Sermons on Always Near:

Why Should The Work Stop? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 17, 2008

For Lent and for Black History Month: Those who are threatened by progress will always ask us not to go too far. But this church must not stop reaching all people, serving all needs, touching all children and youth.

In the fall of 1955 I sat in the auditorium of the Speed Scientific School at the University of Louisville, one of about 300 newly admitted engineering students. The dean welcomed us, and yet also warned us. He instructed us, “Look at the person on your right. Now look at the person on your ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Testing Scheme Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Nov 18, 2021

Satan’s onslaught against the Word of God is constant. He is always twisting and manipulating, trying to get us to doubt what the Lord has said. In addition to attacking the Word, the devil will bombard us with testing and trials.

Every temptation is a kind of test . . . from the Evil One. A temptation is a trial posed by Satan, with the wicked hope that we will fail. - Philip Ryken(1) Satan’s onslaught against the Word of God is constant. He’s always twisting and manipulating, trying to get us to doubt what the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed To Be A Blessing

Contributed by Mike Hays on Mar 25, 2001

From the calling of Abram to our day, God has always blessed His people so that we might be a blessing to those who do not know His grace, mercy, and salvation.

Blessed To Be A Blessing! Genesis 12:1-5 I can’t tell you how blessed I have been this past week, but I can tell you that I was dreading this week like the plague. I have known for several months now that we were going to be hosting ten pastors from across the nation who would be with us for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is It Worth It?

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jun 25, 2001

An inductive message using the biblical narrative and contrast to lead individuals to the conclusion that no matter what problems may arise it is always worth the effort to be a church where God can change lives.

Intro: His mother called him "rude," his wife referred to him as "arrogant" and his caddie said he was "impatient." That is until he turned to Christ. The Gospel changed Payne Stewart’s life. "There used to be a void in my life," Stewart told Sports Illustrated, ’The peace I have now is so ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Power Of Persistent Prayer

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 12, 2002

Jesus taught that we should "always pray and not give up." But why? Is God hard of hearing? Is it difficult to get His attention? Or is there something else we don’t understand?

OPEN: The organ in a large church broke down one Sunday morning just before services were to begin. A member of the congregation happened to be a organ repairman and he immediately went to work on the instrument – finding it was a simple electrical problem. When he finally got it fixed it ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 10:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Diaries - The Poor Little Rich Church Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 7, 2002

Laodicea has always been known as the "luke warm" church. But what caused them to be so nauseating to Jesus. Their sin was subtle but just as dangerous as any that the other churches suffered from.

OPEN: I once heard of the skipper of boat that was sinking in the ocean who frantically radioed for help. Finally, the Coast Guard answered his plea. The Coast Guard replied: "We’re on our way. What is your position? Repeat, what is your position?" The yachtsman responded: "I’m executive vice ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unity, Worship And Relying On God In Hard Times.

Contributed by Hannah Pinkstone on Dec 16, 2002

in hard times bring Christians close to share with you and intercede for you. worship from beginning to end and always trust God’s way! speak the name of Jesus in the face of the enemy!!

You know how you can get excited about something, so much that when you try to tell people all about it, it just comes out as over excitement?!?!?! Well, I’m excited about this chapter, it’s really cool. So I’ve tried my best to make this part a ’preach’ that’s will be understood, and that it will ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Challenge Of Worship Series

Contributed by Robert Massey on Oct 5, 2002

Worship will always challenge us. We can not stand in the holy presence of God and not feel His challenge. This text shares three ways in which we are challenged when we worship.

THE CHALLENGE OF WORSHIP Genesis 22:1-19 Famous researcher, George Barna recently conducted a survey on worship in American churches. He had some very interesting things to say, so let me share just a couple of them with you. “Worship is a non-negotiable obligation and privilege of every ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Denomination: Church Of God

The Faces Of The Stranger Series

Contributed by Jim Luthy on Sep 21, 2001

Let’s talk about what makes it difficult for us to form community, and in so doing, we will also find an explanation for the turmoil our world is seeing and has always seen.

The Faces of the Stranger Pastor Jim Luthy I’ve really wrestled this week whether to return to our series on community or to talk about the recent attacks on our nation. On one hand, we are being asked to return to normal, whatever that means, and these messages on community are meant to equip us ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-8, Matthew 23:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Contributed by Derrick Strickland on Mar 2, 2002

Since creation mankind has always been in pursuit of happiness, contentment, fulfillment. Anything that will bring to their lives the smallest measure of satisfaction. But the woman at the well discovered what everyone was looking for.

Satisfaction Guaranteed John 4: 3-15 INTRO: 1. Since creation mankind has always been in pursuit of happiness, contentment, fulfillment. Anything that will bring to their lives the smallest measure of satisfaction. a. In vain, some pursue riches, while the rich pursues more. b. Some pursue ...read more

Scripture: John 4:3-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

In Remembrance Of Me

Contributed by Emil Boniog on Apr 6, 2006

In this message, we shall consider the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ that we must always remember, namely: God’s PROMISE, God’s PROVISION, and God’s PLAN.

INTRODUCTION This week there were huge demonstrations in major cities of America. They were mostly in support of illegal immigrants. The core of the national debate is what to do with the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. One side wants to throw them out and the other side wants to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-22

Denomination: Baptist

Heavy? When Life Seems So Heavy?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 2, 2003

Courage does not always ROAR! Sometimes real courage finds a quiet place, and rest, and listens for the quiet voice at the ending of the day, and purpose within the heart, "I WILL TRY AGAIN TOMORROW!"

HEAVY? LIFE SEEMS SO HEAVY? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Sometimes Christmas, sickness, and life can be SO HEAVY? WHAT CAN I DO? I. TEXT: Matthew 11:28 Come to me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I WIL GIVE YOU REST! 1 Peter 5: 7 CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HIM, FOR HE ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:3, Psalm 30:4-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Are You Wiser Than A 5th Grader? - Wisdom

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 27, 2004

Wisdom is the one thing you can sincerely ask God for and His answer is always yes! THE PRIORITY, PRODUCT, AND POWER OF WISDOM. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Are You Wiser Than a 5th Grader? II Chronicles 1:7-12; James 3:13-17 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Wisdom.html The popular TV game show is a misnomer, because it doesn’t really test ‘smarts’, but ‘knowledge.’ It should be called “Are You More Knowledgeable than a 5th Grader?”! They haven’t ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 1:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding God’s Will

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 6, 2005

SEEK it, SURRENDER to it, and STAND in it. It’s REAL, can be REFUSED, but it’s always RIGHT! Link included to formatted text, audio/video, and PowerPoint.

Understanding God’s Will Romans 12:1-2 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/God’sWill.html We usually look at this passage and talk about surrender...but surrender to what? The will of God in the end of v. 2! Or we talk about separation...but separation unto what? The will of God! And that should be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Baptist

Did You Get Clothes For Christmas? Series

Contributed by Peter Schmidt on Jan 7, 2005

Clothes aren’t always the most prized gifts at Christmas. But the Lord gives us just that for Christmas: Clothes. 1.These Clothes Save You. 2. These Clothes Define You.

Christmas 2 Isaiah 61:10-62:3 This week, we all have yet another Christmas under our belts. And probably many of you thought back during the holidays to past Christmases you had, and the fond memories of these events. Maybe your mind was turned to the presents you remember opening up as a child. ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran