Sermons on Straining Forward:

Christmas - He's Coming To Town!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Nov 28, 2006

The One whose coming I’m looking forward to this morning won’t be coming from the North Pole & riding in a sleigh. Instead, He’s coming from Heaven, & arriving on the clouds of the sky!

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2022) TEXT: Daniel 7:13-14; 1 Thess. 4:16-17, 5:1-2; 2 Peter 3:11-12; Rev. 11:15, 22:20; Matthew 24:30-44; John 14:1-3; Philippians 2:9-11; James 1:17-18 NCV A. It's Christmastime again! The countdown started well ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 7:13-14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 2 Peter 3:11-12, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 22:20, Matthew 24:30-44, James 1:17-18, Philippians 2:9-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Church With Great Vision

Contributed by Jim Mccutchen on Sep 30, 2010

The VISIONARY CHUCH meets the needs of the present and is always looking forward. This church believes that the best is yet to come. The Visionary Church invest all they have today so that they can be all that God wants them to be tomorrow. The VISI

A CHURH WITH GREAT VISION INTRO: What is a great church? Some like a big church, some a small church. Some like a country church, some a city church…I’ve been in both. I’m glad we have all types around here and all are welcome! You might be in a country church if: The Call to ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Proverbs 29:28

Denomination: Christian Church

Let The Lord Exalt You

Contributed by William Baeta on Aug 31, 2013

“Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble” Pr. 25:6-7.

Theme: Let the Lord exalt you Text: Pr. 25:6-7; Heb. 13:1-8; Lk. 14:1-14 The first sin in the history of the universe was the result of pride. Pride believes in doing things one’s own way and it was pride that made Satan declare “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Will We Know And Recognize Our Loved Ones In Heaven?

Contributed by William D. Brown on Apr 2, 2009

It really would be a sad situation if we didn’t know our friends and loved ones in Heaven, all of us have loved ones that have passed and gone on to be with the Lord, and those of us that are saved are looking forward to be

WILL WE KNOW AND RECOGNIZE OUR LOVED ONES IN HEAVEN? 4-4-09 MATT. 22:23-30 It really would be a sad situation if we didn’t know our friends and loved ones in Heaven, all of us have loved ones that have passed and gone on to be with the Lord, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:23-30

Denomination: Baptist

Potholes Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 28, 2015

We’ve all experienced potholes in the road of life that either slow us down, delay our journey or sometimes totally disrupt it. Potholes are anything in life that keep us from moving forward.

Potholes Mark 8:27-35 Bumpy streets are so commonplace in New Orleans that residents have taken some extreme measures to draw attention to particularly bothersome potholes. There was the birthday party in New Orleans East for a 5-foot-wide pothole on Cannes Street. They had cake, balloons and a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-35

Denomination: Methodist

The Promise Of God's Guidance Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Jun 15, 2015

After the giving of the Law to Moses, it is time to move forward and prepare the people to claim the Promised Land. Along the way, though difficult the way maybe, God has promised to guide them until they reach their eternal destination.

THE PROMISE OF GOD'S GUIDANCE SCRIPTURE READING: Exodus 23:20-26 (NIV) 20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 23:20-33

Denomination: Nazarene

What Does It Feel Like To Know Jesus Is Alive.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Apr 13, 2023

Because Jesus rose from the dead – so will we … but before we go, we are changed into something he wants us to be. He wants us to look forward to dead, and our future life with him.

This sermon was delivered to St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 9th April 2023 (a Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries). “Please join me in my prayer.” Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Episcopal

Be One Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Apr 20, 2023

Wedding brings two individuals to the one accord with the understanding to love, forgive and move forward. The only commitment God expects till death. Young couples struggle in these days. Here is the strength for the newly married and young couples.

Wedding Sermon Matthew 18:18-20 Greetings: The Lord is Good and His love endures forever!! I would like to share with you from the above passage about the importance of married life. Keep in your mind the below three thoughts. Be Together Believe together Become together 1. BE TOGETHER Marriage ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:18-20

Denomination: Methodist

Christmas And The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

It is possible to look forward to a merry Christmas in full awareness that we live in a world of misery. Just as there is nothing inconsistent with taking medicine to feel better in a world of sickness, so there is nothing inconsistent with a merry spirit in a world of misery.

Dr. Samuel Upham, a theological professor and a man of great learning, was dying. The family was gathered around his bed and someone said I believe he is already dead. Someone else said his feet are still warm and nobody ever dies with warm feet. Dr. Upham opened one eye and said, "Joan of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Hit The Stop Button And Get Off The Merry-Go-Round

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Apr 8, 2016

Jesus will meet us at what ever level our love and commitment. It is time for us to hit the stop button and to get off of the "Guilt" Merry-Go-Round. It is time to move forward in the faith and to be conformed into the image of Christ.

For those unfamiliar with an Anglican Service there are four Scripture readings before the message. Today’s readings were: Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14 and John 21:1-19. The Prairie Home Companion tells a story ... of a man ... from Lake Wobegon. He would come to the altar time ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Anglican

Find Your Strength

Contributed by Delishia Davis on Mar 30, 2016

There are times in our lives that are difficult to handle and process through and we need strength! We need strength to endure, strength to press forward, strength to hold on, and sometimes even strength to keep moving in the name of the Lord.

“David was now in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6 NLT) The recorded word of 1 Samuel 30 reveals David in a difficult position of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Owe No Man Anything

Contributed by Robert Austin on Dec 12, 2022

The end of the year is approaching, and most of us are very busy. The New Year is rapidly approaching. A lot of us look forward to the new year as a time to make changes, new starts, and for many, a time to think about budgets.

The end of the year is approaching, and most of us are very busy. The New Year is rapidly approaching. A lot of us look forward to the new year as a time to make changes, new starts, and for many, a time to think about budgets. In fact, we will be working on the congregational budget soon. But ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Rapture – Fear Or Encouragement?

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 21, 2025

The rapture should not bring fear but joy and anticipation for believers. If we are living right, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we should encourage one another and look forward to Christ’s return with hope and readiness.

THE RAPTURE – FEAR OR ENCOURAGEMENT? By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Matthew 25:1-13, John 14:1-3 INTRODUCTION: The doctrine of the rapture is a central teaching in Christian eschatology, signifying the moment when Christ will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Lord Will Return (Zechariah) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 11, 2025

When life gets hard, look to Christ. Look forward to the glorious future He has planned for you. Look within at the changes He is making to your heart. And look up because He is coming soon!

A man stopped to watch a Little League baseball game. He asked one of the youngsters what the score was. “We're losing 18-0,” was the answer. “Well,” said the man. “I must say you don't look discouraged.” “Discouraged?” the boy said, puzzled. “Why should we be discouraged? We ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 1:1-6, Zechariah 2:1-13, Zechariah 4:1-14, Zechariah 5:5-11, Romans 8:28-30, Zechariah 7:1-3, Zechariah 7:8-14, Zechariah 8:1-8, Zechariah 8:14-19, Zechariah 9:9, Zechariah 11:7-14, John 1:11-12, Zechariah 12:1-5, Zechariah 12:9-10, Zechariah 13:9, Zechariah 14:3-4, Zechariah 14:8-9, Zechariah 14:16, Luke 21:25-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Triumphant Even To Death

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 25, 2024

What a day of celebration. No one knew at that time what the end of this week would bring. Everyone was excited and looking forward to Jesus being possibly their new king. Only Jesus knew what Friday would bring.

We've been discussing Jesus's mission and His ministry for the past few weeks. Through that ministry, Jesus expressed His love for everyone. His mission and His ministry would lead us to today, Palm Sunday, the first day of the last week of Jesus's life here on Earth in human form. We ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:35-38, Luke 23:32-49

Denomination: Baptist