Sermons on Shrinking Back:

A Life That Matters Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 4, 2010

If we want to live a life that matters, we must sacrifice, suffer, submit and serve. We don’t like those words, because they seem to be steps down to obscurity, but in Christ’s Kingdom they are steps to true greatness.

The movie, Pearl Harbor, tells the story of two friends, Rafe and Danny, who survive the attack on Pearl Harbor and enter World War II as fighter pilots. In training before the war, Rafe McCawley is one of America’s top fighter pilots. When America initially holds back from entering the war, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Changing Of The Guard

Contributed by Victor Yap on Mar 17, 2025

Acts 20

THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD (ACTS 20:25-31) One of the biggest tourist attractions in England is, without doubt, a visit to Buckingham Palace, especially to see the 45 minutes “Changing of the Guard” ceremony at its appointed time, which I had the opportunity to do in my visit to England in 2006. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:25-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Harvest Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 20, 2025

In this final message of the Rooted series, we are called to surrender to God’s pruning, examine the fruit of our lives, and live Spirit-led, obedient lives that bear lasting fruit—becoming faithful laborers in a world ripe for the harvest.

The Harvest Matthew 9:35-38 How I love the autumn season! There's something about this time of year that stirs the soul—inviting reflection, gratitude, and wonder. The blazing heat of summer has softened into cool, gentle breezes. The air feels lighter, clearer, and even the bugs—those ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

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

Passion Sunday Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Jun 28, 2004

Sir, we would see Jesus!

PASSION SUNDAY – JOHN 12 V20-32 Today is Passion Sunday. Today throughout the world people will meet together to worship God and to recollect the Passion (the life, death, resurrection of Jesus). I want us together to look at an incident in the life of Jesus as recorded for us in John’s gospel ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-32

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Life's Too Short To...play It Safe Series

Contributed by David Flowers on May 4, 2005

Part 1 in a series that examines things life is too short for.

Life’s Too Short To. . .Play It Safe, prt. 1 Life’s Too Short To, prt. 1 Wildwind Community Church David Flowers 4/3/05 [video clip – “carpe diem” from Dead Poets Society] It seems kind of depressing, but I’m convinced that the only way we can get our lives into proper perspective is to realize ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

He Came To Call Sinners Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jun 5, 2011

Jesus and Matthew. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Quote: “Sign on door: "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was.” That of course could never be said of Jesus Christ: • He came for a purpose; he had an objective: • And Matthew made it clear that Jesus has come to forgive sins. • In these five ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Brethren

He Came To Call Sinners

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 27, 2010

Matth (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info) ew's converstion.

Reading: Matthew chapter 9 verses 9-13. Quote: “Sign on door: "Gone out of business. Didn't know what our business was.” That of course could never be said of Jesus Christ: • He came for a purpose; he had an objective: • And Matthew made it clear that Jesus has come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13

Denomination: Brethren

Rahab: Rescued And Redeemed

Contributed by Rick Finitzer on Nov 6, 2014

JUDGMENT IS COMING! We, however, need to be very careful to not miss what God is doing in the world! He is actively at work reaching people we might not expect!

Cornerstone Church November 2, 2014 “Rahab – Rescued and Redeemed” Joshua 2 “In Genesis 18:25, Abraham asked a question that puts things in perspective: ‘Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ As humans, we recoil from the concept of judgment. We ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Redemption

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

1. Definition: to bring back into rightful ownership (restoration to one who possesses a more fundamental right or interest) by the paying of a price, or ransom buying back a slave or a captive, making him free by the payment of a ransom deliverance from bondage (any difficult situation) as a resul

1. Definition: to bring back into rightful ownership (restoration to one who possesses a more fundamental right or interest) by the paying of a price, or ransom buying back a slave or a captive, making him free by the payment of a ransom deliverance from bondage (any difficult situation) as a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Two Great Sins!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Oct 17, 2006

Two Great Sins! The Children of Israel committed many sins against the Lord, but there are two great sins that they did that can tie the hands of God. Today, we find these same two sins holding back believers, and in turn hold back the unconverted from c

Two Great Sins! The Children of Israel committed many sins against the Lord, but there are two great sins that they did that can tie the hands of God. Today, we find these same two sins holding back believers, and in turn hold back the unconverted from coming to the living Christ. To understand ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:10-23

Be Brace, Speak And Don't Give Up! Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Aug 9, 2017

Sometimes we don't see much visible fruit, or past attempts to witness or minister were not outwardly successful and tempted to hold back our witness or cut back our service. God's words to Paul Acts 18:5-11 are just the prescription.

Be Brave, Speak and Don’t Give Up! Series: Acts Chuck Sligh August 6, 2017 TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Acts 18:5-11 – “And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

For God And Country

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Oct 29, 2017

When his enemies sought to trap him, Jesus showed his followers, including us, a balanced allegiance to earthly authorities and to our ultimate Heavenly Authority. We give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and we give back to God...our very selves!

Matthew 22:15-22 For God and Country My sermon title today comes from the Army chaplain motto: “Pro Deo et patria,” “For God and country. Politics and religion are the two taboo subjects at any cocktail party, but let’s talk about both today! Dave Barry noted, “People who want to share their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22, Romans 13:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Jehovah-Rohi, God Our Shepherd Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Oct 10, 2022

David must’ve looked back on his life at a ripe old age, and looked back at all the ups and downs of his life, from being the youngest son of the family, while his brothers fought in the army, he was left alone to watch over the sheep.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:11, John 10:11-18

Denomination: Salvation Army

Christ's Redemptive Sufferings Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 19, 2014

Christians are called to follow Christ's example in suffering even while doing what is right. Christ Himself suffered unjustly & left us an example of how to suffer & that good can be brought about through suffering.

1 PETER 2: 21-25 [Renewing Hope Series] THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST'S REDEMPTIVE SUFFERINGS [Luke 24:25-27; 44-47 / Matthew 5:9-12] In Peter 2:21-25 God redirects the attention of suffering Christians to the sufferings of Christ. By looking to Jesus the Christian who suffers unjustly receives ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Baptist