Sermons on Maturity:

Why Does God Allow These Struggles?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 28, 2017

A look at the Christmas passage - specifically, the struggle of Mary and Joseph having the baby in Bethlehem far from home. A look at four ways God uses our struggles in our lives.

Mary And Joseph’s Road Trip: “Why does God allow these struggles in my life?” - Luke 2:3-6. - The trip to Bethlehem under such difficult circumstances had to be a struggle. Did they have questions? I know I would have. “God, why are You allowing this?” “God, have You forgotten us?” “God, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Looking Toward Calvary Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Dec 27, 2017

Often our spiritual vision is hindered by the desires of the flesh. We seek to serve the Lord, but often find a struggle with the flesh.

Looking toward Calvary Mark 8: 31-33 At this point in Jesus’ ministry His popularity has diminished greatly, particularly among the devout Jews. He is about to enter a season of intense difficulty, culminating with the cross. From this moment forward, Jesus will be intent on enabling the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-33

Denomination: Baptist

The Roles Of The Church

Contributed by Darrin Fish on Sep 2, 2015

What we need to do if we want to see our church grow

Today we are going to continue by talking about the roles of the Church (That Family) • More specifically how we are to promote growth • And why it’s important to promote growth • Just like anything Growth needs a foundation • And I feel that these are 2 that we need ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40

Denomination: Christian Church

Reaching For The Prize 2 Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 19, 2023

A blessed New Year to you. It is such a joy to have you back again this evening.

For more sermons visit our: Website: https://cityharvestag.com/sermons/?sermon_topics=faith Podcast : https://city-harvest-sermons.simplecast.com/episodes/produce-fruit-in-keeping-with-repentance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityHarvestA... Instagram: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 1 Peter 2:2, Philippians 3:16, 2 Timothy 4:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Trials And Temptations

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

God tested the Israelites in the desert to know what was in their hearts, and tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. God allows external hardships or difficult situations produce good qualities in us.

Opening illustration: Illustrate the difference between Temptation and Trial. Introduction: In the New Testament, the same Greek word (peirazo) is used for trial, test, and temptation. The basic meaning of peirazo is to test something to determine its response, value, or character. When peirazo is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Leaving The Past Behind PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

This sermon encourages believers to persevere in their Christian journey, pressing on towards spiritual growth and the ultimate prize of eternal life in Christ.

Welcome, dear friends, to our time of fellowship and worship. It's a delight to gather in the presence of our Lord, to share in His word, and to grow together in understanding and faith. We are here, not by chance, but because our loving Father has called us into His presence. He has a message for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Topics: Moving Forward, Christ

Learning To Endure, Part 1

Contributed by Adrian Rogers on Jan 4, 2012

A sermon on James and how God "gives the test first then gives the lesson."

I want to speak to you today about learning to endure. Now this is sort of a re-entry message. And we have learned to endure some things. And I don’t want to act like we endure so much because, really, I want to say with the apostle Paul, “Our light affliction is but for a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Supreme Ministry Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 25, 2019

1) The Source (Colossians 1:23c, 25a), 2) Spirit (Colossians 1:24a), 3) Suffering (Colossians 1:24b), 4) Scope (Colossians 1:25b), 5) Subject (Colossians 1:26–27), 6)Style (Colossians 1:28a), 7)Sum (Colossians 1:28b), and 8)The Strength of the ministry (Colossians 1:29).

Colossians 1:23-29 [23](if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of) the gospel (that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven), and of which I, Paul, became a minister. [24] Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Denomination: Other

Eldership - 1 Peter 5:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 7, 2025

Different denominations have different traditions about what the elders' job description should be. But there shouldn't be differing traditions. Peter makes it very clear.

Churches are to be elder-led. The term elder refers to a position of authority and leadership, but elders should work with congregations in major decisions like a husband with his wife. Elders should be nominated by the people and appointed by the other elders. The elder takes over the roles of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1

Satan's Plan To Destroy Our Church

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Satan uses subtle techniques to destroy the Church.

Thesis: Satan uses subtle techniques to destroy the Church. Intro.: 1. Satan is trying to destroy our church! a. Not by false teaching (know Bible too well); not by persecution (it would only make us stronger). b. His techniques are subtle (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:10-12). 2. At least 7 ways Satan ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Spiritual Road Markers In Paul's Life

Contributed by Mark Atherton on Apr 25, 2001

Distinct experiences that the apostle had that got him to the point where he could say "I have fought the good fight..."

I want to be like Paul and get to the end of my life and can honestly make a staetment like he did in this passage. For Paul to reach this point in his life some very significant things must have happened along the way. There must have been some spiritual road markers that he could have looked ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7

Denomination: Holiness

Trials Dissected

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 12, 2006

Everyone, at this very moment is in a trial, heading for a trial, or just coming out of one. What we do with that trial is solely up to us.

Trials Dissected James 1:1-12 Introduction Everyone, at this very moment is in a trial, heading for a trial, or just coming out of one. What we do with that trial is solely up to us. I. The Purpose of Trials (vv. 1-6) a. JOY i. Trials (peirasmois), describes things that put a person to the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Diamonds Are Forever

Contributed by Thomas Miller on Jul 2, 2008

God created us with more love and compassion then we will ever know. Because He created us knowing that the freedom He gave us would be abused, causing Him to have to give His Son’s life to save ours.

Diamonds Are Forever Even the hardest rocks crumble with enough pressure and heat over time. But creations process creates the most beautiful things out of pressure. Remember no pain, no gain. What was once ordinary is now precious and sought after, the diamond. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Satan’s Plan To Destroy Our Church

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

Satan uses subtle techniques to destroy the Church.

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army Thesis: Satan uses subtle techniques to destroy the Church. Intro.: 1. Satan is trying to destroy our church! a. Not by false teaching (know Bible too well); not by persecution (it would only make us stronger). b. His techniques are subtle (1 Pet. 5:8; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Martyr's Mindset

Contributed by Samuel Sampson on Aug 27, 2018

We are not called to be martyrs in Christianity, but we are called to love God even to the point of readily giving up this temporal life if need be.

—The Martyrs Mindset— "Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you."—Philippians 3:15 We find quite often nowadays in the news, stories like: —'3 men summarily executed by Saudi authorities for converting to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-23, Acts 7:51-60