Sermons on Straighten Out:

All Hands On Deck

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Apr 6, 2007

Saul welcomed back to the front lines some who had previously defected and others who had hidden out on the sidelines. A challenge to those who have drifted in any way spiritually to get back on the playing field. A challenge to those who have sat out o

I. HOUSE OF GOD (Bethel) had become HOUSE OF NOTHINGNESS (Beth-Aven) II. SAUL WELCOMED BACK TO THE BATTLE EVERYONE WHO WANTED TO GET BACK IN ON THE ACTION A. Even Those Who Had Previously Defected B. Even Those Who Had Hidden Themselves On The Sidelines III. WE ARE IN A BATTLE A. God Had Been ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 14:20-23

Denomination: Church Of God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worship: Expressing Your Love To God Series

Contributed by Tim Olson on Mar 14, 2001

The object of this message is to get you to evaluate your relationship with God and to point out ways to strengthen your love for God.

SERIES: PRIORITIES FOR PLEASING GOD #1 WORSHIP: EXPRESSING YOUR LOVE FOR GOD KBF & 00-01-14 & Tim Olson INTRO: WORSHIP IS EXPRESSING YOUR LOVE FOR GOD There’s a new "reality" TV show on Fox Network called "Temptation Island" that is the subject of discussion these days. Many people are very ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:30

Desiring A True Move Of God

Contributed by Bob Ashcraft on Apr 8, 2001

If we want to see a move of God, then there is a cost. Many cry out for a move but will not pay the price. God is waiting on us.

04/08/2001 Desiring A True Move of God 2 Chr 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  A direct word for the church in these ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

If Christ Be Not Risen

Contributed by Terry Owens on Apr 14, 2001

What would life be like if Christ had not risen from the grave. Find out as we explore if Christ be not risen.

Have you ever stopped to think what life would be like if an event in your life had been changed? One of my favorite movies at Christmas time is “It’s a wonderful life” a story about George Bailey who found out what it would be like if he had never been born. This past year Nicolas Cage did a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Denomination: Church Of God

The World's Greatest Backslider

Contributed by Charles Clary on Oct 23, 2001

The sermon chronicles Ephraim’s (Israel) downward spiral and sets forth the love of God which reaches out to him.

Many here today have heard of the Darwin Awards. They are given to individuals who self-destruct in the most remarkable way. Floyd Brown, age 42, wearing a ski-mask attempted to rob a Holiday Inn in Anchorage, Alaska. The problem was that there were 40 policemen who were in the lobby of the motel ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:7-8

Denomination: Pentecostal