Sermons on Higher Ground:

Moving Toward Spiritual Discernment-10

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 9, 2021

10 of ? The apostle John sheds light on the need for Spiritual Discernment in the Church. Spiritual Discernment is a necessity in the Church. But How is it to be achieved/accomplished? Moving(yourself, the Church, & others) toward spiritual discernment recognizes...

MOVING TOWARD SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT-X —1John 3:23-24(3:19-24) of(3:10--4:21) Attention: A woman rushes to see her doctor, looking very worried & frantic. On the verge of tears, she rattles off, “Doctor, take a look at me. When I woke up this morning, I looked at myself in the mirror & saw ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

His Mighty Word Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 13, 2021

1 Peter 2:1-3. “His Mighty Word” 1) Remember our Life Source (1 Peter 2:1a), 2) Eliminate our Sins (1 Peter 2:1b), 3) Admit our Need (1 Peter 2:2a), 4) Pursue Spiritual Growth (1 Peter 2:2b), and 5) Survey our Blessings (1 Peter 2:3).

1 Peter 2:1-3 1So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, -- that by it you may grow up into salvation 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV) A recent report from the Christian ministry ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Denomination: Other

Pain, Perseverance, And Pure Joy - James 1:2-4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 13, 2020

When James commands us to consider it pure joy when we suffer, does that mean we are to pretend we are happy when we aren’t?

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Introduction: Perseverance Years ago ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

I Am The Resurrection And The Life Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Oct 18, 2020

Jesus raises Lazarus and tells us that we must be resurrected to be with Him in heaven.

I AM the Resurrection and the Life John 11 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 10-18-2020 An Impossible Request [Slide] On December 12, 2014, Kimmy Blair was in a one car accident coming back from a funeral in Fairbury. Her neck was broken and she died almost instantly. She ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44, John 5:25

Denomination: Baptist

Amazing Unremarkable Healing - Mark 1:28-34a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 3, 2023

The people were amazed at Jesus’ authority, but that response is inadequate. Only repentance and faith are sufficient.

Mark 1:28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:28-34

Esther's Story Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 18, 2017

Esther became an extraordinary woman of faith because she responded to the call on her life to become an intermediary for the people of Israel. She is a Bible faith hero because she was teachable, she knew when to call on God for His help, she became cou

Opening thoughts to the series: “Extraordinary women of faith” Thesis of Series: Extraordinary is defined as very unusual or remarkable – not ordinary or normal! Yes, the opposite of extraordinary is normal! We were created by God to live and do extraordinary things in our lives with His power ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Redemption At Hand-6 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 23, 2016

6 of 6. God initiated the redemption of His people thru John’s birth. Redemption is encountered/at hand thru God’s visitation. But when is that redemption realized? Redemption is at hand when God initiates...

REDEMPTION At HAND-VI—Luke 1:67-80 TOUCHING REDEMPTION Attention: I Love You Guys: After the baby dedication in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Baptist

The King Wants To See You

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2021

Christians, especially, must always remember those who have stood with them, honouring their memory and the kinship they have shared during hard times.

“David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Yours Is The Kingdom Of Heaven - Matthew 5:3b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 3, 2024

This message explores what the kingdom of God is, and what it means that it belongs to you.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Faith Futures At Record High - 1 Peter 1:7-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 28, 2024

Probably the most worn-out prayer there is, is that one-word reaction we always have when we suffer, “Why? Why is this happening?” Peter gives us the answer.

1 Peter 1:6 In which you rejoice, a little while, if necessary, you may be grieved in multifaceted trials, 7 in order that the proof of your faith (more precious than gold, the perishing through fire, but proved), it may be found toward praise and glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7-9

Don’t Be A Lost Sheep (Bible Study) – God’s Plan Part 2 Series

Contributed by Christi Campione on Sep 11, 2025

God’s Plan doesn’t automatically happen. People shift responsibility off on God, but we can see from Jesus’ teaching and prayer life that’s not so.

Download Sermon PDF for easy reading and printing: https://myprayernotebook4life.wordpress.com/sermon-pdfs/ Password: SermonCentral If you weren’t here, ask someone for notes! We don’t have time for a full recap, but in the previous studies we looked at what is a lost sheep, and why it’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-10, Matthew 9:37-38, John 16:13, Matthew 23:11, Luke 14:16-24  (view more)  (view less)

The Folly Of Human Utopias: Lessons From Noah And Babel Series

Contributed by Timothy Bruneau on May 17, 2025

In a world torn between nationalism and globalism, where leaders promise perfection through purging "bad actors" or uniting under one system, the ancient stories of Noah’s Ark and the Tower of Babel speak with startling relevance.

The Folly of Human Utopias: Lessons from Noah and Babel Introduction Have you ever found yourself thinking, "If only we could remove all the bad people from the world, everything would be perfect"? Perhaps you've watched the news—stories of corruption, violence, and greed—and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:9, Genesis 11:4, Acts 17:26, John 3:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love Connects Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jun 21, 2021

Love Connects Series: When Love Comes December 13, 2020 – Brad Bailey

Love Connects Series: When Love Comes December 13, 2020 – Brad Bailey Note: This is the second message in this series. Intro Good morning to each of you...and welcome to those engaging at a later time. Last week... I invited us to begin focusing on the wonder that we call Christmas. I know that ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Faith, Fact Or Forgery?

Contributed by Tim May on Apr 5, 2015

Have you ever had your world rocked like Caiaphas? You know where you think you've got everything under control and then wham life sucker punches you? This is the emotion of Good Friday. But Easter has a counter punch.

INTRODUCTION - “What do you mean GONE!” These are the words of Caiaphas in the new TV Series titled AD, but they are also the words of the women when they came to the tomb. They are also the words of the disciples when the women report their findings. Truthfully, they are still our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Methodist