Sermons on Rivers In The Desert:

Trials And Temptations

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

God tested the Israelites in the desert to know what was in their hearts, and tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice Isaac. God allows external hardships or difficult situations produce good qualities in us.

Opening illustration: Illustrate the difference between Temptation and Trial. Introduction: In the New Testament, the same Greek word (peirazo) is used for trial, test, and temptation. The basic meaning of peirazo is to test something to determine its response, value, or character. When peirazo is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Of The Roller Coasters

Contributed by Robert Fox on Jan 26, 2006

Uses Elijah’s mountaintop experience on Carmel followed by his pity-fest in the desert to talk about the highs and lows of life. You can’t live on the mountaintop. Fortunately, our God is God of the valleys also. Student Ministry PowerPoint format.

[Living in the Valleys] Slide Graphic - photo of tall mountain and deep dark valley Slide Text - Elijah came to a juniper tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4) I love mission trips! I had such a good time on this ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Philip And The Ethiopian Eunuch Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 29, 2017

Philip is leaving a place where there has been a great movement of the Spirit of God, to go into a place, a desert, where there is nobody. However, when he gets there, he finds that God does have someone to whom he is to witness.

February 16, 2014 By: Tom Lowe Topic #III: The Church Scattered into Palestine and Syria (8:4-12:25) Subtopic A. The Ministry of Philip (8:4-40). Lesson III.A.2: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (8:26-39) Introduction The first mentioned of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-39

Denomination: Baptist

Like Ezekiel, We Are Also Called

Contributed by Ron Hietsch on Jul 21, 2006

We are called to give God the best of our talents, a fair amount of time and a tenth or more of our gross income. Have we turned our backs on God? Will we get to mourn our misfortune along the banks of a foreign river?

July 23 2006 --- 7th Sunday after Pentecost ---- Ezekiel 2:1-5 Grace Mercy and peace from God the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The prophet Ezekiel is the type of man that I enjoy reading about. He lived during a time of international upheaval. The balance of power in the area ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 2:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

"Now Is The Time!"

Contributed by Daniel Schroeder on Jan 7, 2002

Sometimes we aren’t sure if “now” is the right time for things. At the Jordan River, about 30 years after Jesus was born, now was the time. Time for what? It’s time for Jesus to be baptized.

“Now Is The Time!” I. For Jesus to step in line with sinners (13-15) II. For the Father to state a line of acceptance (16-17) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “When it’s the right fit, it’s the right fit. You know it. I just felt it.” That was the quote in the newspapers headlines ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Bridging The Gap

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 12, 2021

There are millions of people who, when they die, will be unable to cross over into eternal life, because they are on the wrong side of the river of eternity. However, there is hope; as God has made a bridge through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When I pastored in western Kentucky, the Eggner Ferry Bridge on Highway 68, which spanned Kentucky Lake, was hit by a barge and collapsed. This was a major route from Cadiz over “The Land between the Lakes” into Murray. People regularly traveled to Murray for doctor visits; and people worked in ...read more

Scripture: Job 33:22-28

Denomination: Baptist

The New Heaven And Earth Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Oct 2, 2023

Study #12: This study looks at descriptions of the New Jerusalem, including its size, dimensions and inhabitants; discusses the Tree of Life and River of Life; and views the urgent invitation extended to come and join Jesus for all eternity.

NOTE: This Bible study on the end times comes from the perspective of a pre-tribulation Rapture. Tonight, we will be looking at Revelation 21 and 22, and work toward finishing our Revelation and Endtimes Overview study. This evening’s session will present “a glimpse into eternity.” We will be ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-27, Revelation 22:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Four Gardens Of Life

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jul 13, 2001

Ravi Zacharias’ book "Jesus Among other Gods" gave the idea for this Easter sermon. It looks at four gardens, Eden, the desert, Gethsemene, and the garden where the tomb was and relates each garden to a time in our lives.

Four Gardens of Life Introduction: One of the things that I look forward to in the spring is planting our gardens. Leslie and I are starting to put away some money for plants. She is telling me some things that she would like to do with the flowers, and I have been telling her some things I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Leadership In Exodus

Contributed by Andy Payne on Jul 25, 2010

The church is to be catalyst for God continued work in the world. Are we willing to leave the comfort of home – for the Promised Land? As we head for the unknown [the uncomfortable desert] – are ready to risk all to grow the Kingdom?

Leadership in Exodus In Exodus 1-15 INTRO: Brian McLaren Conference: World-Church-Me 1. Leading the individual Moses: Born to a Hebrew Family Adopted by the Egyptian princess Despised by the Hebrew labourers Murders an Egyptian and flees the area Finds his wife – has children and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God Rescues!

Contributed by Jordan Satterfield on Jan 29, 2013

4 word pictures from Psalm 107. People are in real trouble...1) Stranded in the Desert 2) Sitting in a Dungeon 3) Suffering with Disease and 4) Sinking in the deep. They cry out to God & God Rescues!

God Rescues! Psalm 107 Introduction: Warren Wiersbe told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston, and Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 107:1-32

Denomination: Holiness

What Does It Mean That Jesus "takes Away The Sin Of The World"?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 18, 2020

A look into the idea from the Day of Atonement of the "scapegoat." Jesus doesn't just forgive our sin - He removes our sin, like a goat being taken away into the desert.

JOHN'S PROCLAMATION: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - John 1:29. - This is an Easter truth that we love to proclaim – and rightfully so! - Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - Tell a story that emphasizes only the forgiveness part, not the removal part. - But what if we don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29

Denomination: Baptist

An Extravagant Gift Of Appreciation

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Oct 19, 2023

Seeing all the smiles, but knowing there was a betrayal, a denial, and desertion just ahead. It must have been tempting to stop the celebration and pour out his heart, but Jesus smiled and received this gift of appreciation, then celegrated the giver.

Sermon - An Extravagant Gift of Appreciation Scripture Lesson: Matthew 26:6-16 “Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-16, Matthew 10:40-42, Mark 14:9, 2 Samuel 24:18-25

Denomination: Methodist

Resurrection Wonder

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 25, 2011

I took an article by Tim Woodroof titled "Resurrection Wonder" and made it into this sermon.

Introduction: A. This week as I prepared for this sermon, I received an email from Tim Woodroof with an article he had written several years ago called “Resurrection Wonder.” 1. I was so inspired by the article that I turned it into this sermon. B. The story is told of a man who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon # 39 - How To Handle Rejection Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Oct 13, 2023

Have you gone through rejection and are feeling unworthy or unloved? This message will help us understand how much God loves us, and how He can bring healing to all of our hurts from the past.

We read in Isaiah 60:15, “You were hated and deserted, rejected by everyone. But I will make you beautiful, a city to be proud of for all time to come.”(CEV) There are two states that are mentioned in the above verse, the first is one is that of hatred, desertion and rejection, while the second ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:15, Matthew 10:36, 1 Samuel 16:10-11, Psalm 27:10, John 4:17-18, Genesis 29:16-18, Genesis 29:25, Genesis 29:32-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Mini-Series: Seasons Of Spiritual & Physical Expansions - The Jabez Factors To Expansion (Part 1: An Introduction)

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 9, 2020

Jabez represents anyone who is going through difficulties in life. Maybe he is humiliated by family, called pain by his mother, and deserted by father. He seems to have no property, no cash and no future. In that desperation, desperate prayer comes in and everything changes.

MINI-SERIES: SEASONS OF SPIRITUAL & PHYSICAL EXPANSIONS - THE JABEZ FACTORS TO EXPANSION (AN INTRODUCTION) 1 Chronicles 4:9-10: 9 Jabez was More Honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I Gave Birth To Him In Pain.” 10 Jabez Cried Out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Charismatic