Sermons on Raise The Bar:

I Think She's Asleep Now

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 13, 2009

Christ has interpreted the seventh commandment by the tenth to reflect the purity expected of those who are part of the Kingdom of Heaven. Marriage for a Christian is meant to reflect the relationship of Christ and His people.

“I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”[1] The people of Newburyport, Massachusetts were scandalized in the summer of 2004 when their mayor, Mary Anne Clancy, admitted to an affair with a married gym teacher. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:28

Denomination: Baptist

How To Destroy Your Enemies

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Oct 6, 2021

There are a lot of differences between Christianity and other religions. One of those differences is the way we treat our enemies.

SO, HOW ARE WE TO REACT TO OUR ENEMIES? The natural reaction of one who does not know Christ is to strike back and to seek the greatest retribution possible. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSE Illus: D.L. MOODY, IN ONE OF HIS SERMONS, PORTRAYS THE LORD JESUS GIVING DIRECTION TO PETER AFTER ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Baptist

Jumping In To Ministry Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 17, 2006

While knowing what your gift might be is helpful; God gets the glory when we use it. Because the end is near, bend your ear and hear these four calls of commitment.

Jumping in to Ministry 1 Peter 4:7-11 Rev. Brian Bill 9/17/06 After watching the game last Sunday afternoon, I realized that the end is near for the beloved Packers. I received an email from a Bears backer that went like this: “…May I suggest a couple of topic ideas for next week’s sermon? ‘Not ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

Storing Up Treasure

Contributed by Steve Malone on Aug 9, 2023

In this conversation we will answer 3 very important questions in regard to our treasures... 1) Where’s your heart? 2) How’s your vision? 3) Whose your master?

Storing Up Treasure Matthew 6:19-24 Welcome to church. Welcome to day 50 of the year 2023! So – how is the new year going for you? NOW – I want to begin our time this morning... by reading the passage of Scripture that we will unpack today. It is Matthew 6:19-24... let's take turns reading it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Creating New Strongholds - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jul 5, 2019

We examine the strongholds operating in Peter and John when they were confronted by the religious leaders

The last time we were together, we began looking at ways of thinking that the Apostle Paul describes as “strong holds.” Found only in 2 Corinthians 10:4, “strongholds” are wrong thoughts and beliefs about God that have been emotionally hardwired into our minds that hinder, what 2 Timothy 2:4 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:4, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Acts 4:1-2, Acts 4:10-26, Acts 3:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Cares?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Oct 17, 2010

Although David had 400 men around him, They were all so focused on their own concerns that they didn't really care about David or what he was going through. His statement in verse 4 expresses his dispair raising a question for us today – “Who cares?”

Who Cares? Psalms 142:4 Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul. Introduction: Psalm 142 was written by David when he was hiding in a cave from Saul, who was seeking his life. It is possible that while in that cave he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 142:4

Denomination: Baptist

Three Models Of Mothering (Exodus 1-2)

Contributed by James Jackson on May 8, 2022

Summary: In Exodus 1-2, we see three great examples of what it means to be a mother. But only one is a biological mother. This Mother’s Day, whether you are mothering your own children, raising someone else’s children, or simply speaking up for the rights of children, we honor you today.

I'm grateful for Dennis King's sermon, "Jochebed and Other Women" on Sermon Central. His work was the starting point for this sermon Good morning! Please open your Bibles to Exodus 2. We are taking another break from Romans. Today, I’d like to preach a sermon specifically ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Between A Rock Ad A Hard Place Series

Contributed by John L Jefferson on Sep 21, 2025

My brothers and sisters, the story of Israel at the Red Sea is not just their story — it is our story. They were a people who had been in bondage for over 400 years, crying out to God for deliverance. And God raised up a leader, Moses, who stood toe to toe with Pharaoh and said, “Let my people go.”

Between a Rock and a Hard Place Text: Exodus 14:1–14 ________________________________________ Introduction Isn’t it funny how we are constantly living in the past...? Isn’t it funny how we concentrate on how things used to be, what we used to have… What we used to do…? Memories are good to have… ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Land Of Beginning Again

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 15, 2003

For New Year’s: a participatory sermon, raising the questions: [1] What comfort zone is God calling you to leave? [2] What frightens you most about what God is calling you toward? [3] In what ways have you resisted God’s desire to bless you? [4] How is G

Every now and then God does something which guarantees that those among whom He is working will never be the same again. Whatever it is that He does may seem small and insignificant at the time, but after a while you come to realize that He has done something which has changed everything. We’ve ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-3, Psalm 137:1

Denomination: Baptist

Diverse Communities

Contributed by Tim Smith on Mar 9, 2009

Peter had been raised to believe one thing only to find it wasn’t true. Peter had always thought God was an exclusive God, for the Jews only, that Gentiles were second-class who didn’t deserve God’s attention like the Jews did.
But now, Peter sees h

Diverse Communities Galatians 3:26-29 Have you ever believed something, only to find out that it wasn’t true? Consider these old wives tales. If you go outside with wet hair, you’ll catch a cold. Cold weather, wet hair, and chills don’t cause colds; viruses do. Reading in dim light will damage your ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29

Denomination: Methodist

Being Renewed (Graduation Sunday) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jun 5, 2021

We think home is a place of renewal. We think we can go home and rest. And we can, but only if our focus is right. Home won’t renew us, won’t build us up, unless the focus of our home is on the One who raises us into a new kingdom, a new reality.

Main: If you’re looking for snapshots of well-adjusted and happy parent-child relationships from the ancient world, the Bible probably shouldn’t be on your short list of sources. Consider even Jesus’ family, for example. The New Testament preserves evidence suggesting that Jesus’ relationship with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:21

Denomination: United Methodist

Surrendered Leaders, Transformed Communities

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Sep 23, 2025

All around us, as leaders, we long to see real change. We try different strategies, programs, and initiatives. Sometimes we pour so much energy into them, yet true and lasting transformation seems just out of reach. That raises the question: How can we see our communities truly transformed?

Introduction All around us, as leaders, we long to see real change - in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and in our nation. We try different strategies, programs, and initiatives. Sometimes we pour so much energy into them, yet have you felt like - true and lasting ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

The God Who Answers By Fire Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 15, 2025

1 Kings 18 is a divine call to revival. When a nation turns away from God, He raises voices like Elijah—bold, prayerful, and uncompromising. The God who answers by fire is still alive today. He is calling His people back to the altar, back to pure worship, and back to a place of total surrender.

THE GOD WHO ANSWERS BY FIRE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 18:1-46 Supporting Texts: Malachi 3:18; Hebrews 12:29; James 5:17-18; Jeremiah 20:9; Psalm 24:3-5 INTRODUCTION: 1 Kings 18 is one of the most dramatic and powerful chapters in Scripture. Israel was in deep apostasy, with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:1-46

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Easter Sermon

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Apr 28, 2020

A sermon I had intended to give on Easter Sunday 2020 but was prevented by stay-at-home order from the Governor because of the COVID19 pandemic. It addresses Jesus' resurrection in connection with the "first resurrection" of Revelation 20 and the universal resurrection.

Note: I have developed a set of PowerPoint slides for use with this sermon. If you are interested in the slides I will send them to you by Email. Email your request to me at sam@srmccormick.net and be sure to enter "Easter Slides" in the subject line (otherwise I am likely to overlook ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5, Romans 6:8-11, Ephesians 2:1-6, 1 Peter 1:3, Acts 24:14-15, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:13-14, Matthew 27:54, Matthew 28:2, Matthew 27:52, Matthew 28:11, Revelation 4:1, Genesis 2:16-17, Revelation 21:6-8, Revelation 12:7-11, Revelation 12:8-11, Luke 10:18, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, Romans 6:3-5, John 5:24-29, Revelation 20:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fixing Your Eyes On The Promises Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 23, 2021

God commended Joseph's faith for the strangest reason - because Joseph "gave directions concerning his bones." Seriously? Joseph's faith was praised because of his funeral arrangements? What's that all about, and what can it mean to us?

CHILDREN'S STORY: When we get done here I PROMISE you I’ll give you a sucker. Do you know what a promise is? A promise is when someone tells you they’re going to do something… and then they do it. Now a promise is about something that will happen LATER. You parents will say “I promise we’ll go ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ