Sermons on Struggling:

No Longer Hiding: From Shame To Belonging

Contributed by David Dunn on Jan 20, 2026

The gospel restores belonging before behavior, covering shame with presence so hiding loses its necessity and transformation grows from safety.

Most of us think we know what the problem is. We think the problem is sin. Or disobedience. Or failure. Or a lack of discipline. Or not trying hard enough. Scripture does not ignore them. Very early in the biblical story—before commandments, before systems, before religion is fully formed—the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:25, Genesis 3:8-10, Psalm 32:1, Luke 15:20-24, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 12:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Why The Storm Doesn't Go Away

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 15, 2005

This message explores the words and ideas that show up multiple times in this passage and give us indication of the different ways we can react to the storms of life that we face.

- Last week, in previous passage, there was a literal storm; in this passage, the man is dealing with a “storm” caused by a huge problem in his life: demon-possession. - Sometimes we find that the storm stays for longer than we thought it would. There are a lot of reasons this can happen - this ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Showdown At Jabbok's Ford

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Jul 27, 2005

The incident at Jabbok’s Ford was a watershed in Jacob’s life. For it was a time where Jacob drew aside from everyone else to spend time alone with God. And if you mean business with God, he will mean business with you.

The Showdown at Jabbok’s Ford – a watershed in Jacob’s life Story: Bruce and the spider After the Scottish defeat at the battle of Falkirk, and then the terrible news of Wallace’s execution - Robert the Bruce is said to have been inspired to continue the struggle against the English - by the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:21-31

Denomination: Anglican

Saying No To Selfishness Series

Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 3, 2001

I talk about how to turn a selfish life into an unselfish one.

Saying No To Selfishness 6-30-01 Opening Illustration: Some things just rob our joy. For instance waking up in the morning because you have to go to the bathroom. As you get up you look at the clock and realize you woke up 20 minutes before your alarm was to go off. How you wished you had those ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Steps To Evangelism Of Animistic Peoples

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2001

Evangelism to those who have an animistic worldview or set of assumptions or perspectives

STEPS TO BRINGING ANIMISTS TO CONVERSION AND BEYOND Guidelines - 1. Pray specifically that the Spirit of God would open their eyes to turn from darkness to light and the from the dominion of Satan to God. Paul prayed this prayer of Acts 26:18 to help people find Christ as the only One who can ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Danger Of Drifting Series

Contributed by Dale Higgins on Feb 28, 2003

There is a danger in the Christian’s life of drifting by and away from God’s best for us by simply neglecting His provisions in our salvation.

We come today in our study of the book of Hebrews to the first of five warning passages, exhortations or what I like to call WAKE-UP CALLS to believers. I can’t help but remember the Apostle Peter’s reason for writing 1st and 2nd Peter. He says, "Beloved (believers), I now write to you this ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4, 2 Peter 3:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Tests And Trials - The Manna Test

Contributed by George Rennau on Mar 23, 2003

The MANNA TEST IS a cumulative experience of trials where our obedience, patience, and perseverance are molded and tested

TITLE THE MANNA TEST When you ponder the events of your life what comes to mind. For me it’s those powerful moments Those times when I was struggling Those times when I had lost someone I love Or was going through a financial crisis Or was learning an important lesson about relationships For me ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Spending Time With God

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Aug 3, 2003

Stresses the importance of making a commitment to a daily time with God in prayer and Bible study

Spending Time With God Luke 5:16 Primary Purpose: To encourage the congregation to set aside daily time with God. President Franklin D. Roosevelt got tired of smiling that big smile and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions. So, one evening he decided to find out whether ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:16

Denomination: Baptist

"Hope For The Future"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Sep 25, 2004

The journey of the Christian life, during difficult times, leads to a hope-filled life.

Jeremiah 1-3a-6-15 “Hope for the Future” By: Rev. Kenneth Emerson Sauer, Pastor of Parkview United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA www.parkview-umc.org This is indeed a very troubling time in which to live. Our country is at war… …engaged in a different kind of war than we have ever ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-15

Denomination: United Methodist

Reaping God's Joy

Contributed by Charles Wilkerson on Jun 30, 2004

Becoming involved with God’s agenda sets the stage for us to become joyful

La Accademia is where four unfinished sculptures of Michelangelo reside. They are called “The Prisoners”. Originally intended to for the tomb of Pope Julius the project was downsized and they were never completed. They depict, as you may have seen prior to worship, forms struggling to be free from ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Fighting The Good Fight Series

Contributed by Bob Hunter on Dec 14, 2004

ATTENTION: MEN ONLY!!! This message written for a men’s audience will challenge men to finish what they have started and not allow the diversionary tactics of the enemy to prevail. Old Testament characters are used to illustrate spiritual diversion and

Message: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT & FINISHING THE RACE MEN’S RETREAT 2004 PASTOR BOB INTRO: Men are in spiritual crisis these days. Women are more active in Church than ever. Where have all the men gone? Why are Men Missing In Action? M.M.I.A. Let’s face the facts men, we’ve dropped ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Denomination: Holiness

God's Plan For Victory In 2004

Contributed by Jerry Lewis on Jan 3, 2004

For many people, this is a Time for Reflection: People think of the Good Times & the Bad Times of the Past Year. Many Focus on the New Year and Hope for Things to be Different in their Lives with the Future Year. Of Course, Many People Make Resolution

GOD’S PLAN FOR VICTORY IN 2004 1 Cor 15:57-58 KJV 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Denomination: Baptist

Doing Things The Hard Way

Contributed by Norayr Hajian on Feb 25, 2002

God had Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt - but he did it the hard way - by hardening Pharoah’s heart. Why is it that sometimes God makes us go through things the hard way?

This week I’ve been reading in the book of Exodus. And in my reading, I noticed something strange: · First, God commanded Moses to go to Egypt, where he had fled from years before, and to go and risk his life confronting the Pharoah. · Then God turns around and says, in effect, “Oh, by the way, ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Running From Your Baptism

Contributed by Carla Powell on Mar 2, 2002

Exploration of traditions of adult/infant baptism, and discussion of how we respond to our baptism. Do we run from it? Or do we turn toward God who is always turning toward us?

Baptism of our Lord (A), January 13, 2002 "Running from Your Baptism" Today we hear about Jesus’ baptism as an adult. This baptism was the beginning of his official ministry, sort of his inauguration or commissioning as it were. John was baptizing people at the Jordan River as a symbol of washing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Getting Real With God

Contributed by Jeff Armbrester on Mar 21, 2002

We have to be honest with God, especially about sin.

Getting Real with God 1 John 1:8-2:6 Jeff Armbrester 8If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. 9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we are ...read more

Denomination: Methodist