Sermons on Welcoming Strangers:

Seeking The Lost PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 30, 2025

Jesus seeks us where we are, calls us by name, and transforms our lives with grace that leads to joyful repentance and welcome.

I wonder how many of us walked in today feeling small. Small under the weight of worries, small beside someone else’s success, small in the shadow of our own failures. We learn early how to tuck ourselves away—behind busyness, behind bravado, behind careful smiles. We wear “I’m fine” like it’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Topics: God's Pursuit, Our Response

A Mission Trip (Luke 10)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 24, 2024

What lessons can we learn when a very large group was apostled by Jesus for a mission trip? Let's look at Luke 10.

What is God’s judgment on places where Christians are not welcomed? What should be our chief joy? Who is our neighbor? Is listening to Jesus a priority for us? Let’s look at Luke 10. How many were “sent” or “apostled” (in Greek) on a mission trip? The Lord now chose seventy-two [CEB, CEV, ESV, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Hot And Cold Treatment Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 25, 2003

Why do we respect strangers more than we do someone who is tried and true? Let’s Look At Jesus Rejection in Nazareth to Find Some Clues.

The Hot and Cold Treatment (Luke 4:14-30) Question: Why do we respect strangers more than we do someone who is tried and true? I. Let’s Look At Jesus Rejection in Nazareth to Find Some Clues 1. In His own province, but outside of His hometown, Jesus was well received... (1) after the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Longing To See Jesus

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Mar 8, 2014

I believe there is a danger that we become so comfortable in this life that we forget we are but strangers and pilgrims in this world. If you are a Christian, heaven is your future home for all of eternity.

Longing to see Jesus. Matthew 6:18 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 19 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Part 2: Fear Not Series

Contributed by Pastor Randall Timblin on Nov 1, 2019

What are you afraid of? Is it the dark? Is it strangers? How about the fear of heights or closed spaces? Many of us have these fears and have a hard time getting over them.

I guess it wouldn’t help if I told you that they are a mere figment of your imagination? There is a story about a tight-rope walker. He was performing in the local circus in the big-tent. He was more than 50 feet in the air and had no net. As he moved about there were oohs and ahhhs. After his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:6

Denomination: *other

After Easter: On The Road To Emmaus

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 8, 2021

A pair of discouraged disciples left Jerusalem for their home in Emmaus. While going there, they met a Stranger Who walked with them and gave them something they weren't expecting!

Introduction: On Resurrection Day, the first day of the week, the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Mary Magdalene had seen and spoken with the Lord, and had shared this news with the other believers (John 20). As the day went on, a pair of disciples decided they would go back to their home at ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Joshua 9: When Israel Was Fooled Twice! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 21, 2024

The leaders of Israel met some strangers, who had a very sad story to tell them. Little did Joshua and the others know, they were about to be fooled not once, but twice.

Introduction: Israel was on the move! Jericho had fallen to them, Ai was gone, and the peoples of central Canaan were probably wondering who would be next. There was a group of four cities which decided to make peace with Israel—even if they had to use trickery to do it! Text, Joshua 9:1-2, KJV: 1 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Brand New Season, It's A Brand New Day PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 27, 2023

This sermon encourages embracing God's promise of renewal and transformation, navigating new paths with faith, and confidently welcoming the new day He proclaims.

Welcome, beloved congregation. We gather here today, not as strangers, but as a family united in the love of Christ. We gather in this sanctuary, a place of solace and strength, where the Word of God is our guiding light, and His love, our eternal beacon. Today, we find ourselves on the precipice ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:19

Topics: New Day, New Dawn

One Who Touched Us All

Contributed by David Stidham on Jul 28, 2007

This is a funeral service for a very active Christian woman who died at 75.

When we think of Dorothy, how can we not think of the greatness of God? There may be some that scientist can say just happened but they are not in the same category as Dorothy Luciano. For in Dorothy, God gave to us an incredible beautiful gift. The downside of receiving such a great a gift is ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Country Divided Cannot Stand

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Jul 12, 2021

unless we work together we will never see the Kingdom of God

Mark 3:20-35 Dear Lord, may your words be heard in our ears, felt in our hearts, and carried in our souls. Amen Just about every family has that one family member who is a little different from everyone else. This is the person who, at family reunions, everyone talks about to others, or rolls ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Episcopal

The Power Of An Invitation! Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jul 8, 2025

As a church on mission this summer we want to be going, growing, loving, and inviting. When I say, inviting, I’m talking about a church that welcomes others, just like Jesus had welcomed us into His family for the glory of God (Rom 15:7).

Think about the power of an invitation. While I was growing up my parents would, many times, invite some of the neighborhood kids over for lunch or dinner or to celebrate the holidays with us. My parents always made room at the table. I had no idea at the time but years later they told me that ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Month Of Holiness

Contributed by Pastor Amos Dele Dada on Sep 3, 2014

These days’ people do not talk of holiness any more. We have suddenly become strangers to holiness. It should not be so. Not to talk about holiness and walk in holiness will be the worst devaluation and tragedy that can come to Christianity.

My Month of Holiness Pastor Amos Dada PhD;P.Eng amos.dada@gmail.com I want to welcome you to this month my month of Holiness. It is my prayer that God will keep us holy. These days’ people do not talk of holiness anymore. We have suddenly become strangers to holiness. It should not be so. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sincerely Yours – Share Series

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Oct 6, 2009

Sincere love demands we share our resources and practice hospitality.

Sincerely Yours – Sharing Romans 12:13 A young man saw an elderly couple sitting down to lunch at McDonald’s. He noticed that they had ordered one meal, and an extra drink cup. As he watched, the gentleman carefully divided the hamburger in half, then counted out the fries, one for him, one for ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Missional Meals

Contributed by Andy Moyle on Feb 24, 2016

Eating food to the glory of God on a mission

Introduction Food pays an important part of our mission here at The Gateway. Leadership team starting thinking through our core values - our ways in Christ, everyone said FOOD first! Gospel of Luke 1/5 sentences is somehow related to a meal. Jesus either going to a meal, coming from a meal, having ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-2

Denomination: Charismatic

The Ultimate Treasure #1 - Salvation Series

Contributed by Darren Rogers on Aug 4, 2007

Part 1 of a 5 part series used for VBS at Welcome Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Lemont Il.

Welcome Hill VBS 2007 – Treasure #1 – Salvation Acts 8:27 What would you class as treasure? Dictionary definition - Accumulated or stored wealth in the form of money, jewels, or other valuables. Valuable or precious possessions of any kind. Pirates are always looking for treasure, and they have ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39

Denomination: Baptist