Sermons on Diminishment:

Bad Things Happen To Faithful People

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

Paul and Silas lovingly and boldly ministered to the needs of the people they encountered. As a result of their endeavors people's lives were changed, but Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Serving Jesus often involves struggles and setbacks.

Acts 16:16-34 “Bad Things Happen to Faithful People” INTRODUCTION Power comes in many shapes and forms. There is the raw horrendous power of an atomic explosion. In contrast to such power is the group power of civil disobedience, which we witnessed in Gandhi’s fight for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Reading The Times Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 1, 2008

Christians wait and watch for Jesus’ return. We know the season, but we don’t know the time, and we live in the paradox.

Mark 13:24-37 “Reading the Times” INTRODUCTION There is probably not a day that goes by that we don’t wait. We might wait for a train at Bell and Grand, or wait in a line at the grocery store, or twiddle our time away waiting to see a doctor. Waiting is a part of lives, even though none of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Take Courage! Series

Contributed by Vance Elzinga on Jul 5, 2007

Used the call to courage in Haggai as a framework for calling believers to take courage rooted in Christ against the world’s intimidation and discouragement.

HOOK/WE Used a short "bully" video clip from Bridge to Terebithia to raise issue of intimidation we sometimes feel. Sometimes physical, financial, etc. Sometimes spiritual. YOU Ever been intimidated in expressing your belief? Acting on it? If you have, you’ve got something in common with some ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Godly Fear

Contributed by Clarence Clough on Feb 25, 2012

"...he Bible commands Christians to be governed by a reverential fear of the Lord."__Robert Pace

Godly Fear Rev. 14:6-7, An angel preaches the gospel 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, **FEAR GOD, and give glory to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:6-7

Denomination: Church Of God

You Just Can't Afford To Forget

Contributed by Craig Benner on Oct 22, 2014

Practice the art of remembering the wonderful things that God has spoken to you. Many are promises that you can see fulfilled in your lifetime.

What must I Remember in Difficult Times Gen. 28:10-22 (Jacob at Bethel) Intro.: When Willy Mays went to the major league, he only got one hit in his first 26 times at bat. The manager found him crying in the dugout. Willy felt that he was a failure and could not go on in the majors. The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Does God Make Us Wait?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 1, 2012

A look at some of the major reasons that God doesn't always answer our prayers when we want Him to.

A Nagging Question: Why does God make us wait? - Genesis 15:1-3. The questions linger in our minds. Even someone with as great a faith as Abraham struggled with these questions. I want to look at some of the main reasons that He makes us wait. I realize this is not as good as telling you that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Historian Distorts Past In Pursuit Of Anti-Christian Animus

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Oct 19, 2010

Historian Distorts Past In Pursuit Of Anti-Christian Animus

In the 4/19/10 edition of USA Today, religious antiquarian Phillip Jenkins, by comparing extremist Islam with assorted atrocities committed in the name of Christianity over the centuries, details from an historical perspective how any religion can be co-opted in the name of violence. Though his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-33

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Something To Sing About

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 6, 2018

Paul and Silas are imprisoned because of their witness. Facing dire circumstances they break out in song and amazing things happen.

Acts 16:16-34 “Something to Sing About” INTRODUCTION Power comes in many shapes and forms. There is the raw horrendous power of an atomic explosion. In contrast to such power is the group power of civil disobedience, which we witnessed in Gandhi’s fight for India’s independence, and Martin ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Every Sin Has Its Own Consequences. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 5, 2024

Every sin has its own consequences, both spiritual and temporal.

Every sin has its own consequences, both spiritual and temporal. Sin is a rebellion against God's laws and commandments, and it inevitably leads to separation from Him and harm to oneself and others. Sin has a way of leaving a lasting impact on our lives, even after we've turned away from ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:31-32, Romans 1:24-27, Genesis 3:7-8

The Need For Eyes To See And Ears To Hear

Contributed by Mark Mitchell on Sep 9, 2023

.2Ki 6:17

We need to see the evil as it is. (vs.1-5) A. They had just seen James murdered. B. Herod was focusing on anyone in the church. C. It wasn’t just that Peter was in prison but that Herod had determined to kill him as he did James. C. We as Christians also get desensitized to things and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Violent Battle Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Oct 22, 2020

So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus.

The Last Word – Revelation 12 The Violent Battle of Christmas October 11, 2020 So many of the Christmas stories happen at night. The shepherds are surprised at night by an angel. Jesus is born at night in a filthy manger. The Magi see a star that leads them to Jesus. Revelation 12:1-6 NIV A great ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6, Matthew 2:13-16, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Revelation 12:17, Revelation 17:14, 1 John 4:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Count Your Blessings

Contributed by Sunitha Justin on Nov 29, 2021

When you count your blessings, it means you’re being grateful. It helps you recognise and admit God’s favour and mercies even over little things in life, that would’ve possibly been overlooked.

When you count your blessings, it means you’re being grateful. It helps you recognise and admit God’s favour and mercies even over little things in life, that would’ve possibly been overlooked. It makes you more and more positive and optimistic. Simply because, you can’t be pessimistic and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-2, Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Charismatic

"Making The Right Choices"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 17, 2002

The choices we make can alter our life forever and set us on a course that may last a life time. Don’t misunderstand me! There are some small decisions that are very serious - usually the hasty decisions we make.

Dr. Dennis Deese “MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES” (The Leader’s Decision Making) 1 SAMUEL 26:1-25 After hearing the subtitle, most would equate this message as a message that applies to the leader’s choices on a corporate or group level. That is, the choices that are made that effect the group that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:1-25, 1 Samuel 26:1-26

Biblical Youths That Overcame Obstacles To Succeed

Contributed by Lauro C Hernandez on Sep 27, 2002

How our youtsh can overcome obstacles in their life to succeed.

BIBLICAL YOUTHS THAT OVERCAME OBSTACULES TO SUCEED 1 Tim. 4:12 INTRO: I. MOSES, OVERCAME A THE OBSTACLE OF A SINGLE-PARENTING HOME A. His parents had to give him away – Ex. 2:3”But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith - Part 2 Of 2

Contributed by Michael Martin on Mar 28, 2006

The Demonstration of faith

Faith - Lesson 2 (Matthew 9:29; Hebrews 11:1-6) Part 1 review: DEFINITION... DECLARATION... DEGREES... OF FAITH! Part 2 I. The Demonstration of Faith (Matt. 9:1-8) A. His own city (v. 1). 1. The most difficult place to demonstrate your faith is among your own family and friends. 2. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6

Denomination: Baptist