Sermons on Worldly Pursuits:

Defending The Faith Series

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on May 20, 2025

In the opening verses of Jude, we’re reminded that following Christ means embracing a new identity—one marked by complete submission and ownership by Jesus. This message calls the Church to stay alert and defend the faith from subtle internal threats that distort grace and divide the body.

It’s the end of June of 2023. Crazy, isn’t it? Well I guess not really - that’s how time works. But, May 1st of this year marked half a decade that I’ve been here at New Hope, and in fact, this month, although it’s almost over, marks exactly 2 full years since I’ve started preaching here. Kind of a ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-4, Jeremiah 17:9-10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Message And The Messenger

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 25, 2025

Corinth was split over leaders because they misunderstood both the message and the messenger. Paul resets the standards in 1 Corinthians 4.

The Divided Corinthian Church Before we dive into Scripture, I'd first like to provide some context to where we find ourselves as we begin 1 Corinthians 4. My primary goal for anyone reading this is for you to learn God’s Word. So we start with the context of where we’re about to study, chapter ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moses: From Contentment To Calling

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

Self-help says “look within” for happiness; Scripture says contentment comes from being humbled by God and satisfied in Christ. In Moses we’ll see that contentment often precedes calling, stays active (not complacent), and resists complaining—because Christ is enough.

Let me ask you a simple question, “Are you content?” I saw a self-help based article on the Internet that suggested contentment can be found by catching yourself thinking “life sucks,” and stopping such thinking. It continued that contentment is found by cultivating a thankfulness for “little ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-13, Exodus 15:22-24, Exodus 16:2-3, Exodus 17:4, Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give Of The Strength Of Your Youth Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Nov 15, 2005

Kings of Judah, Pt. 10: "Josiah"

The greatest chess player of all time is arguably Gary Kasparov. He was the world’s youngest-ever champion at the age of 22 and was the undisputed king the last two decades. The enigmatic and charismatic Russian Jew was known for holding his own against IBM supercomputers that could process up to 3 ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Spiritual Blessings - Ephesians 1 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 26, 2006

Paul reminds us that we are blessed spiritually if we are part of the faithful.

“Spiritual Blessings” – Ephesians Chapter 1 On the lighter side of life: A Christian Puppy A Baptist couple decide that they want to get a dog. As they are walking down the street in town, they notice that a sign in the pet shop is advertising "Christian Puppies." Their interest piqued, they go ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Way Of Love Series

Contributed by Bumble Ho on Mar 27, 2006

A partial narrative sermon, weaving the solid exposition of John MacArthur commentary with the "The Story of Victor" (which asking the question of is it better to be loved or to love?)

"The Way of Love" 1 Cor. 12:31b-14:1a vacMidway 3/26/2005   {Intro: What is love, according to our culture?}   “I love [computers]. Really? The same way I love my wife? What’s up with the word “love”? It doesn’t have much meaning when we use it so loosely. Maybe we don’t really get it. Maybe we ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Be Strong - Obey! - Ephesians Pt 5 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 1, 2006

The Body of Christ is to be strong in the Lord and to obey God so that they may enjoy a long life on the earth.

Be Strong – Obey! Thesis: The Body of Christ is to be strong in the Lord and to obey God and those in authority so that they may enjoy a long life on the earth. On the lighter side: There is a story about a student at Cambridge University who entered the classroom on exam day and asked the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prophetic Insight For Today Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Sep 22, 2006

 How often in life we’re reacting to the same things in different ways… different interpretation  Often true with the role of PROPHETIC INSIGHT TODAY. We can have the same different perspective as those pilgrims & warriors.

Story of Misunderstanding In an ancient story called "The Holy Man," a group of pilgrims are traveling across a vast desert to visit the holy shrines and temples of antiquity. After several days’ journey into the desert, they sight a great rolling cloud of dust in the distance moving toward ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Fly High " - Acts Part 27 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 27, 2007

The Apostle Paul teaches us in Acts chapter 2:27-44 – 11 steps to managing a crisis in life.

Fly High – Acts Part 27 Opening Illustration: The Story of John Newton by Al Rogers (This article is reprinted from the July-August 1996 issue of “Away Here in Texas”.) “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...” So begins one of the most beloved hymns of all times, a staple in the hymnals of many ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:27-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Are You Acting Like A Fool? Ecc. Pt 11 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 29, 2008

Solomon tells us in chapter 10 of his journal that we need to be wise and not a fool like many he has observed throughout his life.

“Are you acting like a fool?” Ecc. - Pt. 11 Opening Illustration: Some people say and do foolish things for example: Here are some twisted facts from various media sources (not true but reported as true): The following information is from the website legendsofamerica.com. On average, 100 people ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Saints Find Life" Rms Part 6 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 18, 2007

In Romans chapter 5 we learn from Paul that those who find Jesus- the “Saints” find life – eternal life!

“Saints find life!” Romans pt 7 Opening Video Illustration: Life is like a train ride! Show movie. Thesis: In Romans chapter 5 we learn from Paul that those who find Jesus- the “Saints” find life – eternal life! Scripture Text: Romans 5:1-21 1Therefore, since we have been justified through ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Choosing To Be Different

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jul 21, 2003

In this message we will see that if we are ever going to live God’s way we must choose to be different, holy, separate from the world.(Living God’s Way Part 2)

Choosing To Be Different Living God’s Way – part two James 1:13-2:3 TODAY – is our second week in our new message series it is a study of 1 Peter that we are called, ‘Living God’s Way…” FRIENDS - we are digging deeply into a words written nearly 2,000 years ago, by a guy who loved Jesus Christ, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

0803b Trinity Iii: The Hound Of Heaven, Part Ii Series

Contributed by Mark Woolsey on Jun 7, 2008

The lesson from these parables is that Jesus DOES give up on some people, and that only seeing it in this way is there any good news. If you think the message of these stories is that God never gives up on anyone, I suggest you have gotten it backwards.

Sermon: The Hound of Heaven, Part II Text: Luke 15:1-10 Occasion: Trinity III Who: Mark Woolsey When: Sunday, June 8, 2008 Where: Providence Reformed Episcopal Church Luke 15:1-10, NKJV: Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Multiethnic Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 19, 2013

God is no respecter of persons and He desires His House (His Church) to be a place for all nations – all people. A church is to be a place where there is no favoritism and all are treated fairly and equally.

Series: We are Here! Sermon 6: Multiethnic (or multicultural, or diversity) Introduction: Show pictures of our changing world in this area of South Chicago: The Orland Mosque, the Lemont Hindu Temple, and the Chicago Buddhist Temple all represent how diverse our community is becoming. Our society ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus' Dramatic Farewell Prophecy Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Feb 19, 2014

Jesus gave His disciples the answer to their questions regarding the Last Days.

Mark 13:1-13 (NKJV) 1 Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!" 2 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-13

Denomination: Baptist