Sermons on Spiritual Empowerment:

Opposition From Without (Acts 5) Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

THis is a study the waves of persecution following after the Jewish persecution of the church chronicled in Acts.

INTRODUCTION: History of Opposition without: There were about 10 waves of persecution following after the Jewish persecution of the church chronicled in Acts. Nero (54-68) Domitian (81-90) Marcus Aurelius (161-180) Decius (249-251) thousands died for refusing to sacrifice to the imperial ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:19-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Parable Of A Woman Nick Named Y.a.m.

Contributed by Carolyn Malaika Foster-Brooks on Aug 19, 2002

A sermon of encouragement for women who are feeling unworthy and have low self-esteem.

Evangelist Carolyn Malaika Foster-Brooks The Ministry of S.A.R.A.H. (Serenity*Atonement*Restoration & Healing) Lyons, Georgia Prayer- Dear Father in Heaven- We woke up this morning thanking You once more for your goodness. Whatever problems we faced yesterday are a part of our past and we can’t ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19, Psalm 139:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Bible Is The Supreme Weapon We Possess For Spiritual Success

Contributed by Dennis Selfridge on Apr 25, 2003

How to use the Word of God to be spiritually secure.

Introduction: Expiration dates are printed on just about everything nowadays, even on soda pop cans. One place you will not find an expiration date, however, is on salt. Ever hear anyone say, "This salt tastes old. It must not be very fresh"? Probably not. Salt never goes stale. Jesus said, "Salt ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:3-7

Denomination: Wesleyan

Samson?s Steps On The Slippery Slope Of Spiritual Defeat

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 10, 2002

Sampson pictures the deadly effect of sin in the life of the believer.

SAMSON?S STEPS ON THE SLIPPERY SLOPE OF SPIRITUAL DEFEAT JUDGES 14-16 (Numbers 6:2-7) "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: {3} He shall separate himself from wine ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Between Two Worlds: Our Civil & Spiritual Responsibilities Series

Contributed by Scott Carson on Mar 29, 2001

A study of Jesus’ answers to the Jewish leaders on whether it was right to pay taxes to Caesar.

Between Two Worlds: Our Civil & Spiritual Responsibilities Luke 20:20-26 Some wise wag said, “While there are just two certainties in life: death and taxes, at least death doesn’t get worse every time Congress is in session!” A man on vacation was strolling along outside his hotel in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

3 Perpetual Practices To Ensure Personal Spiritual Vitality

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

A. Rejoice Always B.

A. Rejoice Always B. Pray Without Ceasing C. Give Thanks in Everything "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Exodus 3:4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Contrasting Healthy And Unhealthy Ways Of Viewing Spiritual Gifts

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Take an evaluative look at the ways spiritual gifts are being used in your life and in your fellowship.

Unhealthy Views of Spiritual Gifts * Useful for gaining popularity, status and power * Useful for helping one stand out from the crowd * Useful for self-aggrandizement (Increasing one’s power, rank or wealth) * Useful for protecting oneself from other’s accusations about worthlessness * Useful for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When You Don't Feel Spiritually Fed

Contributed by W Pittendreigh on Feb 22, 2001

What do you do for nurture when you don’t feel spiritually fed? Steps toward being spiritually nurtured: Love, Study God’s Word, Live God’s Word, Fellowship with Believers, Service to Others.

by the Rev. W. Maynard Pittendreigh, Jr. Sunrise Presbyterian Church Miami Florida Pittendreigh@aol.com Are you being fed, spiritually? Are you being nurtured in your faith? Are you taking care of your soul’s health? Those are important questions. They are every bit as ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Four Spiritual Checks - #2 The Reliability Of God's Promises Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the second in a series on Paul’s Trustworthy sayings. It encourages us to find peace and hope in God’s promises.

INTRODUCTION. (ILLUS.) When I began my first year at Bible College, I quickly became friends with another guy who was in my class -- let’s call him John. John and I were both from Brethren In Christ churches, we both came straight from high school, and we were both enrolled in the same program ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Denomination: *other

Four Spiritual Checks - #3 The Necessity Of Future-Mindedness Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the third in a series that studies Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This one demonstrates the difference that a hope-filled, optimistic attitude can make in our lives.

INTRODUCTION. Many of you know that I am an avid reader. I consistently have at least two or three books on the go. Some books I read here in my office and usually deal with church, ministry, or worship-related issues -- to help me develop as a pastor. The books I read at home are generally for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Denomination: *other

Four Spiritual Checks - #4 The Nobility Of Serving God Series

Contributed by Mark Thornton on Oct 3, 2001

This is the last of a series on Paul’s Trustworthy Sayings. This message demonstrates the value of serving God and encourages people to get involved in ministry.

INTRODUCTION. (ILLUS.) -- Like many teenagers, I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to do with my life when I was a high-school senior. I knew that I wanted to serve the Lord (possibly in ministry / full-time service) but I didn’t know what or where. I hadn’t decided on pursuing pastoral ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: *other

Here I Come, Ready Or Not! Spiritually Asleep!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Oct 14, 2006

Jesus is coming back for His church. Are we ready and waiting? Let us look at some characters in the Bible that had trouble with spiritual sleep.

HERE I COME READY OR NOT! BE READY --- MAKE PLANS --- BE VIGILENT By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. READY: With preparation. Easily secured. Complete, in a fit state. Willing, inclined to resolve, within reach. A plan, prepared, vigilant, alert, urgent. I. THERE IS A PREPARED PLACE FOR A PREPARED ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Joy In The Christian Life -- Overcoming Hindrances To Spiritual Work

Contributed by Timothy Shumer on Aug 27, 2005

This was a message in a series on “joy in the Christian life” based on the book and life of Nehemiah.

So far as we have gone through Nehemiah = His book and his life - Briefly looked at his Godly character - His deep-seated desire to make a difference for the glory of God - Godly separation = Necessity of prayer for Spiritual power for Spiritual work - Willingness to sacrifice to obtain greater ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Contrasting Healthy And Unhealthy Ways Of Viewing Spiritual Gifts

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 18, 2006

Unhealthy Views of Spiritual Gifts-* Useful for gaining popularity, status and power * Useful for helping one stand out from the crowd * Useful for self-aggrandizement (Increasing one’s power, rank or wealth) * Useful for protecting oneself from other’

Contrasting Healthy and Unhealthy Ways of Viewing Spiritual Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:6 (NIV, NIRV, TNIV, KJV) Unhealthy Views of Spiritual Gifts * Useful for gaining popularity, status and power * Useful for helping one stand out from the crowd * Useful for self-aggrandizement ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:6-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sound The Battle Cry! (Spiritual Warfare, Part 1) Series

Contributed by Dr. Tracy W. Marx on Apr 11, 2007

Being prepared for our battle against Satan.

(Announce Text) BACKGROUND: The book of Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul sometime around A.D. 63 while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. The theme of Ephesians is “the glorious church” and its purpose is to describe the redemptive grace of God toward his church. The chapter themes of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ