Sermons on Strenuous:

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 23, 2016

In Hebrews 12:1–3. we see various aspects of the race, as they are compared to the faithful life in Christ. Christ calls us to 1) Race Freely (Hebrews 12:1), 2) Race Focused (Hebrews 12:2), and 3) Race to the Finish (Hebrews 12:3)

In the ancient Isthmian games of Greece, a pedestal stood at the finish line, and on it hung a wreath—the winner’s prize. No one runs a race without some expectation of reward. The reward may be nothing more than a ribbon or a trophy or a wreath of leaves. It may be a prize worth a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Other

An Unwanted House

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Dec 21, 2018

A study in the book of 1 Chronicles 22: 1 – 19

1 Chronicles 22: 1 – 19 An unwanted house 22 Then David said, “This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.” 2 So David commanded to gather the aliens who were in the land of Israel; and he appointed masons to cut hewn stones to build the house of God. 3 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 22:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Doing The Will Of God When Your Faith Is Under Fire - Part 2

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Nov 19, 2020

Last time we took our message from the epistle of 1st Peter where Peter encourages his readers how to respond as they lived in a world that hated them because it hated their Savior.

1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Pet 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 1 Pet 4:10 As each ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Discovering God's Will Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 5, 2020

In Ephesians 5:15-17, God shows us through the Apostle Paul shows us how to use biblical wisdom to discover the will of God. He shows us how to discover this through: 1) Understanding (Ephesians 5:15), 2) Occasion (Ephesians 5:16), 3) Action (Ephesians 5:17).

Ephesians 5:15-17 [15] Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (ESV) Most of us acknowledge that God has a plan for the life of every ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Denomination: Other

Standing Firm In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Oct 5, 2020

Are we equipped to stand in difficult times? This exposition of Philippians 4:1-3 examines Paul's instruction for standing firm. We cannot do it without the right mindset. We cannot do it without unity.

Intro We are in a study of Philippians; our text today in Philippians 4:1-3. In the previous three chapters Paul has emphasized the importance of standing firm in the face of persecution and other difficulties. In chapter one he exhorted: “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22, Philippians 1:27-28, Ephesians 6:10-14, Philippians 3:20-21, Hebrews 10:35-37, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, Jude 1:3, Matthew 12:25, Philippians 2:1-5, Matthew 18:15-18, Hebrews 12:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Fresh Start

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 3, 2010

1)PURSUING THE PRIZE REQUIRES A PROPER AWARENESS 2) MAXIMUM EFFORT 3) FOCUSED CONCENTRATION 4) PROPER MOTIVATION 5)PROPER RECOGNITION & 6) PROPER CONFORMITY.

The Olympics are coming soon to Vancouver British Columbia. Athletes all over the world are preparing for their various events. They of course train in such a way as to be the best of the best. Their goal; an Olympic Gold Medal, and hearing their national anthem playing while their flag is raised ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Other

The Devil Is A Boring Preacher

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 23, 2009

The message of the preacher blessed by God will disturb the casual, even as it glorifies the Master. Contrary to every expectation, the message presented by the servants of the devil is boring, generating no excitement and no reaction.

“When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Rekindling The Passion

Contributed by Ben Peak on Jan 3, 2008

In these verses we see a group of people who have come out from the spiritual honeymoon period. And there are three things that Jesus says to these church members at Ephesus that I believe He wants to say to us.

You know, for every sort of relationship there is a honeymoon period, a time when everything is lovey-dovey and wonderful. All sorts of differences are overlooked during this time. All words are spoken kindly. Every consideration is given to the other party. It’s just a nice and peachy time. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Holiness

Life’s Greatest Aim Series

Contributed by Lynn Holmes on Feb 24, 2011

A sermon about relationships and God-honoring love.

[Lynn would like to acknowledge and thank two individuals: Years ago Pastor Rick Warren wrote a Sermon Series based upon 1 Corinthians 13, and John Ortberg wrote a book entitled: Everybody’s Normal Until You Get To Know Them. Lynn relied heavily upon these two resources for this series because ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Nazarene

Galatians Part 3 - "I Have Some Questions!" Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 25, 2005

Paul uses rhetorical questions about the Galatian Gentile Christians experience of salvation to remind them about how they need to return to the Gospel of Good News and its message of faith.

Galatians part 3: Sermon “I have some questions for you about your experience in Christ!” Thesis: Paul uses rhetorical questions about the Galatian Gentile Christians experience of salvation to remind them about how they need to return to the Gospel of Good News and its message of faith. Read ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Breaking Out Of A Slump Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Oct 14, 2005

In this message I will share what God taught me in the midst of a recent slump, if you are in one I pray it helps. It helped alot of people at Central (I Am Jesus 22).

Breaking Out Of A Slump I Am Jesus – part 22 HEY – are there any sports fan out there? OKAY – on a count of three just shout out your favorite sport…. NOW – my favorite sport to watch is the NFL. AND – let me tell you, I can’t wait for the season to kick off again. This year Anthony & I ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

But Christ Has Been Raised From The Dead!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 4, 2015

The resurrection and its impact on the life of the believer.

“If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

Slouching Toward Bethlehem

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 18, 2014

As the world moves toward judgement, opposed to the Faith and righteousness, how shall the child of God live?

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Writing Off The Future

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 15, 2014

Teaching Christian values without bringing our children to faith in the Risen Son of God, condemns them to eternal death. The Pharisees stand as a beacon warning Christians not to succumb to the lure of presenting Christian values.

“Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Good Interruptions Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 16, 2016

A study of the book of Job 19: 1 – 29

Job 19: 1 – 29 Good Interruptions 1 Then Job answered and said: 2 “How long will you torment my soul, and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me. 4 And if indeed I have erred, my error remains with me. 5 ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel