Sermons on Straining Forward:

Humpty Dumpty / Seize The Day

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jul 10, 2016

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; Humpty Dumpty shouted Amen; God can put me together again. Beloved, Carpe Diem, Seize the day. Updated June 2022.

Do you remember as a child ... listen to ... or reading nursery rhymes? Some of them were a little freighting ... at least they were to me. Three blind mice. Three blind mice. See how they run. See how they run. They all ran after the farmer's wife Who cut off their tails with a carving ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14, Philippians 3:10-14, Isaiah 43:25, Matthew 11:30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Joy Of The Lord

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Dec 15, 2016

Funny thing about joy, we all want it but few know how to keep it. the Joy that the Lord gives is not based upon possessions or circumstances.

The joy of the Lord Introduction- this sermon was gleamed from materials from SermonCentral and its contributors. Good morning, we have been looking at the character of God as we celebrate the Advent season. Last week we began with hope. All our hope is to be wrapped around a loving God that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-8

Denomination: Nazarene

Tempering Our Understanding Of Miracles

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Mar 21, 2023

Miracles do happen. However, not all the time. Faith can be shattered by the expectations of miracles occurring. Not all prayers can be answered. Tough lesson I learned early on.

Tempering our Understanding of Miracles John 11:1-45 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: United Methodist

True Follower Of Christ PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Emphasize the importance of being a true follower of Christ, constantly growing and transforming to become more like Jesus, as we persevere and press on towards the goal of our heavenly calling.

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to explore what it means to be a true follower of Christ. As believers, we are called to emulate Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions, but what does that really look like? C.S. Lewis once wrote, "The Christian does not think God will love us ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:12-14

Topics: Committed Followers, Christ

Living Successfully

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jan 12, 2004

All Christians need to live a successful Christian life.

INTRO.- ILL.- The little girl said to her grandpa, “Make like a frog, grandpa.” He replied, “What do you mean, make like a frog?” She said, “Mommy says we’re going to make a lot of money when you croak!” That’s bad. Many people are only interested in material success, no matter how they acquire ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Joy Is Coming In The Morning

Contributed by Charles Jones on Oct 21, 2008

I preached this message on August 28th 2008 at a funeral for one of my members who was killed tragically in a car accident by a drunk driver on August 19th 2008 .This is in memory of Fred C Jackson

“Joy Is Coming In The Morning” Psalms 30:5 SCRIPTURE: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 Introduction Have you ever felt like crying? There are times in every life when each of us feels like ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Joy Is Coming In The Morning

Contributed by Charles Jones on Dec 16, 2010

Have you ever felt like crying? There are times in every life when each of us feels like crying. Crying is universal. Everyone cries. Babies cry and adults cry. No matter what sex, race or nationality we happen to be, we cry. Usually our tears represent t

“Joy Is Coming In The Morning” Psalms 30:5 SCRIPTURE: For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 Introduction Have you ever felt like crying? There are times in every life when each of us ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Above All, Love Each Other Series

Contributed by Steven Dow on Mar 9, 2006

"Living a Life of Love" - Part 2. This sermon looks at seven reason why we should love others and four ways we should love others.

ABOVE ALL, LOVE EACH OTHER Living A Life Of Love – 2 1 Peter 4:7-11 March 12, 2006 INTRODUCTION: There is a story told of an old monastery that had fallen upon hard times. It was once a great order, but as a result of waves of anti-monastic persecution in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Do All Pray-Ers Get The Same Results?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 22, 2002

This message examines why some people are powerful in prayer while others are of little impact.

- [Have some massive weights on platform off to the side.] I have before me here on the platform some heavy weights and I want to ask you a simple question: do you think I can lift these weights over his head? [Try it and can’t.] - Because I don’t work out, the fact that I could not lift ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Gardens

Contributed by Jim Kane on Apr 6, 2002

It was in a garden that humanity fell and it was in a garden that humanity was redeemed!

TALKING POINTS: 1. A mother was teaching her young son to use the phone. She showed him which numbers to push and explained about the dial tone and the sound of the other phone ringing. The process had begun. The son waited anxiously for the call to be completed, but no one picked up the phone on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8, Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Church Of God

Running For Gold

Contributed by Dale Miller on Jul 31, 2004

Press on to the goal, never give up.

ZEPHYR CHRISTIAN AUGUST 1, 2004 PHIL 3;12-14 INTRO; I WANT TO THANK DOUG FOR ALLOWING ME TO PREACH TODAY. DOUG IS A DEAR FRIEND WHO I HOLD IN HIGH ESTEEM. IT IS GOOD TO HAVE MY FAMILY HERE TODAY. IT IS SO GOOD TO SEE OLD FRIENDS AND NEW FRIENDS, AND TO BE BACK IN THE SUNSHINE STATE. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pressing On Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Paul teaches the importance of “Pressing One” in all areas of life. We must move towards the mark – towards the finish line – toward the day when Christ greets us face to face and says “You’ve arrived”!

BACKGROUND Remember there were false teachers teaching importance of Roman Colony Citizenship Conduct, Status by Rank, and Jewish Law. Paul knocks this down by reminding the new believers of the real goal – that of reaching heaven! So many times, we allow Satan to change goal. He causes us, by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Procedure Of Performance Series

Contributed by Donny Granberry on Sep 23, 2008

Just as we expect our children to grow, mature, and excell, God expects the same from His children. We are either regressing or, "Taking it to the next level."

Taking It To The Next Level 2 “The Procedure of Performance” By: Pastor Donny Granberry Good morning and welcome to Central. A special thank you to all of our guest’s this morning. Be sure to stop be the information booth to receive your gift for being our guest today. This past Sunday Morning I ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fresh Start 2016

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Jan 12, 2016

Fresh start and a new beginning

Fresh start 2016 Philippians 3:12-16 Introduction- Christmas is behind us, and the New Year is in front of us. We will try to get back to normal, whatever normal is. Lights will come down, tree gets put away. Diets start the New Year. I think everyone of us is in some fashion looks at the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Nazarene

July – My Month Of Experiencing Supernatural Rest

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 28, 2025

Rest is more than physical sleep or inactivity; it is a spiritual dimension of peace, assurance, and alignment with God’s will.

JULY – MY MONTH OF EXPERIENCING SUPERNATURAL REST By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Matthew 11:28-30 Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:9-11, Exodus 33:14, Psalm 23:1-3, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Kings 5:4 INTRODUCTION: Rest is one of the most powerful yet often neglected gifts that God has given His children. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God