Sermons on Soften Up:

Resolve Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 16, 2022

Resolve to live convictionally without compromise.

Last Sunday afternoon, Beth and I drove to the Chicago area to celebrate Mother’s Day with Beth’s mom. It was a joy to see her mom and dad, two of her sisters, and two brothers-in-law. After visiting for a bit, my brother-in-law Mark shared how disappointed and sad he is about what is happening ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Test Your Faith

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jan 7, 2026

The life of Rahab and Achan teach us some important lessons. While Rahab trusted God and stood firm in the faith, Achan coveted after worldly things which had serious consequences. The question is, “What kind of faith do we have?” and how is this faith displayed in our everyday lives.

Today’s meditation is taken from 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don't drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups.” (MSG) Paul was making an appeal to the Corinthian believers to examine themselves consistently to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5, Luke 18:8, Joshua 2:10-11, Joshua 2:13, Joshua 6:17-18, Joshua 7:1, Joshua 7:13, Joshua 7:19-21, Joshua 6:25, Joshua 7:26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Salvation And The Savior

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Mar 24, 2002

Luke records “Journey Notes” in his gospel that serve to set up this momentous, climactic event that will take place in the city of Jerusalem. Today’s Scripture includes the final two journey notes.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: What an active, colorful, almost hectic, back and forth scene it is. If you want drama, you’ve got it. Part planning, part spontaneity. Full support for Jesus. And unabashed opposition. Great joy. And tears of sorrow. Coats are spread for an improvised red carpet ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-44

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 1 – The Introduction To These Psalms Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 27, 2023

We are going to take up a study of The Psalms of Ascent, the Psalms numbered 120 – 134. They are called by various names but they are a wonderful collection of Psalms sung by the pilgrims three times a year as they ascended to Jerusalem in pilgrimage. This is the Introduction.

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 1 – THE INTRODUCTION TO THESE PSALMS We are going to embark on a journey with the study of 15 Psalms that are called “The Songs of Degrees” in the AV, but “The Songs of Ascent” in most other versions. These Psalms go together and were sung on a pilgrimage as the Jews ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:16, Psalm 9:1-2, Psalm 19:1-2, Hebrews 13:13-14, Hebrews 11:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christ Breaks Down The Dividing Walls

Contributed by Brian William on Nov 10, 2005

So many people today live "without hope and without God" (Eph. 2:12), yet we build up walls that divide us from sharing the gospel with them. Christ tears down these walls and builds up the true church in its place.

[I started the sermon at the altar rail that goes across the entire width of the front of the sanctuary.] Imagine, for a moment, that when you walked into church this morning that you received a big surprise. Imagine that in the past week, a wall had been erected, right about where the altar rail ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Methodist

What Have You Done With My Name?

Contributed by Gregg Rustulka on Aug 3, 2007

Every name is important ... we all have names that identify us for our family ... and our aim is live up to the family name! We are also called Christian ... and is it possible that we may not be living up to that name. Is Jesus asking you today: What h

What Have You Done With My Name by Rev. Gregg Rustulka August 2, 2007 Luke 1: 26-33 “... and you are to give him the name Jesus ...” Names are important. Names have meaning. A name can define an event, an item, an emotion, a problem, animals, plants ... every name is significant. People use ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Denomination: Nazarene

Sleepy Sailor Scares Seasoned Seamen Series

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on Feb 21, 2008

One man’s disobedience, affected so many innocnet people. Although Jonah gave up on his call from God-God did not give up on His call to Jonah and He waited until the right time, to get Jonah’s attention.

JONAH 1:5 SLEEPY SAILOR SCARES SEASONED SEAMEN I. STORM: A. Sudden. B. Similar. C. Savageness. II. SAILORS: A. Sinners. B. Struggling. C. Seeking. III. SLEEPER: A. Spent. B. Shadow. C. Squandering. The ship in which Jonah was sailing was never given a name in the Bible. ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:4-5

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus And Grace As Demonstrated In The Life Of Peter Series

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Nov 3, 2015

A message how the grace in Christ kept Peter in all his ups and downs. Grace elevated him, picked him up when he fell, saw past his failures, took the violence out of him, and changed him from coward to bold witness.

Jesus and Grace as Seen in the Life of Peter PPT 2 Series Title Jesus; all knowing, all powerful; all loving PPT 3 Message Title Jesus and Grace as Seen in the Life of Peter Grace God's goodness given to the undeserving. 1. Jesus will elevate you. (See pic in powerpoint, Jesus calling ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-32

Denomination: Pentecostal

Contemporary Insanity Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 24, 2017

Nebuchadnezzar was blessed by God but thought too highly of himself. His temporary insanity that woke him up to the reality of God. He went on to honor God. Our culture has a "Contemporary Insanity" that rejects God and pushes him away. We must wake up!

1. Pride The owner of an old-fashioned corner grocery store in a small country town was fond of quoting a scripture after each sale. He had three old friends that would sit around a pot-bellied stove, playing checkers on a faded board. His ability to produce a scripture for all occasions never ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:1-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Danger Of Unconfessed Sin

Contributed by Sebastian D'souza on Jun 13, 2017

We learn from King David's fall with Bathesheba that covering up sin can do more damage than the sin that we are trying to cover up. The best thing is that we come clean. allowing our past to do more damage to our future.

We first moved into the house we live in 17 years ago. There is a huge pine tree outside which drops sap and pine needles everywhere. I still remember when it was about 10 feet tall. Lately I was thinking, if only I cut it down when it was still small. Now, it's a job that requires professional ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-17

Denomination: *other

Helmet Of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 9, 2023

When we encounter the completely true thought that “we are not good enough” our society and our need for self-esteem creep up and we take our helmet of salvation off because we are disillusioned with God and we open ourselves up for temptation and doubt.

THE ARMOR OF GOD AND THE LIES OF THE ENEMY Helmet of Salvation: We Are Not Good Enough Ephesians 6:10-18 #armorofGod INTRODUCTION… Start with the End in Mind This morning I want to share with you where we will end up in our time looking at God’s Word and then I want to rewind and get us there. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Series: Wow! Whose Beautiful Young Daughter Is That? (Part 9) When Is A Child Better Than Seven Sons?

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 9, 2020

The focus of parents should not be just the quantity of children they should have but the quality of children. Parents must not just have children but be ready to sacrifice for them to become vital to society. One child brought up well is better than seven sons ill brought up.

SERIES: “WOW! WHOSE BEAUTIFUL YOUNG DAUGHTER IS THAT? (PART 9) WHEN IS A CHILD BETTER THAN SEVEN SONS? 1. Ruth 4:13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:13-17, Ruth 2:4-5

Denomination: Charismatic

When Jesus Went Looking For A Fight Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 26, 2024

It’s important to note that when this man picked up his mat on the Sabbath, he didn’t break the Bible’s commands. He broke the cartel’s extra commands that grew up around the Bible like barnacles on a ship’s hull.

Happy Father’s Day to you. When I consider the privilege of my three children, the words of pastor John Drakeford toward his children are salient. “To [my children] have put gray hairs in my head, bills in my pocket, illustrations in my sermons, happiness in my home, and pride in my heart.” Be ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18, Luke 4:16

Denomination: Baptist

Husbands And Wives, Heads And Bodies (Ephesians 5:15-33; 1 Corinthians 11) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 11, 2025

A follow up, summarizing, clarifying paper/sermon, addressing "head-body," "submission," and husbands and wives. For those who wanted more.

A note to my readers: I wrote this in preparation for the past two sermons, (1) as a way of collecting my own thoughts, (2) to make a resource for those who wanted more, (3) to link it to my earlier study of 1 Corinthians 11, and (4) to pull the arguments all together from three separate sermons on ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-33, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

Freedom In Christ

Contributed by Imelda Mesa on Oct 30, 2022

BORN-AGAIN IS NOT A RELIGION. IT IS A LIFE CHANGED BY THE POWER OF GOD, AND GOD WANTS YOU TO BREAK FREE FROM ALL THE HUNG-UPS THAT SLOW US DOWN IN CHRIST. LEAD US TO THE LIGHT THAT IS CHRIST.

(SLIDE 1) BREAK FREE: GALATIANS 5:1 – “IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE. STAND FIRM, THEN, AND DO NOT LET YOURSELVES BE BURDENED AGAIN BY A YOKE OF SLAVERY. (SLIDE 2) THE OPPOSITE OF FREEDOM IS BONDAGE! BONDAGE – subjection or slavery restraints. The basic concept of bondage is “loss of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Foursquare