Sermons on Positive Reinforcement:

Adoption

Contributed by David Scudder on Aug 21, 2010

The word "adoption" is an action noun, so it acts like a verb, i.e. the Holy Spirit performs the act of adopting. In Roman law an adopted child had the exact same position and privileges as a natural born child, e.g. legal standing, or inheritance.

Purpose: To show what spiritual adoption is and what a great privilege it is. INTRODUCTION: ADOPTION huiothesia ^5206^, from huios, "a son," and thesis, "a placing," akin to tithemi, "to place," signifies the place and condition of a son given to one to whom it does not naturally belong. The word ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

If I Perish, I Perish Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Aug 23, 2020

In the book of Esther, a game of chess is being played, except with cosmic implications. Satan carefully moved Haman into position and gleefully hissed, “Check!” But we will see that God has his own plan and has a queen and a pawn moving in for the kill, or in chess language, “Checkmate!”

For Such a Time as This: If I Perish, I Perish Esther 4 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 08-23-2020 Check When I was in high school, I belonged to the chess club. Yes, I was a dork! But I truly enjoyed playing chess against my friends, especially in study hall. There were ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Trinity: A Meaningful Relationship (The Solemnity Of The Most Holy Trinity)

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Jun 19, 2020

Let us possess love for God, neighbours, and oneself, support and cooperate with each other, encourage when people fail, appreciate when people do something even insignificant, accept constructive criticism to grow, have positive change understanding the Mystery of Trinity.

Reflection The Holy Trinity: A Meaningful Relationship (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity) We all know that the Mystery of Trinity is: One God and three persons-God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit (Matthew 28:19). We get to know the Mystery of Trinity from the book of Genesis. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, John 3:16-18, Matthew 28:19, Genesis 1:26

Denomination: Other

How To Be A Builder Series

Contributed by Dan Proctor on Jul 18, 2016

God’s desire is for us to be builders of people (our family, fellow church members, co-workers, spouse, and kids). How can we do this? Let’s look at the negative example of the Pharisees and turn it into some positive principles.

How to Be a Builder (not a Bulldozer) Mark 7:1-23 Introduction: 1. At the time of Jesus’ ministry to Israel, the Pharisees and scribes were the religious leaders who knew about the true God, knew the Scriptures, and knew about the prophecies of a coming Christ. 2. They didn’t appear ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Bible Church

Transfer Of Grace

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Sep 29, 2015

Most parents want to transfer their good character traits to their children, while not transferring vices, weaknesses, and failures to them. We need to put ourselves in a position where God’s grace is being transferred to us so we have something to give.

Transfer of Grace Titus 2:11-14 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Calling Of God

Contributed by Sunitha Justin on Oct 13, 2015

Are you in a position where you feel your abilities are not sufficient, your past learning don’t match, your capabilities are limited, and people don’t accept you? God has called you and He will take you through.

Are you in a position where you feel your abilities are not sufficient, your past learning don’t match, your capabilities are limited, and people don’t accept you? When God chose Moses to lead the people of Israel, he knew will not be able to do so with the capabilities he had. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:29

Denomination: Charismatic

The Believer’s Role In The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Jan 5, 2023

The Believer’s Role In the Kingdom of God is to embrace their position in the family of God. They are no longer aliens and stranger, they are a part of God’s own family. The enmity between God and man has been removed, they are accepted in the Beloved, Jesus Christ. They also have the peace of God.

Sermon- The Believer’s Role In the Kingdom Scripture: Luke 12:28-34 “28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:28-34, Matthew 6:33, Romans 14:17, Romans 8:1-2, 2 Corinthians 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

The Way Up Is Down: Serve One Another Series

Contributed by Dan Raymond on Mar 7, 2016

However, for many people, serving doesn't conjure up a positive image. Instead, they think of endless menial chores, cleaning up other people's messes, and catering to their vain whims. Yet the New Testament calls us to become servants of one another.

What do you think of when you hear the word serve? No, I don't mean the opening hit of the racket in a tennis match. I'm not even talking about your waiter or waitress at Shiela’s. I mean what does a servant look like? What picture comes to mind? It's possible that you have a positive image. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13

Denomination: Christian Church

What Is Your Calling? (Part 9) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

Are we at that place where we know our calling explicitly? Have we positioned ourselves for God’s plan to play out? God’s favor will bring upon you trials and test your faith and endurance. Are you ready?

Opening Illustration: Sundar’s call resembles that of Paul who had God’s favor. He was raised in the Sikh religion in India. All Sikhs have the same last name, "Singh", which means "lion." When Sundar received Christ at age 16, his Father poisoned him, but Sundar didn't die. After ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Your Calling? (Part 12) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

Knowing the general call of a believer, we must also focus on our specific calling. Spending much time in prayer, worship and meditation on God’s Word, will make it clearer. Let the body of Christ assist you in that call and help position you ...

Opening Illustration: God has used this book to cause the conversion of some of the most significant figures in church history. Saint Augustine, the greatest theologian of the first 1000 years of Chris-tian history, was converted while reading the 13th chapter of Romans. Martin Luther recovered the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Obedience Of Joseph Series

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Dec 16, 2022

Buy a Hallmark card and it will picture a beautiful scene and give a positive message. But not everyone experiences a Hallmark Christmas. Some people have problems, and as we look at scripture, we discover that one of the original characters of Christmas has a big problem. His name is Joseph.

Alba 12-11-2022 THE OBEDIENCE OF JOSEPH Matthew 1:18-25 It is Christmas shopping time as we near the big day. Stores take advantage of this and come up with some clever signs to encourage people to shop in their stores. Here are a few clever ones: From a toy store: "Ho, ho, ho spoken ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Serving Your Way Into Destiny Connections Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 11, 2025

Service is not a sign of weakness; it is a divine key to greatness. Many people are waiting for divine helpers to locate them, yet they are unwilling to serve. Joseph’s story teaches us that serving in every season of life—whether in the palace or in the prison—positions us for destiny connections.

SERVING YOUR WAY INTO DESTINY CONNECTIONS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 40:6-8 "And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:6-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

29 The Book Of Galatians – Chapter 6:14 - Message 29 – What Did Paul Really Boast In? Paul And Boasting Examined. We Ought To Follow Suit Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Apr 14, 2025

Boasting is a major problem to be overcome but Paul was very clear about his position on it. Only in the cross of Jesus Christ would he boast. We open up this subject of boasting in this message with a good number of scriptures. God forbid that I should boast!

29 THE BOOK OF GALATIANS – CHAPTER 6:14 - Message 29 – WHAT DID PAUL REALLY BOAST IN? PAUL AND BOASTING EXAMINED. WE OUGHT TO FOLLOW SUIT This matter of boasting is a vexed problem in scripture and Paul had a lot to say about it. I want to examine how it affected the Apostle and then to look ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 12:30, Galatians 6:12-13, Romans 15:16-18, 1 Corinthians 9:16, 2 Corinthians 7:3-4, 2 Corinthians 7:13, 2 Corinthians 11:16-20, 2 Corinthians 11:30, 2 Corinthians 12:5-6, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 1:30, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Romans 3:27, 2 Corinthians 10:17, Galatians 5:26, James 3:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Unstoppable Invitation Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Oct 23, 2024

Jesus pops up to speak in the middle of everyone on a major holiday with seemingly nowhere to go. Why would He risk His life? Why would He place Himself in such a dangerous position? Jesus risks everything to give us a gift that changes everything.

Have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t bet the farm on that if I were you?” There are many things in life we CANNOT count on. You CANNOT count on a politician’s promise. You CANNOT count on the weatherman’s forecast. And you cannot count on the pastor when he says, “I’ll be just one more minute.” ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-52

Denomination: Baptist

Hearing The Voice Of God

Contributed by Jm Raja Lawrence on Sep 22, 2025

Through Elijah's obedience and a widow's desperation, we discover how spiritual static blocks God's voice while positioning ourselves correctly opens heaven's communication channel in our daily lives.

Hearing the Voice of God Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 Kings 17:8-15 Introduction Have you ever stood in a crowded room where everyone's talking at once? You know someone's calling your name, but you can't quite make out their voice through all the noise. That's what life feels like sometimes, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-2, 1 Kings 17:8-15, John 1:14, John 10:27, 1 Kings 17:3-4, 1 Kings 18:42, 1 Kings 19:11-12, James 5:17, 1 Kings 17:12, Psalm 66:18, Jeremiah 29:11, Luke 9:24, James 4:2, 1 Kings 17:24, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Acts 13:2, Revelation 3:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational