Sermons on Raise The Bar:

The Ministry Of Thorns

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Jan 6, 2012

Thorns create a dependence on God

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 -- “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” or this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Mockery, I Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Dec 25, 2012

A king who leaves his own position in glory to take on the sins of his people – that is a king worthy to follow.

Introduction “We are going up to Jerusalem,” [Jesus] said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him” ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:16-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Slow Starters Are Not No Starters. Series

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Dec 14, 2011

Abram is finally getting into gear and making some real spiritual progress.

Intro: 1. Some things are slow starters. The first electric light was so dim that a candle was needed to see its socket; One of the first steamboats took 32 hours to chug its way from New York to Albany, a distance of 150 miles; Wilbur and Orville Writght's first airplane flight lasted only 12 ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:5-18

Denomination: Baptist

I Do Not Understand What I Do Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Dec 22, 2013

Paul struggled with his sin nature, just like us. Here is what he said about the sin nature and God’s deliverance. 1- Sin lives in me 2- God’s law delights me 3- Rescue awaits me

INTRO.- I don’t understand what I do at times! What about you? I think this is true for most people. ILL.- Wayne Smith preached at the Southland Christian Church in Lexington, KY, for 40 years and had a great ministry. He was a well-loved preacher and full of laughter, but sometimes, he ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14-25, Romans 8:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Strong Man; Weak Mind

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 12, 2013

What does God expect His servants to do with all that He has given them? All the talents, gifts, and opportunities? God expects His servants to live life with dignity and decency.

22 February 2006 Strong Man; weak Mind Judges 16:1-16:31 Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger asked an assistant to prepare an analysis on a special assignment. The assistant worked night and day. An hour after he gave it to ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

A Drinker Turned Drunk Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Feb 4, 2013

The passage asks questions, calls for observations & gives answers. It gives a description of the attractions as well as the effects of wine. Drinking is suppose to be characterized by happiness & merriment, but it is overshadowed by woes or problems. Th

PROVERBS 23: 29-35 A DRINKER TURNED DRUNK [Proverbs 23:19-21] This Proverb gives the picture of a drinker of alcoholic beverages. The father, talking to His son (v.15), passes from the sin of uncleanness to that of drunkenness because they are closely related. To wallow with wantonness in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Coming To Faith

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Feb 1, 2016

Theme: Coming to Faith - Isaiah, Paul and Peter come to faith through: 1. An epiphany/encounter with the LORD 2. Acknowledging and confessing their sinfulness 3. Accepting God's purifying touch 4. Partnering with the LORD JESUS

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10; Luke 5:1-11; [1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and Acts 9:1-19] - Epiphany 5 Theme: Coming to Faith - All three individuals (Isaiah, Paul and Peter) come to faith through: 1. An epiphany/encounter with the LORD 2. Acknowledging and confessing their ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Nazarene

The Gospel According To Star Trek Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jun 19, 2015

: Accepting the Great Commission requires following the directives of Captain Jesus.

The Gospel According To Star Trek Text: Acts 8:26-40 Introduction 1. Illustration: If you've ever been a fan of the sci-fi show Star Trek then you are familiar with the quote that opened every episode. "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus And Zacchaeus Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Aug 1, 2015

An analysis of Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 teaches us about Jesus mission to seek to save the lost.

Scripture Jesus’ mission was to seek and to save the lost. And he seeks and finds every lost person the Father gave him to seek and to find. Today, we will learn about Jesus seeking and finding a man who was lost. Let’s read about Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10: 1 He entered ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

All Of Us Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 12, 2015

If we’re going to build God’s Kingdom in these desperate times, we must all work humbly together.

In a classic episode from The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960’s, Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry, is out of town. His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized Gomer, the local mechanic. The two deputies are walking down the street one evening when they notice that someone ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Jesus, The Holy One Of God Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Sep 15, 2015

The Holy One of Israel in the Old Testament, YHWH, Jehovah, is revealed as the Holy One of God, Jesus, in the New Testament through Peter's profession in John 6.

Jesus: The Holy One of God: John 6:64-71 I love preaching through books of the Bible because I always know where I will be preaching next week…and so will you! John 6 is a very powerful chapter and we have seen Jesus feed 5,000 men and ...read more

Scripture: John 6:64-71

Denomination: Baptist

We Love To Be First

Contributed by Troy Borst on Aug 30, 2016

Segmented Narrative sermon which follows a selfish/self-absorbed family that illustrates that "We Love to Be First"

WE LOVE TO BE FIRST 3 JOHN 1:1-14 #mefirst THREAD: WE LOVE TO BE FIRST READ 3 John 1:1-14 “The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Suffering Can Be A Gift Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on May 4, 2010

God stacks up treasures for his people through our suffering for his sake.

Scripture Introduction Jesus calls us blessed when reviled and persecuted on his account. We hear that and probably grit our teeth and determine to bear it should the need arise. The possibility of suffering frightens, and the culture of comfort surrounding us suggests we avoid situations where ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:29-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Desperate Places

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Aug 6, 2010

You can sometimes be placed in difficult situations but be in the perfect will of God.

Philippians 1:12 KJV But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; Philippians 1:12 AMPLIFIED Now I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Introduction To Book Of Micah

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Mar 28, 2010

Background to the 4th largest book of the Minor Prophets

Intro: 1. Kyle Yates, “It is good to find a worthy champion of the poor who has courage and power to deliver an effective message…His profound sympathy with the oppressed people came to life in unforgettable words. His spirit burned with righteous indignation as he saw the rank ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:1

Denomination: Baptist