Sermons on Productive Rest:

Focused On One Thing

Contributed by Ian Hyde on Aug 22, 2023

In a world full of distraction, it is more important than ever to refocus our attention and worship on what truly matters: Christ.

TOO BUSY TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING How many of you have ever had a day where you had so much to do, that you just couldn’t get anything done? As soon as you’d start a task, something else – just as essential – would grab your attention, and then just as you got the ball rolling, a third thing would ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 56:1-8, Matthew 11:15-19

Denomination: Nazarene

Parables Of The Kingdom – The First - The Sower Or Rather The Soil – Part 4 Of 5 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 1, 2025

We are studying the third soil in the Parable of the Sower and now consider the reasons why the good seed gets choked by thorns. How many of us know someone who walked as a strong Christian but just departed the faith? It is a complex matter and we try to see why that happens.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM – THE FIRST - THE SOWER OR RATHER THE SOIL – Part 4 of 5 In the last message we did the seed that fell on the rocky soil, and we also did some of the seed that was choked by thorns. We will finish that choked seed this time. Let us revise the relevant verses from last ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:14, Matthew 13:7, Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 11:28-29, Matthew 6:31-33, Matthew 6:34, 1 Timothy 6:9-11, Proverbs 21:17, Matthew 16:26, Philippians 4:11, Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:10, 1 Timothy 6:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Deadly Art Of Idolmaking

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 19, 2025

Idolatry isn’t about statues; it’s anything we trust more than God, but Christ calls us from these false securities into an unbreakable covenant of love.

Introduction – An Unforgettable Ride It’s just as well that I have forgotten most of my hitchhiking stories. But one memory has stayed with me, as clear as if it happened yesterday. Back in April of 1975, I was hitchhiking in the early spring. It seemed like winter, even though the calendar said ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 7:9, Isaiah 42:8, Matthew 6:24, 1 John 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

You Can Overcome Failure Series

Contributed by Archie Norman on Feb 12, 2015

the benefits of failure

You Can Overcome Failure I Kings 15:4-5 1. Is there something that you have done that haunts you - Psalm 51:3 * "What if" regrets * "What if" reminders 2. Is there something you have done that is inexcusable * Amazing protection * Amazing productivity 3. Is there something you have done ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 15:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Foundational Parable Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Mar 8, 2020

Why is it so important to understand the Parable of the Sower?

1. Jesus indicates that if you do not understand the parable of the sower, you will not have the foundation upon which to build your understanding of other parables. 2. The parable of the sower contains four basic elements that are essential to understanding the kingdom of God: A. Sowing – ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:4-15, Mark 4:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Complement To The Gospel

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jul 27, 2005

With the advent of the Gospel of Christ, the wrath of God took on special significance. The light of the Gospel of Christ brings new significance to the wrath of God. The Gospel of Christ confronts one with a Complementary....

THE COMPLEMENT TO THE GOSPEL—Romans. 1:18-23 With the advent of the Gospel of Christ, the wrath of God took on special significance. The wrath of God takes on special significance in the light of the Gospel of Christ. The light of the Gospel of Christ brings new significance to the wrath of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18

Denomination: Baptist

What 's Sin?

Contributed by Robert Cox on Sep 5, 2006

Sometimes it needs to be spelled out in black and white for us....the Bible is very clear!

I love the study of history - learning about past civilizations and cultures. What it was like to live in the Roman Empire during its first two centuries particularly fascinates me. An area of Roman life that I found to be rather interesting was the position of slaves. In Paul’s day, half of ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Time For A Break Out

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Oct 30, 2006

This sermon describes the revolution that occurs when God’s people are inspired by the Holy Spirit and break out to be fruitful in God’s service.

Introduction: Several months ago I was reading the words of a college football expert. In this article he said he anticipated certain players, whom he named, to have break out seasons. He described a break out season. A player having a break out season is one who moves to a new level of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:4

Denomination: Baptist

Delusional People

Contributed by Norris Harris I on May 8, 2004

Perhaps we are witnessing a singular moment in history. With the ascent of America as the unchallenged super power, some dubious preconceived misconceptions have ascended also.

"For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness." 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 [NIV] Perhaps we are witnessing a singular moment in history. With the ascent of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

"No More Than You Ought To"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Oct 2, 2004

God gives us all the faith we need, it’s up to us what we do with it.

Luke 17:5-10 “No More Than You Ought To” By Rev. Kenneth Emerson Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA www.parkview-umc.org “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” How many times have we asked the Lord for this same thing… A couple of times? A ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: United Methodist

Freedom Or License

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Jul 3, 2001

Real freedom comes from God.

Last Sunday night after all that we did with church I went home with my only intention being to vedg out in front of the television. I was tired. I didn’t want to have to do anything or think about anything. I know that may of you felt the same way. While it was a wonderful day, it was also ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-25

Denomination: Methodist

Get Connected

Contributed by Douglas Turner on Sep 15, 2008

A new set of equations to help us understand the importance of Christian Community.

The book of Ecclesiastes is the reflection of an old man who had examined his life and the lives of those around him. As the author reflected on man, he discovered that people pursue many things that are without value or meaning. Knowing that he was approaching the end of his journey, the author ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Intentional Impact Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jan 17, 2008

Exposition of Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 about the measures taken to strengthen the city to the glory of God

Text: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, Title: Intentional Impact, Date/Place: NRBC, 1/20/08, PM A. Opening illustration: Tell about Armitage Baptist Church reaching out to Muslims in the city in the aftermath of 9/11. “If one percent of evangelicals living outside the inner city had the faith and courage to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be A Branch

Contributed by Carl Greene on May 12, 2009

Jesus speaks to His disciples describing the "Vine" and "branches." We branches are conduits passing on to others God’s grace as it flows through us. If we stay connected to the vine, God’s Grace passes through us on the way to someone in need and they wi

How many folks here like to “savor the flavor” of a really good glass of wine? Wine is often associated with special events, and surely with fine meals. In fact, there has been quite a bit of evidence provided to show that a glass of red wine once a day is a heart healthy practice. When you ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

The Breastplate Of Righteousness Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Sep 11, 2012

Second piece of the spiritual armor fo God. The truth of the fact that we are only righteous through what Crhist has done for us and not in anything that we can do for ourselves.

The Breastplate of Righteousness Ephesians chapter 6:1-6:20 Introduction- We are still in the series “Putting on the whole armor of God.” Today we will be looking at the breastplate of righteousness. Ephesians chapter 6:10-6:20 Let’s recap this so far and I hope that you ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Nazarene