Sermons on Making Progress:

The Dragnet

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 3, 2005

1. Free will makes hell necessary. 2. Justice makes hell necessary. 3. Hell begins here and now, just as heaven does.

The Dragnet Matthew 13:47-50 Bill Hybels, the pastor of Willow Creek Church in Chicago which has over 20,000 people in attendance each week, tells the story of an encounter he had with a young woman: “I recall one time being in a restaurant studying for a message, and a gal looked over from her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:47-50

Denomination: Methodist

Decisions, Decisions

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on May 21, 2004

I got the framework for this message on making decisions from John Mawell’s Decision-Making meditation in his One Hour WIth God devotional.

INTRODUCTION • John Maxwell shares the following story. The personal manager had advertised a job opening, and a large group of applicants was waiting in her waiting room. The first young man was ushered into her office, and she began explaining the job to him. “We need someone in this job who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Food Of Faith Series

Contributed by James Lee on Dec 7, 2011

Even when we don’t have much to bring to the table, God will make it work. His strength makes up for our weaknesses.

A Life Built on Faith: “The Food Of Faith” Matthew 14:14-21 An English teacher and her class were studying well known Proverbs. One day she gave them a test to see how well they were understanding what she taught. She would state the first half of a proverb and then asked the students to come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Lost

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Apr 26, 2010

Even when our efforts are not always aligned with his intentions and we make mistakes and sometimes make a mess of things, he knows the heart

LOST 2 Kings 22:1-20; key verse: 13 INTRO Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, Leading on Empty writes of his daughter, adopted when only three days old. The apple of his eye, Abby, compromised her faith and morality, making choices that expelled her from College and for two years was searching for her ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 22:1-20

Denomination: Salvation Army

Hostile Or Pleasing To God

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Jan 10, 2019

Anything we do either makes us hostile or pleasing to God, so we have to check before we make any step

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Topic: *HOSTILE TO GOD OR PLEASING TO HIM?* Romans 8:7-8 King James Version (KJV) 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:7-8

Denomination: Charismatic

Intentional Grandparenting Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jun 26, 2020

Before passing on, make sure you pass it on by leaving a legacy because when grandparents are intentional, they will make a grand impact on the next generation.

When Jeanne Calmert turned 120 years-old, she was asked to describe her vision for the future. She replied, “Very brief.” When a reporter asked what she liked best about being so old, she answered: “Well, there’s no peer pressure!” That reminds me of an elderly man who was filling out an ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:17-18, Psalm 92:14-15, Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 6:2, Psalm 33:11, Psalm 78:4-7, Proverbs 17:6, 2 Timothy 1:5, Proverbs 13:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

You Are Not Hopeless

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 14, 2019

When people lose hope they make bad decisions and live in darkness, despair and loneliness. Jesus has come to make nigh or close to Him.

Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Christian Response To Injustice Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 29, 2021

Christians are not unique in their opposition to injustice, but we find their uniqueness as we examine the response they are to make to unjust acts against them, and the reasons for making this response

Injustice is an evil that has been so universally despised that one need not depend on Christian authors alone to attack it. Cambyses, the king of ancient Persia, had a keen sense of justice. When he discovered that a close friend was taking advantage of his secure relationship to him by selling ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18

American Idols July 4 Sermon

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 6, 2022

America has become the land of idolatry. But before I make that claim, I need to make sure that I have the right definition of idolatry.

Illus: Dr. Billy Graham says, "We usually think of an idol as a religious figure carved of wood or stone, perhaps in some primitive tribe far removed from civilization. But we have our "idols" today, because an idol is anything that you worship in place of the living God. Some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:36-37

Denomination: Baptist

New Year, New Heart

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 8, 2024

The beginning of a new year is always a good time to make life changes. This sermon looks at the beattitudes as a framework for making resolutions of the heart for the new year.

A. A woman named Jeanette Case from Erie, PA shared this story in Reader’s Digest. 1. Last year when I called my parents to wish them a happy New Year, my dad answered the phone and I asked him: “Well, Dad, what’s your New Year’s resolution?” 2. Her dad proudly replied: “To make your mother as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 4:7, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Psalm 51:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Imprinted (Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany February 5 2023)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 4, 2023

Paul’s purpose was not to make an impression by his human ability and attainment but to let the Holy Spirit make an impression on them through his preaching.

IMPRINTED Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1 – 11 1 Corinthians 2:1-11  When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.  (2)  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon 6 - The Strength Of Sacrifice Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 31, 2025

As we strive to be salt and light to the world, the sacrifices we make for others can make a difference in drawing them toward faith and commitment to Jesus.

Introduction: A. A funny thing happened to me a number of years ago and I have shared the story with you before, but I think it is a good launching point for today’s sermon. 1. Years ago, while I was driving and using my earpiece, I called my brother, but he didn’t answer, so I left him a message. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12-13, Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Room To Grow Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jul 27, 2003

The Life of Abraham, Part 5 of 10.

ROOM TO GROW (GENESIS 17:1-19) Skating great Michelle Kwan had won every title but the Olympics. Twice Michelle Kwan failed to land the big prize at Winter Olympics Figure Skating Championship. In 1998 she was placed second and in 2002 she dropped to third. Each time she bravely congratulated the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Room To Grow Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 18, 2007

Abraham, Pt. 5

ROOM TO GROW (GENESIS 17:1-19) Skating great Michelle Kwan had won every title but the Olympics. Twice Michelle Kwan failed to land the big prize at Winter Olympics Figure Skating Championship. In 1998 she was placed second and in 2002 she dropped to third. Each time she bravely congratulated the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Going Through

Contributed by Kelvin Parks on Nov 28, 2001

because He went through ... I can make it through.

Going Through John 4:1-4 by Reverend Kelvin Lebron Parks Preached: 13 June 2004 at Maine Street Baptist Church, Brunswick, Maine BECAUSE HE LIVES Song by: Kathleen Dunn CHORUS: BECAUSE HE LIVES I CAN FACE TOMORROW BECAUSE HE LIVES ALL FEAR IS GONE BECAUSE I KNOW HE HOLDS THE FUTURE AND LIFE IS ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-4

Denomination: Baptist