Sermons on hindrances to growth:

The Most Overlooked Key To Church Growth Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 11, 2018

Acts 6 tells us that after the church met the needs of its widows, the "disciples multiplied greatly". What caused this dramatic explosion of growth and what can we learn from that?

Back in the 17th Century, there was a German preacher named August Francke. He had seen the homeless children in his city and was so moved by their living conditions that he decided to found an orphanage for them. But as is often the case with such ministries, money was always tight, and he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Church Growth-God’s Style

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Oct 19, 2020

Today I will be sharing with you one of God’s simple solutions to the problem of little or no growth in the church.

There is an urban legion floating around on the Internet that tells the story of how at the height of the space race during the 1960’s, NASA took on the challenge of finding a way to write in space. Normal pens wouldn’t work due to the zero gravity the astronauts would face in the space capsules. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Growth & Flourishing Of The Christian Mind

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 2, 2021

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another.

God works in mysterious ways, as they say. And how truly mysterious it is and difficult to comprehend. Just when you think you've discovered a way in which God operates, he surprises you with another. At times he seems distant. At times it seems hopeless. At other times he is close. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:33, Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Salvation Army

God's Plan For Growth Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 21, 2020

The 1) Prayer (Eph. 1:15-16), 2) Person (Eph. 1:17), 3) Promise (Ephesians 1:18), 4) Power (Eph. 1:19-20) & 5) Position (Eph. 1:21-23) that believers have in Christ.

Ephesians 1:15-23 [15]For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, [16]I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, [17]that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23

Denomination: Other

Iva4 The Law Hinders Growth Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 21, 2020

Paul uses the example of the athlete because it was something his readers were familiar with, and the idea he wants to convey to them here is that they began the Christian life with dedication and enthusiasm.

December 14, 2013 The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians Tom Lowe Chapter IV.A.4: The Law Hinders Growth (5:7-10) Galatians 5:7-10 (KJV) 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Two Keys To The Path To Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 4, 2015

What are some of the keys to pursuing spiritual growth?

THREE MISTAKES CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GROWTH: 1. I’m already there. - “This is as good as it’s going to get.” - “I’m mature enough.” - “My life looks like the other Christians around me.” - We need to recognize that God has more for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Grow Up -- Stages Of Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by David Welch on May 12, 2015

Message six from 1 John dealing with spiritual growth stages.

“Grow Up” Stages of Spiritual Growth 1 John 2:12-14 Like any personal letter, John wrote for a number of reasons. However a clear theme winds its way through he whole letter. How do I attain and maintain an intimate relationship with the God who is LIGTH and LOVE? I. GOD IS LIGHT ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Why Trying Is Not Enough For Spiritual Growth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 17, 2015

Paul commands us to do more than try - we are to train.

WHAT DOES A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE LOOK LIKE? Christlikeness. - 1 Timothy 4:7a. - The goal of the Christian life is for us to literally become like Christ, not just claim allegiance to Him. - The mention of “godless myths and old wives’ tales” earlier in v. 7 is telling. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Education And Service Promote Growth In Faith Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 12, 2015

Our catechesis must constantly reinforce the truths accepted in the early proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

Thursday of 24th week in course 2015 Joy of the Gospel Today the Franciscans celebrate the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. The few saints who have legitimately borne the marks of Christ’s passion live out in a physical and spiritual way the long hours of Christ’s passion and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:14-18

Denomination: Catholic

Why Deacons Are Vital To Church Growth

Contributed by Mark Stevens on Jan 7, 2017

When the Apostles felt overwhelmed they created an office....DEACONS, and the church GREW!

Acts 6:1 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” We see, here, the church growing to a large number. As long as the church was small and they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

What To Seek To Have Spiritual Growth!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Aug 18, 2022

The Christian life should be a life of spiritual growth. Here in this outline is of what we need to work toward growing in both our physical and spiritual life. As we grow in the Spirit we will become more like our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

WHAT TO SEEK TO HAVE SPIRITUAL GROWTH! The Christian life should be a life of spiritual growth. Here in this outline is of what we need to work toward growing in both our physical and spiritual life. As we grow in the Spirit we will become more like our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. I. First is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7, Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 9:10, Romans 10:17

God’s Method For Church Growth

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 30, 2022

In this sermon I want to show you GOD’S METHOD FOR CHURCH GROWTH.

Please notice, I said God’s Method For Church Growth. Before we get into God’s Method of Church growth let me talk to you about two MAN MADE METHODS FOR CHURCH GROWTH that is being used by liberal churches all over this nation. There are many ideas today about church growth, but some of these ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Roots - Growth In Character Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 13, 2023

In God’s plan you can have fruitfulness, happiness and fulfillment, you can have a breakthrough.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. If God has called you to a certain place, at a certain time, for a certain job, to fulfill your certain dream, no matter how unfruitful it may look. Grow where God plants you and be fruitful. 2. Edmund McIlhenny had a beautiful plantation in Louisiana before Civil War destroyed ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-33, Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

Discipline - Growth Steps Lesson 8 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2023

To know Him intimately and personally.

A. INTRODUCTION: LADY WITH CATARACTS 1. Why was she motivated when told, “woman, it is your lack of faith?” 2. She asked, “How can I have more faith? The five fingers: a. First finger, “Blessed is he who hears” (Revelation 1:3). b. Second finger, “Read the Scriptures” (Revelation 1:3). c. Third ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20, Luke 17:5, Matthew 7:1, 1 John 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Sacredness Of Submission (Sermon On Christian Growth)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 19, 2023

Today I will be preaching about Submission. This is a sermon dealing with Christian growth. The word “submit” in the Bible means “to submit to one’s control”, “to obey.”

There were three guys talking about the amount of control they have over their wives, while the third remained quiet. • After a while one of the first two turns to the third and says, "Well, what about you, what sort of control do you have over your wife?" • The third fellow says ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist