Sermons on Downward Path:

The Troubler Of Israel: When Secret Sin Leads To Public Defeat

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 13, 2025

This sermon from the sobering account of Achan in Joshua 7 exposes how one person's secret sin can cause corporate spiritual defeat, charting the painful but necessary path from the Valley of Trouble to the door of hope.

Introduction: The Anatomy of a Defeat Imagine the spirit in the camp of Israel. They are standing on the smoking ruins of Jericho, a city whose walls were built to defy armies. They have not just won a battle; they have witnessed a miracle. They are God's chosen people, marching under His ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"I Quit! Part 1 Series

Contributed by Edward Pruett on Mar 5, 2018

To be new in Christ means to "Quit" being "of the world." What are you "quitting" today? Those who take this message to heart and begin enacting some of these principles, will begin see the breakthrough they’ve been needing, wanting, and desiring.

While I was preparing to write the message for today, the Holy Spirit asked me, “Where are my people getting their milk from?” As I began writing the first words, the Holy Spirit asked me again, “Where are my people getting their milk from?” With each word I wrote, the question became more ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dangers And Deliverance Of The Godly

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Most modern day believers feel that to brave the hazards of the road on Sunday morning is all the danger they are willing to put up with. In contrast, Paul consistently forged ahead on his path toward greater Godliness despite continuous accusations, enda

One fact that many Christians would prefer to forget is that "All who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12) Most modern day believers feel that to brave the hazards of the road on Sunday morning is all the danger they are willing to put up with. In contrast, Paul ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:27-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Kingdom Characteristics Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Apr 24, 2004

When we come to Jesus, what do we really want from him? What does Jesus really want from us? Jesus shows us the way into the kingdom of God, and the path has requirements. Are you ready to enter?

Two Parables and Two Encounters with Jesus that teach us four characteristics needed to enter and live in the Kingdom of God. Persistent Prayer Penitent Humility Dependant Acceptance Sacrificial Submission Two great enemies in the hearts of men that prevent them entry into the kingdom are also ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Spiral Stair Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 9, 2011

The journey of faith is like a spiral stair, the whole held up by the love of God, but the sequence of steps always the same. Commit yourself to the grace of God. Surrender more of yourself to Christ. And love the people he puts in your path as if he h

I wish I could play the piano. Not just picking out a tune with my right hand, but really playing - composers like Bach and Beethoven and Mozart. As most of you know, my mother plays. She’ll be back here in May, and Martie’s already agreed to let her play for the service. Even ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Prescription For An Achan Nation Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 31, 2008

It’s not the Jerichos that defeat most Christians...it’s the Ais. What Christian America must do to keep from following the path Israel took in our text. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

Prescription for an Achan Nation Joshua 7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/AchanNation.html Have you ever noticed the similarities between Israel and Christian America? Both bountifully blessed by God, having great victories and claiming powerful promises of God. And both flirting with defeat by ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

Running In Circles

Contributed by James May on Apr 10, 2011

We often find ourselves running in circles around our mountains instead of overcoming them. God said that its time we quit circling an turn to him. Overcome the mountains, walk the path of holiness and cross the finish line victoriously.

Running in Circles Sunday, April 10, 2011 AM Pastor James May I’m not often in a pet store. I just don’t have the time nor the inclination to own a pet. The closest I come to being a pet owner is the 10 gallon aquarium in my home where I keep a few tropical fish and even that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living A Fantasy

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 9, 2017

God had sent one prophet after another to warn Israel of impending judgment. Rather then heeding the many warnings, they continued to live in a fantasy world, void of reality. Sadly many today continue this path, refusing to admit their great need.

Living a Fantasy Hosea 6:4, 7:8ff As you study the book of Hosea, God’s love for His people is easily discovered. While they had turned their backs on him, seeking the gods of this world and the pleasures of the flesh, God continued to pursue them by His grace. In the chapters between our last ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:4, Hosea 7:8-9, Hosea 7:11, Hosea 7:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Fork In The Road

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Dec 30, 2019

The “fork in the road” - decisions that we make - some of them seemingly insignificant and others monumental with lasting impact. Psalm 1 gives us two ways - one leads to destruction, the other to blessing, prosperity and righteousness. What is the path that leads to each?

Each day and throughout the day, we come to many forks in the road – decisions that we have to make. Many of those decisions are we might consider momentary. They won’t have a huge, long-lasting impact on our lives. But other forks are rather monumental because of the impact that they are going ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

When God Hides

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Dec 3, 2017

We all have times of dryness in our relationship with God, and it could be for a variety of reasons. But sometimes it's because we harbor unconfessed sin our life. Isaiah gives us a path forward, a way to renew our relationship with the Lord.

Isaiah 64:1-9 When God Hides Have you ever had a winter season of faith? You pray, but your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling? You wonder if you really know God, or if God knows you? Philip Yancey, in his book, “Reaching for the Invisible God,” writes: “I experienced the sense of abandonment ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:20-21, Isaiah 64:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Fear Thru The Power Of God Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jan 12, 2015

Fear is NOT the path of life for the believer and we must not fall prey to the enemy's attacks in seeking to overwhelm us with fear and anxiety in our lives! We have been given spiritual tools by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit...the 1st is Power

SERMON BRIEF Date Written: January 10, 2015 Date Preached: January 11, 2015 Church: OPBC (AM) Sunday FOUNDATIONAL ELEMENTS Title: Our Power in Christ Text: 2 Timothy 1:7-9; 2 Cor 4:1-18 ETS: Paul told Timothy had great power through Christ. ESS: Our service to God is fueled by a power we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Does Jesus Say About Death? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 3, 2021

Jesus speaks of Himself here. Jesus’ death is the grain of wheat that had to die. Jesus is the grain of wheat that had to be multiplied. Jesus’ death generates a huge harvest. The path to glory is HIS death; again, the roadway to Jesus’ glory is His death.

Good morning to our both NRHBC and Cross Church family who are joining us online. A special welcome to those of you who are guests joining us as well. Please also know you can call one of our pastors for prayer at the numbers you see. Many of you are watching us on Facebook and we invite you ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

Father Abraham Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Sep 20, 2024

The amazing faith of Abraham is going to lead us in the right path as we seek to be rescued and recovered by grace. Let’s get ready to go to the school of faith by seeing how the Father of Faith gets it right! Seven Reminders of the Power of Faith!

Recovered By Grace: FATHER ABRAHAM    Romans 4 Introduction Genesis 12:1-4 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lighting The Way Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 29, 2025

David wrote that God's word is the lamp for our feet and the light for our path. What does this mean and how do we put that to use in our lives? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell.

The alphabet has always been foundational to learning. If you’ve ever watched The Sound of Music, you probably remember the scene where Maria is teaching the children to sing. She tells them, “Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. When you read, you begin with A B ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:105-112

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Message In 1peter – Number 8 – Woe To You Lazy Ministers And Pastors Who Feed Yourselves And Not The Ones In Your Charge - 1peter 5:1-3 - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 19, 2023

A shepherd must NOT be driven by the world’s agenda or ideology or greed. Righteous paths today are more difficult with all the liberal theology (satanic denial), WOKE, and Marxism pervading society and the church. The pastor must be skilled to lead the sheep in correct ways.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 8 – WOE TO YOU LAZY MINISTERS AND PASTORS WHO FEED YOURSELVES AND NOT THE ONES IN YOUR CHARGE - 1Peter 5:1-3 - PART 2 THE ROLES OF SHEPHERDS/PASTORS IN THE LORD’S SERVICE [A]. THE INTRODUCTION This message is PART 2 of the previous message all about ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-4, Psalm 23:1-6, Jeremiah 10:21, Jeremiah 12:10, Jeremiah 50:6-7, Ezekiel 34:1-10, Jeremiah 25:34-36, Jeremiah 3:15, Jeremiah 23:3, Jeremiah 23:4, Ezekiel 34:23-24, 1 Peter 5:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational