Sermons on Backpacking:

Love Letters From God

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 6, 2024

God has gone to a great deal of trouble to give us "love letters" that express how much He cares for us. But what happens when we don't accept that He loves us?

(I began the sermon by showing the following video featuring Jeff Foxworthy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxFqVQFvhvw - starting at timestamp1:40). The following is a transcript of the portion of his talk: Jeff Foxworthy agreed to do a small group study with the homeless at an Atlanta Christian ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Parent Trap Series

Contributed by Jeremy Farmer on Oct 23, 2006

The bridge between parents and children is a bridge that is often burned and never rebuilt. This message will help you discover how to keep the bridge strong

Many of you parents can identify with this picture when you come home from work. You are tired, you provide for your family and you come home and see this picture when you walk in the door. You immediately begin to thank God for his wonderful gift of children, after you try and figure out what ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Share The Light Or Lose It: An Advent Sermon

Contributed by John Donnelly on Sep 25, 2006

An Advent sermon, exhorting us to share and be the Light of Christ for those living in the darkness.

“Share the Light, or Lose It”—An Advent Sermon Luke 3:1-6 Preacher: The Rev. Canon John Donnelly St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Wayne, NJ Once upon a time there was a man who lived in a deep dark cave---which had no exit. All his life, he was cold, damp, and miserable. The cave was so ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Solid Rock Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Oct 13, 2014

Preparation for the Crisis:- COME, HEAR, DO, BUILD. DIG, LAY

Edward Mote - 1797-1874 Mote spent his early career in the cabinetry business. Mote eventually became a Baptist pastor and served for 26 years. As a minister, Edward Mote wrote more than 150 hymns. Working on a sermon called ‘Gracious Experience of a Christian.’ The chorus came to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:46-49

Denomination: Baptist

Grace For The Humble Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 18, 2021

If pride is the deadliest of sins, humility is the greatest of all Christian virtues, because it honors God’s rightful place of authority and serves his good and perfect will above all else. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

A computer whiz, a minister and a Boy Scout were the only passengers on a small commuter plane, when suddenly the pilot rushed back into the cabin and told them there was a mechanical problem and that the plane was losing altitude. He opened the storage compartment and discovered that it ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-11

Leaving The Past Behind And Moving Forward With Jesus. Hebrews 12

Contributed by David Cramer on Aug 12, 2025

A message about moving forward in our lives. Putting the past behind and moving toward the goals in life that the Lord has for us.

Good Morning Grab your bible and say this with me This is my Bible I am what is says I am I have what it says I have I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught more of the Word of God I boldly confess My Mind is alert My heart is receptive. I will never be the same. I am about to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon On The Flysheets Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 24, 2025

One of the definitions of a flysheet pertains to an additional outer covering of a tent that provides extra protection against bad weather.

Marilyn Monroe, a former American actress and model once remarked: “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1, Isaiah 54:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Deuteronomy 31:6

Go! And Enter His Rest - Hebrews 4:9 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 27, 2025

We live in a world that is constantly restless—our culture prizes busyness, our calendars are full, and our minds are rarely still. Yet the Bible speaks of a special rest that God has prepared for His people.

Go! And Enter His Rest - Hebrews 4:9 Hebrews 4:9 – “So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God.” (NLT) Introduction: Restless in a Restless World We live in a world that is constantly restless. Think about it—our culture prizes busyness, our calendars are full, and our minds ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:9, Hebrews 4:1, Matthew 11:28-30, Hebrews 3:19, Psalm 95:7-8, John 3:36, Hebrews 4:10, Colossians 2:16-17, John 19:30, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Yellow Light

Contributed by John Beehler on Dec 1, 2002

We need to slow down and remember the reason for the season

The Yellow Light This is the time of year when everyone starts getting ready for Christmas. The stores have the trees and Christmas decorations on display. They’re running sales trying to encourage all of us to spend, spend, spend. Elevators are filled with all of the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Shine Like Stars Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Apr 28, 2008

How do we shine like stars in the dark sky? – By following Jesus in obedience, living out our salvation, not grumbling and arguing.

GDOP Video first Philippians 2:12-18 April 27, 2008 Shine like Stars You may remember from last week, Paul talked about how our attitude in our relationships with each other should be like Jesus’. He doesn’t grasp at the power that is rightfully his, he serves, and he is obedient to the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: *other

Hold The Ropes Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Aug 25, 2008

Like the paralytic in Mark 2, school kids need someone to hold the four ropes for their encouragement and success in school.

Holding the Rope Mark 2:1-12 One of the stories we read in VBS was the story of the man who was completely helpless. He couldn’t walk; he couldn’t use his hands. The only way he could get anywhere was when his friends carried him. Then the news got around that Jesus was healing people. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Brethren

Relationship With God Through The Spirit Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Jul 3, 2007

The role of the Spirit in our relationship With God

How to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ Pentecost 2007 Relationship through the Spirit Romans 8:1-17 Intro – Acts 1:1-5, 2:1-13 Jesus says, “Don’t do a thing until the Spirit comes.” Why is the Spirit so important? What does the Spirit have to do with our relationship with ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-17

Denomination: *other

Dynamics That Effect Christian Service-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 7, 2012

1 of 2. Paul warned Timothy of the dynamics required to fulfill his charge. Believers must be aware of the dynamics surrounding the fulfillment of their Christian service. What are some of these dynamics? Christian service must embrace...

DYNAMICS That EFFECT CHRISTIAN SERVICE—I Attention: Our Okefenokee Canoe trip in early 1980’s/We were members of the Sierra Club/Had a great bunch of friends/We learned to explore the area by canoe(our favorite way)/Just me & wife took a 3-day canoe trip to thru Okefenokee Swamp/Got all equipment ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Fulfilling The Law Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Aug 3, 2014

Paul gives 6 characteristics of successful churches. We should not keep our burdens to ourselves. We are part of a caring community of faith, and we’re to help when people are hurting, we respond.

Introduction: People dislike accountability. They prefer to go their own way without answering to others. Among Christians, this attitude breeds self-reliant “Lone Ranger” believers and independent churches. Yet life works better when there is a “chain-of-command”, when ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-6

Denomination: Congregational

God Sees The Heart

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 21, 2021

Whenever we judge someone by their appearance we should remember this staggering truth: God Sees the Heart.

God Sees The Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13 Introduction Rita Belle met Richard Walters at a senior center, a mission in downtown Phoenix for the poor and homeless. “He always came in with a little backpack and cap on.” While Richard was reserved, Rita was outgoing and offered to visit with him and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ