Sermons on Rivers In The Desert:

Baptism Is Where It All Begins

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jan 14, 2023

Jesus walks into the waters of baptism, and salvation begins.

1.15.23 Matthew 3:13–17 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Keep Moving

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Aug 28, 2022

If the Christian life is anything, it is alive, it is progressive, it is not static. When Lots wife quit moving, she became a pillar of salt. Christianity is a movement not a monument.

I was asking the Lord, what is the word of the Lord for us this Sunday? And I heard him say, "keep moving." Everybody say, keep moving. Now tell you're neighbor like it's a life or death matter... you have to keep moving. Medical science tells us that one of the most important ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, Ezekiel 47:1-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Tempted Jesus

Contributed by Michael Demastus on Oct 22, 2001

Deals with the temptations of Jesus in the desert.

“THE TEMPTED JESUS” Matthew 4:1-11 INTRODUCTION: Read text ILLUSTRATION: “Cocoon” The cocoon of the Emperor moth is flask like in shape. To develop into a perfect insect, it must force its way through the neck of the cocoon by hours of intense struggle. Entomologists explain ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Oasis

Contributed by David Nolte on Jan 5, 2021

When we thirst in the desert, God provides an oasis.

The old song made famous by the Sons Of The Pioneers, describes a man and his mule trekking through the desert. The sun is hot, the journey is long, the canteen is empty and the outlook is grim. He laments: “All day I’ve faced a barren waste Without the taste of water, cool water. Old Dan and I ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-13, John 7:7-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Advice To Graduates And Other Folk

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 10, 2005

A motivational sermon to preach at the graduation of Seniors.

Advice to Graduates and Other Folk Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Are You Hearing Voices? Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Dec 4, 2012

The desert becomes a place of listening for those preparing to serve God. In the desert John would prepare the way for the Messiah (God). In our own deserts we must hear the voice of God in our preparation to serve him.

1. [At this time of year there is a clamor of people wanting out attention – advertisers; children and presents; adults and presents; 2. In the midst of all of the noise around us, God is also seeking to be heard [In Wizard of Oz – Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow journey ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pigs And Dogs Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 26, 2010

The correlation between evil and a bent to destroy is demonstrated in the sinister nature of false teachers within the church.

Pigs and Dogs (2 Peter 2:17-22) 1. Our daughter Hannah loved animals. At the age of 12 or so, she began helping out Polly at her exotic animal farm. 2. We had some strange pets because of this: a Pantagonian cavvy, also known as a Marah. Luke had a small possum that never even got as large as a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:17-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Ishmael Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 1, 2022

In Islamic beliefs, Abraham had prayed to God for a son. (God delivered this child to Abraham and later tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his only son at the time.

Ishmael Ishmael was the first son of Abraham through the Egyptian Hagar, the common patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, and is venerated by Muslims as a prophet. According to the Genesis account, he died at the age of 137. Personal Facts Born: Canaan Children: Nebaioth, Basemath, Adbeel, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Third Sunday Of Advent, Year A: Gaudete Sunday--John The Baptist: Danger And Beauty Of The Barren Places

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 2, 2022

It is just these types of lonely, painful moments that Jesus wants to redeem. John the Baptist got ministered to in prison by Jesus. He answered John’s question and complimented him to others.

A bedraggled little man once walked the streets of an Italian town 100 years ago. Many of the townspeople saw his pallid face, often tearful, as he stumbled along the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys. One day a kind soul, witnessing the man’s misery, came up to him, hoping to lift his sad ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1, Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Catholic

First Sunday Of Lent, Year C--Assume The Power, The Devil Told Him

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Feb 7, 2025

An image or fantasy is presented to me...

Satan tries to drive a wedge between Jesus and his Father. “If you are the Son of God,” Satan begins two his temptations. Same with us, with baptism, “If you are a child of God.” Doubting baptismal identity. Lent is a time of self-appraisal and accountability. When we remember and reflect on our ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:4-10, Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Catholic

New Beginnings Series

Contributed by Grant Van Boeschoten on Feb 1, 2008

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NRSV) 18 Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. 19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

New Beginnings Grant van Boeschoten January 20, 2007 There are a lot of golfers out there who have convinced themselves that it is OK to cheat, they even came up with a name for it so that it didn’t sound so bad. It’s called a Mulligan, a do over, a second chance. Here is how it goes. You step ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

Fruit: Tbd Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Feb 5, 2013

Trees in the desert display what they are. Some are deceptive, some are genuine. Likewise we can be bear good or bad fruit depending on our relationship with God.

1. Manchineel tree There is a tree in Chile that shades unknowing passersby from the intense tropical sun. However, the sap of the tree is poisonous. People who do not know better leave the shade with swollen faces, and hands – even death. 2. Jeremiah 17.5-8 3. Two trees – two choices ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Overcome Your Obstacles Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Jun 19, 2018

This sermon deals on how to overcome your obstacles based on Joshua 3. Simple steps to overcome your obstacles based on how the Israelites crossed flooding Jordan river.

Follow us on: Website: https://cityharvestag.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityHarvestA... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityharvestag/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityHarvestAGChurch/featured God does not place us on this planet without purpose. He has a divine design ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Step Into The Water

Contributed by Russ Houser on Feb 2, 2002

Crossing the rivers of life with the attitude of Joshua.

Step Into The Water 2-3-02 Joshua 3:1 - 4:11 Pray Intro Often we find ourselves at some sort of transition point in life. · What new things we need to buy, · Career decisions · Child development · Education · Etc Often times, we lean on our own understanding, or the wisdom of the world to ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Blessed Be Your Name: When I'm Found In The Desert Place Series

Contributed by Stephen Colaw on Nov 11, 2008

Part 2 of 2: When God gives and when He takes away, our only right response is praise.

THE POINT: When God gives and when God takes away, our only right response is praise! ME Last week we took some time and we practiced praise. Let me hear you again today… Give me a sample of what praise sounds like! Now, as we saw last week. Praise is more than just making noise, even if ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:20-21

Denomination: Wesleyan