Sermons on Shrinking Back:

Company In The Valley

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 2, 2006

How can we go through hardships in life? Learn from David: (1) Accept the reality of the valleys in life, (2) watch how we respond to them, and (3) know the resources we have.

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." King David is the best person to write such a psalm about the shepherd and sheep • He was a shepherd, practically from childhood ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Genuine Expressions Of Love

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 14, 2020

Let’s apply these principles in 2 Corinthians 6:3-13 of expressing love in a practical way to our love for others (adapted from Bob Russell's book, Take Comfort, the chapter on genuine expressions of love)

HoHum: No point in going to see the person dying, will not even know I am there. Hold their hand- “they probably will not know it is me”- is that really the point?- just to have someone there- they’ll know we are Christians by our love- behold how they love one another WBTU: We normally think of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

New Wine, New Wineskins Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 23, 2015

What are we responding to? Is it Jesus as Lord or is it some human religious system? Is our behaviour going to help others discover the good news of Jesus Christ? Will it help us proclaim forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name?

Most people dislike change. Some people think it’s a necessary evil; but evil nevertheless. But there are times when change is absolutely necessary; when the old ways won’t work; when the old ways will actually hinder the thing that’s coming. One such moment in time was at the ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Focus Of A Successful Church

Contributed by Eyriche Cortez on Jan 11, 2014

To really succeed as a church, we must focus on God’s standards. First, we focus on one message. Second, we must focus on one ministry. Finally, we must focus on one mission.

I read about a guy who saw a building with a signboard “Church on a grill.” He got so curious that entered the building and, lo and behold, it was a steakhouse. He ordered premium steak and, in fairness, it was delicious. But he could not help but ask the waiter why the place is called ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29

Denomination: Baptist

Star Trek Episode 1: The Search For A Child That Revealed The Hearts Of Men

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Jan 6, 2013

What do we learn about ourselves from the magi's search for Jesus?

OK all you Trekkies, you fans of everything Captain Kirk and Klingon, can you tell me when the first Star Trek episode aired? Was it in 1959, 1966, or 1971? If you answered 1966, you are correct - partially. 1966 was the year the crew of the Enterprise took off for the stars on prime time TV. But ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Alive Again

Contributed by Dale Carter Sr. on Oct 21, 2022

I have a right to choose. But am I qualified

………there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Beauty For Ashes

Contributed by Davon Huss on Dec 6, 2023

The Lord wants to bring good things out of bad things (Romans 8:28). What are some good things that we find here in Isaiah 61 that helps those who grieve and mourn?

HoHum: Last year talked about a Blue Christmas where we acknowledge our losses of loved ones as we approach the holiday season. I was watching the Year Without a Santa Claus (lesser know production by Rankin Bass) and Santa gets a letter and it says, “I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you, I’ll ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:2-3, James 5:14, Ephesians 4:22-24, Matthew 5:4, Luke 4:18-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How They Conquered The Dragon

Contributed by John Gaston on Sep 16, 2021

This is a rewrite of Charles Spurgeon's great message on spiritual warfare. It points out that all Christians are supposed to be warriors for Jesus, fight with the same weapons as the early church, and wage war by the same Spirit. It will bless your people!

HOW THEY CONQUERED THE DRAGON Rev. 12:7-11 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A husband said to his wife, “I’m not sure ‘you can’t take it with you.’ I’m going to put a few thousand dollars in the attic and when we go up, we can pick it up on our way to heaven.” 2. Sometime later the husband died. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:7-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Disappearing Act

Contributed by Davon Huss on Apr 3, 2024

What is the message of the undisturbed grave clothes? (Outline came from here: https://www.sermonnotebook.org/new%20testament/John%2020_1-10.htm; Material adapted from William Nicholson's book "The Six Miracles of Calvary," chapter on the undisturbed grave clothes of Jesus)

HoHum: Harry Houdini's "Chinese water torture cell" trick is considered one of the most iconic and influential escapes in the history of magic performance. The trick involved Houdini being suspended upside-down in a glass and steel tank filled with water, with his feet locked in ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10, John 11:43-44, Luke 24:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Slaying Your Giants: In 5 Stages Series

Contributed by Mark Roper on Mar 6, 2001

We can find spiritual victory in the the valley of death and pain.

Slaying your Giants: in 5 stages 1st Samuel 17:3-11, 26-27, 38-51 (Written By Rev D. Helbling) Some time back we stood together with the Roper family from Texarkana in that viewing tower over Hot Springs. It was a beautiful sight: Very little of what you saw was actually in Hot Springs. Most of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:3-11

Denomination: Church Of God

Made New - In The Midst Of Reality Series

Contributed by Ken Gehrels on May 2, 2001

Facing the real, faith challenging situations of life, how can we proceed in the face of doubt? Watch, as Jesus works with Thomas. Consider how we can respond to doubt in our lives.

Made New - In The Midst Of Reality Bible Reading: John 20: 19-31 PREPARED BY KEN GEHRELS PASTOR CALVIN CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH NEPEAN, ONTARIO GUARANTEED TRUST Some years ago there was a financial ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Creation: God Makes Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 7, 2016

The story of Scripture is about the glory of the Savior.

Creation: God Makes Genesis 1:1 Rev. Brian Bill December 3-4, 2016 Prayer Time – Let’s pray for Rick Williams and family in the death of his father and Janet Janacek and family in the death of her mother. I’ve been fascinated and frustrated about something for many years (just ask my family). ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Fix Your Hope

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 28, 2016

1) The Person of God (1 John 2:29), 2) The Parousia/Return of God (1 John 2:28, 3:2), 3) The Provision of God (1 John 3:1, 3)

After a recent national referendum held on the question of Britain’s future within the European Union, the “Brexit,” short for “British exit”, vote prevailed, sending financial markets worldwide into a tailspin. The result has left people wondering about the future of ...read more

Denomination: Other

Adventurous Living

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Dec 14, 2000

Life is an adventure and we can learn how to make the most of it through Christ.

Turn to Joshua 3, I want to talk to you about adventurous living, having an adventurous life. Joshua 3: Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:4

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Be Successful

Contributed by Jb Hall on Jul 7, 2011

This sermon will detail what it takes to be successful in your calling.

How to be Successful III John, Verse 2 By: JB Hall Introduction: Here in our text verse, God, through the pen of John, tells us that He wishes above all things that we may prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers. God does not wish poverty, oppression, and suffering for His ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:2

Denomination: Baptist