Sermons on sabbaticals:

Finding Rest In God

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 3, 2004

In our busy lives, intentional times of rest are sacred and essential for spiritual and emotional health.

From African colonial history comes this interesting tale: In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler was making a long trip. Native porters had been engaged from a tribe to carry the loads. The first day they marched rapidly and went far. The traveler had high hopes of a speedy journey. But the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Bridging The Distance

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Jul 13, 2008

What people want is a key to purposeful life. They want answers to where they are. They want to grasp something higher and bigger than themselves. They reach for a deeper connection beyond the boring routine of where they live and what they do.

“Bridging the Distance” Sermon Topic: Being in relationship with God Psalm 84 Airport terminals are entertaining venues to hang out if you cannot afford the movies! The most interesting storylines involve watching people arriving or leaving. The couple huddled – more like a locked embrace – as she ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 84:1-12, Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Salvation Army

Our Economic Downturn: A Time To Refocus

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 8, 2009

Our economic downturn and insecurity can force us back to the Word of God and a reassessment of our philosophy of life: What do we REALLY believe?

Note: This sermon proved too long for a single sermon, and I ended up making a two-parter out of it. Our Economic Downturn: A Time to Refocus (I Timothy 6:17-19) 1. A business owner decides to take a tour around his business and see how things are going. He goes down to the shipping docks and ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Life Of Freedom - #4 Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Apr 25, 2010

Christ came to set us FREE!! Do we live like free people?

Believers who are “M.A.D.” “A Life of Freedom” Isaiah 61:1-2 * Three weeks ago I began this series of messages with one prayer, hope, aim, goal, and desire; to help each of us become (or be) people who are indeed “Making a Difference.” What happens inside the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Renew Your Life

Contributed by Christian Cheong on May 25, 2014

The four major decisions you need to make in life - (1) submission to God's Word, (2) separation from the world, (3) Sabbath for God's people, and (4) support for God's work.

Do you sometimes wish that you can wipe the slate clean and start all over again? • Like after messing up a drawing or a writing, you can crush the paper and start with a clean sheet? • Or your computer hit by viruses and you were unable to get rid of them, you can format the whole ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:28-39

Denomination: Independent/Bible

September 11 2001 Message

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jan 29, 2021

Based on The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn

Chapter 6 (The Oracle) (can refer to Sep 11?) Isaiah 9:10 - "The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with smooth stones; The sycamores have been cut down, but we will replace them with cedars." Chapter 5 (The 2nd Harbinger, The Terrorist, per Cahn) Isaiah 10: 5 Woe to ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

Nurturing Your Next Pastor

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Mar 25, 2024

Shortly before welcoming a new minister, a seasoned minister and friend of the congregation might come and help prepare the church for this new chapter in their history, explaining the role of ministry and how to care for their pastor.

It will be exciting to welcome your new Pastor! How you view pastoral ministry has been influenced by all the ministers you’ve known. We see ministry through the lens of past experiences, good and bad. Hopefully we see ministry through the teachings of Scripture. My aim is to offer some advice ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8, 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Congregational

Think Bigger! - Genesis 17 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

It’s the comments that he made about the games that really influenced me quite a bit in how I perceived myself and what that did for me.

When I was growing up I grew up in a Christian home with parents who really had it together. I’m really grateful. My dad every evening before we went to bed he would play game with us. I remember playing games with my dad as a preschooler, elementary, even early teenager, we were playing games ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Urgency Of Prayer

Contributed by Mike Hays on Nov 16, 2000

Prayer is the most powerful force in the Universe and yet the most overlooked.

"The Urgency of Prayer" Isaiah 56:1-7 It is good to be back with you after spending a month away on a sabbatical. I have to tell you how appreciative I am for your graciousness in allowing me to withdraw from all of my normal responsibilities so that I could be still for a while to be renewed ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 56:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Good Shepherding

Contributed by Bradley Boydston on Dec 8, 2001

How can we call Jesus the "good shepherd" when there is so much tragedy? From the Sunday after the Columbine shootings. Deals with the problem of evil.

"I am the good shepherd..." The very fact that Jesus chooses to describe himself as such suggests that there were other less-than-good shepherds operating in the neighborhood. There were people who cared more for themselves than the sheep and were less than considerate-perhaps even brutal at ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-18

Denomination: *other

Who Needs Armor?"

Contributed by Kevin White on Jan 20, 2001

This sermon challenges believers to examine their lives--do they need the full armor of God, or are they staying "in the rear with the gear?"

Sermon 07 January 2001 Ephesians 6:10-18 Who Needs Armor? Introduction: Bill once had a job as a truck driver. Twice a week, he hauled loads between Cincinnati and Atlanta. He always stopped for lunch at Joe’s Diner, a friendly little truck stop about halfway between the two cities. One day ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Methodist

Face To Face

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Aug 28, 2009

What does it mean to meet "Face to Face" with God. We need to have more "Face-book" time with Him. But be warned: You cannot seek His Face and save yours!

FACE TO FACE Exodus 33:11 Exodus 33:11 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. (NIV) Numbers 12:5-8 5 Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, 6 he ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:11

Denomination: Church Of God

Remember The Poor

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Dec 28, 2004

Caring for the poor is a basic tenant of the Christian faith. Here’s how to do it the Biblical way.

Remember The Poor Boxing Day 2004 Galatians 2:10 Nowadays when we think of "Boxing Day," the word "sale" almost immediately follows. But in it’s tradition Boxing Day is not about getting more stuff at reduced prices. The Boxing Day tradition began in Britain possibly as early as in the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:10

Denomination: *other

What's Up With Jesus' Ascension?

Contributed by Daniel Habben on May 22, 2007

What’s Up with Jesus’ Ascension? 1) Our understanding 2) Our usefulness 3) Our joy

How excited were you about coming to church this morning? Easter Sunday excited? Did you wake up extra early so you could get a good seat in church? There is something special about Easter isn’t there? After all how can you top the message of Jesus’ resurrection? However, we’re not celebrating ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53

Denomination: Lutheran

Faith Vs. Religion

Contributed by Rob Westlund on May 15, 2003

Faith sees Jesus and all that Jesus is. Religion sees what is comfortable and common

In Wyoming’s Fitzpatrick Wilderness at 11400 feet above sea level is the pristine shore of a nameless lake. This is where we join Mike Turner, a Presbyterian minister completing his sabbatical leave with a solo adventure with God. This adventure Mike called a “Wander in Wonder” was a 60 mile hike ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-60

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed