Sermons on Stay Firm:

Rekindling Your First Love Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 28, 2008

The first churches in history were just like the churches now...and they have a lot to teach us about staying close to Jesus.

Sermon for CATM – December 28 – Churches of Revelation – Ephesus and Sardis – Revelation 2:1-7; 3:1-6 Today we begin a 5-part series on the Churches of Revelation. Yes, it is a bit odd that we’re beginning such a series on the last Sunday of the year and that we will be starting the new year with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Focus For The New Year

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Jan 2, 2009

What will you focus on for the new Year? Prioritize what is important, stay positive in your attitude and improve the relationships all around us.

Introduction It’s common during this time of year for folks to plan for the future and start anew. According to the Chicago Tribune, (Mark Silva, “New Years’ Resolutions: Uh, Never Mind”, December 29, 2008) The top three New Years’ resolutions were losing weight, quitting some form of nasty ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Trust In God's Sovereignty Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 17, 2008

Do not define God by our experiences. God is with us in suffering. Stay faithful unto death and He will reward us with the crown of life.

Stay faithful to God. Don’t let disappointment and pain draw us away from Him. ?The church in Symrna was in suffering, under great persecution. ?But the Lord reveals Himself to them as One who is on their side, fighting the same foe. ?Despite the evil they see around and the hardship they are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Escape The Debt Trap Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Aug 22, 2004

First in a 5 part series on understanding your possessions from a Biblical prespective. Part 1- How to stay out of and handle debt.

Escape the Debt Trap” Romans 13:8, 1 Timothy 6:6-9 Introduction to Series: VIDEO CLIP: “Stanley Johnson” Lending Tree Commercial- :32 “Somebody help me!” Maybe you have seen that clip on TV. Interestingly it is done by a company who claims they will help you by consolidating your debt. But ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-9

Denomination: Christian Church

The Heart Reader Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Feb 24, 2006

Last in the series, "Life After the Wedding," this message features more spiritual perspectives on marriage, and practical tips for staying far from adultery.

The Heart Reader Series: Life After the Wedding, part 6 Wildwind Community Church February 26, 2006 David Flowers Big thought for today: If God wants marriages to be healthy, and if marriages are the product of a union between two spirit beings (which we are if you believe human beings have ...read more

Scripture: John 2:23-25

Denomination: Free Methodist

Advent: Stand Guard!

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Nov 27, 2011

May we remember to ’stand guard’ and ’stay alert’ in not only mind, heart and soul, but in the way we live out our faith.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!” YES, TODAY IS THE BEGINNING OF A BRAND NEW YEAR…FOR THE CHURCH. THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SEASON. ALONG WITH THE DAWNING OF A NEW SEASON AND NEW YEAR COMES THE ANTICIPATION OF STARTING FRESH, STARTING OVER, MAKING CHANGES AND EXPECTATING BETTER DAYS ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Denomination: Free Methodist

Matthew 13:20-21 – Part 5 – Swimming At The Shallow End Of The Pool? Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Jan 28, 2011

No matter how hardhitting and inspiring and deep the message is on Sunday, many stay at the shallow end and won’t continue with the faith that they profess.

Matthew 13:20-21 – Part 5 – SWIMMING AT THE SHALLOW END OF THE POOL? He stays at the shallow end of the pool for a long time, refusing invitations to come out into the deeper water, even with his dad. But after a long time considering it, my grandson Zion Brave Bennett thrusts himself ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:20-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Remaining Fruit Series

Contributed by Christopher Lanham on Jun 9, 2011

Jesus tells us to "abide" in him - to stay in the vine. But how do we do that and what does it mean for our walk with Christ?

Remaining Fruitful John 15:1-17 Cascades Fellowship CRC, JX MI May 11, 2008 Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation Rich Ratts, former pastor of Grace Community Church here in Jackson and a now a church planter in Traverse City once spoke at a pastor’s appreciation breakfast I attended. He ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Switched - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 30, 2010

We usually like for things to stay the same. However, sometimes an exchange takes place for our good. Some things need to be “Switched!”

“Switched” Text: Genesis 48:1-2, 5, 8-20 1Some time later Joseph was told, "Your father is ill." So he took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim along with him. 2 When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you," Israel rallied his strength and sat up on the bed. 5"Now then, your two sons born ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

Switched - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Apr 10, 2010

We usually like for things to stay the same. However, sometimes an exchange takes place for our good. Some things need to be “Switched!”

“Switched” Text: Genesis 25:21-26; 32:24, 27-28; 35:14-18 Gen. 25:21 Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dare To Dream

Contributed by Ervin Kimrey on Jul 26, 2007

Without a dream (vision) we are still and dead. If we are to stay motivated, strong, and true to our God we must have a dream.

DARE TO DREAM Genesis 37: 5-11 Introduction: When we are children we have great dreams. When born-again we are given a new dream; (Heaven) A woman told her husband, I dreamed you gave me a gold necklace What do you think it means?” “I don’t know, Valentine’s Day is coming soon, maybe you’ll ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Diving In

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 12, 2008

The alternative to inexhaustible purpose is to stay in the RUT of the familiar and common-place...“The only difference between a rut and a grave is one of dimension.” (anon)

LIFE GOALS VIDEO CLIP... Jesus gives us an invitation to go diving! He invites us to plunge into the deep waters of his inexhaustible purpose! I warn you. Diving has its risks. It is not without dangerous possibilities. That’s why many people choose to play it safe. SAFE is familiar and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

Handling Anxiety In A Time Of Economic Crisis Series

Contributed by Nigel Heath on Mar 22, 2009

In times and circumstances when we are tempted to worry Jesus gives us the cure: Stay focused on the Kingdom not the Calamity - Learn the value of contentment.

22.3.09 HANDLING ANXIETY IN A TIME OF ECONOMIC CRISIS Matthew 6:19-34 INTRO How many of you still buy and read a daily newspaper? Most of us keep up with the news one way or the other – either by listening to the radio or watching television news and in-depth reports. Also, increasing numbers of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

Run To Win

Contributed by Francis Balla on Aug 27, 2012

Christian Life is like a Spiritual Marathon. What do we have to do to prepare for it, stay on the course, and eventually win the race?

Around here in Boston Patriots Day is famously known for “The Boston Marathon” in which runners from all over the world participate. I watched with keen interest as the gun shot went off for the 116th Boston Marathon. Upmost in every ones mind was the question “Who will get the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

Life God's Way

Contributed by Paul Carlson on Jan 25, 2010

Because Christ is the source of all life, you must stay close to Him in order to experience “the abundant life”.

I. The Nature of God obligates you to submit to Him. A. God is present (omnipresent). B. God is active (immanent). Genesis 1; Eph 4:6 II. The Nature of man obligates you to reflect the glory of God. A. Man surmises He is an accident. B. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist