Sermons on Barriers To Growth:

The Spirit Of The Disciplines I

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 27, 2007

Conversion does not mean arrival. It signals the beginning of a journey of growth. We are to be like Christ, and this growth requires disciplines.

[Most of the thoughts in this sermon come from Dallas Willard’s book The Spirit of the Disciplines.] Eph 4:12 “…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Matt 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Active Church

Contributed by Jay Mcphearson on Sep 24, 2003

The Body of Christ should be sound in doctrine and in Love (The way I did this, required a rose for everyone in the audience, BUT it was extremely effective) 4.88/dozen @ Wal-mart

Intro: (Start w/Blank) PREACHER found a shoe box in a closet. Opened it and found strange contents. Inside was an egg carton with 5 eggs inside. Next to the eggs was a stack of bills that totaled over 10,000 dollars. As soon as his wife walked thru the door he stopped her to ask if she knew ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Way Up Is The Way Down Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 8, 2005

Many people want to see changes taking place in their lives. The usual prescription given today is, "Just try harder!" But that doesn’t produce true, genuine, lasting life-transformation. In James 4:6-10 James teaches how God changes a person.

Scripture I once read a Peanuts comic strip where Lucy told Charlie Brown that she would hold the football for him to kick. But when he ran up to kick the ball, she pulled it away. Charlie Brown went flying through the air and fell flat on his back. Well, one day Lucy went up to Charlie Brown and ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Requirements Of The New Covenant

Contributed by Jonathan Twitchell on Dec 7, 2006

The author of Hebrews has made the case that the New Covenant is superior to (and fulfills) the Old Covenant. What then are the requirements of this new covenant?

Before we continue our study of Hebrews this morning, I want to take a moment to comment on our Gospel lesson found in Mark chapter 12. I love that short little story about the widow who placed her two coins in the offering. I love the way that Jesus so graciously commends this woman—not because ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:11-24

Denomination: Nazarene

Don't Hunt With Your Head Down

Contributed by Don Campbell on May 22, 2023

My dad always killed more squirrels than I did because he was looking up in the trees. I was looking a bugs and other earth-bound creatures.

DON’T HUNT WITH YOUR HEAD DOWN John 4:1-42 INTRODUCTION A. Jesus told the disciples to lift up their eyes to the fields that were white unto harvest (John 4:35-38). The fields being white unto harvest then does not mean that every field is white unto harvest now, simply because millions are ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Follow Your Heart Series

Contributed by Andy Flowers on Mar 31, 2008

Series in Romans

Text: Romans 7:14-25 Title: Follow Your Heart Romans 7:14-25 14 For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. 16 But if I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14-25

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Lord

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Nov 2, 2006

Four part message declaring Jesus to be Lord of the Beasts, Lord of the Barrier, Lord of the Flame, and Lord of the Dance

He is Lord Text: John 20:24-31 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Jesus Goes To Vegas"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Feb 21, 2008

A sermon about breaking down barriers and living more simple lives in order to make disciples of Christ.

John 4:5-42 “Jesus Goes to Vegas” By: Rev. Ken Sauer, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Soddy Daisy, TN www.graceumcsd.org In their book Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live Will and Lisa Samson write: “The suburbs seem particularly designed to avoid facing ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Denomination: United Methodist

Of Books And Covers Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Mar 29, 2012

Judgmental discrimination is a significant sin. Jesus breaks down the barriers and we must follow his lead!

1. Favoritism – Visitor Survey Back in the 1980’s, a man visited 18 different churches of differing beliefs to find out what churches are really like. The man said that he sat near the front. After each service he walked slowly to the rear; then returned to the front; and then back to ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Bow's, Arrows & Strings

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Jun 24, 2017

This is a message about working together across generational barriers. The Bow's need the Arrows and they both need the String...

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 7  Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8  There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 4:1-16, Luke 12:13-21, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Answering God’s Call

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Jul 8, 2025

What is the barrier that stops people from answering God's (or Jesus') call?

Answering God’s call Luke 11:5 – 8 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Luke 11:5 And He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 because a friend of mine has come to me from a journey and I have nothing to serve ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-8

Denomination: United Methodist

Cornelius: A Man God Remembered

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 23, 2025

The story of Cornelius stands out in the New Testament as a powerful example of divine visitation and the breaking of spiritual barriers.

CORNELIUS: A MAN GOD REMEMBERED By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 10:1-48 Supporting Texts: Acts 11:13-14; Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 11:25; Psalm 112:1-6 INTRODUCTION: The story of Cornelius stands out in the New Testament as a powerful example of divine visitation and the breaking of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Spirit Given Faith

Contributed by Kevin Heath on Aug 17, 2004

Is there a difference between every day faith and Spirit given faith in 1 Corinthians?

1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says Jesus is a curse, and that no one can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Spirit. 1Co 12:4 But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit. 1Co 12:5 And there are differences of ministries, but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:3-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Father’s Treasure Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 18, 2011

Children are "A Father’s Treasure" because: 1) The growth of a family is God’s work (Psalm 127:3) 2) The growth of a family is an Important Resource (Psalm 127:4), 3) The Growth of a family Impacts a City (Psalm 127:5), and 4) The Growth of a family Needs

Psalm 127:3-5 "A Father’s Treasure" Everton Community Church. Sunday June 19, 2011 Father’s Day. Behind every advertising message, there is an implicit morality. If you watch how father’s are treated on TV, bumbling dad is just looking to get away: Get away from the pressures of work and family. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:3-5

Denomination: Other

Grow Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

Christian growth is a complex process involving God's Word, fellowship, prayer, and worship, but ultimately, it is God who causes the growth, similar to a farmer who prepares the soil and plants the seed, but relies on God for the growth.

Last week we began a new 4-week series called Rooted. The agricultural imagery is strong with this series, and we will be talking a lot today about seeds, soil, and growth. After a seed is planted, what do you expect it to do next? (GROW!) That’s right, we expect the seed to grow and ultimately we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Topics: Spiritual Growth, Prayer, Fellowship

Sermon Series: Rooted