Sermons on Obstacles To Growth:

"It Is Good For Me That I Have Been Afflicted..."

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Dec 11, 2025

I have taken the title of this sermon from my text In Psalm 119:71. In which we read, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted..." Now what rational man would say such a thing? “It is good for me that I have been afflicted..."

Paul basically said such a thing also in a different way in Romans 8:28 and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. “ALL THINGS” includes the good and the bad. But it is difficult sometimes to understand IT IS GOOD ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:71

Denomination: Baptist

Visible Faith Part 2

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Feb 17, 2025

This is part 2 of my series on Visible faith.

Visible Faith - Part 2 Scripture: James 2:14, 26; Mark 2:1-5; Genesis 6:12-14, 22 Good morning Strangers Rest. This is Part two of my sermon “Visible Faith.” Three weeks ago, I stood before you and read what James said about works and faith. James 2:14 & 26 says, “(14) What does it ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14, Mark 2:1-5, Genesis 6:12-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Giving To Please God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 14, 2025

Because we’re partakers of grace and partners in the gospel, we’re to participate in giving to God’s work by practicing joyful generosity.

Giving to Please God Philippians 4:14-23 Rev. Brian Bill April 12-13, 2025 When I was growing up, my mom insisted that my sisters and I had to write thank you notes whenever we would receive a gift. To reinforce this, she would tell us we couldn’t use the gift we were given until the note was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:14-23

Denomination: Baptist

Visible Faith - Part 2

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Apr 26, 2025

This is the second Bible study lesson on how a Christian can know when he/she is walking in faith.

Introduction Hello everyone, and welcome to our Bible study for April. Today’s lesson is a continuation of our look at what it means to have “Visible Faith.” We began this two-part study on “Visible Faith” with four passages in the Bible that speak to how we are to live as Christians, and they are ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38, Mark 2:1-5, Genesis 6:12-14, Acts 17:11-17, Leviticus 19:3, Romans 10:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Or That PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 24, 2025

Following Jesus means courageous obedience and joyful endurance, even when it brings suffering or opposition, because God’s presence empowers and sustains His people.

There are weeks when life feels like a locked door. You show up with a key that used to work—prayer you’ve prayed, habits you’ve honored—and the tumblers don’t budge. Bills stack up. Sleep slips away. A hard conversation waits across the breakfast table. Your calendar looks like a crowded hallway ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:18-42

Topics: Critical Thinking, Victory

I Was Dead But Now I'm Alive Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 16, 2025

Can you imagine Mary and Martha pacing the floor, waiting for Jesus? They were at the deathbed of their beloved brother. Can’t you see Lazarus struggling to breathe? The whole time, they’re looking out the window expecting to see Jesus arrive.

What if I told you that surveys suggest that nearly three-quarters of doctors in the United States believe in miracles? And what if I told you that over half of the physicians surveyed noted that they had witnessed what they considered to be miracles?1 Find John 11 with me, if you will. Ed ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Visible Faith Part 2 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 16, 2025

This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible studies teach foundational truth that are designed to challenge, encourage and, most importantly, flame the fire of hunger in the Christian who wants to learn more about who they have become in Christ Jesus.

Visible Faith – 2 (Rev. Rodney Johnson and Rev. Barry Johnson) NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Hebrews 10:38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Heaven's Open Door Policy

Contributed by Scott Maze on Mar 3, 2025

The Bible says you can open up your innermost thoughts and just spill them out on the ground before Jesus. He’s not going to look at you like, “Oh gross!” He’s not going to laugh at you or mock you.

We are beginning the new year by praying together as a church. Maybe you are not sure of yourself when it comes to prayer. If prayer were a high school sport, you’re not sure you’d receive a “letter” on your varsity jacket for prayer. Many of you have picked up the little book, 21 Days of Prayer. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

How To Stand Firm In Your Faith

Contributed by Alex Umole on Mar 4, 2025

Rollo May, the distinguished psychiatrist, wrote a book called: Man's Search for Himself, and in this book, he says: “The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice; it is conformity.”

We are going to consider that in a world that often values comfort over courage, convenience over conviction, we’re faced with a tough question: Culture’s Greatest Challenge: What would you stand for? When faced with difficulties, what will you choose? Will you bow to the pressures around you, or ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33, Daniel 6:10

Losing To Gain Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 11, 2025

A relationship with Christ, not a religious resume, is what makes us righteous.

Losing to Gain Philippians 3:1-11 Rev. Brian Bill March 8-9, 2025 Sometimes people put things on their resume to make them sound better than they really are, like the grocery store “bag boy” who referred to his job as “Customer Service Representative.” I came across some other funny resumes and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessings And Benefits Of Revelation Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 12, 2026

Jesus Christ, the risen and returning King, frees us to live faithfully in a world that opposes Him.

Blessings and Benefits of Revelation Revelation 1:3-8 Rev. Brian Bill January 10-11, 2026 Before we move into a time of preaching, let’s begin by listening to the reading of some passages from Revelation, without interruption. Revelation 1:3-8 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Jealousy Of The Leaders Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 14, 2017

But not everyone was happy with the success of the Church. The religious establishment that had opposed the ministry of Jesus, and then crucified Him, took the same hostile approach toward the Apostles.

November 21, 2013 Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Topic #II: The Church in Jerusalem, Acts 2.1-8.3 Subtopic D: Struggle from Within and Without (Acts 5.1-6.7) Subtopic 2: The Sanhedrin and the Apostles (5:12-42) Lesson II.D.2.b: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-42

Denomination: Baptist

Song Of Solomon - Chapter 3 – The Bride's Dream Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Sep 28, 2024

The young Bride experiences Divine discipline. The Beloved withholds His presence from her because He wants her to discover that the only safe place in all the world is in rising up in partnership with Him. He holds out until we come to Him in obedience.

V.3:1 On my bed by night I sought him whom my soul loves; I sought him, but found him not. 2 I will rise now and go about the city, in the streets and in the squares; I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but found him not. 3 The watchmen found me as they went about in the city. “Have ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 3:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loving As Jesus Loved

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 19, 2004

"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!"

Loving as Jesus Loved (I Cor. 13:7-8) Illustration: One evening while appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the reactionary religious right when he said, "People don’t care how much you know until they know how ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Evaluate Love According To The Scriptures

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

HOW TO EVALUATE LOVE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES INSTEAD OF HUMAN STANDARDS One evening while appearing on CNN's Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the reactionary religious right when he said, "People don't care how much you kno

HOW TO EVALUATE LOVE ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES INSTEAD OF HUMAN STANDARDS One evening while appearing on CNN's Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the reactionary religious right when he said, "People don't care how much you know ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational