Sermons on Negative Patterns:

Disciples Contend For Greatness

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 14, 2012

There never was a greater pattern for humility than Jesus, and there was never a greater preacher of it, than Jesus. On several occasions, He had talked to his disciples and followers about it. I wonder, is there a bit of worldly ambition present in these

Capernaum (53) Disciples Contend for Greatness Matthew 18:1-10 A LITTLE CHILD BECOMES AN OBJECT LESSON: At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (Matthew 18:1) There never was a greater pattern for humility than Jesus, and there ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Bearing Up

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jan 1, 2014

The sufferings of Jesus were unique in that He suffered once for all, the just for the unjust. But we are still sometimes called to bear up and endure grief, suffering unjustly. Our model was laid down in the patient pattern of His sufferings.

BEARING UP. 1 Peter 2:19-25. The Apostle Peter uses his address to domestic servants (1 Peter 2:18) to illustrate the calling of all Christians to share in the sufferings of Christ. “For this is grace,” he quite literally says (1 Peter 2:19): this is acceptable; this is thankworthy - if out of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preparing For A Life Of Christian Service Series

Contributed by Leslie Tarlton on Jan 19, 2014

It is one thing to be a witness to the things of Christ. It is another to understand the example or pattern for life Christ set for us to follow and do so. This short series was the result of 2 yrs of questioning my direction after 6 yrs of ministry

Preparing for a Life of Christian Service Matthew 3:13-4:11 Pray Proposition: Personally, I struggle with whether or not my life is being used effectively for Christ. How about you? Do you struggle with this? How are many of you are interesting in having an effective Christian Life; A life ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Plant Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Mar 16, 2015

Moses' burning bush experience is a pattern for God's work in our lives. He catches our attention in a variety of ways and watches to see how interested we are. The deeper our interest, the deeper he takes us.

1. Exodus 3.1-10 2. "Earth's crammed with heaven and every common bush afire with God. And only he who sees takes off his shoes, the rest sit round and pluck blackberries." -- Elizabeth Barrett Browning 3. God uses a variety of ways to catch our attention and interest us in him 4. The Question is, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

In Search Of A Man Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jul 22, 2015

To establish that God is always searching for men through us to be saved and accomplish his divine will, this lesson presents a clear example of the New Testament's "pattern of conversion," replicated throughout the Book of Acts.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. God Sought for a Man - Found Philip 2. Philip Sought for a Man - Found the Eunuch 3. Eunuch Sought for a Man - Found Jesus Introductory Remarks. 1. In our scripture lesson, a call went out. The angel of the Lord directed Philip: "To go south into the desert." He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:25-40, Acts 1:8, Acts 13:1-3, Matthew 27:32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

If My People Pray

Contributed by Steven Buhr on Sep 19, 2015

We're going to look at an old passage of scripture today, we are going to focus on one verse, one phrase that God spoke and which we today consider one of the deepest revelations about the power and pattern of prayer.

If My People… June 21st, 2015 2 Chronicles 7:14 Who here would like to know that God hears you when you pray? Who wants to be forgiven of any and all wrongs done to others or towards God? Who wants to be healed from past hurts and live in a community that is experiencing healing ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding Temptation Series

Contributed by Dan Proctor on Oct 31, 2016

Why do we sin against God? Why do we mess up, make terrible choices, and then have to live with the consequences? Why do we get ourselves into bondage to sin and certain destructive patterns of behavior?

Understanding Temptation Matthew 4 Introduction: 1. Why do we sin against God? Why do we mess up, make terrible choices, and then have to live with the consequences? Why do we get ourselves into bondage to sin and certain destructive patterns of behavior? • Have you ever done something ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-25

Denomination: Bible Church

C.p.r. For The Soul

Contributed by Jeffrey Wildrick on Feb 16, 2015

Examining Psalm 51, we see the pattern of Confession, Pardon, and Re-Creation (CPR) at work in David's life, and still effective for us today through the work of Jesus Christ. Preached on Ash Wednesday as an introduction to the season of Lent

Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-12 "C.P.R." Ash Wednesday INTRO: Today is Ash Wednesday, and throughout the world, Christians of many branches of Christ's church are observing this unique day in the Christian calendar. It is a day of penitence, and fasting. It is, quite frankly, a rather gloomy day. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Only By Remembering Our Past Can We Face The Future: The Woman Who Anointed Jesus Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Oct 23, 2023

Set a pattern in your life. Remember the day you received salvation through Jesus Christ. Celebrate that day. Rejoice. Remember the day of your birth, the day God gave you life. Celebrate Christmas, that Jesus was born.

It’s so incredibly important that we remember our history, our heritage, and who we are. If we don’t know who we are, the history of our people, our nation, our faith, our religion, our family, our state, our city, all of these things, then we’re liable to believe anything that we’re fed, and to be ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:20-24, Mark 14:1-2, Mark 14:8-9, Mark 14:17-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

Man Of God From Judah – Part 2

Contributed by Samuel M on Mar 8, 2025

In these days, God is raising many young men of God who will expose all Jeroboam’s, who are doing things in God’s name and pattern but not to Jehovah God, cleanse the land, and show God’s wrath if needed.

In 1 Kings 13, the young man of God from Judah had three distinct characteristics: 1) A divine message – a word from God 2) Power and authority to bring God's wrath (Its God’s power and authority) 3) Ability to heal In this generation, many prophets and evangelists have the word from God and ...read more

Saints In The Complaint Department Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 5, 2021

The God who built us this way is telling us by these negative Psalms that we have to get rid of the poison or we will have a breakdown. Our health on all levels: physical, mental, and spiritual, depends on our being able to remove the pollution from our inner life.

It is always a shock when an innocent little child all of the sudden lets loose with a swear word, or some other sort of vulgar language. We are startled because we had no idea the pollution of the world had seeped into their little mind. We have the same emotion when we read the Bible, and all ...read more

The Renewed Mind Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of these qualities, which are essential for a life of obedience and service to God.

In the pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity, Christians are called to cultivate a renewed mind, one that is transformed by the power of God's Word and guided by the principles of humility and lowliness. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the importance of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:16, Luke 22:24-27

Detours Off The Straight And Narrow

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 13, 2000

Isaiah warns us of several pitfalls into which the people of Judah fell and into which we can fall! Let’s look at some of these pitfalls, and then look at the way to come out of them. So let’s look at the negative, and then the positive.

Detours off the Straight and Narrow Isaiah 29-30 Intro 1. Life has many problems... 2. Some people seem to attract trouble 3. All of us, though, fight a constant battle, continuing to grow in the Lord.... It is easy to get stagnant. 4. There is no once and for all fix, outside of death... 5. ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Focus On God's Promises

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 20, 2003

The Holy Spirit helps us consciously and subconsciously to turn our focus away from pain and on to God’s promises for deliverance. Many people tend to surrender to feelings of rejection, suffering and negative thoughts when they experience problems. The H

Illustration: Dr. Henry Pope tells a story of one his students who learned how to change her perspective. It seems that one young girl while attending college spotted a young man who seemed very handsome and someone she would like to get to know. One day she was sitting in the library and spotted ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:97-98

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Elements Of Renewal

Contributed by John Vella on Feb 5, 2007

Prayer leads to an awareness of where we need to change. This awareness then calls for a putting away of negative elements in our behaviour ( we call that fasting). This in turn calls forth a new way of relating to others which is concretely expressed i

Seeds for Sowing, Vol. IV, Issue 3, No. 16 First Sunday of Lent (Year B) March 12, 2000 Readings: * Genesis 9:8-15 * 1 Peter 3:18-22 * Mark 1:12-15 Elements of Renewal Mixed Feelings There are many things in life that call forth mixed feelings from ourselves. At the same time, we both want to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:12-15

Denomination: Catholic