Sermons on Fig Tree Withers:

Gifts, Insults & Spies (2 Samuel 16)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 12, 2025

How do we wisely handle gifts, insults and spying? Let's begin in 2 Samuel 16.

Should we be vigilant against bribes disguised as gifts? Is it wiser to let critics speak than destroy them? Is it wise to investigate what our enemies are up to? Let’s look at a gift, an insult and a spy in 2 Samuel 16. Did Ziba, a servant of Saul's grandson, Mephibosheth, bribe David with ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

O Lord, Just Kill Me!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 22, 2019

God's mercy and our anger can often be in conflict. Such conflict can lead to discouragement that in turn can lead to despair. The child of God must guard his/her heart to avoid falling into deep gloom leading to thoughts of suicide.

“[God’s mercy toward Nineveh] displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Proverbial Wisdom

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 11, 2004

1- Friends and brothers 2- Medicine and bones

INTRO.- Quips, quotes and notes - Most husbands become interested in politics. In fact, many of them are already the minority leader in their house. - The most difficult arithmetic to master is the art of counting our blessings. - It’s funny how a bad cold improves enough to let a person accept ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 17:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Teaching Our Children Respect For Themselves Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Apr 19, 2004

Part 3 of 3...on helping the home teach the children respect

THE PASTOR’S POINTS sermon ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC -------------------------- April 21, 2002 -------------------------- So far in this series we have addressed the matters of teaching and requiring our children to respect God, and other people. We adopted a working ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:4

Denomination: United Methodist

Will The Real Christians, Please Stand Up?

Contributed by Jason Horrocks on May 24, 2004

A sermon written "To Tell The Truth" style to distinguish between real Christians and counterfeit Christians. Deals with many problems in the church.

Will The Real Christians, Please Stand Up? Acts 11:26 "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians....." Will The Real Christians, Please Stand Up? How many of you remember the T.V. quiz show ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:26

Denomination: Church Of God

How To Achieve In Life?

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 2, 2003

A person who will become or is an achiever is one who is interdependent on others and understands what habits must be dominant in their lives.

How Too Achieve in Life? Thesis: A person who will become or is an achiever is one who is interdependent on others and understands what habits must be dominant in their lives. Introduction: We have a lot of people today writing books telling people how to become successful. The American dream is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30, Psalm 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hagar Shuffle Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 18, 2004

Doubt is terrible thing that can cause people to do things they would otherwise avoid. Examination of Sarai’s doubt and how to avoid the trouble it brought.

OPEN: THE SINKING SODA Heno Head’s Simple Science Object Talks 1. Fill a pitcher about 2/3 full of water (you can also use a large bowl or aquarium). 2. Set a can of regular soda in one of the pitchers. It will sink to the bottom. If it doesn’t sink, tilt it to release any air bubbles caught ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-6, Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Three Coats

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Nov 19, 2002

Throughout the Bible coats are mentioned a number of times. God made Adam and Eve coats of skins after their fall in the garden. Elisha desired the mantle or coat of Elijah, which was used in performing many miracles. The Roman soldiers gambled for the r

THREE COATS GENESIS 37:3-4 INTRODUCTION: Throughout the Bible coats are mentioned a number of times. God made Adam and Eve coats of skins after their fall in the garden. Elisha desired the mantle or coat of Elijah, which was used in performing many miracles. The Roman soldiers gambled for the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Passing Over To The Other Side

Contributed by James May on Jun 25, 2006

If we really want to experience the power, majesty and glory of God in our lives, we must be ready to pass over to the other side where most of Jesus’ followers won’t go.

Passing Over to the Other Side By Pastor Jim May Mark 4:1-41 Life is a wonderful journey for those who know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. With each passing day, there are new joys to experience, new blessing to enjoy and a new opportunity to love Jesus even more. Even in the midst of tests ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-41

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Driving Force Of Spiritual Debt-2 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 22, 2005

Part 2 of a 5-part sermon. Paul related to the Christian church in Rome, his keen sense of spiritual indebtedness. This sense of indebtedness drives the emissary/delegate/messenger of God. Spiritual indebtedness drives God’s messenger to...

THE DRIVING FORCE OF SPIRITUAL DEBT-II—Romans 1:8-17 Need: Debt causes many Americans to work at things they never intended to give themselves to. That is why retirement is sought & defended so vehemently by Americans. We spend our lives working off our debt—at anything that is financially ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-17

Denomination: Baptist

One Simple Rule For Protecting Your Family Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 19, 2005

Solomon robbed his son of his inheritance... but in this sad story of Solomon’s failure is a lesson in hope for how we can protect our children as long as they live.

OPEN: Before he died, comedian John Ritter starred in a fairly successful TV sitcom. Does anybody remember the name of that show? (8 Simple Rules For Dating My Daughter). Now, I never watched that show, so I don’t know if they ever shared what those “8 simple rules” actually were. However, years ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 11:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Tenacity—what Will I Choose? Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Dec 9, 2004

STRENGTH FOR DAILY LIVING #4 What will we choose? Our choice is critical, continual and convincing.

INTRODUCTION: Do you remember the story “The Little Engine That Could?” A trainload of toys was being taken over the mountain to all the children in Sunshine Valley, but unfortunately the engine broke down. One by one different engines came by, but none were willing to take the trainload of toys ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Fruits Of Our Labor

Contributed by Johnny Small on Aug 22, 2002

On Labor Day many of us receive a day off from work to relax and reflex back on our labors. How would Jesus rate the fruits of our labor?

The Fruits of Our Labor This Labor Day holiday, we need to take a look at the labors of our lives and see what importance Jesus places on labor. When we think of labor we naturally think about the many hours that we put in at our place of work. The fruit of this labor sets the standards of our ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-11, Hebrews 12:5-7

Denomination: Baptist

Elijah, Ahab And Obadiah: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 6, 2000

Things look bad for Israel; then, God's man comes from the East (can you hear the spurs jingle?)

Following the reign of King David, his son, Solomon reigned in wisdom and the strength of God for approximately 30-35 years before his own apostasy and decline. After Solomon, the Kings of Israel all did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forsook His ways to serve idols, and led the people ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-19

Denomination: Orthodox

Fixing Broken Relationships Series

Contributed by Matthew Rogers on Apr 8, 2002

Because anger is serious and dangerous it can wreck relationships. We should take action immediately to avoid it.

Relationships in the Kingdom – Part 1 4-22-01 INTRODUCTION Have you ever noticed how when people are angry, things tend to get broken. As a teenager, my brother once stormed out of the house in an angry huff, slamming a door so hard that a window broke. Once when playing racquetball, I got ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ