Sermons on Divine Growing:

The Story Of Jonah - A Tragic Hero With A Fatal Flaw Series

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Aug 6, 2001

The story of Jonah is a satiric masterpiece. The book of Jonah is unique in that it humorously recounts the adventures of a prophet who struggled against his divine commission. This really is a handbook on how not to be a prophet.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: In his book, True Heroism in a World of Celebrity Counterfeits, Dick Keyes writes that a celebrity is "one who is famous and well publicized," well known "apart from how they became known. Celebrity itself is indifferent to moral character," he adds. One can be ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:3

Adonai Series

Contributed by Chip Van Emmerik on Oct 30, 2006

God is the rightful ruler of the universe. This is revealed by one of the names God uses for Himself in Scripture: Adonai - Lord. It describes God as the Divine owner of all that exists, the master of Creation.

Title: Adonai Text: Genesis 15 Proposition: You must serve the Lord Interrogative: Why? He is Adonai Open Out of the night that covers me, black as the pit from Pole to Pole, I thank whatever god’s may be for my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced or cried ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus On Trial

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 25, 2021

Jesus stepped into a maelstrom and was brought before a court that was losing some of its power and was uncertain about its future given Rome’s growing power and the increasing fear and rising tension amongst the Jewish people.

I love the Gospel of Mark … well, I love all the gospels … but Mark reminds me of Joe Friday from the 1950s TV series “Dragnet.” Some of us older folks remember Sargent Friday’s famous signature line: “Just the facts.” Mark’s gospel is terse and to the point. He gives us “just the facts” and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-65

Denomination: United Methodist

Bound To A Dead Man

Contributed by Ronald Wofford on Feb 11, 2003

Until we put off the man that is dead to sin we will not grow in the ways of God. If we stay bound to the dead man, he will infect us and ultimately destroy us.

"Bound to a Dead Man" Romans 7:24-25; Eccl. 8:6-8 I. Introduction A. This is the day that the Lord hath made B. Special days in our life C. Day of our birth 1. The joy and happiness that surrounds a newborn 2. There is a new life of promise and potential 3. The whole world was in front of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:24-25, Ecclesiastes 8:6-8

Progress Through Prayer Series

Contributed by Keith Walker on May 18, 2004

Prayer is vital to know the purpose of God, to live a life praiseworthy of God, to be productive for God, grow in personal knowledge of God, to be filled with the power of God and to be partakers of God’s grace.

INTRODUCTION Today’s message is about prayer: “Progress Through Prayer.” Let me ask you this morning, “How many of you have prayed for someone?” Another question, “What motivates you to pray for someone?” (Emergencies such as accidents, sickness, loss of job, death in family, how to handle a ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Grape Expectations Part 1 Series

Contributed by James Westervelt on Apr 17, 2002

The Holy Spirit is not interested in producing a bunch of grapes with one big, fat grape and eight little, tiny grapes; but He wants us to grow in all nine characteristics simultaneously.

We noticed when we first started this study that these qualities are called the FRUIT of the Spirit, not the FRUITS of the Spirit. So, "Conformity to Christ" is not symbolized by a "fruit salad," but by one multifaceted fruit. What do you think that fruit would be? A Bunch of GRAPES. The ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-11, John 15:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"As An Eagle..." By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Mar 9, 2005

In the presence of trouble, some people grow wings while others buy crutches. Let’s examine a simple way God illustrates His love and care for us all!

Introduction Let’s face it, God’s love for us has been illustrated in a variety of (strange) ways! Take the lesson we learn from Deuteronomy. What a beautiful picture of how our God deals and directs the lives of His children. As a mother eagle goes about preparing her young so God is with you ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:11

Denomination: Baptist

School Supplies

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 17, 2003

Drama dialogue, written as if a conversation between Paul, a tribune, and a narrator, with "chorus" lines for the children of the congregation. Supplies we need for learning are a listening mind, a loving heart, and a desire to grow.

Narrator: I knew very little about the people of the Way, but I did know that everyone in Jerusalem was talking about one of their leaders. We were all most upset about Paul. You see, Paul – actually we knew his name as Saul – Paul had been such a mighty force in our community only a few short ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer And Fellowship

Contributed by Steven Boyns on Feb 4, 2006

Today it is our assignment to examine one for the most important practices in the life of every Christian – that of prayer. Prayer is essential to knowing God and it’s essential for growing spiritually - prayer.

Today it is our assignment to examine one for the most important practices in the life of every Christian – that of prayer. Prayer is essential to knowing God and it’s essential for growing spiritually - prayer. Prayer, for the believer, as I’ve said before, is not an option but it’s an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Prayer And Forgiveness

Contributed by Steven Boyns on Feb 4, 2006

Today it is our assignment to examine one for the most important practices in the life of every Christian – that of prayer. Prayer is essential to knowing God and it’s essential for growing spiritually - prayer.

A few weeks ago we began to examine one for the most important practices (one which should be paramount) in the life of every believing Christian – that of prayer. And prayer for the believer, as I’ve said before, is not an option, it’s an obligation. The very action of prayer should not be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praying Like Jesus Series

Contributed by Matthew Stoll on Nov 29, 2006

Prayer needs to be the primary way we encounter God and grow in our relationship with Him. Jesus modeled and taught on prayer, particularly through the model of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Last week I shared our need to get connected to God, the only way to experience an abundant, fruitful life is to get connected to God. We get connected to God through Jesus. The Scripture passage we used last week was Jesus’ words, “you cannot bear fruit unless you remain (abide) in me.” The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

How To Experience Joy In The Midst Of Trials (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Tony Miano on Dec 8, 2000

God does not want you to downplay your trials by comparing them to the trials of others. He wants you to learn and grow through what He is allowing you to endure.

How To Experience Joy During Trials (Part One) James 1:2 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano Pico Canyon Community Church November 5, 2000 Introduction: This morning we’re going to begin a study of James 1:2-4. Over the next two weeks, we’re going to look at three keys to experiencing joy in the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: *other

Partaking Of Peace Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 30, 2003

Since believers have peace with God, we can be at peace with others as well. When the Holy Spirit grows this fruit in our lives, we will also experience inner peace.

Partaking of Peace Rev. Brian Bill 6/24/01 Ann Landers receives around 10,000 letters a month from people requesting advice on various topics. When asked what her most common question is, she answered that people seem to be afraid or worried about something. They’re afraid of losing their ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

"Building Spiritual Muscle"

Contributed by Brad King on Feb 15, 2008

We can gain strength and build spiritual muscle through study and application of God’s Word. Peter exhorts us to grow by the Word of God, but how does this happen?

Peter exhorts the people that God’s Word is edifying for life and learning. He encourages his readers to build their spiritual muscle through study and application of biblical truth. We can build strength through the Bible. When can we build strength by the Word? 1 Peter 1:24-2:3 4 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Moving Ahead For Our Master

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 7, 2007

Our greatest goal as a church must be to grow. How can we move ahead for our Master? God’s Word gives us 6 great answers in these verses.

Moving Ahead for Our Master Acts 20:1-12 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Nov. 28, 2007 *This morning I sent out a letter to all of our church families about the great Christmas season we should have this year. It should be one of our best Christmases ever. Of course we will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-12

Denomination: Baptist