Sermons on Fresh Fire:

Does God Ever Withdraw His Favor?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 15, 2022

There is a belief in the church that when a Born-Again Christian sins or walks in disobedience, God withdraws His favor and blessings to punish them.

This belief is rooted in the Old Testament, where a relationship with God was conditionally based upon behavior. The Hebrew words translated as ‘favor’ are ‘ratson’ and ‘ratsah.’ The word ‘ratson’ is translated as favor, goodwill, acceptance, desire, pleasure. It most often represents God ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:7-11, Romans 5:3-4, Ephesians 2:4-7, Matthew 7:16-18, James 4:4, 1 Peter 5:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Do You Preach?

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 17, 2022

Folks have different ideas about men and women in the ministry. They are referred to as “People of the Cloth.”

Illus: The phrase, “People of the Cloth”, reminds me of the pastor of a conservative small-town congregation. He received the gift of a white suit from a friend, but he was a bit reluctant to wear it. Since it was so attractive and a perfect fit, he decided to put it on one warm Sunday. As he was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Just Hold On

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Mar 19, 2022

It doesn't matter how bad things might seem, Just Hold On

I wonder if there is anyone here that ever seems like bad things are always happening to them. It seems like that you are always getting the short end of things. However, after going through all of your trails what you have learned is that through it all God is always right there with us, getting ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8

Denomination: Baptist

God Uses Our Pain Points Series

Contributed by Neal Nybo on Mar 21, 2022

Nehemiah’s experience is really intense and few people are ever called to be leaders like Nehemiah but his experience speaks to our experiences and our desire to make our mark.

Feb 22, 23, 2020 Sermon God uses our pain points. Nehemiah 1:1-10 What does surfing champion Bethany Hamilton have in common with Nehemiah who rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem 2500 years ago? Both of them have left their mark on the world. We are going to work our way through the book of Nehemiah ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"no" Is A Beautiful Word. It Set Me Free

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 24, 2022

How are we set free from sin and death? No condemnation. How and where? In Christ.

3.27.22 Romans 8:1–4 (EHV) 1 So then, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 Indeed, what the law was unable to do, because it was weakened by the flesh, God did, when he ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4

Denomination: Lutheran

A Non-Repayable Debt Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 25, 2022

All people owe a non-repayable debt to the Lord. If He dismisses our debt, then we should extend the same courtesy to any of our debtors. If Jesus forgives us; we should forgive others. Our debt is forgiven through faith in Christ.

I have entitled our message this evening “A Non-repayable Debt,” and we will be looking at what is commonly called, “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.” “John Oglethorpe, in talking to John Wesley, once made the comment, ‘I never forgive.’ Mr. Wesley replied, ‘Then, Sir, I hope that you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

A Day’s Wages Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 25, 2022

Gathering lost souls for the kingdom is considered labor. When Jesus returns, the payment that laborers (believers) receive is eternal life, and that exact same wage goes to all who have been hired, or rather called, by the Lord.

This evening’s message is entitled “A Day’s Wages,” and it’s taken from what is commonly called “The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.” This parable speaks of the reward or payment for one’s labor in the kingdom. There is a story among Aesop’s Fables that addresses the reward for one’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Who Can And Cannot Be Saved

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 25, 2022

The scripture says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

This verse of scripture sounds simple enough, but often even a familiar text needs some explanation. Something needing an explanation makes me think of the following little story: Illus: There was a criminal who was put in prison. The prison life had many new and different aspects. One of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Hoarder Or Steward? Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 26, 2022

This parable illustrates the deceitfulness of guarded wealth. It is a stewardship parable, in the fact that it addresses the issue of our use of resources, both monetary and spiritual. The lesson we will learn is “use it, or lose it.”

This morning’s message is entitled “Hoarder or Steward?” O. S. Hawkins, who is with GuideStone Financial Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, asks, “At the end of your life will you be considered a hoarder or a steward?”(1) We’re going to look at a parable this morning; one which is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Christian Worldview Lived Out Through The Kingdom Program Of God

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 9, 2021

We are considering today the concept of a Christian worldview in regard to a holistic understanding of the life of the “Kingdom of God.”

We are considering today the concept of a Christian worldview in regard to a holistic understanding of the life of the “Kingdom of God.” This kingdom program of God, finding it’s full revelation in Jesus Christ, involves many aspects including grace, the problem of evil, the nature of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 1:20, Luke 17:21

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Trivial And The Tremendous

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

As the light of the world, it is the Christians job to help the world see the difference between the truly trivial, and the trivial that can be tremendous.

On April 18, 1906 San Francisco went through the worst catastrophe of California history. An earthquake devastated the city, and a fire broke out that left that once thriving metropolis a heap of smoldering ruins. The cost in lives and property was beyond calculation. Yet, in the midst of all this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:18-19

The Greatest Paradox Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 15, 2021

Jesus was a paradoxical person. How could He not be when He was both God and man? He was the most unique being that has ever been, and the result is we see Him exhibiting opposite characteristics at the same time.

Jesus was a paradoxical person. How could He not be when He was both God and man? He was the most unique being that has ever been, and the result is we see Him exhibiting opposite characteristics at the same time. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief as He went through the experience ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Romantic And Religious Kisses Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

Kissing is a powerful reality in both romance and religion. The greatest kiss of all is God's kiss of peace, which He gives to all who receive His Son as Savior.

The story is told, and it could very well be true, of a Danish couple who decided to break off their engagement. "It is best I suppose that we give back each others letters," he said. She agreed, and replied, "We should at the same time return each others kisses." By the time ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 1:2

How To Be A Successful Husband Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

We commit ourselves in marriage for better or for worse because both our equally possible. Conflict is just as real a potential as cooperation.

The question was asked of a class of Catholic girls-"What is matrimony?" One girl confidently stood and said, "Matrimony is a state of terrible torment which those who enter are compelled to undergo for a time to fit them for heaven." "No, no," said the priest, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7

The Power Of Weakness Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

The paradox that Paul proclaims here is that a handicap can be a help. A painful problem can be a powerful promoter of what is good. A weakness can be an asset and a strength

One of the most incredible biographies ever written is that of Robert Babcock. As a young boy he made a bomb out of some powder he found in his father's barn. He had a hard time getting it to go off, but when it finally did, it blew up in his face and he was instantly blinded, and remained so ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10