Sermons on Restrict:

Change Inevitable, Growth Optional

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 8, 2023

But our world seems bound to turn its back on God’s gift.

Fifteenth Sunday in Course (A) Originally 13 July 2008 edited 2023 “Farmers are the founders of human civilization,” said Daniel Webster. Farming and gardening are just the same the analogies chosen by the Lord to illustrate a profound truth about the loving mercy of our God. Moreover, if we pay ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23, Romans 8:18-23, Isaiah 55:10-11, Psalm 65:10-13

Denomination: Catholic

Sermon On Materialism

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 24, 2023

Materialism is defined as a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Nancy Pearcey, an American author once remarked: “When a person accepts materialism as a life philosophy, its effects do not stay neatly contained within the mental realm. It leads to destructive personal behavior and harmful public consequences.” Luke 12:15 reminds us: And he said to them, “Take ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:16, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:33-34

Sermon On A Second Chance

Contributed by William Meakin on Aug 26, 2022

Weather is defined as a state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, cloudiness, wind, rain, etc.

Alfred Wainwright, a British fell-walker, guidebook author and illustrator once remarked: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Leviticus 26:4 confirms: “Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:9, Matthew 18:21-22, Isaiah 43:18, Jonah 2:1-10

Sermon On Wonderment & Adventure

Contributed by William Meakin on Oct 26, 2022

Wonderment is defined as a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar.

Helen Keller, an American author once remarked: “Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” Acts 2:22 reminds us: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:48, Acts 14:3, Isaiah 40:31, Luke 1:37

The Unsown Seed Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Nov 3, 2022

Have we been obedient? Is the seed yet in the barn?

This is Haggai's subsequent message, given during the Feast of Tabernacles, around the month of October, 520 B.C. The more seasoned individuals, the elders, could recollect the unbelievable magnificence of Solomon's Temple, which had been annihilated 66 years sooner. Many were debilitated ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sick Or Tired? Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

We are to pray in faith: not in particular outcomes, but in God. It is up to God to determine whether spiritual, emotional, or physical healing is needed.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately." So said Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The American colonists were declaring themselves free of one powerful authority and committing themselves to another. They expected to be ...read more

Scripture: James 5:15-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Is Revival?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 19, 2022

What is revival? Revival is a restitution or a restoration to spiritual vigor. Revival is a reawakening of spiritual fervor. It is to revitalize the spiritual ardor of oneself, of a group of believers so as to reestablish the ability to win new members to Christ.

What is revival? Revival is a restitution or a restoration to spiritual vigor. Revival is a reawakening of spiritual fervor. It is to revitalize the spiritual ardor of oneself, of a group of believers so as to reestablish the ability to win new members to Christ. As Spurgeon said, “Revival is to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon On Living The Truth

Contributed by William Meakin on Dec 16, 2023

What we make of life is imperative to our well-being.

Lysa TerKeurst, an American author once remarked: "Remember who you are. Don't compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth." John 8:32 confirms: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” What we make of life is ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, John 5:24, Isaiah 53:6, Exodus 18:21

Sermon For Epiphany

Contributed by William Meakin on Dec 21, 2023

Epiphany is defined as the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.

Sarah Ban Breathnach, an American author, philanthropist and public speaker once remarked: “Everyday epiphanies encourage us to cherish everything. Today a new sun has risen. Everything lives. Everything can speak to your soul passionately if you will be still enough to listen. "You have to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:13, Psalm 67:2, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:13-16

Sermon On Blue-Sky Thinking

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 15, 2024

A kite is defined as a light frame, often of quadrilateral design, with a thin material stretched over it, which is strategically flown in the air at the end of a long piece of string.

Börje Ekholm, a Swedish business executive once remarked: “I think we have challenges, but we have so many opportunities to get it right. I like it when we have a little bit of a headwind. The kite actually lifts when you have a headwind and doesn't when there is lift from the back.” James ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:4-6, James 1:12, Isaiah 31:5

Sermon On The Way Ahead

Contributed by William Meakin on Feb 9, 2024

A mountain is defined as a large natural elevation of the earth’s surface, rising abruptly from the surrounding level.

John Muir, a Scottish author and mountaineer once remarked: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:10, Matthew 17:20, Mark 11:23, 2 Peter 1:21

Have We Been Obedient?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Mar 18, 2024

What have we done with what God has given us? God has given us something important to take care of in the church, at our work environment, and at our home.

This is Haggai's subsequent message, given during the Feast of Tabernacles, around the month of October, 520 B.C. The more seasoned individuals, the elders, could recollect the unbelievable magnificence of Solomon's Temple, which had been annihilated 66 years sooner. Many were ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Don’t Limit Your Miracle!

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Jun 17, 2023

The woman’s limitation to believe staff can work hindered the miracle. If she would have trusted that the staff was enough for God to heal, that would have been enough for her miracle to manifest. This teaches us an important lesson that we can limit the power of God through our lack of faith.

The Bible has accounts of several miraculous healings both in the Old and New Testament: Namaan, being healed of his leprosy, Hezekiah healed of his lump, Bartholomew healed of his blindness, a man at Bethesda healed of his paralysis and the list continues. Even today, we hear testimonies around ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:18-37, Mark 6:5-6, Acts 19:12, Matthew 13:58, 2 Kings 13:21, Luke 8:43-44, Acts 5:15  (view more)  (view less)

What Does It Mean That Our Body Is The Temple?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 14, 2023

We are to use our body to give God glory in all that we do.

In these first few verses, Paul was portraying the qualities of unbelievers. He does not imply that these individuals are automatically and permanently prevented from going to heaven. Christians come from all foundations, including these. They might continue to battle with malicious longings; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon On The Concepts Of Nature

Contributed by William Meakin on Feb 14, 2025

Nature has been defined as the collective nonpareil of the physical world.

Sylvia Plath, an American poet and author once remarked: “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery - air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy.” Job 12:7-10 reminds us: “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:11-12, Isaiah 55:12, Romans 1:20, Ecclesiastes 3:11