Sermons on Gifts Discernment:

"The Lord Is Near" - A Message To Comfort Or Disturb?

Contributed by Bryan Beverly on Oct 1, 2014

This message examines Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:5 - the Lord is near” (NRSV) to discern in what manner he intended to raise awareness about the return of Christ.

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5) When you read Paul’s words in Philippians 4:5 that ‘The Lord is near’ (NRSV), what is your reaction? Are you reassured that your Savior is in your proximity? Are you unsettle about the timing of this ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:5

Denomination: Baptist

Selfishness Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Jun 16, 2013

It is so easy to judge and condemn the perceived selfishness of others. But rarely do we turn that discerning eye and critical judgment toward ourselves leaving our personal selfishness virtually unchallenged.

Selfishness Philippians 2:3-4 If you look around, you see endless examples of selfishness. We often lament their existence: We lash out at the pork spending of politicians for their constituents. We despise the self-serving culture of corporate greed. We protest the selfish motives of many wars and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4

Denomination: Methodist

Spirtitual Maturity

Contributed by Andy Payne on Aug 30, 2009

How many people have professed Jesus and never grown? They professed Jesus years ago and have remained spiritual babes for years. They never discern fully right from wrong.

Heb 5:12-14 (13) INTRO: Peter Pan Syndrome 1. A person becomes immature because he refuses to grow up spiritually The Hebrew believers refused to move beyond the first principles of God’s Word. "First principles" (stoicheia tēs archēs) means the basic principles of God’s Word, the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

God's Amazing Grace

Contributed by David Swensen on Dec 29, 2001

The Christ of Christmas has a gift for you. Come and learn more about his gift of grace. It’s what you or maybe those around you are really longing for.

INTRODUCTION “I sat in my car in front of the Delaware Memorial Bridge,” writes Joseph Pfister. “Rain was coming down, the wind was blowing, and I was sick of my life. I had just driven from a three-day gambling binge in Atlantic City where I lost more than $5,000 and maxed out all my credit cards ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Waiting For Christmas

Contributed by Erik Estep on Dec 15, 2005

What is it you’re looking forward to this Christmas? What kind of gift would you like to get? There’s a gift just waiting for you that can transform your life.

Intro: It’s always exciting thinking @ X-mas. For me, one of the fun parts of X-mas is just watching my kids get excited @ it. Let me share w/you some letters kids wrote to Santa Claus. -“Dear Santa Claus, when you come to my house there will be cookies for you. But if you are real hungry ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jul 6, 2019

The Fruit of the Spirit is a singular word Fruit compared to the Gifts of the Spirit where there is a plural word Gifts. Therefore every committed Christian should be growing in all nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5: 13-26 Let us open in prayer Father, I pray that you will anoint my words this morning that they may be words for each of us from you. I ask what I say may be relevant in our Christian lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen This morning I would like to look at the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33:1-20, Galatians 5:13-26

Denomination: Anglican

Lesson 11 -- Exhortation Against Error (James 1:16) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

Many have said, “God is the source of evil -- Instead, the He is the author of all that is good: every good gift and every perfect gift (v. 17) is from Him (v. 18).

Tom Lowe 1/30/2021 LESSON 11 -- EXHORTATION AGAINST ERROR (JAMES 1:16) Text: Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. (James: 1:16; KJV) Introduction Many have said, “God is the source of evil -- Instead, the He is the author of all that is good: every good gift and every perfect gift (v. 17) ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Helper Series

Contributed by Nathan Gibbs on Jun 5, 2021

Jesus came and died for our sins and through Him we can now be saved. Jesus also came to give us another very special gift and that is the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit—God on the Inside “The Helper” Ephesians 5:18-19(NLT) 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-19

The True Reason Of Christmas!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Jan 4, 2019

The almost forgotten reason for Christmas seems to be almost lost in the hustle and bustle of people out doing each other with decorations and gift buying that most overlook the greatest GIFT there was ever given.

THE TRUE REASON OF CHRISTMAS! The almost forgotten reason for Christmas seems to be almost lost in the hustle and bustle of people out doing each other with decorations and gift buying that most overlook the greatest GIFT there was ever given. This is a gift that if we over look will cost us ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Acts 10:34, Romans 10:13, John 1:12

Equipped #2: Speak Truth Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Aug 22, 2025

Today we are going to focus on two gifts - what some call ‘the speaking gifts’. Although speaking in front of others is a major fear factor, it is necessary for sharing the good news.

Equipped 2: Speak Truth Introduction You probably wouldn’t have any trouble identifying the top five fears that human beings face. -The number one fear is Acrophobia (Fear of Heights) -Number two: Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders) -Third is Claustrophobia (Fear of Enclosed Spaces) -Aerophobia (Fear ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:6-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Prayer For The Congregation Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 31, 2020

This message examines Paul's prayer for the Philippians in 1:3-11 identifying major elements in the prayer that we can emulate. Paul prays with (1) thanksgiving (2) confidence (3) passion and (4) purpose.

We have begun a study of Philippians. Last week we dealt with the history of this church as recorded in Acts 16. God has sovereignly chosen to give us a lot of information about the founding of the church at Philippi. All of that is helpful in our interpretation of this letter. In that message we ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13, Ephesians 3:20, 1 John 3:2, Psalm 92:1, 1 Peter 1:7, Acts 24:16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Mind Control 7 Series

Contributed by Clyde White on Mar 11, 2006

A mature Believer must have the hard steel of discernment and perseverance blended together with the soft steel of humility. True humility is not a groveling, self-despising spirit. It is a right estimate of ourselves, as God sees us.

Proper perspective brings assurance and confidence. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-17

What Are You Reading? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 20, 2023

If we listen to God and the Lost, we'll be able to discern how to share the gospel and help people respond in faith. Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

I’m going to do something different this morning as we get started. Normally, we read the scripture that is listed up on the screen as we get started, but today I want to read from Colossians 4:2,5-6 and then we’ll focus on the passage in Acts. As I read this, file it in the back of your mind ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Home Baked Happiness- Giving Christmas To Your Family Series

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Sep 13, 2001

Part of the Christmas Wonder PowerPak.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK ILL. It’s Christmas time, & Lucy comes in where Charlie Brown is standing & says, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. `Tis the season of peace on earth & good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14, Luke 2:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He's Not A Baby Anymore!

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 15, 2001

The manger is empty as well as the grave. We are not dealing with a child.

He’s Not A Baby Anymore! We are in the season where everybody gets all mushy. Maybe it is because a baby in a manger brings out the paternal instincts in people. Maybe it is because a baby is not threatening. There is something about the Christ child that gets more attention than the day we ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-16

Denomination: Baptist