Sermons on Straighten Out:

Don't Stay In The Boat

Contributed by Russell Lackey on Aug 10, 2014

It has been said that "you will never walk on water if you do not get out of the boat." And yet, too often we fail to think about the next step. This sermon is meant to encourage those afraid to step out in faith as well as those who are sinking!

Many centuries ago, a man named Peter stood on the edge of a boat in the Sea of Galilee. Like all people who find themselves on an edge - whether physical or metaphorical - a decision had to be made. Peter’s choice was to either to step out onto the water or remain in the boat. Not an easy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Lutheran

False Friends Causes The Loss Of Joy

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Apr 2, 2020

Have you ever tried to stop someone you loved from doing something really stupid? “like going out in public when they are supposed to “Shelter in”. A few days “sheltering in” is OK but weeks… I will have to suppress my urge to venture out and not be foolish

In Jesus Holy Name March 22, 2020 Text: Galatians Series Galatians 4: 15a Redeemer “False Friends Causes the Loss of Joy” May the grace and mercy or our risen Lord bring comfort to you in these days of “sheltering in”. Have you ever tried to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:15-16

Denomination: Lutheran

God’s Eternal Plan

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Dec 15, 2016

God’s great plan is eternal because he set it out before the creation of the world, because it’s effective right now and because it reaches into the future to the end of time. This eternal, cosmic plan is being worked out day by day and we’re part of it.

I hope that those of you who were here last week have been waiting with anticipation to hear more about God’s eternal plan for the world. As we’ll see in a moment it’s an eternal plan because he set it out before the creation of the world, because it’s effective right now and because it reaches ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Denomination: Anglican

7 Woes On Religious Leaders (Matthew 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 17, 2024

Why are we afraid to preach Matthew 23? Why does the Revised Common Lectionary leave it completely out? Are we afraid to let our churches know that we church leaders are weak, and fail, and also need to repent? Let's find out in Matthew 23.

Jesus warned about hypocrisy among religious leaders and accompanying woes. Have we ever heard this taught? Is it just too painful to admit that we church leaders can sometimes be just like the Pharisees? Let’s learn some hard lessons from Jesus in Matthew 23. Hypocrisy Do we practice what we ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Powerful Prepositions

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on May 11, 2024

How things start out can often determine if they are victorious in the end. Our final outcomes are judged not in the light of today, but in the light of eternity. Romans 11:36 shows us a three-pronged test to get us started out right and to help us see it through to the end.

According to Merriam-Webster, a preposition at its most basic form shows direction. Romans 11:36 is packed full of three powerful prepositions. Not because the words themselves hold power, but because they are providing direction to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. It says, “For from him ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:36, James 1:17, 2 Peter 1:3

The Wedding Invitation Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 25, 2022

The Lord has sent out a wedding invitation. He won't say, "If unable to attend, we ask your presence in thought and prayer.” If we are unable to attend the marriage of the Lamb, God will say, “If unable to attend, you’re out of luck!”

This evening’s message is entitled “The Wedding Invitation.” We’re going to learn tonight how the Lord delivers a wedding invitation to each and every person in the world, and that He expects our attendance. A traditional wedding invitation might conclude by saying, “If you are unable to attend, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Qualifications For Elders Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 1, 2021

Church leaders are to have an 1) Unblemished public reputation (Titus 1:6a) and must qualify in the specific areas of: 2) Sexual morality (Titus 1:6b), 3) Family leadership (Titus1:6c), and finally 4) General character (Titus 1:7–9).

For the greater part of this century, evangelical Christianity has been deeply committed to the battle for doctrinal purity. But in many circles in recent years it has not been as committed to moral purity, even among its leaders. Inevitably the church has experienced erosion of its integrity and ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Other

Making Your Paths Straight

Contributed by Christopher Nerreau on Jul 25, 2009

Is your life out of control? Today we are going to see that God has a wonderful plan to Make Straight The Paths Of Your Life. This plan consists of: 1. Trusting God With All Our Hearts (v.5) 2. Leaning not on Our Own Understanding (v.5) 3. Acknowledgin

“MAKING YOUR PATHS STRAIGHT” “Straightening up your life” Proverbs 3:5-6 Fr. Christopher M. Nerreau Introduction: (Read passage) Opening Remarks: • Recently I was reminded of an essay written by George Orwell. In it he recalls eating a peanut butter and jam sandwich out on his deck. A fly landed ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Orthodox

Justice Will Prevail, I Promise! Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 29, 2020

Life can be hard and unfair. We cry out for justice and wait for it. We may never experience justice in this world, but God promises us that He is a just God and that justice will prevail in the next world.

A. Have you noticed in life that justice can be hard to come by? 1. One day a defendant stood before the judge and the judge announced, “Tell me, sir, do you have anything to offer this court before it passes sentence?” a. The defendant replied, “No, your honor, I have nothing to offer this court, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:29-31, Revelation 20:11-12, Romans 2:16, Hebrews 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Settled Too Soon?

Contributed by Clark Sneed on Apr 28, 2006

Terah started out for Canaan but settled in Haran. Have you settled for less than that to which God calls you?

Sunday Morning, April 30, 2006 Title: Settled Too Soon? Text: Genesis 11:31-12:2 And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Not

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jun 7, 2006

Christ promise to bring us out of darkness into light. When we discover this we have a responsibility to share with others

- June 25, 1990 NYT - Choose to leave the light of this world to walk in darkness - Lost In a Dark Labyrinth - Gary Lutes, 37 & sons Buddy 13, and Tim, 9, of Tampa, Fla., - New Trout Cave - Smoke Hole Caves - Lost for 5 days - Violated Cave Rule - Never leave emergency pack behind - 200 ft ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Da Vinci Code: Loving Truth And Ignoring Fiction / The Divinity Of Christ

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Jun 13, 2006

Many question have since the move and the book the Da Vinci Code came out. This message deals with the divinity of Christ.

Turn Your Bibles to John 1:1 and verse 14 Title: Loving Truth and Ignoring Fiction Theme: The Divinity of Christ Introduction: I had a friend in Christ send me a cartoon this week. In the background of this cartoon was a movie theater with a sign saying, “The Da Vinci Code.” It showed lots ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blind No More Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Mar 24, 2003

Sometimes those who see the most clearly are not those who stand out in our society, the rich, the famous or the powerful.

A Study of the Book of Luke Sermon # 51 Blind No More! Luke 18: 35-43 The journey that is recorded for us is very important. Jericho marked the last stage of the journey to Jerusalem for Jesus (12:51). Jesus is on his way to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:35-43

Denomination: Baptist

It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time Series

Contributed by Stephen Todd on Apr 27, 2003

Like Sarai we often come up with plans to help God out which unfortunately usually end in disaster.

Genesis 16 April 27, 2003 It was one of those rare moments in a thirteen-year-Olds life. For once I was thinking of someone other than myself. My parents were both working and I decided that I would be considerate and make supper for them. I got the meat going in the oven without too much ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Where's Zebedee? Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Mar 7, 2001

Zebedee, as many fathers today, missed out on the best things he could find by being satisfied with what was good.

Where’s Zebedee? And straightway he [Jesus] called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him. Mark 1:20 Where was Zebedee’s wife? Matthew 20:20; 27:56, “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:20, Matthew 4:21-22

Denomination: Baptist