Sermons on Keeping Our Focus:

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 23, 2016

In Hebrews 12:1–3. we see various aspects of the race, as they are compared to the faithful life in Christ. Christ calls us to 1) Race Freely (Hebrews 12:1), 2) Race Focused (Hebrews 12:2), and 3) Race to the Finish (Hebrews 12:3)

In the ancient Isthmian games of Greece, a pedestal stood at the finish line, and on it hung a wreath—the winner’s prize. No one runs a race without some expectation of reward. The reward may be nothing more than a ribbon or a trophy or a wreath of leaves. It may be a prize worth a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Other

Yours, Mine, Or Ours Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 15, 2004

#10 in Proverbs & Parables Series. Using the Parable of the Good Samaritan and Proverbs. Looks at attitudes: What’s yours is mine and I’m going to take it. What’s mine is mine and I’m going to keep it. What’s mine is yours and I’m going to share it.

YOURS, MINE, or OURS Proverbs 19-20 INTRODUCTION: I read an article where a pastor told about a woman who fainted in church one Sunday while he was preaching. She fell over and struck her head on the end of the pew. Immediately, an EMT in the congregation called an ambulance. As they ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Keep Asking God Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Dec 1, 2006

Reminding us to consider what we have in Jesus as a way to help us overcome obstacles in life

1. Text: Ephesians 1:16-19 2. Title: I Keep Asking God 3. Audience: Villa Heights Christian Church, AM crowd, May 22, 2005, in the series ¡§Praying for Loved Ones¡¨ 4. Objectives: ƒæ for the people to understand that there are great things to ask as we intercede for those we love ƒæ for the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Keep Asking God

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Dec 1, 2006

Realizing what we have in Christ can help any person overcome great obstacles in his life

1. Text: Ephesians 1:16-19 Intro - There’s a TV show called Antiques Road Show. It’s pretty simple - they show up with a bunch of antique experts. People show up with their old stuff. The experts appraise the peoples’ stuff. Usually, the ones they show you are the people who find out ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Gining Grit Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jan 16, 2025

To gain grit, the grit to persevere, we need to do some things

Gaining Grit Jeffery Anselmi / General Adult Core 52 / Perseverance / Hebrews 12:1–2 To gain grit, the grit to persevere, we need to do some things INTRODUCTION - How does a person persevere when it is not easy to do so? - How does an athlete push hard as their body is hurting and it does not ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When The Going Gets Tough Series

Contributed by Don Campbell on Oct 23, 2025

This is the 19th sermon in the series.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH PSALM 119:153-160 INTRODUCTION A. God’s people have always had mountains to climb and rivers to cross. We only need to read the names of the great honor roll of faith in Hebrews 11 to confirm this truth. B. When the going gets tough, we may be tempted, like Israel of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:153-160

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep Jack In The Box, But Let God Out

Contributed by Morris Mott on Sep 27, 2001

We limit God by our concept of Him in our lives. When we limit Him, we hinder the purpose and plan that He has for us as a church and as an individual.

Psalm 78:41 Text I. In the business world, there is said to be in certain cases, a “glass ceiling”, which means that one will only rise so high in promotions, no matter their ability. II. In the Kingdom, we don’t use a glass ceiling, but so many use a “box”, a God shaped box, a Holy Ghost ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stay Focused On The Goal Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Aug 31, 2010

God enables us to press toward the goal of the prize of the upward call.

Scripture Introduction Some humorist once said, “Consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there” (Josh Billings). Luciano Pavarotti tells how when he was a boy, his father, a baker, introduced him to the wonders of song. “He urged me ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Fix Our Eyes On Jesus (Hebrews 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 28, 2024

Have we come to the heavenly Jerusalem? What is our focus? Let's find out in Hebrews 12.

Is there a great cloud of witnesses who were faithful before us? Do their examples encourage us to run with endurance the race that is set before us? Do we meditate on what Jesus did for us? Does the Lord discipline those He loves? Have we come to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem? ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

No Cross, No Crown (Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time)

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Aug 23, 2020

In this reflection, we reflect on how we move from the confusion of Peter to the focus of Jesus, from the cross of our lives to the crown of our heavenly lives by following Christ Jesus with our conduct in our lives on this earth.

No Cross, No Crown (Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time) Jeremiah 20:7-9, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16: 21-27. Reflection Dear sisters and brothers, Let us read the Word of God for this Sunday. The text is taken from the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 16:21-27): “From that time on, Jesus began ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 16:21-27

Denomination: Other

Our Call To Grow

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Mar 24, 2009

We are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. But how many of us do not do that because it requires us to read, study, pray, and even live our lives according to His principals, and not our own.

Man’s law says that to be ignorant of the law is no excuse for not following it. And we are held accountable for being lawful citizens. But in reality, you cannot be expected to know more than that which you are taught. For example, I have never been taught how to use a jackhammer. And since ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18

Denomination: *other

Turning Our Relationships Into Partnerships Series

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Aug 25, 2009

I’m looking for partners. Not just friends to keep me company but partners to share God’s vision and work side by side with. Learn how to turn your relationships into partnerships.

“A Study in Philippians” Philippians 1:3-11 “Turning My Relationships into Partnerships” ________________________________________ I. My personal relationships can become biblical partnerships. “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

Life The Grave Could Not Keep

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 22, 2026

Death interrupts life, but God confronts it directly, restores what was lost, and promises a future where the grave does not prevail.

(A message centered on life, not escape.) Death is not something most of us think about very often—until it interrupts us. It interrupts a conversation that wasn’t finished. A relationship that still had words left unsaid. A life that was still in the middle of becoming something. Death rarely ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, John 11:25-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Revelation 21:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Gibeonite’s Scam - Scam Alert!

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Oct 5, 2021

The success of Joshua's army hit a speed bump in the road after meeting their tricky neighbors. After this incident the rest of the way was smooth sailing. This is a scam alert!

Joshua 9:3-14 Jos 9:3 And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, 4 They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; 5 And old shoes and clouted ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 9:1-27, Numbers 32:23, Romans 6:23

Denomination: Methodist

Help For Keeping "Stuff" In Perspective Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Dominant Thought: a proper view of things will help us to carry through the command to not steal

You shouldn’t have been following the car so closely – not on State Street at 5:30 on Friday evening. Maybe they had a brake light out – hard to tell – it all happened so quickly. One minute you’re tooling along thinking about supper, the next you’re watching ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ