Sermons on Rails:

"Guardrails"

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Oct 7, 2014

The sermon describes the guardrails God gives us to help and maintain our journey with Him.

Psalm 121 “Guardrails” Andy Stanley says guardrails are, “a system designed to keep us from straying into dangerous or off-limit areas.” Have you ever had a problem going across the new River Gorge Bridge? When I'm going ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

Third Rail Of Politics Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Nov 7, 2024

Let's talk about politics. There are three reasons most pastors and churches don't talk about politics - Money, Job Security, Community influence.

There are several iconic contemporary proverbs that swirl around us. One of the most familiar may be, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex at the dinner table” or slightly modified for pastors, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex on Sunday morning if you want to keep your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:17, Romans 13:1-14, 1 Timothy 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, Matthew 6:33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Third Rail: Sex Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Nov 7, 2024

We don’t talk about sex because it is only a symbol, a surrogate for what we really long for - a deep and unwavering connection of our soul to God’s heart.

There are several iconic contemporary proverbs that swirl around us. One of the most familiar may be, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex in polite company” or slightly modified for pastors, “don't talk about religion, politics or sex on Sunday morning if you want to keep your job.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:19-20, Matthew 5:27-32, John 8:1-11, Matthew 19:12, 1 John 4:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon On The Distorted Rails Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Jun 2, 2025

Rails are defined as a steel bar or continuous line of bars laid and secured to sleepers as one of a pair forming a railway track.

Jenkin Lloyd Jones, a Welsh-born author and church minister practising in the United States of America once remarked: “Life is just like an old time rail journey ... delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:12, Matthew 7:13-14, Jeremiah 10:23, Psalm 25:4-5

The Dangers Of A One-Rail Faith

Contributed by Jim Kane on Jul 11, 2002

“Are you satisfied with merely knowing the acts of God or do you also want to know His ways?” Henry and Richard Blackaby

1. I begin this morning by challenging you with your knowledge of TV commercials and I begin with this one: Wider Is Better! 2. What’s the product? Pontiac automobiles. What’s the point of the commercial? A wider stance means a safer car. 3. Now, speaking of wider is better I want to have you ...read more

Denomination: Church Of God

Called To Bless.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jun 11, 2024

"Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."

CALLED TO BLESS. 1 Peter 3:8-15a. Peter names five virtues whereby we might be a blessing to one another (1 PETER 3:8). (i). Like-mindedness; i.e. living in harmony with one another. Being willing to submit ourselves to one another in godly love (cf. Ephesians 5:21). (ii). Compassion; i.e. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Shine The Light!

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Oct 26, 2002

A message encouraging us to not just "rail against the darkness" but to be active in bringing the light of God’s Word to society.

Shine the Light Matthew 5:14-16 October 27, 2002 Introduction You’ve probably noticed that the days are getting shorter. Actually, the days are still the same length. They are 24 hours long, just like they’ve always been. But the darkness is getting longer. Night falls earlier, and the light ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16, John 1:1-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

Healing Prayer

Contributed by Mark Haines on Nov 3, 2001

A deductive exposition of the text leading individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit to accept an invitation to come forward to the altar rail and pray for healing.

Introduction: I’d like you to join me on a journey into a topic that’s filled with controversy and confusion. Today we will consider the idea of “Healing Prayer.” 1. What is “healing”? According to the words used in the New testament:  Healing means to MEND something that’s ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Wesleyan

How Do Hope Filled People Live? Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Dec 29, 2001

A deductive exposition of the text calling individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit to indicate their commitment to replace one habit in the next 6 months by signing a response card and placing it on the altar rail.

Introduction: What does HOPE mean to you? I’m afraid that too often we use HOPE to mean a futile wish or an ineffective dream. When people talk of HOPE they usually do so with a feeling of resignation or despair. But real HOPE is a much stronger idea. In "The Lord of the Rings", one character is ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Caring For Others Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Jan 19, 2002

A deductive exposition of selected texts on the church’s ministry of caring for others leading individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit to indicate their commitment to care for others by coming to the altar rail to pray.

This is God’s church because gave His life for us (Acts 20:28). He set the standard for CARING about others. God cared enough to become one of us, to live, to die and to break down every barrier between us and an unending relationship with Him. “Commitment” is so important to God that He ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Denomination: Wesleyan

Rollercoaster Cynicism Series

Contributed by Steve Akins on Oct 5, 2006

What is a cynic? Oxford English Dictionary describes a cynic as a person “disposed to rail or find fault” and as one who “shows a disposition to disbelieve in … sincerity… and is wont to express this by sneers and sarcasm.” In short, the cynic is “a s

What is a cynic? Oxford English Dictionary describes a cynic as a person “disposed to rail or find fault” and as one who “shows a disposition to disbelieve in … sincerity… and is wont to express this by sneers and sarcasm.” In short, the cynic is “a sneering fault-finder.” An attitude of ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Sacrament Of Holy Communion

Contributed by Joseph Neil Adams on Jan 18, 2008

Too many people in Church have never understood that HC is such a powerful mission event. In this celebration we don’t just proclaim Jesus we meet Him so the rail is the safest place on earth

The Sacrament of Communion 1 Corinthians 11:17-29 I have talked about many times how we encounter God in all things but also in specific things. Our experience of love isn’t of love in general, but rather it is specific; like the affection & love of a child or parent or partner for instance. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-29

Denomination: Methodist

Love God & Your Neighbor Series

Contributed by Mark Haines on Oct 12, 2001

An inductive message that seeks to eliminate inadequate answers to the question “How can I know God is working in my life?” As a result, individuals prompted by the Holy Spirit will pray at the altar rail to receive God’s help in order to love Him with a

Purpose: to be the Holy Spirit’s second witness calling God’s people in my care to love God and their neighbors. Visual Illustration: “Stone Tablets” marked I and II for the two greatest commandments. Key Question: How can I know God is working in my life? 1. Some people suggest looking for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Wesleyan

Nails

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 27, 2004

A sermon on the Crucifixion.

Colossians 2:13-15 – “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

Weak And Strong Christians.

Contributed by Melvin Shelton on Oct 16, 2003

There is a time you can be right and altogether wrong.

Weak and strong Christians. Rom. 14. 10/19/03 This morning I have a situation and I really need your help. I know that you have just been waiting for this moment and eager to help me. Because without your help this message will not be relevant at all. Because, you see, there is a time you can ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23

Denomination: Baptist