Sermons on Ate The Grain:

When You Serve

Contributed by David Nolte on Aug 29, 2021

Some people serve for show and others serve from the heart.

Jesus said to His disciples, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Defying Ungodliness-1(2024)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 28, 2024

1 of ?? The apostle Paul made it plain that defying/standing against the world was a defining characteristic of God’s people. Defying ungodliness is expected of God’s people. But How do God’s people Defy Ungodliness? Christians defy ungodliness thru their...

DEFYING UNGODLINESS-I—Romans 12:1-2 OR--DEFIANCE—Romans 12:1-2 Attention: Supposedly a true story!: Mark DeMoss, concerned about the increasingly harsh tone of public discourse, launched the Civility Project in January 2009. The Republican businessman & political adviser enlisted Democratic ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Cleaning The Clutter Of The Church Series

Contributed by Edward Hardee on Nov 7, 2014

A message about what happens when we clean the clutter of the church, then the blind and the lame come into the church.

Note: This is a working outline. These are just my notes and thoughts on the topic. Title: Cleaning the House of the Church or Getting the House in Order or Cleaning the Clutter Theme: Text: Matthew 21:12 - 14 Matthew 21:12-14 Then (when, right after the triumphal entry, the peoel had gathered ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-14

Denomination: Church Of God

Prepare For Battle Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 9, 2018

If you’re going to be ready to face the spiritual battles ahead, you must let God roll away your shame, relish your salvation, and respect your Sovereign Lord.

Some time ago, a fictitious manual for Peace Corp volunteers headed for South America contained the following advice on “What to Do If Attacked by an Anaconda”: #1, If you're attacked by an anaconda, do not run; the snake is faster than you are. #2, Lie flat on the ground. #3, Put your arms ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Seizing Your Divine Moment Series

Contributed by Eric Lenhart on Aug 16, 2010

Taking a risk and stepping our of your comfort zone.

Seizing Your Divine Moment (Ruth 3) Introduction: As we begin today I would like to read a true account of an experience that pastor, speaker, and author, Erwin McManus had in the early years of his ministry. Listen to what he says… “I got a message through the urban grapevine that ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-18

Denomination: Church Of God

Evangelism 101 - Part 3 - Sowing Seed, Bearing Fruit Series

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Dec 14, 2020

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus warns His audience that although the seed may be good, if it is not sown or planted right, it will not yield what is intended.

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus warns His audience that although the seed may be good, if it is not sown or planted right, it will not yield what is intended. Mat 13:1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Working On Sunday? Series

Contributed by Drew Mills on Mar 16, 2007

Our legalism vs. God’s graciousness

Theme: Book of Luke Purpose: legalism vs. God’s graciousness Almost every state in our nation still has laws on their books that would surprise most people. For instance, In Florida, a woman may be fined for falling asleep under a hair dryer. In Indiana, citizens are not allowed to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

Born For Greatness

Contributed by Jason Bonnicksen on May 15, 2011

Examining the life of Joseph, and the reasons God chose him to be born for greatness. For, like Joseph, we've each been born to carry out a great mission from God

Do you believe God predestines people for greatness? As we go through our time this morning, I’d like for you to allow that question to simmer in your mind. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I look into the chronicles of history, I can see some folks that have definitely done ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:3-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Feast Of Firstfruits (Pt.3) Series

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Dec 11, 2025

We’ve already covered Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread. Today we’ll discuss Feast of First Fruits.

I wanted us to experience an example of understanding that the Bible is the unified story that leads to Christ, by having a deeper understanding of the significance of the 7 Feasts, to us, as Christians with this in mind: Understand the Hebrew calendar date assigned to each Historical ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-2, Leviticus 23:1-14

Ruleigion

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 13, 2026

Jesus confronts rule-based righteousness by restoring the heart of God’s law—mercy, life, and grace centered in Himself.

Before we turn to Matthew chapter 12, I want to share a new word with you. Are you ready? Here it is: Ruleigion. Not religion — rule-igion. I didn’t invent this word — it was coined by Joshua Harris from Covenant Reformed Church in Hagerstown, Maryland — but it names something Jesus confronts ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:6, Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15, Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

"When The Manna Ceased” Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Mar 31, 2022

Now they have crossed the threshold of the Jordan River into the promised land. They are entering into a new season a new time with God and new experiences. Covid-19 is ending, or at least transitioning and they are moving into a season of blessing. But, the manna has stoped.

When the manna ceased Joshua 5:9-12 Forty years of wandering behind them. A generation has come and gone. They are now inside — just inside — the promised land. Encamped at Gilgal. With the liberative threshold that was the Red Sea crossing, God brought their parents out of Egypt, out of slavery. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:9-12

Denomination: United Methodist

Holy But Haughty – The Trap Of Spiritual Pride Series

Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Jun 23, 2025

"Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all religious diseases. It feeds on orthodoxy, grows in the shadows of ministry, and disguises itself as righteousness while it quietly kills humility." — Jonathan Edwards

Title: Holy but Haughty – The Trap of Spiritual Pride Text: Luke 18:9–14 (ESV) “ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Winning Big Victories: The Fall Of Jericho Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 12, 2022

The battle of Jericho is not a model of military genius. It was a miracle. God called his people to foolishness to demonstrate His great power. What happened in Jericho was unique. Be ready to move ahead by faith when hearing the voice of God.

Winning Big Victories: The Fall of Jericho Joshua 5-6 I wrote a Wikipedia article on Edwin Winter Clark: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Winter_Clark. I had some significant help on this as there have been 500 follow up edits since I first wrote the original article. Edwin Clark is credited ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

After Easter: He Showed Them His Hands And Feet Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 9, 2021

The disciples were still in Jerusalem during the evening of Resurrection Day. When the Lord Jesus Christ appeared suddenly, they were terrified! But when they saw His hands and feet, they began to believe HE WAS ALIVE!

Introduction: On Resurrection Day, the Lord Jesus Christ had walked with Cleopas and another disciple from Jerusalem to Emmaus. The Lord not only walked with them, He also explained the Scriptures about Himself to them and shared a meal with them. After this, He vanished out of their sight and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-43

Denomination: Baptist

Minding Our Own Business Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on Feb 16, 2003

We must have the courage to confront sin.

MINDING OUR OWN BUSINESS Nehemiah 5:1-19 S: Courage Th: Brave Hearts Pr: WE MUST HAVE THE COURAGE TO CONFRONT SIN. ?: Inductive KW: Steps TS: We will find in our study of Nehemiah 5:1-19 four unfolding steps that demonstrate what Nehemiah does when confronted with a problem from within. The ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist