Sermons on Illegal Trail:

A Passion For Prodigals

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jul 17, 2018

God's love for prodigals.

“A Passion for Prodigals” John 21:1-25 John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. No story in scripture is more winsome that the one Jesus tells in ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Children's Champion

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jul 26, 2018

A message to adult's about the Lord's emphasis on children.

“The Children’s Champion” Mark 10:13-16 Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

His Coronation In Glory

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Apr 6, 2018

An update to a previous message preached on Easter.

“His Coronation in Glory” Luke 24:50-53 Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:50-53

Denomination: Baptist

The Preeminent Passion

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jun 10, 2018

Focus on the love of God.

“The Preeminent Passion” 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Introduction: When I was a teenager there was a popular song recorded by Jackie DeShannon and later by Dionne Warwick entitled “What the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Formula For Spiritual Victory

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jun 13, 2018

A message sharing the keys to success in the work of the church.

“The Formula for Spiritual Victory” Exodus 17:8-16 Exodus 17:11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Measure Of A Man

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jun 18, 2018

This is the re-working of a previous message with new headings and outline.

“The Measure of a Man” 1 Samuel 16:1-13 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Views From The Valley

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jun 24, 2018

a message about the last valley we must cross.

“The Views from the Valley” 2 Timothy 4:9-22 2 Timothy 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Denomination: Baptist

One Gave All

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jul 1, 2018

A sermon based in John 3:16 for the 4th of July weekend.

“One Gave All” John 3:1-16 John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As we think about this 242 anniversary of our independence and the great sacrifices that have been made to preserve ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Journey To Joy

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jul 8, 2018

This message examines why many professing Christians do not have the joy of the Lord.

“The Journey to Joy” John 15:1-12 John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This morning’s message is one that the Lord laid on my heart awhile back and with God being my helper I’d like to preach on the subject of joy in ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Radical Faithfulness

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Nov 26, 2017

A message to encourage faithfulness.

"Radical Faithfulness" Introduction: As I have gotten older I've had the opportunity to think a great deal about ministry in general and I have come to the conclusion that the single most important thing is faithfulness; not ability, or talent, or position, or anything else. Faithfulness is first ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 12:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Measure Of A Ministry

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Dec 23, 2017

I used this as farewell sermon upon leaving a pastorate.

"The Measure of a Ministry" Acts 20:17-38 Introduction: Let's see what is revealed in the text: I. Paul's Tenure Two things standout; First, is his longevity and second is his labor. Paul spent more time in Asia Minor and Ephesus in particular than any other place of ministry. Verse 31 tells us ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:36-38

Denomination: Baptist

Anatomy Of A Healthy Church

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jan 3, 2018

church health is more important than church growth.

“Anatomy of a Healthy Church” Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3 Introduction: Welcome to this last worship service of 2017. As I begin my preaching and teaching ministry here at Thayer Church my prayer is that that Lord will use me to be a blessing to you and your family. Sis. Judy and I are excited about ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-3, Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Trouble With Trials

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jan 11, 2016

In this message we are seeking to correct some misinformation concerning the true nature of trials.

"The Trouble with Trials" 1 Peter 4:12-13 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

About The Sovereign Series

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jan 18, 2016

A sermon series on the major theological beliefs in Christianity.

Series – “Does It Matter What You Believe?” Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, KJV “About the Sovereign” Deuteronomy 6:4-15 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

About The Savior Series

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jan 25, 2016

A doctrinal study of the Savior.

Series -- "Does It Matter What You Believe?" Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, KJV "About the Savior" John 1:1-14 John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist