Sermons on Sacrificial Pursuit:

Finding The Faith Of Our Heroes - Part 1: Abel - The First Prophet Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 20, 2015

We need faith in God, because faith is: 1. The only rock-solid foundation for life (vs. 1). 2. The only way to see the unseen spiritual world (vs. 1, 3). 3. The only way to truly worship God (vs. 4). 4. The only way to get a good report from God (vs. 2, 4).

Finding the Faith of Our Heroes Part 1: Abel - The First Prophet Hebrews 11:1-4; Genesis 4:1-4; Matthew 23:29-35 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 12, 2015 (Revised August 18, 2023) *One of the hymns I grew up singing said, "Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-4, Genesis 4:1-4, Matthew 23:29-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Holiness Series

Contributed by Christopher Lanham on Nov 13, 2006

We want power. Everyone wants power. The pursuit of power is what got Adam in trouble and landed us in a fallen world – a creation groaning under the curse and a heart bent toward sin. And yet, what is it that Paul prays for in our text this morning –

The Power of Holiness Ephesians 3:14-21; 2 Corinthians 6:4-7 Cascades Fellowship CRC, JX MI March 13, 2005 Fourth Sunday of Lent Tim Allen, brought to life one the most beloved and most quoted television characters of all time. In fact, he played the man trying desperately to be “a man’s man,” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Rejection Test

Contributed by Doug Morrell on Dec 5, 2005

It is completely unnatural, painful and difficult to risk friendships when you are truly about God’s work, but Jesus never flinched in His pursuit of God’s will - in the end you will discover those who are there for the show and those who show Christ-like

As I was reading in I Peter 4:1-19 from The Message I came across some passages that appear to be very timely: Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

To Live Is Christ

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Sep 18, 2011

How do we balance our own pursuit of meaning and happiness with the call to live as Kingdom people? What role does suffering have in the Christian life and why in the world are we called not only to believe in Jesus but to suffer for him? A little bait an

This dates me, I know, but I can sometimes relate to Charlie Brown in the Peanuts cartoons. Like the one where Lucy is philosophizing and Charlie is listening. As usual, Lucy has the floor, delivering one of her lectures. She says, "Charlie Brown, life is a lot like a deck chair. Some place it so ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be More In Me Than Me

Contributed by Sherry Proskine on Sep 8, 2008

To go we have to follow. To follow we have to die. Anyone seen carrying his cross, it was clear he was on his way to die. This word picture describes dying to personal pursuits and following Him completely. This is the key to a successful spiritual life

A person’s last words are very important to us. We listen very carefully to every word. We seek to understand more of Jesus and to learn what He taught His disciples and what that means for us today. Today, let’s take a look at Jesus’ lasts words written for our instruction. Matt. 28:19 We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pressing Into His Presence Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Sep 18, 2007

Worship is not merely a response to God, but it is also the pursuit of God. God pursues us, and yet for some odd reason, He seems to be just beyond our grasp when we seek Him. The pressing into His Presence is the choice of our will to worship Him.

Encountering God - Part 2 – Pressing Into His Presence Overview Last week, I laid a foundation for what I believe to be the biblical nature of worship, starting with the fact that God has created mankind to worship Him. That worship arises from a relationship with Him. The bible says in the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon's Army Of 300 Unbeatable Men!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jan 20, 2013

Don’t give up! Exhausted but still in pursuit caught my attention! Hard work is the key element that separates the genius from the ordinary! An indomitable spirit is needed to overcome discouragement, stress and pressure! Now don't take this impersonally!

Hot pursuit! Judges 8:4 “When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit.” Don’t give up! Exhausted but still in pursuit caught my attention! Hard work is the key element that separates the genius from ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:1-10, Judges 7:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Spiritual Life Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Jul 12, 2023

Spiritual life means nurturing our connection with the divine and finding meaning in our existence beyond material possessions and worldly pursuits. It involves practicing the idea that our purpose extends beyond the physical realm and embracing the idea that a higher power is guiding us.

SPIRITUAL LIFE Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 12, 2023 "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5 INTRODUCTION The significance of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pure In Heart: Defined Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 10, 2023

In this sixth beatitude, we must understand the standard Jesus is setting with the with the phrase "pure in heart.". If we set the standard too low, we fail to enter into the fullness of the blessing. If we set it too high we forsake the pursuit as futile.

Intro We are studying the Beatitudes with an interest in how to position ourselves for revival. What attitudes of heart are conducive to experiencing more of God’s grace and participating in what he is doing. The Beatitudes provide insight for participating in the kingdom of God because this is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:21-28, Psalm 51:6-7, 1 John 1:7-9, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 6:1-24, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 17:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

A Demand For Holiness - A Holiness Expressed In Genuine Love Responding To The Gospel

Contributed by Robert Tarasiak on Sep 9, 2023

"Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills." John Brown, Nineteenth-century Scottish theologian, quoted in J. Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, p. 51.

1 Peter Series Part 6 Sub Series: A Demand for Holiness (1:13 – 2:3) Title: “A holiness expressed in genuine love responding to the gospel” Text: 1 Peter 1:22-25 INTRO: WHAT DOES HOLINESS LOOK LIKE? "Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Salvation's Eternal Gobstobber Series

Contributed by Gary Moore on Feb 6, 2008

From the beginning of his letter Paul has explained the necessity of salvation through the intervention of Christ’s sacrificial atonement. Having set forth the golden chain of salvation (8.28-30) he now culminates this portion of his letter with a final e

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Congregational

God's Flower Garden Sermon Iii: The Red Rose - Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Sep 24, 2019

Sacrificial Love is that True Love God demonstrated to the world when He sent His One and Only Son to save us from our sins. What a challenge to us - repentant sinners saved by God's grace - to love one another!

GOD’S FLOWER GARDEN III: THE RED ROSE LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVE’S EXCELLING Song of Solomon 2:1 God’s ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 2:1

The Key To Heaven: Christ's Sacrifice Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 29, 2021

What was the Old Covenant really all about? Did the Old Testament sacrificial system really take away sins? Why isn't Judaism also a way to be right with God? Hebrews 9:1-14 settles these issues, once and for all.

This last year has been a revelation—a revelation about how you deal with a very contagious and infectious virus that has impacted the entire world and killed millions of people. The big question this past year has been this: How do you stop the virus? How do you prevent it’s spread? How do ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:1-14

Denomination: Bible Church

Worship The Lord For The Miracles Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on May 11, 2023

Worship the Lord for the miracle... 1. Of the darkened sun (vs. 45). 2. Of fulfilled Scripture (vs. 46). 3. Of His sacrificial death (vs. 46-50). 4. Of the splitting veil (vs. 51). 5. Of the saints' resurrection (vs. 51-54).

Worship the Lord for the Miracles of the Cross The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 27:45-54 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared May 11, 2023) MESSAGE: *Our God is a miracle working God! I am sure that He is working miracles in our world every single day. I am sure, because people we know have experienced ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54

Denomination: Baptist

Making Long-Term Investments

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 31, 2016

We are really good at accumulating stuff. But how often do our possessions begin to possess us? Jesus warns us about the dangers of greed and calls us to be more than our net worth, challenging us to invest rather in godly pursuits.

Luke 12:13-21 Making Long-term Investments Wow! Today’s passage is a little shocking for those of us who enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this greatest nation on God’s green earth. By world’s standards, we are the richest of the rich. We may not be one ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist