Sermons on Straining Forward:

Religion Vs. Relationship

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 9, 2022

This message contrasts religion and relationship, showing that religion is not to be desired. However, a relationship with Jesus is to be highly treasured. Why? Religion brings about death, but relationship brings about life.

Whenever you hear of the word “religion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps attending a church service, someone worshipping a Buddha statue, a baptismal service, someone reciting a chant or prayer, someone fasting, people praying to the east every hour, someone making an animal sacrifice, or someone ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

There's No Reason To Dance Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Aug 22, 2005

Message 5 of 6 on emotions. Depression.

There’s No Reason to Dance Psalms 10:1 LORD, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble? We all understand what depression is and how it affects us. Some of us are more given to depression than others but we’ve all felt its power in our lives – irrespective as to whether or ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Am I Going To Do While I Am Where I Am. "Now What"

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Jun 18, 2003

Ever gone through so much that the only thing you can say is Lord Now What. Ask God the question What am I going to do while I am where I am?

What Am I Going To Do While I Am Where I Am !!NOW WHAT!! Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14

Denomination: Apostolic

Christmas In Narnia

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Dec 30, 2005

Uses the Narnia movie to show truth about God.

Christmas in Narnia Its September 18, 1931, in Oxford, England, Two brilliant young professors walk in the darkness until 3am. One is called Jack by his friends, the other is called Tollers. Jack and Tollers have become great friends, primarily because they both love to read ancient myths and ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Can’t Pull A Fast One Over On Me

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 16, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 14: 1 – 31

Exodus 14: 1 – 31 You can’t pull a fast one over on me 14 Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Now He's Everywhere

Contributed by Don Schultz on May 1, 2002

When Jesus ascended, something changed. Now, he fills everything in every way.

THE ASCENSION: NOW HE’S EVERYWHERE (Ephesians 1:16-23) A fellow was writing about a scene he had witnessed in the mountains of Colorado. He was driving uphill along a major interstate when he overtook a long freight train going the same way, but at a slower speed. The train was being pushed by ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Leaving The Past Behind

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 28, 2003

Getting over it!

29, June 2003 Dakota Community Church Leaving the Past Behind Introduction: Philippians 4:13-14 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:13-14

Denomination: Mennonite

Grow Up, Christian!

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Feb 19, 2006

Grow Up, Christian! 1) Cry more; 2) Rely more Mature children of God don’t run less to God, they run to God more...

“Grow up!” Did anyone say that to you this week? If so, why? My parents often told me to grow up when I became frustrated and started crying about something I should have been able to do by myself like tie my shoes or zip up my jacket. Parents regularly tell their children to grow up because they ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

The God Of Peace And The Peace Of God Series

Contributed by Mark Christian on Jan 10, 2004

This is the introductory lesson of a series on being peacemakers. The series begins with THE Peacemaker, Jesus.

The Peacemaker: The God of Peace and the Peace of God Mark Christian Matthew 5:9 (NIV) 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. In the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus lists several characteristics of His true disciples. One of those characteristics is ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 5:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Multiplied Through Your Afflictions Series

Contributed by Martin & Elder Nedra Wilson on Jan 21, 2004

In this message Dr. Wilson deals with how, the the Affliction that the world givesa and God allows only brings out the best in us!

Ex. 1: 6-14 (Exodus 1:12 KJV) But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel. As to better understand what this verse was really saying I found myself having to go to our long time trusted friend Dr. Webster. Webster ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:6-14

Denomination: Apostolic

I Am Thirsty Series

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Apr 2, 2010

Jesus' thirst on the cross was a product of His humanity and His deep spiritual thirst for the Living Water He was making available to us.

Jesus is done. He's done everything He came to do. He hasn't declared it yet, but, in fact, his work on the cross is an accomplished fact and he is ready to die. However, there is one last thing He wants to round out, one last detail. He is filling up the Scriptures. This is not an explicit ...read more

Scripture: John 19:28-29

Denomination: Mennonite

"An Upper Room Experience”

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Apr 2, 2018

Five things the disciples discoverd that forever changed their lives.

Well, it’s another Easter Sunday. This one Sunday of the year has come to be associated with people dressing up in extra nice clothes, egg hunts, family gatherings, and time off from work. But it’s so much more than that. It’s a Sunday in which we celebrate in a special way, the historical fact of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-53

Denomination: Baptist

Fraternal Correction With Integrity And Love

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Aug 2, 2017

Jesus is saying that we are not to be only concerned with someone’s material well- being but also for their moral and spiritual good. Hebrews 13:17 says to “watch over souls as one who will give an account.”

23A “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."-- This verse from Matthew’s Gospel for today reminds me of a story of a pastor of a small Baptist church in a drought-stricken part of Alabama last summer who implored his people to pray for rain. In ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9, Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Catholic

Confronting Sin: A Passion For Being Changed

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 27, 2021

A question on many minds is a simple one: Why do Christians look just like the world? Where is this transformation they talk about? As Protestant Christians we know a lot about grace through faith alone.

“Tens of thousands, perhaps millions, have come into some kind of religious experience by accepting Christ and they have not been saved.”-A.W. Tozer A question on many minds is a simple one: Why do Christians look just like the world? Where is this transformation they talk about? As Protestant ...read more

Scripture: James 4:4-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Who Is God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 5, 2023

God is our Protector, Provider, and Strength, promising to not let us be tempted beyond our capacity and always providing a way out for us to endure.

Good morning, family. Today we're going to explore a powerful verse that really speaks to the very nature of God, His love for us, and the promise He makes to always be there, even in our darkest hours. I'm talking about 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Topics: God