Sermons on Straight Furrow:

Recognizing (And Recovering From) Spiritual Abuse

Contributed by Jim Miller on May 18, 2003

Spiritually abused Christians and spiritual abusers are more prevalent than you may think. This sermon identifies spiritual abuse and offers some remedies.

INTRODUCTION I am a victim of spiritual abuse. And, chances are, if you have been a member of a church or religious organization for any length of time, you are too. Spiritual abuse surfaces in an assortment of forms: sometimes in-your-face flagrant; other times behind-your-back subtle. It emerges ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

# 1 Water Baptism In The Gospels Series

Contributed by Bruce Morrison on May 19, 2003

An overview of water baptism from the ministry of John the Baptist and our Lord’s baptism.

WATER BAPTISM Bible Teaching Series # 1 - Water Baptism in the Gospels Introduction: I have been a pastor for 35 years and during that time I have baptized hundreds of people in water. The baptismal services that are most memorable to me, with a few exceptions, are ones that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Don't Miss The Mark

Contributed by Thomas Dibble on May 22, 2003

The only way I can miss the mark is if my attention is drawn away from the mark. If my attention and my focus is constantly on the mark there’s no way I can miss it. But if something takes my attention off the mark there is that possibility that I could

Paul says in verse 12 of Philippians 3, that he had not attained everything that God had in store for him. The great apostle Paul who we revere and hold up said even I haven’t attained everything that God has for me. But I press on everyday that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14, James 1:14-15

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Test Of Endurance

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jun 2, 2003

Jesus has been very busy in ministry and opposition is becoming stronger against him. He needed to withdraw. Jesus is tired, away from home, among non-Jewish people, one of which was a woman who had very little to offer to Him, but who wouldn’t go away.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: Have you ever been frustrated by a test or an exam that was unclear or needlessly confusing? I have and I am reminded of a story that I read this week in this regard. A guy was taking a class in ornithology (ôr´nə-thŏlʹə-jē), the study of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

How To Avoid Burnout

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 2, 2003

Even though many people do not like to admit it they are suffering from various levels of emotional, spiritual or mental burnout. When people lose their enthusiasm, excitement and energy in their work they tend to become bored thinking it may be time to t

How to Avoid Burnout Even though many people do not like to admit it they are suffering from various levels of emotional, spiritual or mental burnout. When people lose their enthusiasm, excitement and energy in their work they tend to become bored thinking it may be time to try another ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discerning The Body

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 6, 2003

The Lord’s Table is a place of connection and community, not of individuality and isolation; a place where one can be understood in the midst of an overwhelming world. It is a place of acceptance.

A number of months ago, Margaret and I had the privilege of touring Italy, along with several of you and a number of other people. It was a wonderful experience, most of it. Most of it, but not all. The part that was less than wonderful came early in the tour, when we had a few free hours in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Denomination: Baptist

A Radiant Temple Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jun 9, 2003

Sermon 3 on 1 Corinthians. This was written and preached by Steve Higgs, Associate Minister, MCC Have you ever been to a wedding service where the unity candle would not light? It’s a little awkward isn’t it….

Have you ever been to a wedding service where the unity candle would not light? It’s a little awkward isn’t it…. Which of the following statements best describes your feelings during that moment. We’ll take a little poll at the end of this. a. I feel an overwhelming desire to make a smart comment ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Radical Should You Get?

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 10, 2003

When we first come to Christ we are tempted to make radical changes to our lives in order to prove our devotion to God. But there are some dangers there - and Paul addresses these in answer to a perplexing question.

There was a saying when I first became a believer in Jesus Christ. It was a way of characterizing your devotion to the Lord – you’d say “I’m radically saved.” We meant that we had given all of ourselves to Him, and it was a good thing. But some people took the radical part to extremes. There were ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Pain Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Jun 18, 2003

The Life of Abraham, Part 2 of 10.

SHORT TERM GAIN, LONG TERM PAIN (GENESIS 13:1-18) Once upon a time, there was a man who lived with his wife, two small children, and his elderly parents in a tiny hut. He tried to be patient and gracious, but the noise and crowded conditions wore him down. In desperation, he consulted the village ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:5-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Dead Or Alive?

Contributed by Eric Bland on Jun 20, 2003

Discussion about spiritual, physical and eternal death in relation to the salvation recieved through Christ.

Dead or Alive Ephesians 2:1-5 The book of Ephesians was written by Paul. He was the man that wrote fourteen books out of twenty-seven books in the New Testament. They are referred to as the Pauline Epistles. At one point, Paul stayed with the Ephesians for three years. Though he did not write ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Declaration Of Independence Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 1, 2004

The sermon examines our human tendency to rely on self rather than seek God.

The Declaration of Dependence (Why Men Don’t Ask For Directions—Part 2) James 4:1-10 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO Review: In our previous study we explored the normal human tendency to be independent and self-reliant. Independence and ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living Together In Personal Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Kenneth Henes on Jun 23, 2004

Paul cites for us one attitude and one action that enable us to live together in personal thanksgiving.

LIVING TOGETHER IN PERSONAL THANKSGIVING Philippians 4:10-20 INTRODUCTION A. We have much to be thankful for in America, yet we are not always thankful. 1. "If the rich young ruler was rich, what am I?" by William Boice. Dear Lord, I have been re-reading the record of the Rich Young Ruler and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Passing On The Torch Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Jun 28, 2004

passig on the torch to the generation to follow

HANDING ON THE TORCH – I CHRONICLES 28 Last words are often recorded for posterity. We sometimes lay great store by last words. Some are amusing and some are not. Apparently Oscar Wilde said ‘Either the wallpaper goes, or I do.’ Rudolph Valentino was supposed to have said ‘Don’t pull down the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:1

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Critics In Your Suffering Series

Contributed by John Walls on Jun 28, 2004

People who are critical when Christians suffer

WHY DO CHRISTIANS SUFFER? Message # 4 THE CRITICS IN YOUR SUFFERING Job 2:11-13 Introduction: I am going to repeat a statement I have made in each of the messages thus far. Suffering is a universal fact. Many people suffer throughout the world. If I were to deal with this subject from that ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

"Are You Ready For The Rapture?"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 6, 2004

Jesus will come ... He will come quickly ... we have a responsibility while we wait ... we are to look for Him with eager anticipation.

“Are You Ready For The Rapture?” INTRODUCTION: I begin this morning a SERIES on “The Rapture”. In the weeks ahead we will take a look at “The Signs of His Coming” … “What Jesus Expects Us To Do Until He Comes” … “What It Will Be Like For The SAVED/LOST Immediately After The Rapture”. Do you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3-4

Denomination: Baptist