Sermons on Natural Church Development:

Obedience: The (Super) Natural Response To Faith

Contributed by Keith Peters on Jul 6, 2011

Our lack of complete obedience brings complications in our Christian walk.

Obedience: The (Super) Natural Response to Faith John 14:15-27 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." (Heb 11:8) "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-27

Denomination: Baptist

Two Dogs Inside Of Us

Contributed by Gary Christensen on Mar 15, 2016

What's wrong with me? I want to serve God, but, instead, I sin! I want to Live in the Spirit, but, instead, I'm still living in The Power of my Flesh! Maybe it's because i have Two Dogs living inside of me! The story of the two dogs. (Our Two Natures)

Shortly after I first became a Christian, I was told of this story of The Two Dogs, and it made a lot of sense. It helped me to understand why I was, the way that I was, and it helped me to understand what I needed to do, to be better than I had been. Every believer has a Dual Nature. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Hope Waits Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

When Jesus died the disciples had to wait for the promise of the Father. None of us like to wait. If we are willing to wait we will discover hope waits in order to develop us!

Intro: How many of you like to wait? I will just be honest I don’t like it at all. In fact I do everything I can to keep from waiting. I try to calculate in my non-mathematical head which Wal-Mart line will be the quickest and in my hurry I end up choosing the wrong one. I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Baptist

Developing Good Communication I Marriage Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 7, 2015

James 1:19 gives us the perfect guidelines for good communication in marriage.

Introduction: A. Today, I want us to talk about communication. 1. Communication is always a challenge in every relationship, but in marriage it is the thing that either makes it or breaks it. 2. There are so many things that can get in the way of good communication. a. We can use a word ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Being And Becoming

Contributed by Michael Hopkins on Feb 2, 2009

A sermon on the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (also called Candlemas)

I wonder if you’re familiar with fresh lychees? The fresh fruit is much more pleasant than the tinned variety. They are small fruit about the size of a walnut. On the outside is rough and robust skin, which might lead you think it wasn’t worth opening, but when one peels it, inside is a soft, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Process

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 9, 2012

Spiritual and Physical growth involves several key ingredients. First, both involve intimacy.

The Process John 3:1-8NKJ There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Growth: Buried Talent Attitudes

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 22, 2023

WHAT ARE WE DOING? WHAT ARE WE TEACHING? How easy can it be to bury our talents and never develop or grow them? Are we hangs our harps in the trees?

BURIED TALENT ATTITUDES By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) (Two part lesson) **ATTITUDE: the way you look at life, a settled way of thinking, the expression of how you feel, predisposition or tendency to respond positive or negative, mindset, A SETTLED ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:1-4, Matthew 16:22, 1 Samuel 4:17-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lesson 1: The Existence And Nature Of God Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Jun 25, 2025

This lesson begins exploring the existence and nature of God.

Introduction: The Question Behind Every Question The Bible opens with a bold and beautiful claim: “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). There is no attempt to prove His existence — it is assumed, asserted, and revealed. For ancient readers, this was no surprise. In the ancient world, belief in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:27-28

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Specifics Of Christian Development - Part 3 Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Oct 28, 2008

This is the last message in the Developing Christian character series, taking a look at the last two qualities of kindness and love we should possess.

The Specifics of Christian Development – Part 3 2 Peter 1:1-11 Intro Today we will conclude our consideration of the specifics of Christian development. We have noticed that Peter is very specific concerning what character qualities we should seek to develop as a Christian if we are going to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

An Epistle From An Apostle Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jul 21, 2010

Exposition of the first nine verses of 1 Cor, regarding the nature of the church and those make it up.

Text: 1 Cor. 1:1-9, Title: An Epistle from An Apostle, Date/Place: NRBC, 6/13/10, AM A. Opening illustration: Abraham Lincoln’s secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, was angered by an army officer who accused him of favoritism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who suggested that Stanton write the officer ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Developing A Spiritual Diet And Exercise Program

Contributed by James Buchanan on Sep 15, 2003

We discuss the importance of not only learning the word, but exercising our faith (doing it) as well!

Can you tell me what the four major food groups are this morning? The teacher knew there was a shortfall of intelligence after she asked the class to name the four major food groups. Suzie shot up her hand and quickly reeled them off: "Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Pizza Hut." I did a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Admitting Our Blindness In Human Development Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Nov 14, 2009

Jesus can act as Messiah when He is approached by humans who admit their blindness, weakness and sin; so we must admit decades of blindness in our human development policies.

November 16, 2009 Caritas in Veritate “Deeds without knowledge are blind, and knowledge without love is sterile.” As Luke portrays Jesus making his pilgrimage to the Holy City whose inhabitants will murder him, He finally responds to one who is publicly calling him The Messiah–Son of David. But ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:45-53

Denomination: Catholic

"Principle 4: Develop The Right Perspective" Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Aug 8, 2017

Paul tells us what our perspective should be on the world, our Lord and ourselves.

GODISNOWHERE - Which is it? "God is nowhere" or "God is now here?" It's all in how you look at things, isn't it? That's why Paul says we need to develop the right perspective if we're going to get life right. 1. How to look at the world - vs. 1-7 The world has its ideas about success. But as one ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Develop Your Life Plan For 2007

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 8, 2007

There are five areas of your life you can set goals as you develop your life plan and map for the coming year.

Develop Your Life Plan for 2007 -Living the Life God Meant for you to live- James 4:14-15 Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you,, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

Ingredients Of A Healthy Church

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Feb 10, 2010

The final miracle of the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. You may wonder why I call that a miracle. It is because I know human nature. Next to the transformation of persons, the second greatest miracle is oneness or un

INGREDIENTS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH ACTS 2:42-47 The final miracle of the Holy Spirit on that day of Pentecost was the birth of the church. You may wonder why I call that a miracle. It is because I know human nature. Next to the transformation of persons, the second greatest miracle is oneness or ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47