Sermons on Ate The Grain:

The Intense Love Of God

Contributed by John Telgren on Feb 11, 2017

The model for what it means to love can be found in God, who describes his love toward us as a man loves his wife, and as a parent loves his child. But the most vivid expression of God's love is in the cross.

Intro: 1. If you had to describe love, how you would describe or explain it? a. People have various images, explanations, etc. b. Wildflowers, a mountain, a story that does not end, song, etc. 2. Poets, songwriters, and authors have explored this for centuries 3. If want grow in love, ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-11, Hosea 2:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is The Holy Ghost A Gentleman? Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Apr 11, 2017

Does the Holy Spirit act contrary to our will? Is He just the suggester-in-chief?

Is the Holy Ghost a Gentleman? Acts 5:1-11 I don’t know how often I have heard that the Holy Ghost is a gentleman. It is often assumed that the Holy Ghost will not force His way on anyone. I use the older term Holy Ghost rather than the newer use of the Holy spirit because “ghost” comes from the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why God Allows Bad Things To Happen

Contributed by Craig Condon on Dec 20, 2015

We must remember that when bad things happen, God is in control. He loves us and wants us to be saved. He allows events for his good purpose.

An old church building needed remodeling, so during his sermon the minister made an impassioned plea and looked directly at the richest man in town. At the end of the sermon, the rich man stood up and said, “Pastor, I will contribute $1,000.00” Just then plaster fell from the ceiling ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39

Denomination: Anglican

A Spirit Driven Church

Contributed by Rich Anderson on Feb 11, 2011

The power of the Holy Spirit can transform lives, the power of the Holy Spirit can transform churches and the power of the Holy Spirit can change the world, one person at a time.

What do you think of when you hear the term “Rich Corinthian Leather”? That’s actually a misquote, Ricardo Montalban said “Soft Corinthian Leather” while referring to the Chrysler Cordoba in a mid-seventies advertising campaign. As it turned out this “Rich ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16

Denomination: Christian Church

Famous Amos Series

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Mar 13, 2011

Israel was guilty of oppressing the poor and needy and perverting justice, despite ritually worshipping God in sacrifice and worship. Are our actions backed by an authentic heart? Are we displeasing God despite 'doing all the right things'?

"Famous Amos" What can we learn from this shepherd and fig-tender - turned - prophet? Given at Glorious King Jesus (GKJ), March 13, 2011 Sterling C. Franklin Text: Amos 5:1-27 (Read Text) Opening Prayer This is a very serious message from Amos! What were the people doing? We see here in the ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unintentional

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 20, 2011

We like to excuse many of our actions as “only mistakes” and “no big deal”. But God sees things differently as He speaks to us about our unintentional sins.

Unintentional Numbers 15:17-31 Everyone is familiar with the statement of Steve Urkle, “Did I do that?” after unintentionally creating havoc. We have all heard someone say, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it" or "Forgive me, I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to..." We ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 15:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

Who Are You To Judge? #1 Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jul 26, 2021

Judgement of the eternal status of another is never our responsibility. Our responsibility is to choose our path daily.

This week we begin a summer series entitled, Tell Me A Story. “Tell me a Story” is a simple way to reference Jesus' use of parables to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus told 36 different short stories in the gospels. Telling stories is one of the most powerful means that leaders ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Speak The Truth Clearly

Contributed by James Dina on Aug 10, 2021

We should speak clear truth, truth without mixture, truth well winnowed , doctrine well refined. Don't only speak clear truth but SPEAK IT CLEARLY.

SPEAK THE TRUTH CLEARLY "All the words that come out of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understand, and right to those that find knowledge " (Proverbs 8:8-9). "The commandment of the Lord is a pure ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 8:8-9, Revelation 22:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Consider Your Ways: An Overview Of The Book Of Haggai

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Feb 12, 2021

This is part of a series on the study of the Minor Prophets.

Consider Your Ways: An Overview of the Book of Haggai Introduction As we continue our study on the Minor Prophets, we come to the Book of Haggai. Haggai was one of three prophets who preached to Israel after Judah had returned from the Babylonian Captivity. His ministry predates that of his ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-15, Haggai 2:1-23, Matthew 6:33, 2 Samuel 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Lord Is Peace Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jul 15, 2022

Israel stopped listening to God. But there was hope when Gideon met Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord our peace. If you have stopped listing to God, you need the presence of God. You need the prince of peace, Jesus Christ. God’s peace will deliver you from bondage.

If you ever get the experience to go to the holy land, then let me predict how the trip will begin for you. First you will fly to Tel Aviv and go through the tight security. Then soon after you will meet your holy land tour guide. He will look at the group and then say Shalom. Shalom means peace. ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Long Live King Solomon! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 26, 2022

Solomon had all the advantages life could offer. He had a God- fearing home with his father being a man after God’s own heart. He inherited wealth and he was privilege to the best education. Wholehearted devotion to God was required. Long live King Solomon!

There are some people who are born into a privileged situation. Their parents can afford to send them to Harvard. We call this being born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Another way to put is what my friend said to me, you are one of God’s spoiled children. But if anyone was ever born with a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Eighth And Ninth Beatitudes Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Mar 26, 2022

Like it or not, being persecuted is in Jesus' list of the characteristics of the Christian. If we follow Jesus, it's inevitable that we'll be persecuted. But the persecution proves the genuiness of our faith. And it leads to great reward.

Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount with nine Beatitudes – sayings that start ‘Blessed are’. Jesus wants us to be blessed – meaning, happy or fortunate. In the Beatitudes, Jesus presents us with the key characteristics of the Christian. Some people have said they’re the blueprint of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Obscure

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 18, 2022

Obscure Patriots in the American Revolution brought about liberty from tyranny. The same is true today for the cause of Christ.

I am sure you are familiar with the famous portrait, "Washington Crossing the Delaware." Emanuel Leutze painted two versions of the portrait. He began the first in 1849 in Germany, immediately following the failure of Germany's revolution. Some believe he painted the portrait to ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joseph: Sold Into Slavery Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 10, 2022

Joseph was stirring up the anger of his brothers because he was a tattletale. Already the seeds of strife and discord are being sold between Joseph and his brothers with this bad report he brought about them.

You have met the child who is the informer? The one who loves to report the wrongdoing of the other children. The probably start their informing with the words, guess what? It every family has an informer then Jacob and his 12 sons were not so different. What is shocking and unusual is for 10 of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Loyal Love - Ruth And Neomi

Contributed by Samuel Young on Mar 11, 2021

Taking the story of Neomi and Ruth the sermon introduces Loyal Love - a love that is consistent and long lasting. Then it gives a twist into Psalms 23. This was preached as a Valentine sermon.

Scripture: But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and you God will be my God. – Ruth 1:16 -- Greetings -- Yesterday was Chinese New Year. So happy Chinese New Year. It is a time to ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:6, Ruth 1:16-17, Psalm 22:3, Ruth 4:17

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist