Sermons on Literal Approach:

Asleep

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Nov 11, 2023

As humans we grow tired and require a nap; at least I do in the afternoon. Does God grow sleepy and require a daily nap in the afternoon? If we take the days of the week literally as with the creation, does God sleep every seventh day?

In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth. After creating everything, God rested. Does that mean God went to sleep? As humans we grow tired and require a nap; at least I do in the afternoon. Does God grow sleepy and require a daily nap in the afternoon? If we take the days of the week ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:14, 1 Kings 19:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Holy Spirit & The Believer Series

Contributed by Thomas Donelan on Oct 4, 2010

As we continue our Sgt. Joe Friday approach of "just the facts" look at the Holy Spirit, we examine what happens when a person is saved and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the believer.

Introduction Last week we saw how the Holy Spirit ministers to the non-believer in convicting them of their wrongs and drawing them to Jesus Christ the only hope of salvation, but what happens then? Does the Holy Spirit stop or does He go further? Emphatically yes! He stays with us and goes much ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gospel Happens In Athens Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 2, 2018

When it comes to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, it helps if we understand the approach Paul took. Let’s look at 3 principles that will help us become more frequent sharers.

The Gospel Happens in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) 1. Philosophers can be interesting and sometimes deep. Joke about 2 Greek philosophers arguing: Euclid tells the other: You've been a very good pupil this past year, Eubulides, but now it's time for you to pay the 50 drachma you owe me for all the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Goodness Of God

Contributed by V. David Sedaca on Oct 18, 2000

As a student of God's Word, I am continually amazed of how He (God) works and has worked in the lives of many people, past-present and future, by the way which literally speaking is not future because He (God) has already revealed it to us.

As a student of God's Word, I am continually amazed of how He (God) works and has worked in the lives of many people, past-present and future, by the way which literally speaking is not future because He (God) has already revealed it to us. As we study His word we can trace throughout the Bible, ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

I Have Seen The Pilot

Contributed by Dennis Casanova on Oct 7, 2004

Our lives are literally a journey, and like those who once sailed the seas in magnificant old sailing ships, we shall encounter many storms. We need prepare for them and firmly establish to whom we shall entrust our helm .

† I have Seen The Pilot † Mariners tell of a story about an old square rigger sailing ship which found itself hard pressed on a lee Shore For you landlovers - a lee shore is a dangerous shore which the wind is blowing toward and any ship said to be on a Lee Shore is one which finds itself in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Settle For Ishmael When You Can Have Isaac

Contributed by Kirk Devine on May 10, 2007

Compromise has literally crippled the body of Christ… We see it everywhere… We compromise for various reasons: lack of trust, lack of patience, peer pressure… But you need to understand today, that God has not called us to a life of compromise, but He has

DON’T SETTLE FOR ISHMAEL WHEN YOU CAN HAVE ISAAC GENESIS (15:1-4) 16:1-5 Compromise has literally crippled the body of Christ… We see it everywhere… We compromise for various reasons: lack of trust, lack of patience, peer pressure… But you need to understand today, that God has not called us to a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming A Church On Fire Pt2 Series

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 1, 2012

Thank you Pastor Jerry Shirley for this outline If I was going to literally set the church on fire I wouldn’t announce it on the sign out front But I’m praying the we will be set ‘on fire for God!’

Last week we started looking at setting the church on fire. We saw that the first characteristic of a church on fire is “Being Spirit Filled” Today I want to look at the last two characteristics. II. We are all Equal in position v. 24 all in one accord v. 32 all of one heart and one ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:31-33

Denomination: Baptist

When The Mountain Won't Move...

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Jun 5, 2016

The problem is, when we hear the word mountain, we immediately relate it to our own capabilities. And we begin to think literally about how much dynamite and explosives it would take to move "our heaven and earth" size of dilemma, or mountain!

When the mountain won't move... Illus. By James Davis Some time ago a man was staying in a chalet in the Swiss Alps. Early one morning he heard what sounded like an earthquake. Hurriedly he got out of bed and ran to the front desk and asked if there was something wrong, if the mountains were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:22-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Did God Take 6 Days To Make Everything? Gen. 1:1, 2:1-3

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Aug 3, 2025

God exists, He made everything in 6 literal days, and he utilized patterns to do so. He utilized patterns because He delights in them. Our life is happier and easier if we embrace His patterns in our daily life.

Why did God Take 6 Days to Make Everything? Gen. 1:1, 2:1-3 1. God Made _Everything_ (1:1) A. God Exists, and it’s _Clear_. Honestly, it’s rather obvious. “It is so obvious, so salient, so clear that God exists, that the Bible assumes it in Genesis 1:1. To deny this basic tenet of life is to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3, Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Bible Church

Stepping Into The New Year

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Dec 30, 2025

The literal suggestion to "refresh yourself" can be viewed as a metaphor for our spiritual life. Often, we seek refreshment and rejuvenation in worldly comforts or recognition, which may momentarily satisfy but do not truly fulfill the deeper needs of our soul.

1. REFRESH YOUR HEART 1 Kings 13:7 "The king said to the man of God, ‘Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.’" In this narrative, King Jeroboam attempts to entice the man of God, who has just challenged the idolatrous practices at Bethel, with hospitality ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 13:7, Psalm 51:10, Isaiah 43:18-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everyone’s Not Going To Heaven

Contributed by Gregory Thomas on Apr 26, 2001

THIS IS A THEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO A FACTUAL PROBLEM. EVERYONE THAT SAYS LORD, LORD SHALL NOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. THIS COMBATS THE MYTH THAT EVERY PROFESSING CHRISTIAN SHALL MAKE THE MARK.

EVERYONE’S NOT COMING HOME MATTHEW 7: 21 - 22 21) NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS TO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. 22) MANY WILL SAY TO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD, HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN YOUR NAME, CAST OUT DEMONS IN ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Holy Communion: Remembering, Thanking, Humbling

Contributed by Tommy Ellis on Jun 2, 2002

Sermon details the proper way Christians should approach Communion--by remembering what Jesus did, thanking Him, and by humbling ourselves through confession of sins.

HOLY COMMUNION: REMEMBERING, THANKING, HUMBLING What happens when you give a street drunk a bottle of expensive wine? He drinks it as if it were the cheap stuff he is used to. Likewise, if we hurry, or we partake of Holy Communion ignorantly, we will miss the treasure of it. The taking of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Corinthians 11:20-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Getting Warm With Your Prayer Life Series

Contributed by Brian Moon on Sep 6, 2002

Part 2 of this series designed to keep our "fire" for God through spiritual disciplines. This message shows what prayer is and gives some common approaches to it.

“The Cure for the Common Cold” part 2 (Getting warm with your prayer life) Brian A. Moon Story – Testimony of healing from prayer by Doug Gates Last week we began a new series called “The Cure for the Common Cold” which is looking into a cure for those times that we lose our passion for God. Most ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Following Jesus To The Cross #1 - Preparing To Die Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Nov 21, 2001

This is the first message of a series that looks at Jesus’ final few days as He walked towards the cross. This message considers Jesus’ attitude as He approached His death.

INTRODUCTION What would you do if you knew you only had one week to live? How would you spend the time that you had left to you? Max Lucado - "And the Angels Were Silent" "When a man knows the end is near - only the IMPORTANT surfaces. Impending death distills the vital. The trivial is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:35-38

Denomination: *other

Laying The Foundation In Prayer Series

Contributed by David Hughes on Jan 26, 2004

How should we respond to the knocks we receive in life? What is the key to building the Church and Christian character? Answer: prayer! We look at the Nehemiah approach.

"Building the church, building Christian character" - Nehemiah 1 [Minister stands right up front with ’lollipop’ microphone in news reporter style] "It has been described as one of the great tragedies and scandals of our time. The once proud city of Jerusalem still lies in ruins more than a ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist