Sermons on Downward:

Jesus Comes To Us

Contributed by Kimberly Belken on Aug 9, 2020

In the familiar story of Jesus walking on the water, we find good news in the fact that it is Jesus who is the key actor and Lord of all.

Psychologists tell us that when we are presented with an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening, we tend to behave in one of two ways—fight or flight. That means that we either tend to gird our loins (to use a Biblical phrase), stare down, and attack that which is scaring us OR we run ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Lutheran

Crossed Boundaries

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Mar 17, 2020

Jesus crossed boundaries to encounter humanity in our deepest need.

March 15, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 4:5-42 Crossed Boundaries Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” Jesus had traveled a long distance for ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Denomination: Lutheran

5 Points Concerning Prayer Every Christian Should Hear

Contributed by Chris Miller on Feb 20, 2020

A Pew Research Center study reveals the number of people praying daily is decreasing. This is especially true in younger generations. Here are 5 points concerning prayer every Christian should remember and pass on to the next generation of believers.

You can find a free downloadable discussion guide to go with this sermon at https://getencouraged.blog/resources/. Read Luke 11:1-13 Introduction A young boy asked his parents for a baby brother, and seeing a perfect opportunity to teach their son a valuable lesson on prayer, the parents said, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Case For God's Grace

Contributed by J Bernard Taylor on Mar 3, 2020

What is the grace of God, and is it relevant today? Can a case for God's grace be made today? If so, what is the evidence for God's grace in modern society?

THE CASE FOR GOD'S GRACE What is the grace of God, and is it relevant today? Can a case for God's grace be made today? If so, what is the evidence for God's grace in modern society? I EVIDENCE THROUGH THE DEFINITION OF GOD'S GRACE: God's grace is a gift to us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Satanic Separatism Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 26, 2021

It is significant to note that the antichrists were not outsiders, but were those who were within, but who then went out of the church. This makes sense, for false doctrines seldom have their origins outside the church

Harry Emerson Fosdick has much thinking that is not acceptable to the evangelical Christian, but he also has many valuable insights that make his writings of real worth. One of his ideas is that a man should not be judged so much by the position he is in, as by the direction in which he is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:19

Lesson 10: Identification Of The Human Source (James 1:14-15) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

We think of sin as a single act, but God sees it as a process. Adam committed a single act of sin (evil), and yet that one act brought sin, death, and judgment on the entire human race.

...read more

Scripture: James 1:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

When Political Activists Take Over Your Church

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

Have you ever noticed how ministries can become politicized over time? It's a real concern in our day and age, where political ideology has the country polarized, that same political activism can push its way into the church.

Have you ever noticed how ministries can become politicized over time? It's a real concern in our day and age, where political ideology has the country polarized, that same political activism can push its way into the church. I've noticed this particularly in inner-city churches, where ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 16:19

Denomination: Salvation Army

Our Faith Is On Collision Course With A Defiled Conscience Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Apr 23, 2021

Our warning about the conscience's impact on our faith is found in 1 Timothy 1:18-19.

Introduction • Luke 17 ends with Jesus telling his disciples what signs to look for as the end times approach. Let me let you in on a secret: this world isn't going to last forever. And so, as Jesus is concluding His comments to His disciples, He makes this statement in Luke 18:8 (NKJV) ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Paradox Of Victory Through Surrender

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

William Booth said: "The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender." That statement is what you call a paradox. How can power flow from surrender? Keep that statement in the back of your mind as I share my story.

William Booth said: "The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender." That statement is what you call a paradox. How can power flow from surrender? Keep that statement in the back of your mind as I share my story. One of my first memories, was as a child, around age 4 ...read more

Scripture: John 1:4, John 8:32

Denomination: Salvation Army

There's Nothing Back There

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 13, 2023

We can’t change our past, but we can learn from it

THERE’S NOTHING BACK THERE Just want to look at several passages of scripture with you about dealing with what is behind us. Gonna go through them kind of fast, you may want to just write them down, instead of trying to turn to them. Obviously up to you. 1) PSALM 103:12 NKJV “as far as the east is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:12, Matthew 8:21-22, Philippians 3:13

Swords Into Plowshares

Contributed by Delray Lentz on Nov 15, 2023

• It is my prayer every week that you hear something that inspires you to crack open your bible and dig into Gods word.

• I’m hiding in a closet that is in the hallway between the living room and bedrooms in the house of my childhood. I’m about 12 years old, holding a toy gun. • My two younger brothers are trying to find me. They also are armed with toy guns. • I played similar games with my uncles except we made ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

A Life Of Thanksgiving

Contributed by Brian Williams on Oct 21, 2024

The healing of these lepers would be a testimony to the priests that no one is untouchable to Jesus, no one is beyond salvation.

Luke 17:11-19 11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good News In A Bad News World Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Sep 26, 2024

The news bombards us with stories of moral decline and societal turmoil. Yet, amid the chaos, Psalm 36 invites us to shift our focus from the troubling realities to the unwavering truths found in God’s character. Join us as we explore the blessings that come from keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord.

Good News in A Bad News World! Psalm 36 Introduction: Cf. we live in a world in which we are constantly being bombarded with bad news: Christians = can become consumed with 24-hour news cycle 365 days a year that is inundated with bad news. Natural disaster, war, crime out of control, drug ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

I Will Rise Series

Contributed by Larry Grant on Sep 28, 2024

The enemy may have overwhelmed you with trouble, he may have even tripped you up and you may have stumbled, but being down is not where God has destined you to be. You shall rise!

Micah 7:8 (NKJV) “I Will Rise” September 29, 2024 Judah had gone through the disastrous reign of Ahaz, who was a vassal to the Assyrians, who desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem, who had engaged in child sacrifice to appease his Assyrian masters. Micah was prophesying in the reign of Ahaz’s ...read more

Scripture: Micah 7:8

Denomination: Baptist

Deal With The Door.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jul 10, 2024

How do you deal with temptation? You resist it. Yes, that’s true but how? Deal with the door; Don't even go there!

Deal With The Door. James 1:12-15NLT How do you deal with temptation? You resist it. Yes, that’s true but how? James the half brother of Jesus, wrote the Epistle of James, he introduces himself not as the brother of Jesus or the leader of the church in Jerusalem for over 14 years, but as ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-15, Proverbs 5:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal