Sermons on Initiation:

Do You Believe This? Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Nov 14, 2017

Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?” It is a personal question, which initiates person struggle and calls for a personal response.

Do you believe this?” John 11:17-27 Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?” It’s a personal question 1 Corinthians 15:52 Philippians 3:21 It initiates a personal struggle People have and will die for something they believe strongly. But no one will ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-27

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Brings Beauty Out Of Ashes Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 31, 2025

The phrase “beauty for ashes” is a divine exchange initiated by the mercy and love of God. It represents His ability to replace sorrow with joy, shame with glory, and hopelessness with purpose.

THE GOD WHO BRINGS BEAUTY OUT OF ASHES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 61:1-3 Supporting Texts: Romans 8:28, Psalm 30:11, Joel 2:25, Job 42:10, Genesis 50:20 INTRODUCTION: Life often presents us with seasons of devastation, disgrace, and despair—times when it seems like all that is ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Discipleship; Beyond Pretending

Contributed by Bill Huffhine on May 27, 2004

Understanding discipleship as the God initiated, God accomplished process of turning us into what He intended - human beings bearing the image of the God who created us.

Every year the movie industry comes together for a massive celebration and awards ceremony. All of Hollywood looks forward to the night early in the year where they can come together and honor one another for the work that had been done during the previous year. It’s a really a fascinating ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Romans 8:29

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Spirit Gives Life The Flesh Profits Nothing

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 4, 2003

The Spirit initiates, creates, and give birth to new things. Replace fleshly efforts with the empowering, enabling and energizing power of the Spirit overflowing from within your heart.

The Spirit initiates, creates, and give birth to new things.(2 Cor. 3:6) "It is He who has qualified us making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant (of salvation through Christ) not ministers of the letter (of legally written code) but of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes I Get Carried Away Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Nov 29, 2011

God has initiated the salvation of man. Like a shepherd searching for his lost sheep, so God has sought us in the form of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

1. Survivor Eva Hart remembers the night, April 15, 1912, on which the Titanic plunged 12,000 feet to the Atlantic floor, some two hours and forty minutes after an iceberg tore a 300-foot gash in the starboard side: "I saw all the horror of its sinking, and I heard, even more dreadful, the cries ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Kindness: Show Kindness Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 5, 2012

Show kindness and you’d have served Christ! Heed the call to reflect God’ kindness. Make effrots to cultivate it. Take initiative to show kindness.

Read Matthew 25:31-46 – show kindness and you’d have served Christ! How did Jesus distinguish the sheep from the goats? From the way they treat others. The tree shall be known by its fruits. • He is not making them into sheep and goats. He is dividing them as He sees them. • Believers of Christ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Abram's Trouble With Lot Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Feb 4, 2009

In the story of the initial strive between Abram and Lot once returning to Canaan, we can see the way that we should handle adversity and problems in life today.

Abraham: Following In The Footsteps Of Faith ABRAM’S TROUBLE WITH LOT Genesis 13:5-13 Intro: For Abram, everything isn’t smooth sailing! After his return to Canaan from his disastrous trip to Egypt, there arises a conflict between himself and his nephew Lot. It was a conflict that had serious ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:5-13

Denomination: Baptist

Story 19 An Altar-Ed State

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 11, 2014

When the Jews returned from captivity the first item rebuilt was the altar. They renewed their worship of God as he took the initiative to restore them to their place in His Land.

1. CHANGING YOUR MIND Little Sarah was at her first wedding and gaped at the entire ceremony. When it was over, she asked her mother, "Why did the lady change her mind?" Her mother asked, "What do you mean?" "Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another one." Changing ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What The New Year Holds Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2017

The desperate times in which we live provides some of the greatest opportunities to advance the Faith. Now is the time for the faithful to seize the initiative and push back against the night.

“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” [1] “X-rays will prove to be a hoax!” So said Lord Kelvin, president of the Royal Society, in 1883. “Louis Pasteur’s theory of germs is ridiculous ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

More Is Coming Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jun 9, 2021

Don't panic or be intimidated at the initial failure that you may encounter or the scarcity that you may see temporarily, keep pressing forward to reach abundance.

More is coming- Part 1 Genesis 26:18”Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them.” I tell you I am super excited to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Only Time Some People Love Truth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 11, 2023

Jesus' hometown is initially intrigued by His message, but that goes south quickly. What can we learn from them about our desire for truth?

AMAZED: Nazareth was initially impressed with Jesus’ words. - Luke 4:22. - Review the message in vv. 18-19. - There is a mix in their reaction. - On the one hand, they are impressed. - On the other hand, they wonder how such words could come from Joseph’s son. After all, Jesus had been among ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

Character Study Of Zechariah – Father Of John The Baptist Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 25, 2025

Zechariah’s life teaches us the importance of faith, patience, and obedience. Though he doubted initially, he remained faithful and experienced God’s faithfulness.

CHARACTER STUDY OF ZECHARIAH – FATHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, A PRIEST By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 1:5-25 "And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-80

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Character Study Of Martha – Sister Of Mary And Lazarus Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 25, 2025

Martha was a devoted and hospitable follower of Jesus who initially struggled with anxiety and distraction. However, she demonstrated great faith in Christ and learned to balance service with worship.

CHARACTER STUDY OF MARTHA – SISTER OF MARY AND LAZARUS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 10:38-42 "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." – Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-44, John 12:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Seeking The Praise Of God Or Men

Contributed by Paul George on Jun 9, 2006

The subject matter in these verses focuses on giving, praying and fasting. The initial reading of the passage will show that the basic teaching of Jesus will be to avoid the seeking the praise of men and to seek to please God.

Seeking the Praise of God or Men Matthew 6:1-18 The subject matter in these verses focuses on giving, praying and fasting. The initial reading of the passage will show that the basic teaching of Jesus will be to avoid the seeking the praise of men and to seek to please God. The first four verses ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18, Matthew 6:6-18

Denomination: Holiness

Engaging Today's "New Spirituality" Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on May 22, 2008

What initially appeared as simply a temporary "New Age Movement" trend has become a more dominant cultural shift that I would refer to as simply the ‘new spirituality.’

Introduction Over the past few weeks we’ve been considering how to engage in Holy Conversation… that is.. how to talk about God in everyday life. One aspect that deserves some consideration…is that of engaging some of the increasingly popular ideas regarding spirituality. Several years ago… these ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational