Sermons on initiate:

Be Careful What You Wish For Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Aug 27, 2007

We often look forward to eschatological events as wonderful pie-in-the-sky times. While the fulfillment of those events will result in unimaginable blessedness, we cannot forget they are initiated by judgment. Are we ready for how they will arrive?

Be careful what you wish for. 1. Because it might not be what you expect. 2. Because you might not be as ready for it as you think. 3. Because your memory might not be as good as you think it is. 4. Because you might need to do everything you can in the present grace God gives you. AMOS ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:18-27, Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Love One Another

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 6, 2012

The parting words of Jesus to His disciples was: Love one another. It is the foundation to everything we do. It is a command. It is a witness. We need to experience fresh outpourings of God's love, count ourselves in and initiate moves to share this l

John 13:31-35 Love One Another ES 8 Jul 12 2138 Let’s revisit the scene at the Last Supper, when Jesus had his last moments with His disciples - in John 13:31-35. 33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Crumbs From His Table Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Oct 25, 2017

An outcast came with faith unto Jesus. Initially she did not receive the response she desired, but she remained persistent in faith. Jesus granted her request. We too must be persistent in faith as we walk with the Lord.

Crumbs from His Table Mark 7: 24-30 As we continue our study in Mark’s gospel, we come to a passage that reveals a mother with a desperate need. As much as she would have liked to handle this situation, she was unable to bring about a resolution. While little information is given regarding the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 15, 2016

Many initially are willing to follow the Lord, but fail to count the cost. Upon realizing the great sacrifice necessary to follow Him, many are unwilling to pay the price. We must count the cost and be willing to pay the price in service to the Lord.

The Cost of Discipleship Luke 14: 25-33 I am certainly thankful for the free gift of salvation. Christ paid our sin debt, reconciling us to God in salvation. This gift is freely available to all who receive it by faith. Salvation is free, but our service to the Lord is costly. If we are unwilling ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

Six Spiritual Absolutes

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 10, 2022

All 120 were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter testified and exhorted after this initial infilling, and 3,000 more souls were added to the church. The church experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit and its power!

Six Spiritual Absolutes Found In— Acts 2:40-47NKJV I love the story about the Lutheran pastor who always started each service off with the phrase, “The Lord be with you.” The people then responded, “And also with you.” However, one Sunday the sound system wasn't working very well. The Pastor ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:40-47, Luke 24:49, Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joshua 13: Well Begun, But Not All Done Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jun 13, 2024

The initial campaigns to reclaim Canaan for Israel were over. Joshua, though, was old and there was still a lot of land unclaimed. Israel had begun well but had not yet finished all of the Lord's commands. What now?

Introduction: Israel, under Joshua’s leadership, had conquered a great deal of Canaan, the Promised Land. Several years had gone by, and Joshua was nearing the end of his earthly journey. Israel, though, was not nearly done with reclaiming the land so the LORD commanded Joshua to divide the land ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sorrow-The Way To Happiness Series

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Aug 19, 2003

Introduction The way to happiness is outlined in the first twelve verses of Matthew 5. Last Sunday we noted that the word translated "blessed" in the Beatitudes may also be translated "happy." In the first beatitude Jesus said the initial step toward hap

Sorrow-The Way to Happiness Text: "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4). Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-4; 2 Corinthians 7:10 Introduction The way to happiness is outlined in the first twelve verses of Matthew 5. Last Sunday we noted that the word translated ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-4, 2 Corinthians 7:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Prayer And Our Great Salvation

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Aug 20, 2003

Introduction: Our salvation is so great that most of us never enter into an understanding of its full significance. The word salvation is a word that refers to many of God’s activities on our behalf. For example, it is used to refer to our initial experi

Prayer and Our Great Salvation Text: “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1 NIV). Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8; Matthew 7:7-11 Introduction: Our salvation is so great that most of us never enter into an understanding of its ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 7:7-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Signs Along The Way: A Christmas Tree" Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 12, 2007

People are preparing for Christmas. It may be a secular holiday, rather than a holi day... but God can use the signs of the season to help us initiate conversations. The Holy Spirit can use the sign of the Christmas tree to create an interest and bring

In Jesus Holy Name December 12, 2007 Mid Week Advent II Redeemer “Signs along the Way” The signs of Christmas are all around. The shopping malls are full. Your neighborhood has homes decorated with Santa’s and Reindeer, and snow men and maybe a manger ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:57-63

Denomination: Lutheran

The Ultimate Reality Show

Contributed by Bill Bowdle on Aug 1, 2007

God, our Creator, is the ultimate, final reality behind the veil of mystery that scientists, philosophers, and seekers of every stripe, seek to penetrate. But God initiates his own search to reach out to us in Christ, and to connect us with his Ultimate

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. INTRODUCTION ============= Reality TV has risen in recent 4-5 years to seize the Entertainment World. Survivor - captured huge ratings 2-3 yrs ago- a show called the Mole burrowed into the home of Kate Pahls a Mariemont ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: United Methodist

Journey Through James #1: The Half-Brother Of Jesus

Contributed by Chris Jordan on May 6, 2014

The life of James, the half-brother of Jesus, is a great example for us to follow. Even though initially he didn’t believe in Jesus, he went on to trust Him as Saviour and Lord, and became a passionate, committed disciple of Jesus.

JOURNEY THROUGH JAMES #1: THE HALF-BROTHER OF JESUS INTRO TO TOPIC: • Can you imagine what it would have been like to share a bunk bed with Jesus as a kid? • When I was a kid, I had two younger sisters, so I never had to share a room with them. • Maybe Jesus and his brothers ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-17

Denomination: *other

Hear The Call Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 31, 2020

If Jesus is calling you today, will you answer? One of the ways we all initially follow Jesus is to hear his call - to become aware that Jesus desires for us to be in his family, to serve as He did, and to live forever with him.

Following Jesus: The Call Luke 5:1-11 Introduction If Jesus is calling you today, will you answer? One of the ways we all initially follow Jesus is to hear his call - to become aware that Jesus desires for us to be in his family, to serve as He did, and to live forever with him. 2 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When You Run Ahead Of God’s Plan Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 26, 2022

There was great initial acclaim for King Saul. His kingship was dramatically renewed at Gilgal. Now we come abruptly to the end of King Saul’s glory days. As a result of Saul failing the test the dynasty will pass from his family.

If you have ever been in a situation where you must totally wait on and trust God, then you know how hard that can be. King Saul found himself in one of those situations where he must trust God. This will be a test of his character as king of Israel. He is Israel’s first king ending the period of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:12-14, 1 Samuel 13:1-15, 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Denomination: Baptist

Come And See Jesus (John 1:43-51) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 5, 2022

Nathaniel is open-minded enough to come see Jesus for himself, and overcomes his initial skepticism. This makes him the ideal Israelite. Also, Jesus is not a ladder. Angels come "to" Jesus, not "upon" him.

This week, starting in John 1:43, we find ourselves on day 4. Let's just start there: (43) On the next day, he (Jesus) wished to depart to Galilee, and he finds Philip, and Jesus says to him, "Follow me." Already in the gospel of John, we've seen a number of people take the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51, 2 Samuel 7:14-16, Genesis 28:10-17

Keep The Marriage Intact Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jul 5, 2022

Divorce is a concession and not God's original intent. If separated, remain as we are. Do not initiate divorce even if your spouse is an unbeliever. Stay and bless the marriage and family, by the working of God's grace through you.

The word “intact” is beautiful, it means “not damaged or impaired in any way.” • Keep the marriage intact, so that the marriage union is not damaged or impaired in any way. Keep it intact and complete. From chapter 7 onwards Paul was answering the questions raised by the Corinthians in a letter ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Matthew 19:6-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible