Sermons on Barriers To Growth:

Why I Don't Have A "Vision" Or "5 Year Plan" For Our Church

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Jun 13, 2018

This is an abbreviated sermon used after my annual pastor's report to the congregation explaining why we do not have a written "business plan" for church growth. Instead it lays out the 3 foundational steps the Lord has put in my heart as I serve here.

If you would, please stand as we say together our memory Scripture for this quarter: Romans 12:4-5 “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-8, Jude 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Growing Via The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 11, 2016

Jesus shares how the Holy Spirit will teach us and help us grow! 1. Jesus shares that there is much more to learn and grow -v. 12 2. Jesus shares that learning and growth is only possible through His Holy Spirit v. 13 - 15

Scripture: John 16:12-15; Proverbs 8:1-4 and Romans 5:1-5 Title: Holy Spirit Growth Proposition: Jesus shares with us we how the Holy Spirit can help us grow! 1. Jesus shares that there is much more to learn and grow - verse 12 2. Jesus shares that learning and growth is only ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-15

Denomination: Nazarene

Life's Challenges

Contributed by Dennis King on Aug 26, 2021

We all go through challenging or awkward times in our lives. It's not easy staying positive when we run into daily trials and tribulations. God allows this to happen to us, and others, to encourage faith, which allows for our spiritual growth.

Life's Challenges We all go through challenging or awkward times in our lives. It's not easy staying positive when we run into daily trials and tribulations. God allows this to happen to us, and others, to encourage faith, which allows for our spiritual growth. 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Baptist

Test: Dilemma Have To? Want To?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 19, 2020

As we consider how life test each individual we consider Have to? Need to? Like to? Want to? What hinders so from real spiritual growth? Lord, open the eyes of our hearts. We need Godly vision!

TEST: MY DILEMMA: DO I HAVE TO? VS. DO I WANT TO? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (Two part?) I love to start with a question: WHY ARE YOU SO ANGRY? What makes us angry? Can we control our anger and attitudes? Near sighted? Far sighted? Tunnel vision? Night blindness? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:12, Ephesians 1:18, Psalm 139:23-24, Colossians 3:22-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rakesh Sharma on Oct 25, 2024

As we navigate through difficult seasons, let us remember that faith is not the absence of doubt but the perseverance through it. Trust in God's goodness, rely on your community, and keep your eyes on His miracles, for in every challenge lies the opportunity for profound growth.

>> Opening Bible Reading Luke 7:18-23 18 John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 19 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-23, Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Happens When The Heat Is On?

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jul 15, 2006

God has given us the same promises, the same Bible; however, some will chose to opt out, to stop growth, and stay on the same baby level they have been on for years. It’s time for many in here to change reports, and change confessions. For our belief syst

What Happens When the heat is On? Text: Isaiah 53:1 WHO HAS believed (trusted in, relied upon, and clung to) our message [of that which was revealed to us]? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been disclosed? Every person in here this morning, has the same opportunity to go and, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Losing Control Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Nov 21, 2010

Part 17 in series Love Never Dies, this message takes note of how growth in the spiritual life requires a loss of control. Faith may actually pose challenges to belief, and we must move forward with courage, even when we have no control over the outcome.

Losing Control Love Never Dies, prt. 17 Wildwind Community Church David Flowers August 8, 2010 What do the following things have in common? a. Giving the remote to your spouse b. Giving someone else the last word in an argument c. Deciding not to worry f. Getting married g.Going on a roller ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist

Let's Throw Some Seeds!

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jun 7, 2018

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 (cf. 26 - 29) Title: Let's Throw Some Seeds! Theme: Organic Christianity - Scattering Seeds of Growth I. There are some things that are under our Control II. There are some things that are totally under God's Control "Wisdom i

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 (cf. 26 - 29) Title: Let's Throw Some Seeds! Scripture: Mark 4:26-34 (cf. 26 - 29) Title: Let's Throw Some Seeds! Theme: Organic Christianity - Scattering Seeds of Growth I. There are some things that are under our Control II. There are some things that are totally ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-29, Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Nazarene

Growing In Godliness: A Blueprint For Spiritual Transformation (2 Peter 1:5-8) Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 14, 2024

In 2 Peter 1:5-8. In this passage, the apostle Peter outlines a blueprint for spiritual growth and maturity, offering practical steps for believers to cultivate godly character. Let us delve into this scripture to discover how we can be transformed by truth and grow in our relationship with God.

Growing in Godliness: A Blueprint for Spiritual Transformation Introduction: Today, we delve into the transformative wisdom found in 2 Peter 1:5-8. These verses provide a blueprint for spiritual growth and maturity, guiding believers on the path to godliness. Let us explore each virtue listed by ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-8, Matthew 7:24-27, James 2:26, Romans 5:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:22, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Growing Through What You Go Through

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 13, 2025

Whatever you're going through is not the end—it’s the process. Growth often hides in the soil of affliction. Do not curse the season you are in; rather, lean into God and allow Him to mould you. You are growing through what you go through.

GROWING THROUGH WHAT YOU GO THROUGH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: James 1:2-4 Supporting Texts: Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Psalm 34:19, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Isaiah 43:2 INTRODUCTION: Life is a journey filled with seasons—some filled with sunshine, others with storms. It is not always the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God's Formula For Success Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jan 19, 2010

There is a common desire within every person to feel successful isn’t it? Nobody wants to fail whether it’s in life, their business/employment, or their church. And sadly, we often measure our worth on the basis of how successful we are. As we will be re

There is a common desire within every person to feel successful isn’t it? Nobody wants to fail whether it’s in life, their business/employment, or their church. And sadly, we often measure our worth on the basis of how successful we are. By the world’s standard, success often ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

A Lesson In Divine Providence Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 29, 2012

There was never a dull moment around old Jerusalem First Church! Pentecost came in a blast of Glory. It was fifty days after Jesus’ Resurrection when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers during the Feast of Pentecost. The presence of God filled t

A Lesson in Divine Providence Acts 5:12-42 Introduction There was never a dull moment around old Jerusalem First Church! Pentecost came in a blast of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: Baptist

Little Is Much When God Is In It Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Aug 17, 2012

God delights in using small things for great purposes. How the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast apply to our lives.

INTRODUCTION Matthew 13 contains seven parables Jesus gives about the Kingdom of heaven. Most of His stories are based on agriculture, because all the people living in Galilee understood gardening. If you’re a gardener, these parables make more sense to you than to the non-gardeners. Let me ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

Many Miraculous Signs And Wonders

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Nov 9, 2015

The most overlooked social class by the church in America are people in the middle class and the people who are wealthy.

“Many Miraculous Signs and Wonders” "The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.” Acts 5:12 Intro: “Two Blondes.” (pause) Two blondes were shopping at a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Now & Later: What God Started He Will Finish! Series

Contributed by David Simpson on Sep 15, 2014

God works in the believer now and later. Used the Now & Later candy as a treat for each person attending the special outside worship service called September Start Up. God is working in you NOW and God will finish His work in your LATER.

Sermon Lanier Christian Church September Start Up - Outside Worship - September 14, 2014 David Simpson What God Started - He Will Finish! (Now & Later) Philippians 1:6 "There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church