Sermons on Church Reform:

The Always Persecuted Church

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Nov 11, 2024

A message about the first martyr Stephen and the ongoing persecution of the church

Title: “The Always Persecuted Church” Text: Acts 6:8 - 7:60 and 8:1-4 Subject: How does the church react to the stoning of Stephen & subsequent widespread persecution? Complement: …by spreading the word wherever they went. Big idea: _________________________. Persecution becomes a pathway to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60, Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Need For Church Life Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Regularly gathering together as a church is essential for our growth, unity, and purpose, as well as for worshiping God and carrying out the mission of the Gospel.

Today, we're going to talk about the need for church life. You might have noticed that church attendance sometimes goes down, but that doesn't mean we should give up on it. In fact, we need each other more than ever to grow in our faith and make a difference in the world. To help us understand this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:17-18, Hebrews 10:25

Topics: Community Worship, Spiritual Growth, Fellowship, Biblical Teachings

Traits Of An Effective Church Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Dec 27, 2024

Acts 13:1-12 shows us some traits of an effective church.

Introduction When you think of an effective church, what comes to mind? What are the traits of an effective church? I typed the following statement into my Google search bar: “Traits of an effective church.” Some of the responses included the following: “Nine habits of highly effective ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Seven Churches-Ephesus Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 16, 2025

Ephesus was a large and important city in the Roman Empire. Paul and others preached the Gospel, won people to Christ, and wrote them a letter. Now it was time for another letter, this one coming from Jesus Himself.

The Seven Churches-Ephesus (Note: this message is based on a sermon I preached at New Hope Baptist Church near Fulton, MO on October 19, 2025 but it is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: Ephesus. This city was one of the largest in the Roman Empire. At the time, Ephesus was a thriving ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 23, 2025

Smyrna was another of the Seven Churches of Asia. The Lord Jesus Christ gave them a message of things to come, and rewards for those who remained faithful even in times of persecution.

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Introduction: Smyrna was the second of the seven churches listed in Revelation 2-3. The message to the “angel (literally, messenger; likely the senior pastor or overseer)” was brief and to the point. Troubles were there, more was coming, but the Lord promised rewards to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches-Pergamum Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 27, 2025

Pergamum was the third in the series of the Seven Churches. This church had a few problems, but the Lord had words of comfort for them.

The Seven Churches-Pergamum Introduction: The first two churches mentioned in Revelation 2—Ephesus and Smyrna—were both located near the sea (at least in the time John wrote this book). With Pergamos/Pergamum, the locations become more inland. There are several commentaries and other resources ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Refuge In The Church SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

A Church should be a city of refuge for those who are hurting and in need.

Today, we gather here to dedicate this building to God. After meeting in schools for over eight years, we are grateful that God has provided us with this place. As we complete the necessary work to fully occupy this building, we want to set it apart for a special purpose - as a house of God for ...read more

Topics: Church, Body Of Christ

The Church Was Born On Pentecost Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

The sermon explores the significance of Pentecost as the birth of the church and emphasizes the church's mission to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Birthdays are a big deal. And, some birthdays are a bigger deal than others. Like first birthdays for instance… That’s a milestone no one wants to miss. And yet for some reason, many of us just seem to blow right past the actual birth of the church. Sure, we all know about the birth of Jesus at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-9

Topics: Pentecost, Church Birth, Gospel Proclamation

The Need For Church Life Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction discusses the decline in church attendance in America, attributing it not to a decrease in believers, but to less consistent worship and participation.

No one disputes that church attendance has been in decline in America for the last number of years. But it’s not as straightforward as it seems. According to Thom Rainer, the former CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, “The number one reason for the decline in church attendance is that members ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:17-18, Hebrews 10:25

Topics: Church Attendance, Active Membership, Consistent Worship

Sermon Series: The Easter Challenge

The Revelation Of God's Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 8, 2023

Explores the mystery of unity in Christ, its manifestation in the church, and the mission it gives us to reveal God's wisdom to the world.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's truly a blessing to gather with you all today, to bask in the divine presence of our Lord, and to share His illuminating Word. The fellowship we share in this sacred space, the unity we find in Christ, is indeed a profound mystery, a divine secret that ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Topics: Lord's Church, Mystery

The Perfecting Work Of The Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 12, 2023

Explores the importance of unity, faith, and knowledge in the church, using Ephesians 4:11-16 as a divine blueprint for Christian living.

Good morning, dear friends and faithful followers of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so glad to see each one of you here today, taking time out of your busy lives to gather together, to fellowship, and to immerse ourselves in the life-giving words of our Heavenly Father. Today, we gather ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Topics: Unity, Faith, Knowledge

How To Behave In Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 2, 2024

Explores the concept of divine truth as the foundation of the church and its role in guiding our conduct as believers.

Good morning, beloved congregation. It's a joy to gather once more within these hallowed walls, where the echoes of our shared faith fill the air. Each time we meet, we are reminded of the beauty of our shared beliefs, the strength of our unity in Christ, and the power of the Word of God. We gather ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:15

Topics: Truth

Committed To Church Attendance PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 4, 2024

Explores the importance of consistent church attendance for spiritual growth, community building, and mutual encouragement in our shared Christian journey.

Good morning, dear friends. What a wonderful day it is to be gathered here in the house of the Lord. Today, we stand on the brink of a new understanding, a new perspective that will illuminate our path as we walk this Christian journey together. We gather here, week after week, in this sacred ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Topics: Commitment, Church Attendance

The Unshakeable Foundation Of The Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 8, 2024

Explores Peter's divine revelation and appointment, reminding us that God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary work, inspiring our own faith journeys.

Good morning, beloved family of Christ. It's a delight to be with you today, standing on this sacred soil, under this hallowed roof, where we gather to honor our Lord and Savior. We are united in our love for Him, bound by the grace He so generously pours upon us, and called to share His truth, His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Topics: Prevailing Church, Built On The Rock

Spirit-Filled Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 7, 2024

This sermon explores the importance of recognizing, developing, and utilizing the unique spiritual gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit for God's glory.

Greetings, beloved! It is indeed a joy to gather together once more, to bask in the warmth of our shared faith and to seek wisdom from our Heavenly Father. As we prepare to embark on our time together today, let us turn our hearts and minds towards the illuminating truth of God's Word. Today, we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Topics: Walking, Gifts