Sermons on Internal Struggles:

Was The Early Church The "Golden Age"? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 31, 2018

Christians today tend to romanticize the early church as a Golden Age when passages like this one present a picture of a church with plenty of struggles. What does that mean for how we should view the church today?

- Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-17 and 2:1-10. An Early Church Story: - What we are looking at today is just one story from the early church. 1. There was serious sin in the church. - 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. - We know this from 1 Corinthians 5 and Paul’s extensive instructions to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-17, 2 Corinthians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Jacob Wrestles With God Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jun 8, 2022

Peniel was a place where Jacob reached brokenness. He lost all self-sufficiency and depended completely on God. This was a time for Jacob of genuine soul searching and spiritual struggle. It was also a significant time of knowing God’s grace.

A profession of faith in Christ is not an end in itself. It is the beginning of a pilgrimage. Along the way there will be defining moments and spiritual highlights. For Jacob his defining moment was at Peniel. The meaning of Peniel is the face of God. Peniel was a place where Jacob reached ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With Issues Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 12, 2014

Jesus deals with the woman with an issue of blood.

• Boston's Charles Street jail used to be home to the city's most notorious characters. Among its former inmates was Frank Abagnale, Jr., the con artist portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the feature film "Catch Me If You Can" (Steven Spielberg, 2002). Once the paragon of prison architecture, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:24-35

Denomination: Baptist

Growth Through Resistance Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Mar 3, 2016

Message 5The story of Moses and the troubles with God's people he went through after he answered God's call, The troubles we have in God's will make us stronger.

Moses 5 GROWTH THROUGH RESISTANCE Exodus 5:1-7:5\ C. The Salvation 6. Problems That Abound 5:1-7:5 1) The Arrogance of Defiance 5:1-14 2) The Anguish of Doubt a. Anger Against Moses 5:15-21 b. Anguish From Moses 5:22-23 3) The Announcement of Deliverance 6:1-7:5 a. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Together We Are Strong

Contributed by Steve Taylor on Apr 5, 2020

Have you ever thought that God allows sorrows to come into our lives, and in that end, those sorrows have a purpose. Whether it be tragedy, sorrow, depression, disappointment, or grief; these sorrows are gonna eventually visit the house of every person.

Together we are strong. 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:17, Psalm 46:1, Ephesians 5:15, Proverbs 13:20

The Fire

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Feb 1, 2019

Greetings in the Holy Name of Christ Jesus, My sisters and brother, I speak to you, going in the storms with the fire of Christ Jesus that the fire of Christ Jesus would not let me deny the everlasting love of God, ...

THE FIRE By Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (January 5, 2019) “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:7-9

Denomination: Friends

Empowered For God's Work Colossians 1:29 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 3, 2024

In Colossians 1:29 the apostle Paul reveals a profound insight into the source of strength for believers. Let's delve into this passage to uncover how God's truth transforms and equips us for His kingdom work.

Empowered for God's Work Colossians 1:29 Introduction: Today, we explore the empowering truth found in Colossians 1:29, where the apostle Paul reveals a profound insight into the source of strength for believers. Let's delve into this passage to uncover how God's truth transforms and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13, Ephesians 3:20, Acts 1:8, Romans 12:2, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Finding Peace In Betrayal - A Maundy Thursday Reflection Psalm 55

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 25, 2024

Maundy Thursday - our hearts are drawn to the table of communion, a symbol of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and love for us.

2024-03-28 Maundy Thursday Communion: Finding Peace in Betrayal - A Maundy Thursday Reflection Introduction: As we gather on this sacred Maundy Thursday evening, our hearts are drawn to the table of communion, a symbol of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and love for us. In Psalm 55, we find ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:1-2, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 37:5, Isaiah 26:3, Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, John 6:35, John 14:27, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:26, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Growing Pains

Contributed by Daryl Bahn on Apr 22, 2002

The danger of growth is great. The need for growth is even greater. The love of Jesus, the Good Sheperd for his people is the greatest of all!

GROWING PAINS (Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60) Intro: Wouldn’t it be great if our church suddenly grew by the thousands? The book of Acts demonstrates that this is possible. It also reminds us to be careful what we wish for, because growth isn’t always easy or painless. It often means we have to deal ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-9, Acts 7:51-60

Denomination: Lutheran

Becoming Y2f Compliant

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 7, 2003

Just as Mario has been struggling with his English, and I have struggled with my Spanish, my guess is that many of you are struggling with learning another language. It’s called the language of evangelism.

Becoming Y2F Compliant As you may know, Beth and I spent the last three years in Mexico City working as church planters. My primary activity was to offer English classes to business people. I taught for a computer company called Silicon Graphics, and also held classes at Pepsi Cola. One day, in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-35

Denomination: Baptist

Devil Intended For Evil, But God Meant It For Good. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 6, 2025

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good

The story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This powerful verse showcases God's sovereignty and ability to turn evil intentions into good outcomes. 1. Joseph's ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28, Philippians 1:12-14

The Dog You Feed

Contributed by Richard Jones on Nov 3, 2000

With forces struggling for our attention, the dog you feed will always win.

The dog you feed Mark 1:21-28 EXTERNAL FORCES You see it whenever two powerhouses meet in a sports contest. Two unbeaten university football teams meet in a championship. As a matter of fact I seem to remember an epic game between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech…Wow what a game. Who won that one? Or ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15, Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

What Judas Missed-14

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 5, 2020

14 of ? Judas missed the entirety of that which took place from the time of his leaving the Lord’s supper(13:30) until he arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane, with those who would arrest Jesus(18:3)! Judas Missed...

WHAT JUDAS MISSED(discarded/threw away)-XIV—John 14:1–11(John 13:18--17:26) OR--‘WHILE YOU WERE OUT/AWAY’ Attention: The church Social Committee was getting our small Fellowship Hall decorated with a Valentine’s theme. There are two heavy pasteboard pillars, which the church uses for different ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With Disappointment

Contributed by Joseph Barraclough on Jan 5, 2007

A look at Elijah’s struggle with disappoinment and the reasons for the struggle, as a means for us to gain heavenly perspective and emotional deliverance/stability.

Text: I Kings 19:1-18 Introduction: Sir Alexander Mackenzie, an early fur trader and explorer, accomplished a magnificent feat when he led an expedition across Canada from Fort Chippewyan on Lake Athabasca to the Pacific Ocean. His incredible journey was completed in 1793, 11 years before the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Deceitfulness Of Sin. Series

Contributed by Christina Milanderb on May 18, 2024

The old sin nature was crucified and died with Christ. Anything contrary to who we are now in Christ Scripture calls 'deceit' and must be resisted only by Jesus's indwelling grace.

Awhile ago The Lord peeled back the causes of the internal struggles we face at times to live a godly life and it really opened my eyes, I pray it opens yours as well. In James 3, a clear distinction is made between a "Wisdom from above" and that is from God, and a "wisdom from ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-8, James 3:14-16, Hebrews 3:13, Ephesians 4:22, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, Romans 6:6, 2 Peter 2:11  (view more)  (view less)