Sermons on Strive To Grow:

The Responsibility Of The Redeemed Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 3, 2013

As followers of Christ acting naturally will lead to falling and failing. Our old nature tends toward rebellion not obedience. Paul is encouraging us to fuflill our responsiblity and cooperate with God to grow and mature in Christ.

Intro: There is a story about a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck. One day she was approached by a man who said to her, "Little girl, don't you know that the cross Jesus died on wasn't beautiful like the one you're wearing? It was an ugly, wooden thing." To which ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Willing To Pay?

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Aug 7, 2012

As believers we are called to discipleship that is to be an ever growing closer walk and relationship with Christ. But following Christ, being a disciple, comes at a cost. The question is “What are you willing to pay to follow Christ?”

What Are You Willing to Pay? 2 Samuel 24:24 It has always amazed me the contrast between people at an auction and those at a garage sale. You can have the same identical item that sells in an auction for a hundred dollars while in a garage sale people are not willing not to spend even one dollar ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 24:24

Denomination: Baptist

In Your Dreams

Contributed by Perry Greene on Sep 17, 2013

This brief overview reminds us that Joseph is a picture of Jesus for us. However, he had to grow into his role. He was foolish; faithful; and finally formidable in his life before God and his family.

1. Working out for the good Back in 1921, a missionary couple named David & Svea Flood went with their 2-year-old son from Sweden to the heart of Africa -- to what was then called the Belgian Congo. They met up with another Scandinavian couple, the Ericksons, & soon the 4 of them felt led by the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Training For Reigning

Contributed by Doug Morrell on Dec 5, 2005

We are never to feign happiness in pain, but if we are growing in Christ-likeness, we should be demonstrating a more eternal, positive perspective (considering it pure joy), because we are realizing that we are training for reigning.

Depth of character is realized under pressure. Anyone can be a Christian when things go well, but how do you do when a little pressure, a little pain, a little discomfort, criticism or gossip, a sick child, loss of income, are applied? When your fruit is squeezed, what kind of juice comes forth? We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming Ill-At-East With The Way Things Are: Idolatry Series

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jun 2, 2014

When you grow accustomed to the way things are, you no longer see things for what they are... idols that affect the way we think and live and ultimately deter us in our devotion to God.

Series: All-American Idols Title: Becoming Ill-At-Ease with the Way Things Are: Idolatry Text: Acts 17:16-34 Thesis: When you grow accustomed to the way things are, you no longer see things for what they are… idols that affect the way we think and live. Disclaimer While in North Carolina ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Take Time To Be Holy – Part 2

Contributed by William Akehurst on Aug 7, 2023

Be Holy, for I AM HOLY. How can we, who are of a sinful nature, be holy? GOD calls you to grow in Holiness and equips you to do so through HIS SPIRIT in every believer.

2023.08.06. SERMON NOTES_TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY – PART 2 William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA: Be Holy, for I AM HOLY. How can we, who are of a sinful nature, be holy? GOD calls you to grow in Holiness and equips you to do so through HIS SPIRIT in every believer. Scriptures: Colossians 3:1-17, Titus ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17, Titus 3:5-7, Romans 12:1-2, Leviticus 11:44-45, 1 Peter 1:15-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love God’s Church & Love God’s Word Series

Contributed by Damien Saylor on Jul 6, 2019

Being part of a living, growing, & loving family is amazing. The church is that Family. It is & will forever be, because God is our Father who cares for us, & unites us, by His Word.

Sermon series- 6 qualities for spiritual health part 4 4) I love God’s Church and God’s Word. - Today I’m picking back up with the fourth part of my series about 6 qualities for spiritual health. - With the turmoil we’ve had in recent days. I don’t know how closely everyone else ...read more

Scripture: John 13:33-35

Denomination: Baptist

"i Will Proclaim The Truth" Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 24, 2020

The Bible says that both people and society will grow more wicked as the time approaches for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The preacher is to face this with the soul-convicting, life transforming power of the Word and Spirit, no matter the cost.

Anyone who makes the ridiculous statement that the Bible is merely a human book, and nothing more than a collection of inspiring stories has let others do their thinking for them, mimicking someone else's skepticism, or have claimed to have read it to end up condemning what it says about the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Matthew 24:9-12, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19, Romans 1:18-32, Romans 3:10-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Very Real Danger Of Spiritual Neglect Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 1, 2021

The issue of Christians who fall away from the faith was present in the New Testament, even as it is today. How can we prevent this from happening, and be vigilant against growing weary of following Christ ourselves?

Today we begin a new message series from the Book of Hebrews which I’ve entitled “The Faith that Endures.” It’s a sobering book because it addresses a sobering topic—an issue that I know that I would prefer not to admit that it exists. It addresses the issue of Christians who are tempted to fall ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, Psalm 110:4, Psalm 102:25-27, Deuteronomy 32:43, 1 John 1:9, John 5:17-18, Hebrews 1:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Bible Church

The Valley Of Troubled Hearts Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Jan 28, 2021

We all are familiar with the Valley of Troubled Hearts. It may be a dad that was not there for you when you were growing up. It may be a marriage relationship which started out so wonderfully but ended in a bitter divorce.

Introduction If my calculations are correct Moses went to the mountaintop to be with God a total of eight times that we know of. He may have been to the mountain top more times then was recorded in the Scriptures; but at least 8 times. We know that on one of those occasions in Exodus 34:28, Moses ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 2:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Can Music Heal?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on May 23, 2019

There has been a growing interest in the healing ability of music within the church. That has led some to explore ancient religious music traditions and practices as people seek supernatural encounters and deeper intimacy with God.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn — shout for joy before the LORD, the King.” (Ps 98:4-6 NIV) Music has always been an ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 14:11, Ezekiel 28:13-15, Psalm 98:4-6, Isaiah 53:5, Revelation 5:10, Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16-17, Revelation 15:3-4, Acts 16:25-26, Isaiah 24:16, Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Romans 8:26, Jeremiah 2:13, Matthew 8:7, Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:3, Psalm 33:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Teachable Heart

Contributed by Esther Collins on Sep 12, 2020

We can grow only if we are wiling to learn. Let's see what God's Word has to say about having 'A Teachable Heart.'

A Teachable Heart Take a moment to look at anything around you. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that you got to know its name or it’s purpose simply because someone taught this to you at some early stage in your life. Interestingly, most of the basics we learnt as children, and then as we ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:9, Psalm 86:11, Psalm 32:8, Acts 17:11, Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 51:13, Psalm 143:10, 2 Samuel 12:13, 2 Kings 5:13, 2 Corinthians 1:4, Romans 5:3-5, Philippians 3:17, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:13-14, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 25:9  (view more)  (view less)

Overcoming Prejudice With Love

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 27, 2017

James dealt with partiality and prejudice in the early church, revealing such attitudes were sinful. The divide in our nation continues to grow, and we must check our attitudes with Scripture. Prejudice will not exist with genuine love.

Overcoming Prejudice with Love James 2: 1-10 There can be little doubt that our nation is facing the greatest division we have witnessed in decades. The level of turmoil we face today has not been experienced since the 1960’s. While the racial divide seems to be growing at an alarming rate, the ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle Offenses Series

Contributed by Harold Jenkerson on Feb 21, 2016

In order for the church to grow numerically and spiritually it must know how to handle offenses. The one offending may not know that they have offended. The one offending might need to know how to walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

02/21/16 How to Handle Offenses Scripture: Matthew 18:15-22 Theme: Offenses Focus: How to handle offenses. Point: If we do not handle our offenses correctly, we will destroy our church. Illustration: When the doctor diagnoses you with cancer, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Purpose: Unknown

Contributed by Adam James on Oct 31, 2016

It is a fact of life that we will go through times of trial, pain, and suffering. This is an encouraging sermon that reminds us that God has a plan for us, and that trials give us an opportunity to grow in faith, wisdom, and maturity.

You know, everything happens for a reason. Even before I was saved, I seemed to have the knowing that nothing in life was a coincidence. I just knew that we encounter experiences in life for a purpose, either to learn an important life lesson, or to grow in some way, but more importantly, to ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God