Sermons on Past Failures:

Stop, Look, Listen

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on Nov 16, 2000

We must remember our past, but not live in it. We have to discover how to stop living in our past and begin living in His presence!

I. Text: Deuteronomy 8:1-10 II. Profiting from the Past A. God told them to remember their past so that they could appreciate their present. He didn’t tell them to live in their past. (verse 2) B. Moses told them on the day that they left Egypt to remember that day (Exodus 13:3) C. They are ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-10

Three Ages Of Christmas

Contributed by Wayne Burnett on Nov 9, 2001

REMEMBER SCROOGE’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE THREE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE? WITH THIS THOUGHT WE LOOK AT THE CHRISTIAN ASPECT OF CHRISTMAS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

THE THREE AGES OF CHRISTMAS I. SCROOGE’S STORY A. The old, selfish, stingy grouch who hated Christmas B. Visited by the three Ghost’s of Christmas C. I would like to use the idea of that story to present this Christmas message II. CHRISTMAS PAST A. For the first 300 years of Christianity ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:6-7, Revelation 19:11-16

Denomination: Church Of God

Memories

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jul 9, 2016

The hope of the future is based on the memories of the past, and this hope gives meaning to the present. That way of living will give us hope for the future that is based on the memories of the past and present.

How many of you have memories of things that happened years ago? Memories can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Memories such as those of our families can be good or bad. Memories of loved ones who have died can be good or bad. In the reading we heard from the Book of Joshua a few minutes ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Harvest Time

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

With the Psalmist, we celebrate, but like the Psalmist we will not let the memory of the past slip into a slumbering nostalgia but allow the past to give an impetus to confidence for the future and present.

Opening illustration: When we arrived in Iowa in 2007, we had no idea what we were getting into. But one thing was clear, God had brought us here for His plan and purpose that He alone could fulfill through our lives. Maureena and I were on a God-given mission and were bent upon accomplishing it. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moving Beyond Regrets

Contributed by Paul Hammons on Mar 13, 2007

Have you ever done something you immediately regretted? I remember things that I had done when I was younger, things that I wish I had never done, and things I wish I could take back. I have said things I wish I had never said that hurt other people.

Moving Beyond Regret; Matthew 26:67-75 Have you ever done something you immediately regretted? I remember things that I had done when I was younger, things that I wish I had never done, and things I wish I could take back. I have said things I wish I had never said that hurt other people. Maybe ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:67-75

The Moses Problem

Contributed by Clement Swarnappa on Jul 1, 2023

Have you ever felt "YOU ARE DONE". There is nothing you could do anymore? There is a total weakness in you…. You feel, you had inner peace before, but now it is lost…. Moses knew that feeling. I call this "The Moses Problem" Feeling inadequate is what Moses felt…..

Have you ever felt "YOU ARE DONE". There is nothing you could do anymore? There is a total weakness in you…. You feel, you had inner peace before, but now it is lost…. Moses knew that feeling. I call this "The Moses Problem" Feeling inadequate is what Moses ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:11-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Make Yards After Contact Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Oct 24, 2002

Failure to understand elementary insights about how to engage the enemy will leave gaping holes in our defenses.

After a worship service at First Baptist in New Castle, Kentucky, the mother of a fidgety 7-year-old boy told Pastor Dave Charlton how she finally got her son to sit still and be quiet. About halfway through the sermon, she leaned over and whispered, “If you don’t be quiet, Pastor Charlton is going ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:17-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Second Chance Series

Contributed by Sheldon Boyd on Nov 30, 2004

This fourth sermon in this series is about how God choses to use us inspite of our failures.

MOSES: FROM DOUBT TO DELIVERANCE A SECOND CHANCE Sunday October 6, 2002 Scripture Reference: Exodus 3:1-10 Intro. A. God Prefers Failures. 1. Did you know that? That God prefers failures? I know that it sounds strange and it goes against everything our society teaches us but it is true ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Holiness

This One Thing I Do Series

Contributed by Charles Scott on Mar 8, 2006

The stories of the Rich Young Ruler and of Mary and Martha show that Christians need the discipline of denying self, learning of Christ and following HIm in order to find peace.

THIS One Thing I DO Philippians 3__13 If a person is even remotely interested in the world around him, has an occupation and a family, his responsibilities and interests quickly out grow his ability to accomplish all that need be done or that he would like to do. Only a few people can do more ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-23

Denomination: Anglican

Try Again! Series

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Jun 27, 2005

Find encouragement to keep on in spite of setbacks.

Do you ever face setbacks? Do you ever get discouraged? Are you ever afraid to move forward for God? If so, then you have something in common with the Old Testament leader, Joshua (and the Israelite people). This is the context. Joshua had led the Israelites out of the years of wilderness ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 8:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon: Encouragement To Press On

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Dec 9, 2025

Paul’s inspiring testimony of commitment forces us to look at our own lives—do we have the strategy we need to overcome our challenges? Or do we let our failures derail our dreams? And what could we accomplish if we were committed enough and had the strength not to give up?

Subject: Encouragement to Press On Text: Philippians 3:7-14 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14, Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

Denomination: Methodist

When The Church Fails Series

Contributed by Timothy Peck on Mar 12, 2003

Our failures in the Christian community remind us of our need for total and complete dependance on Jesus.

Like you, I’ve been watching the terrible scandal surrounding the abuse of children by priests in the Roman Catholic church. And the worst part of the scandal isn’t the abuse of children, as horrible as that is. The worst part has the cover up, that rather than stepping in and removing sexual ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Today Is Yesterday's Tomorrow—6 Series

Contributed by David King on Aug 26, 2006

Whatever God did for any man in the past He can repeat again to fulfill His pleasure. If He had helped any one in the past, child of God, He is ready to help you today.

TODAY IS YESTERDAY’S TOMORROW—6 “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you …” Josh. 1: 5 “For I know the plans I have for you, ‘declares the Lord’ plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jer. 29: 11. What a God of purpose ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christians Do Battle With Doubt About Their Assurance Of Salvation.

Contributed by Hylton Davidson on Sep 8, 2025

Christians do battle with doubt about their assurance of salvation.

Here's why it's so common: 1. The Bible Acknowledges It Scripture includes examples of faithful people who struggled with doubt: -John the Baptist questioned Jesus’ identity (Luke 7:18–23). -Thomas doubted the resurrection (John 20:24–29). -David often cried out in confusion and fear ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

When The Body Moves The Funerals Over

Contributed by Bob Hager on Mar 30, 2002

The resurrection is a past event with continuing effects on the present and future.

A letter came from Health and Human Services to a resident of Greenville County, South Carolina: "Your food stamps will be stopped, effective March 1992, because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if your circumstances change." In a business meeting we were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Methodist