Sermons on Testing Spirits:

Free Indeed

Contributed by Bill Butsko on May 13, 2010

Real freedom comes only from knowing Jesus Christ.

Text: “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Story: “Bought to be Freed” A young girl who had one black parent and one white parent was being sold at an auction one day. She was a beautiful girl, tall and slender. The bidding was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Christian Church

His Personality Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 9, 2008

Many people have problems understanding God’s Spirit. Is He a "He"? Is He part of a "trinity"? Does He even have a purpose in my life?

OPEN: A missionary named Herbert Jackson who told of being given car that wouldn’t start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan. He went to school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them give his car push to get it started. As he ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Crisis Of Faith

Contributed by Bob Groves on Jan 17, 2003

Dealing with a time of tragedy. Where your faith is put to a test because things didn’t work out as you planned & were believeing for.

Meghan Mother Theresa - “I know that God will not put more on me than I can bear - I just wish that He didn’t Trust me so much!” Today CRISIS of FAITH I Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

25 Pentecost A

Contributed by Roger Haugen on Nov 7, 2002

Championships are won when the stands are empty. We make daily choices that may not be glamorous but are foundational to our faith. Only in difficult times are the foundations tested.

25 Pentecost A Matthew 25:1-13 10 November 2002 Rev. Roger Haugen There is a slogan written on the walls of a football locker room somewhere that says, “Championships are won when the stands are empty”. When you think about it you know it is true. If it were not for hard work at many practices ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

God Has A Great Sense Of Humor Series

Contributed by Mickey Bell on Jan 18, 2006

Once you have reached your place of destiny, God wants to keep you there. This is one test you have to pass to remain in that position.

God’s Great Sense of Humor Genesis 41:39-41 Every test, every turning point in Joseph’s life has been leading up to this moment. · For Presidential candidates this is like the swearing in ceremony. After four years of running the race, visiting major cities in every state, fulfilling all the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Hedge/Protection Of God

Contributed by Izak Shipman on Apr 5, 2003

A sermon answering the question of why bad things happens to good people. Why we’ve got to count it joy when we’re tested.

Job 1:6-12 James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. ·We must count it joy when we are tested. ·Why are there tests? ·Who test us? ·Find answers here in Job. ·Here we find the curtain lifted up ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:6-12, James 1:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Making A New Man Out Of Jacob Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Nov 25, 2012

Jacob's trials in Haran teach us the Lord sends trials into our lives to test our commitment and to refine us to me more like Jesus.

I have had the privilege to disciple many new believers. I’ve seen and heard many testimonies of new believers, some were private and some were public at times such as baptisms and public testimony. The ones that concern me the most, the ones that I fear will not make it in their walk with ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:15-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Do You Do When Nobody’s Looking?

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 15, 2016

A look at Hezekiah's remarkable experience with God, the testing he received, and what he did when he thought God wasn't paying attention.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN NOBODY’S LOOKING? 2 Chron. 32:31 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE COLLEGE STUDENT 1. A third year SAM (SHSU) student, Steve, was delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut. One evening he delivered a meal to Bernie’s house. He hands over the pizza & Bernie pays the bill. 2. Steve ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:25-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God's Character Sermon I: God Our Provider Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jul 8, 2020

In times of testing, people of godly character keep on trusting God's purpose, God's provision, God's timing.

GOD’S WORDS TRANSLATED INTO GOOD WORKS DEFINES GODLY CHARACTER Thesis: When God’s People emulate God’s character, human needs are met and God is glorified. God’s “names” reveal God’s character. Application: Identify “names” that are descriptive of your character. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

Waiting & Praying Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the power of prayer and waiting on God, as discussed in the book of James, and reflects on the lessons learned from previous weeks about testing, persevering, listening, and doing.

Well friends, we’ve made it to the final lap. It’s been an encouraging and inspiring series through the book of James. We’ve learned a lot from him, the half brother of Jesus and pastor of the church in Jerusalem. And there’s been a lot to learn; Each week we tackled 2 big ideas. Week 1 was testing ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-18

Topics: Faith & Works, Power Of Prayer, Waiting On God

Sermon Series: James: Faith And Works

Harvest Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 12, 2022

A Faithful believer must have: 1) A Loving Spirit (Romans 1:11), 2) A Humble Spirit (Romans 1:12), 3) A Fruitful Spirit (Romans 1:13), 4) An Obedient Spirit (Romans 1:14), and finally 5) An Eager Spirit. (Romans 1:15)

Romans 1:11–15. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:11-15

Denomination: Other

David And Goliath

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Aug 18, 2024

The story of David and Goliath encourages us to run to the battle and find victory in Christ.

David and Goliath Introduction: Each year there is a football game between Deer Park and LaPorte High Schools called the Border Battle. The Deer and the Bull Dogs battle it out on the field. There are nations in the world that live in perpetual conflict—the state of Israel and the Palestinians, ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 22, 2009

Many people within the church have always confused ’Fruit of the Spirit’ with the ’Gifts of the Holy Spirit’ and talents with giftings. Gifts of the Spirit are special abilities provided by the Holy Spirit to Christians for God’s glory and building up the

Opening illustration: You mail an expensive & wonderful gift to someone you love & adore but returns at your doorstep all soggy and wet ~ that’s what the contemporary church has been doing with God’s gift of the Holy Spirit. Introduction: Many people within the church have always confused ’Fruit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Fruit Of Goodness Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 9, 2021

Jesus blasted all religion that failed the test of goodness. If people are not made good by their faith, their faith is no good. God is good, and what is not good is not of God. That is Biblical theology in a nutshell.

A young boy had been sent to his room for bad behavior. After awhile he emerged and told his mother he had thought it over and prayed about it. "That's wonderful", said the mother. "If you ask God He will help you be good." The boy responded, "But I didn't ask God ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Being Faithful In An Unfaithful World Series

Contributed by Tim Richards on Dec 1, 2004

The 7th sermon in a series on the Fruits of the Spirit.

Introduction: 1. The command came, "On your mark, get set," and then the pistol cracked and the race was on. A fine athlete sprang to the lead, and when the race was over he had broke the state record. Only a few other runners even finished the race. Many dropped out when they saw they could not ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Baptist