function in society without telling our share of “little white lies.” - Abraham here demonstrates aptly for us both the reasons we lie and the consequences of our untruths. WHY WE LIE: 1. We get stuck in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

God's Purpose In Deliverance

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Oct 4, 2005

We usually want deliverance, but God has an additional purpose beyond just rescuing us. In this famous battle passage, the purpose of God is clear.

Passage: Judges 7:1-22 Intro: As we have followed the faith adventure of Gideon, we have seen something. 2. God’s purpose was much more than the deliverance of Israel from the Midianites who visited annually like unwelcome in-laws 3. it was to deliver them with the goal of teaching a positive ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Why Do We Need A Savior?

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 17, 2004

This is one of the marvelous passages in Scripture and often preached by many but this takes a unique look at God’s Gracious gift in Jesus Christ His Son.

“Why Do We Need A Savior?” John 3:16 Because Of… A. A SACRED PERSON. (v. 16a) For God Leviticus 11:44; Matthew 5:48; 1 John 1:7; 3:3; Deuteronomy 32:4; Exodus 34:6-7; Jeremiah 42:5; Psalm 100:5; 136:1-3; 2 Peter 3:9 B. A STRONG PASSION. (v. 16b) so loved 1 John 3:1-2, 16; 4:8-10, 16, 19; Romans ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Truly Free?

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 31, 2005

Freedom comes to us at great cost. This passage explores the cost that the Heavenly Father paid to set us free from our bondage to sin.

“ARE YOU REALLY FREE?” JOHN 8:36 1. He is the SOURCE of your freedom. (v. 36a) If the Son therefore Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-21; Romans 5:21; 7:24-25; 8:2; John 3:36; 4:10, 14; 6:40, 47, 63; 7:37-39; 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Job 33:4; Micah 7:19; John 11:25-26; Colossians ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Your Fears

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 31, 2005

This marvelous passage teaches us that we are trust God in everything because of who He is and only then are we able to overcome the fears that assail us.

“OVERCOMING YOUR FEARS” ISAIAH 41:10 1. God’s PRESENCE Secures. (v. 10a) Fear thou not; for I am with thee Genesis 26:24; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 16:11; Isaiah 43:5; Jeremiah 46:28; Zephaniah 3:16; Matthew 14:27; 28:5, 10, 20; Luke 1:30; John 6:20; Acts 7:9; 18:9-10; 27:24; ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Baptist