Sermons on Mature Thinking:

Face To Face With Our Faith Series

Contributed by Rodney Coe on Feb 13, 2015

What is the purpose of trials and tests?

Face to Face with our Faith James 1:9-20 Max Lucado shares a story that happened in November 2004. A group of teenagers decided it would be fun to steal a car and go for a joyride. They find a credit card, get some groceries, a 20 lb turkey, and head to the video store. There they are caught on a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-20

Denomination: Baptist

Red Delicious Apple Christianity Iii: One Rotten Apple Spoils The Barrel Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 18, 2020

To be mature in the Christian Faith is to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel, to avoid getting caught up in false doctrine, and to exercise your freedom to "let your light so shine" that others may see the Light and glorify God.

ONE ROTTEN APPLE SPOILS THE WHOLE BARREL Based on 2 Peter 2 An old saying but ever so true! It is true that one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel – eventually. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-22

Immature Grace Series

Contributed by Dave Vance on Jan 20, 2019

How does grace help you grow?

One of the gifts of God is this progression of life…We all know that there is this progression of life…there is an expectation that when young you are going to grow up… Baby in the womb…infant wanting to walk…child wanting to be a teenager, a teenager wanting to be an adult… Do you remember…Did ...read more

"Be Responsible Not Irresponsible" 1 Cor Pt 8 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 16, 2008

Paul warns the mature Christians in Corinth not to be irresponsible but responsible for the growth and spiritual well being of the babes in Christ.

“Be responsible not irresponsible!” Have Dr. Joe share about his mission trip? Summarize last week’s message: Lessons on marriage and family – Paul tells the church to be responsible and do things God’s way! Today he tells them to be responsible also in their relationships with others in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Intentional Faith Development"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Jul 11, 2007

As followers of Jesus Christ, we mature in faith by learning together in community.

Galatians 5:16-26 Matthew 13:31-33 “Intentional Faith Development” My freshman year of college, I made the decision to give my life to Jesus Christ. I remember the moment so well. I was walking down the sidewalk in the evening and in my mind and heart I was wrestling with God. I knew, that ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: United Methodist

Dwelling In Christ

Contributed by Chris Horne on May 26, 2008

Being in Christ is more than being saved. It is consistanly walking, living and dwelling in the light of Christ.

I want to talk about what it is to be "In Christ" tonight... What does the Bible means when they use the term “In Christ”? The Bible uses this term over 50 times in the New Testament. And if you actually study the phrase out you will find that “In Christ” is an actual place. The Bible talks about ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Can You Trust Your Faith? Series

Contributed by Rodney Coe on Feb 13, 2015

Do we have a faith that can be trusted in difficult times?

Can You Trust Your Faith? James 1:2-8 Someone once said, “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted.” That is precisely what God’s Word is telling us in our text. James is encouraging us to understand that faith must be, and will be tested. But let’s think ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

What's So Great About Temptation? Series

Contributed by Andy Atkins on Jan 10, 2001

Without temptations and trials, Christians will never become mature followers of Christ.

What’s So Great About Temptation? James 1:1-18 Baby Boomers are coasting into the golden years in record numbers nowadays, bringing with them the trappings of a somewhat new phenomenon: Peter Pan Syndrome. While the surface indicators may not take the rest of us by surprise, the facts are clear ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom's Spirit Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 5, 2009

Through six very pointed questions, Galatians 3:1-5 reminds us that from beginning to end the secret to living the Christian life is not found in our own human efforts, but in trusting God’s Holy Spirit lavishly supplied to every believer.

Freedom’s Spirit (Galatians 3:1-5) On June 23, 2001, the Boeing company finished a labor of love—the complete restoration of the last existing 307 Stratoliner. It was the world’s first pressurized commercial airliner. A New York company used a vintage loom to reproduce the original Pan Am wall ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Attributes Of Christian Love

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 4, 2017

We have been made in the image of God, & God expects better of us than to fashion our lives according to the instincts of a beastly nature. So let's consider what the Bible says about some attributes of Christian love.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK TEXT: 1 John, 4:7; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 A. The Bible has a lot to say about love. In fact, from beginning to end that is its theme - God's love for each of us, & our love for Him, which results in our loving one another. ILL. Some ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Is The Bread Of Life Series

Contributed by Jimmy Davis on Sep 19, 2001

Picture # 7 in series: The 14 Candid Snapshots of the Maturing Christian as found in the Gospel of John. The Feeding of the 5,000 is the picture of Jesus as the Bread of Life, and how the maturing Christian feeds on the Bread of Life.

Picture # 7: Jesus is the Bread of Life John 6:1-15. See Matthew 14:13-21 See Mark 6:30-44 See Luke 9:10-17 Up to 26 million people in the United States, and over 800 million people in developing and underdeveloped countries go without adequate food on a regular basis. Every single minute, at ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-15, Matthew 14:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Never Give In

Contributed by Mike Bryant on Jan 11, 2024

Churchill famously urged, "Never give in," a vital attitude for Christians. In Phil 3:12-16, Paul gives us the key to never giving up in our pursuit of the resurrection. That key is that we properly deal with the past, the future, and the present in our lives.

I. Introduction A. It took Winston Churchill 3 years to get through 8th grade because he had trouble learning Latin and consistently finished at the very bottom of his class. Ironically, years later, in the midst of WW2, he was asked to speak at the Oxford University commencement exercises. The ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Daniel In Exile

Contributed by Troy Borst on May 23, 2013

Today we will see how these verses from Jeremiah 29 work out in the lives of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (Daniel 1:6) and how God matures their faith in Him through the events and people in their lives. We will by extension see how God desires

DANIEL IN EXILE CHAPTER 18, “THE STORY” Daniel 1-6, Jeremiah 29-31 This morning as we continue in “The Story” we are in chapter 18 which tells about the lives of Daniel and his three friends. Our key verses for this morning I would like us to read together out loud, which ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Path To Spiritual Victory Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

John had experienced adversity in life and great spiritual challenges. He realized that a close relationship with Christ and continued growth were vital for victorious living. Many lack growth due to spiritual immaturity. Growth is key for victory.

The Path to Spiritual Victory 1 John 2: 12-17 The love and concern John has for the church is evident as we continue to read this epistle. He began by exalting Christ, reminding the believer of whom they have believed. He offered a challenge regarding our fellowship with the Lord and shared the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Back To The Basics

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 16, 2025

Whether we are little ones or big kids, we belong to Jesus, too. We are weak, and he is strong.

When I first started seminary, I heard a rumor that shocked me. I heard that Christian ministry is a very competitive field, that churches and pastors compete with one another, and that within churches individuals compete for position and status. But after I thought it over, I realized that of ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed