Sermons on Soup:

Spiritual Atrophy - #2 Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jul 9, 2009

The characteristics, consequences, and cure for Spiritual Atrophy? (Thanks to Dr. Brunson & Dr. Caner for their book, "Why Churches Die")

The Local Church Is it Dead, Dying, or Dynamic? Part 2 – “Spiritual Atrophy” Amos 6:1 * Let’s begin with a story. While it has been true dozens of times, the names have been deleted to protect the guilty. * There was once a visionary pastor who developed a visionary group of believers. This ...read more

Scripture: Amos 6:1

Denomination: Baptist

Yes Or No

Contributed by Tom Tarpley on Feb 26, 2012

Sometimes, there are only two options in life, "Yes" or "No'.

Matthew 4:1-11 Mark 4:17-22 "Yes or No" You Decide. A few years ago Gloria and I were traveling on one of the freeways our on our way home from vacationing some place in the south, I can't remember exactly where we were coming from. All of a sudden, all I could see ahead of us were braking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: *other

The Journey Of Faith Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Dec 8, 2014

It is through Jesus that God speaks to you and me – no matter how dark the times, no matter how difficult the way, no matter how unfaithful people around us may be. God speaks to us through Jesus, and he calls us to himself just as he did Ruth.

The book of Ruth is the story of an extended family living in a dangerous place during turbulent times. The story is told in four scenes, with a chapter devoted to each scene. Chapter 1 is about a journey, chapter 2 a day in the field, chapter 3 a night to remember, and chapter 4 a morning that ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Fear Not

Contributed by William Baeta on Jun 20, 2014

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:29-31)

Theme: Fear not Text: Gen. 21:8-21; Rom. 6:1-11; Matt. 10:24-39 The technological age has given us easy access to information that was impossible a few years ago. The click of a computer tab can scan a document for specific words, list them and count them. The words “Fear not” occur ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When Laughter Is Not The Best Medicine

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Mar 15, 2010

James urges us to turn our laughter over sin into mourning.

“Knock, knock.” Who’s there? “Sadie.” Sadie who? “Say de magic word and I’ll let you out!” “Knock, knock.” Who’s there? “Nobel.” Nobel who? “No bell so I knocked!” “Knock, knock.” Who’s ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Momentum

Contributed by Betty Johnson on Jun 28, 2012

This is the second in a series of three sermons taken from Wayne Schmidt's book, "Ministry Velocity: The Power for Leadership Momentum" as it related to us moving from a rented facility toward the purchase of a dedicated worship facility.

Momentum Scripture: Joshua 3 The momentum is building - no pun intended. Can you feel it? Today, we’re going to talk about momentum. Here’s a definition of momentum from Wikpedia: In classical mechanics, linear momentum or translational momentum is the product of the mass and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Victory Feast: Saints R Us Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 2, 2011

Our faithfulness carried out in our service to Jesus Christ as we love and serve one another is the perfect complement to the victory of our Lord, and it is as beautiful to him as his victory is to us.

A few years ago when I was back in Minnesota visiting my god-children, who as many of you know are Episcopal , I was enchanted to be awakened one Sunday morning by the sound of three angelic voices marching through the house singing “This is the feast of victory for our God!” I think ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Beggar(S)

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Aug 30, 2017

When Martin Luther died, they found a piece of paper in his pocket that read: "This is true. We are beggars." He is right. Before God, we are beggars, like the Canaanite woman.

There is something about a sibling that can bring out the worst in us. We might not mind losing, but when it is to a brother or sister, then it’s an entirely different story. We might become more competitive than we normally are. Our patience can seem to be even less with them. They also seem ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Depend On God’s Spirit Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Oct 14, 2019

If we are going to apply God's wisdom and stand firm in God's will, we must depend on the Holy Spirit.

In the April 1989 edition of Time magazine, an article appeared which, I believe, is still relevant for us some 30 years later. It was titled, “How America Has Run Out of Time,” and the opening lines say it all: “If you have a moment to read this story with your feet up, free of interruption, at ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Only Way Out Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 30, 2021

So God says to those who receive Christ, "Your sins are gone, and you can return to fellowship with Me. The past no longer blocks the way, for it is no longer remembered.

Men have offered millions of sacrifices to God in order to get Him to forgive and release them from sin. But there is no record that anyone was ever set free by this method, even when they offered their own babies, or young virgins in sacrifice. All of this folly just added to the darkness of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:18

How To Trigger A Great Awakening

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!"

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!" That is the beginning. We become willing to be a vessel ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

2023 Lessons From A Child's Favorite Miracle Story

Contributed by John Huyser on Jan 31, 2023

It is the healing and the extent to which his friends went to bring him to Jesus that drew me. Oh to have friends like that.

This true Bible story was one of my Sunday School favorites growing up. Maybe it was yours as well ranking right up there with David and Goliath. I was drawn to the story by the healing and the great lengths the friends went to - to bring him to Jesus! Oh to have friends like! Lying on a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:17-26

Can I Call You Friend?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 11, 2018

I would love to be counted a friend of God? There are 4 kinds of friends? Which are you? Are you a friend to others?

CAN I CALL YOU FRIEND? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. WE NEED FRIENDS… Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN SYMPATHY AND COMPASSION? Sympathy is a box of Kleenex and a bowl of chicken soup. Jude 1:22 And of some have ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:17, Jude 1:22, 1 Samuel 18:1, 2 Timothy 4:10-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lesson 36: Preach An Analogy Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 15, 2018

Preaching analogies is very biblical

Lesson Goal I hope to encourage the preaching of sermons using an analogy. Lesson Intro Jesus is our prime model of good preaching. He used analogy continually. Many of his parables are analogies. Yet, his analogies are not limited to his parables. Jesus is the door, the bread, the light, the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Why Don’t I Sense God’s Closeness More Often?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 3, 2018

Jesus said the kingdom is near, yet often we don't sense God's closeness. This sermon looks at five places where we're likely to meet God.

A GOOD QUESTION: Why don’t I sense God’s closeness more often? - Most of us can tell you about moments in our lives when we sensed God’s closeness. - One such moment for me was when the Holy Spirit spoke to me at 4 a.m. in Guangzhou, China. The presence of the Holy Spirit was so palpable and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:5-7

Denomination: Baptist