Sermons on Anxious Bench:

New Year 2023: Ask, And It Will Be Given To You!

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Jan 8, 2023

Some argue that we don't need to express our desires to God because He already knows what we want without us saying it. Some think that without asking, God will give us what we need. What does the Bible teach about expressing our wishes to God or asking God to provide us with our desires?

What are your hopes and wishes for 2023? Some hope this year will be healthier or no new diseases will emerge. Some hope to meet God soon because of their old age and weaker body condition. Like Tante Christine, she expressed her desire to move on from life in this world during our visit. On Dec. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7, Matthew 9:38, Luke 18:1-8, John 16:24, James 4:2, Genesis 25:21, Genesis 22:17, Matthew 6:25-31, Matthew 6:11, Philippians 4:6, Mark 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Enjoying Inner Peace

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 17, 2025

Inner peace is not the absence of challenges but the presence of God. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that stabilises the heart in seasons of uncertainty. When everything around you shakes, the peace of God becomes an anchor that holds you firm.

ENJOYING INNER PEACE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Supporting Texts: Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15, ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27, Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:6-7, Colossians 3:15, Romans 5:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Who Am I?

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 26, 2025

A sermon about identity.

“Who Am I?” Luke 9:28-43 Jenny Caughman wrote a mid-week devotion for this past Wednesday that got me thinking. If you missed it, you might want to go back and have a look. If you don’t get the mid-week devotions sent to you by the church and you would like to, please add your email address in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-43

Denomination: United Methodist

What Does God Think? | Understanding The Mind Of God | By Pastor Joseph Ondu

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Mar 9, 2025

When you think you’re alone, God thinks He’s carrying you. When you think you’re losing, God thinks He’s preparing you. When you think you’ve failed, God thinks He’s setting you up for a comeback.

What Does God Think? UNDERSTANDING THE MIND OF GOD Main Text: Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Year-End Inventory 2025: Reflection And Renewal For God’s Glory

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 26, 2025

Before we rush into the next year, we must pause and look back. What did 2025 teach you about God, about yourself, and about the people around you? Did you walk faithfully with Him? Did you experience seasons of joy, sorrow, or doubt?

INTRODUCTION: As we approach the end of another year—2025—we are often filled with mixed emotions. Some of us are grateful for the victories we’ve experienced, others may have regrets and hope to leave the failures behind. The Bible encourages reflection. As written in Lamentations, we are to ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:40, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Open Door: Jesus’ Welcome For The Burdened

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 29, 2025

This is the homily for a man who was part of our congregation but did not make a clear confession of faith, though he showed positive signs of change and faith after being with us for about 10 years.

The Open Door: Jesus’ Welcome for the Burdened Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:24, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayers For Leaders

Contributed by Michael Brown on Nov 6, 2024

I wrote this to give at the church evening Bible study the day after Election Day to show how Christians are called to pray for government leaders

Prayers for Leaders The last few months the political world has been all over the place in America. We’ve seen accusations made & heard so many promises that if we vote for a particular candidate, they will do this or that. Politics often reveals our selfish nature. We want what is best for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1

Denomination: Baptist

Why Are You Downcast?

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 7, 2025

Many Christians stumble, not because they never believed, but because they stayed too close to the place where they first got in. God calls us not only to begin the journey of faith but to grow in joy, perseverance, and victory through Christ.

Introduction: Too Close to Where We Got In A mother tucked her little boy in bed. She kissed him goodnight, pulled up the covers, and went downstairs. Not long after, she heard a loud thump and then crying. She hurried upstairs and found him on the floor. “What happened?” she asked. Through ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Whom Shall I Fear? Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 25, 2025

God turns fear into fearless courage as we trust His presence, cry for His guidance, and wait confidently to see His goodness revealed.

Introduction – Fear Has Many Faces Fear wears many disguises. It might be the adrenaline rush when a car swerves into your lane, the stomach-drop of a medical diagnosis, the sleepless calculation of bills that don’t add up, or the quiet dread of a relationship about to break. David knew fear on ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31, John 14:27, Romans 8:31, Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

A Time To Mourn, A Time To Hope (Funeral Sermon) Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 6, 2025

Though we mourn the loss of a loved one, we do so with the promise of hope in our hearts. God has already made a way for us to overcome the sting of death through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

A TIME TO MOURN, A TIME TO HOPE (Funeral Sermon) By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (KJV) To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Is Our Refuge In Times Of Loss Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 6, 2025

When we face the agony of loss, we are often tempted to look for refuge in other places, but God alone is our true refuge.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE IN TIMES OF LOSS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 46:1-2 (KJV) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. INTRODUCTION: In moments ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Living With Contentment Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 10, 2025

Contentment is a key aspect of the Christian life. It is not a passive state but an active decision to trust God’s provision and find joy in what He has already given us.

LIVING WITH CONTENTMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Benefits Of Gratitude

Contributed by Kevin Jones on Dec 12, 2022

A look into the benefits of being truly grateful.

Benefits of Gratitude Thankfulness glorifies God This alone would be reason to give thanks to God. To bring glory to God is an amazing accomplishment. Our true thankfulness does exactly that… it is not about talking about the blessings as much as it is about the one who gives the blessings… Think ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Losing Track Of God Series

Contributed by John Allen on Jun 10, 2025

Sometimes God does such unexpected things that we get confused and frustrated with him.

[Statements in brackets are for the preacher not the preaching. They are notes that reflect ideas based on the homiletics recommended in "Preach with No Pants" (https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/preach-with-no-pants-john-allen-sermon-on-inductive-250167) which proposes an ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Pour It Out

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 19, 2025

Faith grows strongest when poured out honestly. God meets the raw heart with peace before the answer and compassion after pain.

Introduction — When Words Run Out There are moments when life squeezes you so hard that words just stop working. You go to pray, but the sentences fall apart halfway through. You move your lips, but no sound comes out. That’s Hannah’s story. 1 Samuel says she prayed silently—only her lips ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:9-18, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Psalm 62:8, Luke 1:46-55, Philippians 4:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist