Sermons on Intentional Growth:

How Does Personal Spiritual Growth Connect To The Church? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 30, 2020

Paul closes out his second letter to the Corinthians with a plea from his heart for their spiritual growth. Why do we today so seldom see that at a practical level in our churches?

- I should note as we begin that v. 8 is a difficult verse. Its meaning is not clear. It’s not essential to grasp that verse in order to be able to understand the larger point that Paul is making, so we’re just going to lay it aside this evening. There’s not any benefit tonight in spending a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Growing In Godliness: A Blueprint For Spiritual Transformation (2 Peter 1:5-8) Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 14, 2024

In 2 Peter 1:5-8. In this passage, the apostle Peter outlines a blueprint for spiritual growth and maturity, offering practical steps for believers to cultivate godly character. Let us delve into this scripture to discover how we can be transformed by truth and grow in our relationship with God.

Growing in Godliness: A Blueprint for Spiritual Transformation Introduction: Today, we delve into the transformative wisdom found in 2 Peter 1:5-8. These verses provide a blueprint for spiritual growth and maturity, guiding believers on the path to godliness. Let us explore each virtue listed by ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-8, Matthew 7:24-27, James 2:26, Romans 5:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:22, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Trying Times - "When We Started" Series

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Jul 15, 2013

Fear that leads to denials and lies.

Trying Times – “WHEN WE STARTED …” by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (5/29/2013, 6/1/2013, 6/15/2013, 6/18/2013, 6/22/2013, 6/29/2013, 7/6/2013, 7/11/2013, 7/15/2013) “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they ...read more

Denomination: Friends

Called To Wholesome Thinking Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Sep 24, 2013

How is our wholesome thinking?

We continue to learn from the Apostle Peter as God told him what to write. Please open your Bibles to 2 Peter Chapter 3…. We will focus on the first 9 verses today but let us read the entire chapter…. Why did God ask Peter to write letters to Christians? I actually like the way the New ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Failure Is Not Final Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 23, 2012

God has significant plans for his people. We must respond to him in an appropriate manner -- with our whole hearts!

1. ILLUSTRATION: ON DESTINY There was a frog that absolutely knew his destiny was to turn in to a handsome young prince. But for confirmation, he decided to visit a fortuneteller. The fortuneteller brought the frog in and gazed into her crystal ball. She said, “Oh, I see something. You are ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Expression Of Sentness Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Nov 2, 2009

Exposition of Acts 28:17-29 regarding Paul’s example of evangelistic method and subject matter

Text: Acts 28:17-29, Title: Expression of Sentness, Date/Place: NRBC, 11/1/09, AM A. Opening illustration: Carl Boyle is a sales representative, and he was driving home through his suburban neighborhood one day when he saw a group of young children selling Kool-Aid on a corner. They had taped the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Plan—'heaven Vs. Hell--A Choice That You Make'

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 5, 2020

God has a plan for every person by which every person interacts with God Himself.

GOD’S PLAN JOHN 3:1-17 :1-2 :1—“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.” :2—“This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” “Nicodemus”—A ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

What Now? Series

Contributed by James Hays on Apr 16, 2020

In times of uncertainty, fear and anxiety can dominate our thinking to the point of spiritual inaction. God's word gives us direction for even our daily lives. Redeem the time, make use of every opportunity - intentionally.

OPEN: Habakkuk 3:17-19 A. Habakkuk is facing uncertain times. 1. a time of questions / fear / unknown. 2. the enemy is coming, what is really going to happen? 3. He knows God is mighty, knows God cares but doesn't know how it is all going to play out. B. Habakkuk offers some ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Example Of Christ Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Jesus loved everyone impartially and intentionally, breaking cultural barriers and societal norms. We are called to follow His example and love others in the same way.

Do you remember Jesus' greatest commandment? He told us to love each other just like He loved us. Today, we're going to see how Jesus walked the talk. Let's pray: God, help us to love like You do. Show us how to look past our differences and love everyone, no matter what. Teach us to love like ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-9, John 4:1-42

Topics: Unconditional Love, Purposeful Affection, Impartiality, Intentional Relationships

The Secret To Church Growth - The Bible Is All About Jesus - Not Us!

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on May 22, 2018

When a person preaches from the Bible, with their audience as the primary focus, it becomes an empty narcissistic and hedonistic exercise in futility.

I have watched, listened to, and read countless sermons in my 50+ years as a Born-Again Christian and I have noticed the continued increase in feel-good, self-help, multi-point motivational messages that are more focused upon fallen human beings than upon Jesus, who has become more of a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15, John 5:39-40, Luke 24:27, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Jeremiah 17:9, John 1:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Partners In Growth: God's Work And Our Walk Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 6, 2025

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey of transformation empowered by God’s grace, sustained through our daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, nurtured in Christ-centered community, and aimed at becoming more like Jesus for the glory of God.

Partners in Growth: God's Work and Our Walk 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 Last week, we began an exciting new sermon series entitled “Rooted.” Picture the scene: Jesus is seated in a boat, speaking to a large crowd gathered along the shore—many of them fishermen. To capture their hearts and minds, He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23, Isaiah 40:31, John 15:5, Romans 8:29, Romans 10:15, Ephesians 1:13-14, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Peter 1:3-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

From Nowhere To Somewhere Series

Contributed by Paul Decker on May 2, 2002

There is an intention to the law.

FROM NOWHERE TO SOMEWHERE Galatians 3:19-25 S: Law & Grace Th: Grace-Full Living Pr: THERE IS AN INTENTION TO THE LAW. ?: What? What is its purpose? KW: Purposes TS: We will find in our study of Galatians 3:19-25 four purposes that demonstrate the intention of the law. The _____ purpose that ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:19-25

Denomination: Baptist

Discipleship And Commitment To Christ: Transformed By Truth Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 29, 2024

Our journey of discipleship is not merely a call to follow but a transformative process that requires intentionality, progression, relationships, covenant, habits, and embodying Christ’s presence.

Discipleship and Commitment to Christ: Transformed by Truth Introduction: Today, we will explore a profound topic: "Discipleship and Commitment to Christ." Our journey of discipleship is not merely a call to follow but a transformative process that requires intentionality, progression, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:27, Matthew 16:24, 2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 1:6, John 13:35, Hebrews 10:24-25, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Acts 2:42, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Paschal Mystery And Our True Ends Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 28, 2024

Raised with Christ means being moved into a new level of existence, an existence that is best studied in the Book of Revelations, the Apocalypse.

Easter Sunday 2024 (The Paschal Mystery) God is entirely transcendent. God is so different from us that there is no way we can comprehend Him, that is, get our arms around Him. We are a combination spiritual and material beings, body and soul. God, Who is Most Real, is also Immense. We understand ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-9, Revelation 21:1-8, Acts 10:34-43

Denomination: Catholic

Encourage Each Other

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 6, 2006

Thesis: Our Christian Family Is to Strengthen one another’s Spiritual Heart (commitment). Part of a few sermons that dealt with Dallas Willard’s "VIM:" Vision, Intent, Means, crucial elements of discipleship. This is on the "means" of growth.

Strengthening God’s Family Dan’s sad senior year last mile race (i thought i could win districts, and my teammates just laughed. Sometimes that is the feeling we have about those who are supposed to love us. Read text. Dallas Willard’s acronym “VIM” today is on "M:" Means Observation Thesis: ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:12-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ