Sermons on Clergy Failures:

First Christmas Risk-Takers

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 21, 2011

Risk taking at times needs to be bold and calculated. Other times require spontaneity. Risk taking is taking on something that causes fear and has the possibility of failure. Risk taking is an essential ingredient in ministry in the Kingdom of God. Most B

Opening illustration: Three pastors have been called Monday to report to prison in Shiraz, a city in southwestern Iran, within the next 30 days in what is estimated to be an act of religious persecution. The pastors were essentially being sentenced for having meetings at home, making the government ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rising Or Rejecting? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 21, 2009

The man at the pool of Bethsaida had lost his will to achieve, and blamed others. Jesus, however, gave Him his self-worth as well as his health. Do not blame prejudice or racism for failure; turn to Jesus and be healed and motivated.

The day dawned like any other day ... a little chillier, maybe, than you might have expected this time of year. But still, about as gray and bleak and unpromising as any other day. After all, every day was about like every other day. What reason did he have to expect anything different? For 38 ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Come Out Of Hiding - Part 2

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2011

For some of us, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder, not of the victory over death, but the death of victory in our lives. We fear really relishing in the resurrection because of our own failures, fears, and weaknesses. If that's you, then I've

The first Resurrection Sunday was not a happy day for the most part. For the disciples it was a day to cower in fear that they were next to be hauled away and crucified. It was a day of extreme sorrow for the women who loved Jesus so. It was a day of fear and dread for the Roman soldiers who ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Sifted ... But Saved

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Aug 15, 2007

Satan would like nothing more than to destroy you and your witness for Christ. But, even if you fail, Jesus has prayed for you and wants you, out of the failure, to strengthen others when you recover.

There are several events that have shaped the course of my life. Some have been quite dramatic. And because of the nature of the drama surrounding those events, they remain vividly etched in my memory. My wedding day, although over twenty five years ago, remains a fresh memory on the landscape of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Scars To Show

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 29, 2014

A perspective on John 20: 19-23. Jesus showed them his hands and side, the scars of his torment and death on the cross. This would have been an uncomfortable moment for them as they remembered their failures, abandonment, and lack of faith in Jesus.

John 20: 19-23 Scars To Show The Gospel of John was written at about A.D. 85 a considerable number of years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was written at a time when Christians were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus, the Son of God. John wrote the Gospel not only for ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Lutheran

No Condemnation

Contributed by Michael Carter on Nov 9, 2019

Living in Christ means that our minds and hearts will continue to grow and conform in Him, but our old selves don't want to let go and our common enemy will find ways to remind us of our failures.

No Condemnation Just a show of hands please. Who here wants to live a life of regrets? Ok. And a show of hands for who wants to life a life of rejection? Anyone? OK. How about a show of hands for who wants to have a life of pain and anguish? What? No takers? Hard crowd. Ok, let me try another ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1, Romans 7:21-25

The Burning Bush Call Of Moses Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 3, 2022

Moses put his neck on the line once. And he felt like a failure. Is he willing to be that vulnerable again? Is he willing to trust God with his life? That is the challenge of Moses. That is the challenge for everyone who follows the call of God.

The call of God is as unique for every individual as is every person. For Gideon it was the fleece and that differs widely from Ezekiel and his lofty falling facedown vision of the throne of God. Isaiah with the burning coal placed on his lips differs from Paul on the Damascus Road and his ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-22, Exodus 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Ministry Of John The Baptist Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 24, 2020

What does a successful ministry look like. How should we gauge the success of a preacher or a church. By worldly standards, John's ministry was a failure. By Jesus' standards John the Baptist was the greatest of all prophets.

Grace Community Church Winchester, VA www.gracecommunity.com Watch this message on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/eu6yP42Qz2o Introduction Have you ever asked yourself how you identify the mark of a great pastor or preacher? What are the hallmarks of a great ministry? By worldly standards, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-20

Denomination: Brethren

To Know Him

Contributed by Vicki Williamson on Mar 1, 2022

Do you really know the person closest to you? Know their hearts desires including their successes and failures? Do you know what they think and what motivates 
them with every action? Do you truly know them?

Turn with me to the book of Philippians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul ?to believers in Philippi. This is the Apostle Paul speaking his heart’s desire. Philippians 3:10-11 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, ?and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:10-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Philippians 4:4

The Book Of Lamentations – Part 4 – Judah Is Rejected And Trodden Down – My Great Pain – Chapter 1:11-15 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 26, 2025

This section begins the lament – the utterance of sadness and failure. There are 9 verses of lament here and this Part deals with 2 of them. Was the LORD responsible for Judah’s suffering? It is a sad thing but sinfulness always brings misery and suffering upon the participants.

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS – PART 4 – JUDAH IS REJECTED AND TRODDEN DOWN – MY GREAT PAIN – CHAPTER 1:11-15 Our study in this remarkable book continues as we try to understand the grief of the defeated people and of Jeremiah himself who was overcome by sorrow for is nation. The nation had its ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:11, Revelation 6:3-4, Malachi 4:1, Matthew 3:7, Lamentations 1:12, Revelation 6:16-17, Revelation 9:20-21, Lamentations 1:13, Matthew 2:17-18, Lamentations 1:14, Lamentations 1:15, Isaiah 19:16, Isaiah 19:21-25, Revelation 14:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When One Door Closes, Another Opens: God's Plan SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Sometimes our disappointments in life can become God's appointments, so don't let closed doors bother you. The things we think of as failures and problems can often end up being blessings in disguise.

In life, we often encounter doors of opportunity that open and close before us. But are these doors being opened and closed by God? While the exact phrase "When God shuts one door, He opens another" is not found in the Bible, it aligns with the truth that we will explore in this sermon. We will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-10

Topics: Apologetics General

How God Tests Our Faith

Contributed by Rick Warren on Sep 22, 2008

We tend to get what we expect out of life. According to our faith, it will be done to us. Pastor Rick and Pastor Holladay teach four ways that God tests our faith.

For other sermons and tools to grow your ministry, visit SaddlebackResources.com HOW GOD TESTS OUR FAITH Rick Warren February 10-11, 2007 Pastor Tom and I want to talk to you about, How does God test our faith? The Bible says in Matthew 9:29 "According to your faith it will be done unto you." ...read more

Scripture: James 1:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Series: Recovering Stolen Identity & Reclaiming Misplaced Destiny: Part 6: The Samson Story: "an Example Of A Partially Fulfilled Destiny

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 10, 2020

The Story Of Samson Is One Of The Saddest In The Bible. David, Elijah, Peter, Moses, Jacob, all came back. Samson did, but partially. He was gifted to be God’s man in Israel’s critical hour. But he misused his privilege and partially fulfilled his mission - an example for us all.

SERIES: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: PART 7: ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF STOLEN IDENTITY & MISPLACED DESTINY: SAMSON: EXAMPLE OF A PARTIALLY FULFILLED DESTINY 1. Judges 13: 1 Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1-4, Judges 14:1-3, Judges 16:1-30

Denomination: Charismatic

If That's The Way Christians Act, I Want Nothing To Do With Their God!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 6, 2022

Lost people often use our failure to live as we ought to justify their rejection of Christ. While we cannot excuse them, we must know that we do offend. Therefore, we require grace to honour God and to avoid giving offence to the lost.

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Tragedy Of Departing From The Faith Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 21, 2025

Departing from the faith is a spiritual tragedy with severe consequences. It is not only a warning for unbelievers but also for those in the church who are slowly drifting away due to deception, worldliness, and spiritual complacency.

THE TRAGEDY OF DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Timothy 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." Supporting Texts: 2 Thessalonians 2:3, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 3:12, 2 Timothy 4:10, Matthew 24:10-12, Revelation 3:15-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God