Sermons on Downs:

Grow Like A Palm Tree Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 4, 2025

God places a great deal of emphasis on us growing in our faith and bearing fruit. But why? What difference would it make if we did?

OPEN: There’s a story about a little boy who had a special hiding place in the back yard. It was an old fruit tree. It had lots of leaves, but it hadn’t produced fruit in years, but the little boy didn’t care. He’d climb up in those branches, and hide amongst the leaves, and for hours he’d pretend ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:12-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Troubled Relationships"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 15, 2002

There are many people who spend a great deal of their time and life tearing down relationships rather than building them. This may be without consideration of the results of their actions; however, there are serious consequences

"TROUBLED RELATIONSHIPS" Dr. Dennis Deese I Samuel 18:5-30, 18:29* ETS: David & Saul had a troubled relationship. ESS: Most, if not all of us, have experienced some troubled relationship. There are many people who spend a great deal of their time and life tearing down relationships rather ...read more

Living By The Word

Contributed by Chris Mason on Jun 12, 2002

When life has you down, when all your strength is gone, when all hope seems lost. No matter the situation, let this sermon encourage you to "live by the Word"!

“Live By The Word” Hebrews 4:12 INTRO. Growing up my grandmother had one favorite phrase that she would often use: “No matter the situation, I’m Living by the Word” In Jeremiah 37 the prophet Jeremiah has a small problem. He could see that the nation of Israel is in turmoil, that things are ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"God's Paternity, Our Unity" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 6, 2002

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we show solidarity with our fellow Christians. The Lord’s Prayer breaks down all social, ethnic, economic and denominational distinctions.

"God’s Paternity, Our Unity" Scripture: Romans 8:14-17 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Two guys were talking and one of them made a comment about prayer. The other scoffed: "If you’re so religious, let’s hear you quote the Lord’s Prayer. I bet you ten ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-4, Romans 8:14-17

Denomination: Congregational

The Incredible Shrinking God

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Oct 9, 2002

We "dumb God down" by confining Him to characteristics we can’t fully understand, and we shrink Him to fit our level by trying to make Him in our image.

The Incredible Shrinking God TCF Sermon September 22, 2002 The Tulsa State Fair begins next week. If you walk along the midway, you’ll hear what are known as carnival barkers. They don’t literally bark, but they do shout out the attractions they want you come and pay for... You’ll have some ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:33-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Follow Me!

Contributed by John Howard on Feb 23, 2002

Our problem is when we get past the gates of salvation we sit down and wait, like we have arrived. Really that is just ebeginning of what God has for us.

Follow Me! Matt 4:18-22 Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the lake; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, ‘Come with me, and I will make you fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-28, Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

How To Overcome Challenges To Your Leadership

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Remember that there are plenty of cycles of ups and downs in every relationship, ministry and group. While the first century church grew in maturity they were faced with the tensions between Grecian and Aramaic speaking Jews.

1. Remember that there are plenty of cycles of ups and downs in every relationship, ministry and group. While the first century church grew in maturity they were faced with the tensions between Grecian and Aramaic speaking Jews. The differing tribal perspectives meant that Grecian Jews felt that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"America Needs A Footwashing"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Aug 24, 2003

Joshua was told to "take his shoes off," he was standing on holy ground. Once again, God stands with a drawn sword, offering leadership. Will America bow down to the God of the Bible?

Text: Joshua 5:13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Unity...an Open Door Before Us Series

Contributed by Jonathan Busch on Feb 2, 2003

Ephesians Series #11 God is calling all believers to walk in unity. It is time for us to lay down our differences and embrace one another. Paul gives us the steps how.

A Walk That Is Worthy Part 11 Unity: An Open Door Before Us Text: Eph 4:1-5 Intro: This morning I would like to continue on with our examination of the book of Ephesians.I have entitled the series “A walk that is Worthy” This morning in our text we read these words…Paul said “As a prisoner for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mystery Revealed Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Feb 7, 2003

Focus: Paul’s mission was to reveal the fact that God has broken down the walls which divide and made all one in Christ; a mission which he also gives to the church.

Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3:1-3 Focus: Paul’s mission was to reveal the fact that God has broken down the walls which divide and made all one in Christ; a mission which he also gives to the church. Function: To challenge the church to take up Paul’s challenge to reveal the manifold wisdom ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Requests Concerning Jesus Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005

Expository sermon dealing with a reqest from Jesus’ enemies and a request from Jesus’ friends. Movie clip from "Broken Down Palace" used in the call for a response to Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

Two Request Concerning Jesus Fortifying the Foundations # 43 John 19:31-42[1] 8-8-04 We find in our text this morning two requests brought to Pilate when Jesus died on the cross. The first (in verse 31) was a request made by Jesus’ enemies. The second (in verses 38 & 39) was made by Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: John 19:31-42

Denomination: Charismatic

If Only

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Sep 26, 2005

Some of the saddest words heard when at a visitation or funeral. We already have enough how can we get rid of ones we have or hold down the number in the future.

If only John 27-36 I have had a week filled with contemplation. I started thinking about the things I have wanted in Life. When I was a kid, I might say, If only I was older, I could watch Hogan’s Hero’s. It came on after 8PM. If only I had the right haircut or clothes, people would like me ...read more

Scripture: John 11:27-36

Denomination: Congregational

Building A Love Foundation Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 14, 2005

Is there conflict in your family? Are there disagreements and arguments that seem to tear down the very home you want to build? God has a formula for solving that. Do you know what it is?

OPEN: Years ago there was a great show called “Kids Say the Darndest Things” and it featured Art Linkletter asking several children their views on life. What was intriguing was the way in which the children saw life. Recently somebody interviewed a number of young children asking them what they ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When God Restores The Heart

Contributed by Matthew Morine on Jul 27, 2006

We all made promises to God. I will do this or that. We have boasted and bragged and let the Lord down. Jesus is forgiving to our failings and restores us to the work of the church.

WHEN GOD RESTORES THE BROKEN HEART The highly watched television show “Lost” is presented in the same manner as the character Peter in the Gospel of John. The show “Lost” portrays a story surrounding the events of the island that the people are lost on. As the show unfolds, there are ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can I Be In Charge? Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 16, 2007

Their mommy spoke for them. Jesus answered that the way up is down. His PASSION PREDICTED, the PATHWAY PRESCRIBED, the POWER PROVIDED. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Can I Be in Charge? Matthew 20:17-34 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/InCharge.html The Historian Josephus writes that every year at Passover 3 million Jews would ascend upon Jerusalem with 250,000 lambs. You and I know that each and every one of those lambs was a picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:17-34

Denomination: Baptist