Sermons on Show Yourself Worthy:

Peace & Persecution

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Aug 28, 2019

Are you comfortable in being a follower of Christ? Countless Christians around the world face intense persecution for being followers of Jesus, but they're not alone. We share in the struggles of being a Christian. Why is that? Listen to Jesus' call to deny yourself and follow him.

Each year, a Christian organization called “Open Doors” publishes a list of the top 50 countries where Christians are most intensely persecuted for their faith. Physical violence, death threats, execution, imprisonment, rape, neglect, burning of homes, bombing of churches, abandoned by family, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-24

Denomination: Lutheran

How To Throw A Pity Party -- 1 Samuel 27:1-12; 30:1-6 Series

Contributed by James D. Thornber on Mar 2, 2014

What will you do when, not if but when, the troubles come? If you do want to throw yourself a good old fashioned pity party – and I’ve met a few people who are experts – let me tell you how to do so.

How to Throw a Pity Party 1 Samuel 27:1-12; 30:1-6 When Barbara and I first came to Independence, we began our Wednesday night Bible studies with a teaching on the book of James. We figured we’d get off to a good running start on what it means to live out our Christians lives in the realness ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Align Your Soul With The Spirit: Discerning God's Voice From Your Inner Voice Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 24, 2024

Have you ever had an experience where you knew that God was telling you to do something? But part of you resists the leading of God. And you ask yourself, “Did God really say that? Or am I just making that up in my own mind?”

I remember early on as a Christian I had a dream. I had listening to different ministries and churches and I was just learning the faith. I remember having a dream one night that I was at this church, big, with many people. But it all felt dead, empty, and I left the building. Outside the building ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:7, Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Salvation Army

Follow Jesus: Sustainable Servanthood Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Aug 28, 2025

What do you think causes a person to drop out or burn out from serving God and people? What if you knew what would help you to serve faithfully for the rest of your life? Get ready to learn how to sustain yourself and your service!

Follow JESUS: Sustainable Servanthood Mark 1:21-39 How many people remember our church's annual theme? Two words: Follow Jesus. Jesus invites us to follow him. He starts with, "Come and see." And then, "Believe." Have you thought recently how unbelievable it is ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-39

Denomination: *other

So Why Is Jesus Stopping In The Middle Of The Road And Facing Me?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 2, 2025

Here's another opportunity to put yourself in another’s position, and it is critical. You have been following Jesus, for several days or months or years. He is going to Jerusalem with this vast mob following Him, including you. He stops. He turns around.

Twenty-third Sunday in Course 2025 Let’s suppose you have what you think is a good idea, but you wonder whether other people will agree with you. If your primary concern is to avoid public scorn or controversy or losing a valuable part of your business, you are in need of prudence. You are asking ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:3-6, Psalm 90:12-14, Psalm 90:17, Luke 14:25-33, Philemon 1:12-17, Philemon 1:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Reaching The Right Goals Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Jun 24, 2025

Was there a time you made a goal that resulted in the opposite of what you wanted? What if you knew the truths about focused living that would help you recognize and rid yourself of negative distractions. Get ready to learn from Paul’s examples of pursuing Godly goals!

Reaching the Right Goals Philippians 3:12-16 We continue this morning with our annual church theme, Living a Holy and Wholesome Life. The theme is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:23: May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: *other

The Wide Mix Of Emotions At The Cross – Easter Message For Good Friday Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Mar 16, 2024

What would you have felt if you were at Calvary? So many emotions were displayed there and today we investigate some of those and the people connected with them. Especially we will look at the emotions pertaining to the Saviour, and rely on the Old Testament for that. Place yourself there!

THE WIDE MIX OF EMOTIONS AT THE CROSS – EASTER MESSAGE FOR GOOD FRIDAY [A]. INTRODUCTION Crucifixion was not an unknown event. The people in the Roman Empire were familiar with this cruel means of execution. That day outside Jerusalem’s city wall when three men were crucified at Golgotha, did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:51-54, Matthew 27:39-40, Luke 11:23, John 12:32-33, Luke 2:34-35, Luke 22:32, Ezekiel 18:21-23, John 3:16, Matthew 12:30, Psalm 22:2, Psalm 22:14, Psalm 69:3, Psalm 69:7, Psalm 69:10, Psalm 69:2, Psalm 69:20-21, Isaiah 52:14, Isaiah 53:3, Isaiah 53:5-6, Hebrews 12:2-3, Mark 9:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"The Real Amazing Grace"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Nov 9, 2011

In order to be saved first of all you have to accept that you are lost. This lesson will show how awesome and what real Amazing Grace looks like.

Thank you for everyone who has written in on the “Rescue Story” - http://vimeo.com/31623306 Now that you have seen mine if you are a believer in Jesus Christ then YOU have a Rescue Story also. Everyone has an awesome story of being saved when we used to be lost for eternity. There is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:39-43

How To Overcome The Temptation To Retaliate

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 2, 2004

When anger lingers in our heart,It poisons all we think and do;But faith seeks ways to show God’s love. And keeps our spirit strong and true.

How to Overcome the Temptation to Retaliate (Rom 12:19-21) Illustration:A man who had been having problems with an unreasonable neighbor finally had to defend himself legally against unwarranted and dishonest actions. He commented, "I have tried to follow Romans 12:18, but in a case like this I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:19-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Truth About Grace

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 13, 2023

I spent years in Church not understanding what God's grace does in the life of a Christian. I was surprised when I learned grace DOES NOT COVER my sins. Before you stop reading here, read the message and then decide for yourself what grace is doing in your life.

The Truth About Grace Scripture: Romans 1:17-18; Titus 2:11-12; Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 13:9 When Paul opened his letter to the Christians in Rome, he wrote, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’” (Romans 1:17) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17-18, Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 3:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Narrow Gate Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Aug 5, 2011

Now for the rest of chapter 7 we have what I think is the most important summary in the entire Bible, showing us exactly what the future holds for us and the basic choices we have to make.

Jesus has just spent probably several hours on this hot hillside teaching his disciples what a Christian is, what effect they are to have on the world, what his role was in coming to earth, and then giving many illustrations of Christian attitudes and behaviours that define us as Children of God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-14

A Fresh Start For A New Year Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 4, 2009

In Galatians 4:12-20, God shows: 1) The Godly Example. 2) The Godly Focus. 3) The Deadly Distraction. & 4) The Godly Objective

Dr. Yoel Abells in his article this week, Avoiding the failure trap of New Year’s resolutions wrote this: (A New Year) is an opportunity to reflect on days past and to consider the future. Typically at this time, each of us makes resolutions --commitments to change something (or multiple things) ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:12-20

Denomination: Other

Worst Than The First

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jan 24, 2016

To show that we need to win souls for the LORD JESUS CHRIST all the more in these last days so they won't grow from bad to worst.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you a subject of GOD? Yes. James 4:7 (Amplified Bible) So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Who is your pride? JESUS CHRIST. Philippians 3:3 (Amplified Bible) For we [Christians] are the true circumcision, who worship ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:26

Denomination: Pentecostal

Behind Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Pat Cook on Jun 9, 2006

This is about the disciples locking the doors because of fear; Jesus showed up, and they were afraid anyway. This deals with fear in our lives and overcoming it.

John 20:19-20 – Behind Closed Doors Today we are continuing in our series on Jesus’ resurrection called He is Risen indeed. What did the resurrection mean to the original band of followers, and what does the resurrection mean for us nearly 2000 years later? The truth is, the resurrection has ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is Your Heart?

Contributed by Bo Lane on Dec 8, 2004

Many people get distracted when they are in the presence of God. This sermon shows simple steps in getting rid of these distractions and putting our focus on Jesus.

Where Is Your Heart? Basketball - The audience participates in distracting the opposing team by banging annoying cylinder things together. - When I played basketball in school, our girls volleyball team would always be there, acting as our cheerleaders. Now, we had a really good team, pretty ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 24:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal