Sermons on Lay Down The Shovel:

Rejoice Always

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 8, 2003

Sermon highlights joy in the midst of pain, defines the Latin word Gaudete. Reflection on the difference between joy and happiness.

Grace be to you and peace from the One who was, and is, and is to come. Amen. Today is the third Sunday in Advent, which was historically called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for ‘rejoice’. Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday, if we had a pink candle in our Advent wreath, that we would light the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Where Did I Come From? Series

Contributed by Steven Platt on Mar 8, 2002

Why did God begin His book (The Bible) the way he did?

INTRODUCTION Here are some opening lines to books or poems. See if you recognize them. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" -A Tale of Two Cities- Charles Dickens "Call me Ishmael" -Moby Dick – Herman Melville "Tell me, O Muse, of the man of many devices, who wandered full many ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Simplify Your Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 2, 2006

Living in the reality of the cross, of God’s love and forgiveness enables us to let go of the baubles and bangles of life and live simply.

1 Timothy 6:6-16 “How to Simplify Your Life” INTRODUCTION Arizona takes a little getting used to. I don’t mean the struggle to acclimate to pleasant, bugless evenings spent around the pool, or not shoveling twenty inches of snow in January. I’m not even thinking about adjusting to the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Second Commandment (2 Of 12)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 14, 2022

As we preach through this series on the commandments I would like to remind you again of the importance of the importance of considering just why God gave these commandments to children of Israel.

They had been in cruel bondage for four hundred and thirty years. Then God freed them from that bondage. God reminds them of that in verse 2, we read, “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” Isn’t it amazing, if I do you a big ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Success Over Suffering And Power Over Our Problems

Contributed by David Thompson on Sep 24, 2005

This sermon will help belivers deal with the problems life presents, in a Godly way.

Success Over Suffering and Power ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Avoid The Axe Series

Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 27, 2005

A Message of how to avoid God’s judment

Luke 3:1- 15 – How to avoid the axe Have you every traveled on a road which is so pitted with potholes, you are forced to slow down. Some of them are so deep, particularly after rain, that you think you are going to be swallowed up. I’ve got this picture of an African pothole hanging on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Dagon Must Fall!

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 7, 2021

This message will preach! Our sinful nature must not be allowed to have any dominance in our lives. God alone must rule our hearts: sin must go! And God doesn't need any help being God and He doesn't need to be propped up by anyone!

DAGON MUST FALL! 1 Sam. 4:2-5:12 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: HOMELAND SECURITY OVERLOAD 1. Homeland Security has gotten especially concerned about terrorism since we pulled our military out of Afghanistan. They’ve tightened security at airports and on planes. 2. Just the other day I heard they ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Pollution Scheme Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Nov 18, 2021

The salvation from sin that God bestows through His Son, Jesus Christ, is likened to water. The devil can sometimes muddy the water and cause pain and confusion, as he attempts to pollute the living water within us.

Jesus calls the quickening gift of the Spirit “living water” because mere human nature is . . . barren of all virtue by the crimes of the devil. - Cyril of Alexandria(1) In reference to the arrival of the Messiah, the prophet Isaiah declared, “For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:14, 2 Kings 3:19, Jeremiah 2:13, Proverbs 16:22, Proverbs 18:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Mottos For Our Military

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 9, 2023

Jesus asks or warns all to be ready be wise not foolish.

“Mottos of our Military” Matthew 25:1-13 The church has had mottos to Open minds, open hearts, open doors, we belong to God, We are to be filled with God, and we are to serve God • US. army “This we’ll Defend ,US Marines “Always Faithful” • US Navy “Not Self But Country”,US Air Force “ Aim ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Gifted Ministers Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 24, 2014

If we want a growing church that builds itself up in love, then we must accept our spiritual gifts, develop them and use them wherever and whenever we can.

When a local church broke ground for a new 500-seat sanctuary, an inventive church member made sure everyone could participate in the experience. The man attached a 145-foot handle to a stainless steel spade so that all 300 members could squeeze together to turn the first shovel full of dirt. A ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Living A Life Of Privilege Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 28, 2013

We are privileged to be God's a part of God's family.

Living A Life Of Privilege Text: 1 Peter 2:4-12 Introduction 1. Illustration: Can you fathom this? The God of the universe, who holds all things together by the word of His power, who fills all things and is bigger than the universe; bigger than time, literally lives in you. Calls you His dwelling ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-12

Denomination: Methodist

Kingdom Marriage Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 3, 2019

If you want to make your marriage work, don’t look at other women (or men); don’t look for loopholes; instead, look to the Lord! Depend on Him to do what you can’t do on your own.

Terry Kenne from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, talked about her daughter planning a small family wedding at their church. When Terry and her husband arrived early on the day of the wedding to make sure everything was ready, they noticed a banner from the missions conference was still behind the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Denomination: Evangelical Free

How To Talk To Yourself

Contributed by Jerry Falwell on Mar 7, 2002

How to give yourself a "pep talk" to encourage you to do better and make an eternal difference.

HOW TO TALK TO YOURSELF By Jerry Falwell INTRODUCTION When I used to play football or sports, and when I missed a tackle or didn’t make a play, I’d talk to myself, “Come on, you can get this guy.” But that was just a “pep talk.” Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. Today, I’m going to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Food Sign Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 20, 2017

Jesus did many miracles but only 2 are told about in all four Gospels. One is the miracle of Jesus' resurrection... and the other is the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. The question is "Why are these 2 the only miracles listed that in all 4?"

(Note: I put a large piece of Matzah bread on the communion table for a physical illustration later in the sermon) OPEN: (We put a “McDonald’s sign” – without the word McDonalds – up on the screen) Does anybody recognize this? That’s right, it’s the symbol for McDonalds. The first McDonalds ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christian Certainties Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jan 18, 2016

To establish that there are Christian Certainties that will provide hope and assurance to every saint. This lesson deals with the rapture, 7 years of tribulation, and the 1000 year reign. It is about the greatest story ever told, Christ's resurrection.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Christ is Risen 2. Christ is Reigning 3. Christ is Returning Remarks. 1. In the world in which we live there are many uncertainties. These are perilous time. Stock market and bank crashes, stocks up and down, once a good means of financial security-now uncertain. World ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11, John 20:1-29, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:44-49, Matthew 28:1-15, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ