Sermons on Encouragement:

How Do We Compare To Jesus First Disciples? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 1, 2016

When I think about the first disciples of Jesus there is one thing that I find really encouraging - they were very ordinary people, average people, people like you and me, people with faults and failings, imperfect people.

How do we compare to Jesus first Disciples? When I think about the first disciples of Jesus there is one thing that I find really encouraging - they were very ordinary people with very ordinary jobs - fishermen & a tax collector. If Jesus public ministry had begun here in Rayleigh and Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Divine Resources For Life's Difficulties

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Feb 24, 2019

This psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God, and His power, and providence, and gracious presence with his church in the worst of times, and directs us to give him the glory of what he has done for us and what he will do.

DIVINE RESOURCES FOR LIFE’S DIFFICULTIES Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 46:3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11, Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 142:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

My Neighbor

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 18, 2018

Have you ever thought of what difference a word of compassion, encouragement, or affirmation can make in someone else's life? This sermon calls us to recognize others' needs and to show our love for them in the appropriate love language.

[Sermon preached on 26 August 2018, 14th Sunday after Pentecost / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] Somehow, widows have been on my mind this past week. Last Tuesday, I was contacted by a woman whose husband had just died. She asked me to arrange the funeral. That same day, I read the Bible readings for ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:8-18, Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Being Revived Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Aug 16, 2019

When we are connected to Jesus we can confidently approach the Holiness of God. This confidence should give us cause to consider how to spur on one another and build an environment of encouragement as we commit to our church fellowship.

Message Hebrews 10:24-25 In Fellowship Together – Being Revived When we talk to people during the week, and they ask us what we do on the weekend, I’m sure there have been times when we have all said, “I am going to fellowship with my church.” Have you ever stopped to wonder what “going to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Committed To Serve Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 1, 2019

Knowing the disciples would face a difficult and discouraging task at times, Jesus sought to encourage them by reminding them of their standing with God. We too can draw strength from the Lord and need reminded of that which is available to the believer.

Committed to Serve Matthew 10: 29-33 Jesus had shared much with the disciples prior to sending them out in pairs of two for ministry. He had been very straightforward with them, revealing the difficulties and opposition they would encounter as the proclaimed the Good News. Some would happily ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:29-33

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Spirit - Our Armor Bearer

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Sep 16, 2019

We will use the image of an armor bearer in 1Sam 14 to discuss 7 things the Holy Spirit does for us as our armor bearer. Equipment manager, helps put the equipment on, encourages, never quits Etc.

Our Armor Bearer - The Holy Spirit PPT 1 Series Title I am in a series of message on releasing the lion inside of us. PPT 2 Text 1Sa 14:6 Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Servant, The Solution To Stubbornness And Rebellion (Isaiah 49:1-6) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 11, 2024

God's prophet feels he's served for nothing; it's all been a waste, and meaningless. God responds by giving him a global ministry. An encouragement to pastors, and teachers, and volunteers, in particular.

If you're seeking to understand Isaiah 40-55, and make sure you get it right, today's passage is absolutely the most important in this entire part of the book. Everything builds up to Isaiah 49, and everything that follows, builds off of it. There are many approaches to these chapters as ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-6

Christ, Our Advocate 1 John 2:1 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 25, 2024

In 1 John 2:1. The apostle John speaks directly to the hearts of believers, addressing us tenderly as “my dear children.” He writes with a deep pastoral concern to encourage us to live holy lives, avoiding sin.

Christ, Our Advocate 1 John 2:1 1 John 2:1 (NLT) – “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.” Introduction Today we explore the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1, 1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 3:23, Hebrews 4:15-16, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:1, Romans 12:2, 1 John 1:9, John 1:29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

United In Worship Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Aug 5, 2024

We explore importance of gathering together for worship; true worship as described by Jesus in John 4, focusing on spiritual and genuine communion with God; the strength and encouragement found in corporate worship and its transformative impact on believers' lives.

Introduction Video Ill.: Consumer Worship by Dan Stevers * https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/03/22/more-houses-of-worship-are-returning-to-normal-operations-but-in-person-attendance-is-unchanged-since-fall/ ** ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42, John 4:21-24, Hebrews 10:19-25, Acts 16:25, Psalm 95:1-7, Romans 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Aug 18, 2024

Jesus said 'I am the Good Shepherd.' This is one of Jesus' most famous descriptions of himself. It gives us a lot of encouragement. But there are some things he calls us to do: follow, listen and flee.

INTRODUCTION A couple of weeks ago, we started a new series for the afternoon services, looking at WHO JESUS IS. In the Bible, God the Father and Jesus have many titles and descriptions. They tell us something about God the Father or Jesus. When Jesus was crucified, Pilate had a notice prepared ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Everlasting Love And Righteousness Of God Psalm 103:17-18 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 29, 2024

Psalm 103:17-18 reminds us of the enduring nature of God's love and His faithfulness across generations. These verses not only encourage us but also challenge us to live in a manner worthy of such divine favour.

The Everlasting Love and Righteousness of God Psalm 103:17-18 Psalm 103:17-18 (NLT): "But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:17-18, Lamentations 3:22-23, Proverbs 9:10, Deuteronomy 7:9, Exodus 19:5, John 14:15, Matthew 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Virtuous Man-Father's Day Message

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jun 12, 2024

This is a Father’s Day message aimed at men encouraging them to be virtuous men by looking at others as God sees them, especially women. Boaz is the example being used in terms of his relationship toward Ruth and his workers.

A Virtuous Man-Father's Day Father’s Day Ruth 2:1-10 1 John 4:19-20 Today we celebrate Father’s day. I got a text from my daughter, Judge Samantha, four days before Father’s Day inquiring about a possible Father’s Day gift for me: Good morning dad, what size shirt do you wear? ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-10, 1 John 4:19-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Day After Salvation

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jul 15, 2023

What happens to those who’ve just given their lives over to the Lord? Will they be able to stand the onslaught of the enemy that is coming? This message will be an encouragement to new converts to open their eyes to the one who chose them before the foundation of the world.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) (17) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (18) "And all things are of God, who hath ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, James 1:21, Romans 8:1-7, Romans 7:14-18, Romans 7:19-21, Galatians 2:20, Romans 8:8-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Solid Word In Shaky Times

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 23, 2021

The prophet Habakkuk lived in a time when he did not understand the world anymore – and more importantly he did not understand God anymore. As you read this, I encourage you to prayerfully read the entire book of Habakkuk

The days we live in are truly challenging times. The year 2021 started out with more worrisome news: new mutations of COVID-19, talk of an economic meltdown, and disturbing scenes from the Capitol building of the United States. It seems that indeed everything that can be shaken is being shaken. The ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:2-11, Habakkuk 2:1-4, Habakkuk 3:2, Habakkuk 3:13-16

Denomination: Methodist

Discouraging Comfort Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

The book of Job makes clear that one of life's greatest tragedies is that believers do not comfort and encourage one another, but rather are often discouraging. That is what we see Job's friends being to him.

Emilie Lorning in her novel, Swift Waters, tells the story of a young single pastor who fell in love with a beautiful young woman in his congregation. She learned to play the chimes in the tower of the church, and when she learned the pastor's favorite hymn, she would play it frequently. ...read more