Sermons on Spiritual Discerning:

The Characteristics Of A Spiritual Church

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jun 25, 2009

A Wednesday evening devotion which teaches us from the 1st Century church in Jerusalem, we can discern some of what it means to be a Spiritual Congregation.

The Characteristics of a Spiritual Church Acts 5:12-16 * One of the most sobering passages in all of New Testament scripture (at least for me) is found in Acts 5:1-11. To remind you, this is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. When they lied about their gifts to the church, they were struck down ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

How Does The Holy Spirit Give Us Greater Discernment

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

How Does the Spirit Guide Us With His Discernment

How Does the Spirit Guide Us With His Discernment (Acts 2:5-13) Illustration: Where Am I Going? It’s comforting to hear that even Albert Einstein had a brain cramp now and then. One time, for instance, he was taking a train to an out of town engagement. The conductor stopped by to punch his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:5-13, Acts 2:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unmasking Satan’s Strategies: Discernment Vs. Suspicion (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Apr 4, 2023

The devil is a cruel cunning foe. To be vigilant against his attacks is not only a duty but also a mandatory essential to life.

And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to number Israel. (1 Chronicle 21:1) When marriages disintegrate, churches split into several fragments, governments collapse, and institutions go bankrupt, who do you think is the supreme architect of these evil situations? Believe me, it is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-21, 1 Peter 5:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unmasking Satan’s Strategies: Discernment Vs. Suspicion (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Apr 4, 2023

Satan is a personality with definite character traits. It is character that gives dignity and value to a person, or character degrades a person. Character is the inner life of a person that forms his actions and shapes his life.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. (Ephesian 6:11) One of the major factors in every form of warfare is reconnaissance. We see that dimension of warfare in the Bible and in our contemporary world. Reconnaissance is carrying out a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:4, 1 John 3:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unmasking Satan’s Strategies: Discernment Vs. Suspicion (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Apr 4, 2023

Discernment develops in a climate of humility. Suspicion thrives in pride. If your church is filled with pride, competition, and a religious spirit, it will also be filled with suspicion.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ( Hebrews 5:14) Brethren, we are dealing with a crafty enemy who always desires to keep on fighting the wrong battles. He is so cunning that if you are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11, Hebrews 5:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Becoming Spiritually Minded

Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Aug 13, 2002

The difference between a Mature believer and an immature believer is in the mind (As a man thinketh in his heart so is he). We must grow up in our minds.

Ro 8: 1-26 Spiritual Vs Carnal” Paul is describing the two categories of The Christian that exist within the church: #1 The Carnal Minded– Flesh (natural man) = Baby #2 The Spiritual Minded =Spiritual = Mature Minded : Thoughts, purposes, view points, opinions, perspectives, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-26

Denomination: Pentecostal

Using Discernment Not Judgementalism

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Apr 29, 2003

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." (Matt. 9:10-12)

How Jesus Exercised Discerning Judgments People often misunderstand one statement that Jesus made, "Judge not less you be judged yourself." (Matthew 7:1) Actually, Jesus taught that no one should try to play God by assuming a position as the final judge of what is right. The Lord showed amazing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:10-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discerning God's Voice Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Sep 22, 2006

Your very presence here today is an indication that you have heard, or are hearing his voice. But developing that companionship often remains a challenge; learning to listen to God is not always as simple as we’d like?

The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his ...read more

Scripture: John 10:2-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lenten Breakfast: Discernment

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 3, 2004

A short devotional for Lent Breakfasts. 10 minutes

LENT BREAKFAST MARCH 3, 2004 “Lent is a season of intense prayer, fasting and concern for those in need. It offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment about their lives, with particular attention to the word of God which enlightens the daily journey of all ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Discerning Good And Evil

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on Dec 13, 2001

Seven questions that new Christians can ask themselves in helping to discern good and evil.

As Christians, we are zealous to serve the Lord that paid for our Salvation with His very life. We want to please Him in all that we do. However, if we are new in the Faith, we realize that our knowledge of the Christian walk is lacking. In our day-to-day life, determining what is right and what ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18, Hebrews 5:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Discerning The Source Of Criticism Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 21, 2025

When criticism is based on lies and bathed in bitterness, it is essential to recognize that it is not coming from God.

As Christians, we are not immune to criticism. In fact, Jesus promised that we would face persecution and criticism for our faith (John 15:18-21). However, not all criticism is constructive or godly. When criticism is based on lies and bathed in bitterness, it is essential to recognize that it is ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-21, Ephesians 4:15

The Gift Of Discerning Of Spirits Series

Contributed by Donna Kazenske on Nov 17, 2002

Discerning of spirits is such a vital gift to the body of Christ. The enemy has gotten away with a lot of demonic manifestations in our church services because the gift of discerning of spirits was not functioning in the leadership.

By: Donna J. Kazenske 1 Cor. 12:7-10 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom, through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another the gift of faith by the same Spirit, to another ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, Isaiah 6:1

Denomination: *other

Followers Have Discernment Series

Contributed by Grady Henley on Nov 4, 2011

Followers Have Discernment

Lesson 06 of the Follow Me Series Followers Have Discernment Compiled and Edited Grady Henley Key Verse: 1 Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Discerning & Wise Series

Contributed by Scott Brewer on Aug 12, 2007

Discerning what is of God and who is of God is the responsibility of every Christ follower.

An Incarnational, Missional People “Becoming Discerning & Wise” 1 John 4:1-6 How do you feel about tests? Some people like tests and the challenge of proving themselves or showing what they know. Most of us don’t like tests for the fear of looking foolish or ignorant. Recently a college professor ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Discerning Our World

Contributed by Dana Chau on Mar 22, 2002

Learn to discern the philosophies that come from God and those that do not

I received an email this past Wednesday that asked if I knew anything about Tachyon energy. Tachyon energy is supposedly some form of energy, when channeled into us, brings peace, joy and health. If you’ve done any reading about the new age movement, the Tachyon website and links contained ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9

Denomination: *other