Sermons on Critical Spirit:

Christian Compassion Risks Others' Criticism

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 10, 2009

To be an effective and compassionate church, we must risk the criticism of those who would like us to do church within our old confines. But not to take risks may cause our best to leave us. This is a time to work for peace, family life, community.

“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, And spills the upper boulders in the sun; and makes gaps even two can pass abreast.” "Something there is that doesn’t love a wall …” So speaks the poet Robert Frost, reflecting on the ravages of a New ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Even Great Faith Is Challenged By Criticism

Contributed by Paul Carlson on Feb 10, 2009

How should I respond to God’s greatness?

Even Great Faith Is Challenged by Criticism! Job 12 FCF: How should I respond to God’s greatness? PROPOSITION: Because Christ is sovereign, look to Him for wisdom. I. Humbly acquire God’s wisdom. 12:1-12 Job’s retort to his friends. A. Criticism can be a source of wisdom (1-6). ...read more

Scripture: Job 12:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Three Critical Investments Of Family Leadership Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on Oct 3, 2019

One of the greatest privileges of being a father and husband is the opportunity you’ll have in leading your family. At the same time, it’s one of those responsibilities that leaves men feeling inadequate.

The Great Leadership Opportunity One of the greatest privileges of being a father and husband is the opportunity you’ll have in leading your family. At the same time, it’s one of those responsibilities that leaves men feeling inadequate. Many of you feel this way because you lacked a model of ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:7

Denomination: Baptist

Are Critics Of Intelligent Design As Intelligent As They Propagandize?

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on May 30, 2014

Are Critics Of Intelligent Design As Intelligent As They Propagandize?

A cartoon on the cover of the 11/2013 issue of the Reports For Science Education depicts a be-robed bearded figure holding a diagram labeled “flagellum”. The figure quips, “All right, it could be that stars, galaxies, living species, the eye, the immune system, and all sorts of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Attitudes Toward Circumstances & Critics Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jun 7, 2020

In Phil. 1:12-18 we get a glimpse of Paul's attitude toward his circumstances and his critics. Paul sees beyond what Satan is doing and rejoices in what God is doing. He does not allow contentious, sectarian Christians to irritate him.

We are learning from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. Our text today is Philippians 1:12-18. Let's read that to get a general feel of what Paul is saying in the passage. “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:49, Philippians 2:3, Philippians 4:22, Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Days Of Elijah – Confronting Critical Conditions

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jun 15, 2021

2 Kings 7:3-11 is like that. The story centers around four leprous men, forced out of the city by a dreaded disease, during a time when the capitol city, Samaria, was besieged by a powerful army of Syrian. Learing from Lepers.

God uses many different methods to instruct His people on the earthly pilgrimage. Many of God’s instruction are clear and to the point, other are hidden in parables, Proverbs, and stories. I am fascinated when I discover how God speaks through stories like those found in the book of Esther. As you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-11, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 116:12-14

Denomination: Methodist

That Critical Word "unless" Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 13, 2021

Isn’t it true that when we ask Jesus for some favor, His timing is always flawless?

Monday of 4th Week in Lent 2021 One of the most contemptible features of our modern culture shows up today in the Gospel of John. Jesus tells this petitioner: “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” The man repeats his request for Jesus to come from where he was in Cana to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21, John 4:43-54, 1 John 2:15-17, Revelation 21:1

Denomination: Catholic

God’s Hand In The Critical Moment Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 19, 2025

There are moments in life when we face challenges that seem insurmountable—critical moments where the outcome seems uncertain and the path forward unclear. However, it is in these very moments that God’s hand of deliverance is most evident.

Title: GOD’S HAND IN THE CRITICAL MOMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Exodus 14:21-22 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Daniel 3:16-18 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when we face challenges that seem insurmountable—critical moments where the outcome seems uncertain and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:21-22, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Daniel 3:16-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

To Lead Invites Criticism (Exodus 5)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 8, 2024

Do we have the faith, in the midst of troubles, to wait upon God's hand? Let's look at Exodus 5.

When we bring God’s word to people, will we often be met with resistance? Are people frequently stubborn and hard hearted? When things seem to be going wrong do we blame human leaders and God, or do we have the faith to wait patiently upon the Lord? Does the Exodus picture coming out of sin, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Honor, Criticize Or Kill (John 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 3, 2025

Do we honor, criticize or kill faith in Jesus? Let's look at John 12.

Do we honor Jesus with our best, or criticize those who do, and plot to kill Jesus in our churches by avoiding or watering down His Gospel? Let’s look at John 12. How did Lazarus’ grateful sister Mary honor Jesus with her best? What criticism did Judas Iscariot make? Six days before the Passover, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Dealing With The Right Spirit?

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jul 15, 2004

What we have before us is a critical passage from the standpoint that it is important to discern the spirits. Whenever anyone comes to know Christ as Savior, they are immediately transported into a relationship with God... The Holy Spirit of God is our a

ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE RIGHT SPIRIT? 1 John 4:1-6 INTRODUCTION: What we have before us is a critical passage from the standpoint that it is important to discern the spirits. Whenever anyone comes to know Christ as Savior, they are immediately transported into a relationship with God. It is a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 25. The Control Of A Critical Attitude (James 4:11-12) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 3, 2021

The passage for today’s lesson contains the last mention of the law in the New Testament. A particular Bible commentator states that the law refers to the old moral law applied in its complete spiritual fullness by Christ, “the law of liberty.”

Text: James 4:11-12 (NIV) 11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

Judging

Contributed by David Tack on Aug 31, 2011

Biblical Judging

Judging (1) AN INTRODUCTORY STORY: Steven Covey tells in 7 Habits for Highly Effective People, the story of a man who riding an a bus and was greatly disturbed at a young boy who was running up and down the aisle of the bus screaming and laughing at the top of his lungs, while the young ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Ways God Works

Contributed by Monty Newton on May 4, 2015

God is at work in critical circumstances and strange encounters.

Title: The Ways God Works Text: Acts 8:26-40 Thesis: God is at work in critical circumstances and strange encounters. Introduction In 1440 Johann Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press which was capable of cranking out 3,600 pages a day… just 60 years later the printing press ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper

Contributed by John Gaston on Sep 7, 2024

We have a determined enemy who wants to destroy us. His weapons are engineered just for us. They are not ones we're looking for. Criticism is a main one. But you have been made invincible in Christ! No weapon shall permanently hurt you!

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER Isa. 54:17 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: 1. A young couple, very much in love, were getting married in a church. However, Sue, the bride, was very nervous. So the Pastor decided to include the verse, 1 John 4:18 to calm her down, “There is no fear in love, but ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:17

Denomination: Assembly Of God