Sermons on Lay Down The Shovel:

The Parable Of The Gracious And Merciful Gardener

Contributed by Evelyn Weston on Mar 14, 2004

Lent 3C: Looking past the Law and the barren fig tree, we find the Good News that Jesus let himself be cut down rather than let the fig tree (us) be cut down.

With One Voice # 713 - Lord, Let My Heart Be Good Soil Let us pray: Lord, let our hearts be good soil. Plant the seed of your Word in our minds and hearts, and help it to bring forth fruit in our lives. Amen Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen at all? Questions ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Surviving The Storm With Your Pillow Intact

Contributed by Cameron Conway on Dec 4, 2018

Do you know what it is like to have a storm raging in your life? That feeling of being thrown up and down, up and down, side to side from point a to point b over and over again?

For more information and other teachings, podcasts, videos, books and study guides visit https://conwaychristianresources.com Do you know what it is like to have a storm raging in your life? That feeling of being thrown up and down, up and down, side to side from point a to point b over and over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 107:28-31

Denomination: Foursquare

What Is Worship?

Contributed by Samuel M on Mar 24, 2024

Worship is the spontaneous and automatic reverential action or response we perform after seeing God. Bowing down, singing a song, kneeling down, facedown and so on are examples of actions used to adore, praise, and glorify God.

Then the LORD appeared to him by [a]the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground – ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-2

Go! And Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 5, 2025

We live in a world that constantly tears people down — with criticism, cynicism, and comparison. But in the body of Christ, we are called to something radically different. We are called to build up, not break down. To edify, not to erode. To encourage

Go! And Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT): "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Introduction: The Power of a Word Well-Spoken We live in a world that constantly tears people down — with criticism, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Romans 15:5, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9, James 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Father... Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Feb 5, 2014

Prayer is vital for the believer, but prayer is not so much in the words as it is in the attitude behind those words. This model prayer lays forth a template that guides the believer in the direction of their prayer and the attitude of their heart.

This sermon/study is a conglomeration of my notes for my church family and a HEAVY dose of help from W.Phillip Keller and his book "A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer" I thank Mr. Keller for his inspiring words and depth of understanding of this matter, God has used him mightily to touch so many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Breaking Up The Hinderances

Contributed by Weston Blankenship on Jul 14, 2007

Breaking down bearries to get to Jesus. Breaking through life’s problems and hang ups to victory.

“Breaking Up the Hindrances” TEXT: Mark 2:1-5 1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-5

Denomination: Apostolic

"The Testimony Of The Sheep.”

Contributed by Levi Wright on Jun 16, 2007

The Lord is the Chief Shepherd and we will never want for anything when we follow Him down the pathway of righteousness.

Banner of Praise Ministries Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Rev. Dr. Levi Howard Wright, Pastor & Founder Subject: “The Testimony Of The Sheep.” Text: Psalms 23:1-6 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reverse - Pt. 1 - Takedown Truths Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 18, 2011

Taken down. Shoulders on the mat. No way of escape seems available. Could it be that God is setting up reverse instead?

Reverse Part 1 I. Introduction I have been involved in sports all of my life. My first love was baseball. I tried my hand at football. Later as my high school years came to a close I fell in love with basketball. And as most of you who have been attending here long know that I competed in cross ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 57:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Isaac's Prayer: A Prayer For Children Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 27, 2015

If you want to lay hold of God’s willingness in prayer, just keep on asking God to keep His Word, counting on Him to work in unusual and unstoppable ways.

Mark Ashton, in his book, A Voice in the Wilderness, talks about a small boy who was writing a letter to God. Christmas was approaching and he wanted to ask God for certain Christmas presents he badly wanted. He began his letter with these words: “I've been good for six months now.” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Excess Baggage

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Apr 2, 2006

JUST AS HEAVY BAGS IN THE LITERAL SENSE WILL WEIGH YOU DOWN, HEAVY BAGGAGE FROM OUR PAST WILL ALSO WEIGH US DOWN SPIRITUALLY. THE CHALLENGE FOR US TODAY IS TO LET GO OF OUR PAST, OUR PAST PROBLEMS, OUR CARES, CONCERNS, MISTAKES, AND FAILURES.

EXCESS BAGGAGE I SAMUEL 10:20-23 . . . NEIGHBOR (BOLD STATEMENT) – YOU/SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS CARRYING TOO MUCH BAGGAGE. FIRST SUNDAY . . . SPRING FORWARD. . . SEASONAL CHANGE/SPIRITUAL CHANGE – EXCESS BAGGAGE THE YEAR WAS 2000 WHEN R&B, HIP-HOP, NEO SOUL ARTIST ERYKAH BADU RELEASED A SINGLE ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Following Jesus Seems Hard Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Oct 25, 2008

Most people think that following Jesus is hard, or perhaps even impossible. This message looks at reasons why people believe that and begins laying out some new directions for Wildwind this year.

Why Following Jesus Seems Hard Part 1 in series The Shape of Things to Come Wildwind Community Church David Flowers September 6, 2008 I have been telling you for a few weeks that I was going to be talking to you about some new things we’re going to be doing at Wildwind this year. This is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:26-33

Denomination: Free Methodist

Total Commitment Vs. Just A Contributor Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jun 10, 2023

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians teaches that often we lay aside our wants, our desires, and even our needs for the sake of others. In order to run this race, it takes total commitment.

Text: 1 Cor. 9:19-27 Before we begin, I want to share with you a story. This is a story that you’ll often learn in business classes, when you’re learning about partnerships in business, and I think it’s kind of applicable to what we’re going to be learning today… It’s called the Pig and the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Good Shepherd

Contributed by Abimbola Salu on Jun 25, 2023

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Redeem Your Suffering

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Sep 15, 2009

We must guard against the worldly pressures and fears that threaten us to "tone down" the Gospel message.

FEAR! A WORD THAT IS ONLY 4-LETTERS, BUT ONE THAT CAN REAP DEVESTATING CONSEQUENCES. FEAR IS SO POWERFUL THAT IT CAN PARALYZE, CONTROLL, AND MANIPULATE US. FEAR CAN COMPELS US TO DO IRRESPONSIBLE THINGS AND CAN EVEN HINDER US FROM LIVING RESPONSIBLY AND LIVING FRUITLESS LIVES. THIS IS WHY I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-21

Denomination: Free Methodist

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted Series

Contributed by John Petty on Oct 18, 2011

Persecution against the children of God is meant to accomplish two things... shut them up and shut them down.

Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Today I want to speak on something that has been going on since the birth of Cain and Able… the persecution of the children of God. It is no coincidence the last Beatitude ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Church Of God