Sermons on thistles: showing 706-720 of 1,169

Are There Hierarchies Of Christians In Heaven?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jul 20, 2020

There is a growing belief that the better a Christian behaves or does things for God, the greater their rank and job responsibilities will be in the heavenly kingdom - and they will also be rewarded with a deeper relationship with God.

There are primarily two schools of thought that have emerged over the years about what the reward of Heaven will be. Some believe that there will be different gifts and varying degrees of happiness in Heaven based upon a merit type of system done on earth and how well a person works at their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:17, Matthew 11:28, Revelation 3:5, Romans 12:3, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 5:12, Luke 14:11, Matthew 23:12, Matthew 19:30, Colossians 2:9-10, Philippians 3:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

James 2:14-26 Series

Contributed by Michael Larsen on Oct 20, 2020

Faith Without Works is Dead

Open your bibles to James Chapter 2. As we continue our new series from the Book of James entitled Faith That Works. Last week we learned that. R. Kent Hughes says “one thing is clear about the book of James—the dominant theme is; “Faith that is real works practically in one's life. Faith ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Life On The East-Side Of Eden

Contributed by Bright Adeyeye on Mar 17, 2020

The garden of Eden was a place of security, comfort, abundance and the awesome presence of God. Sadly, outside is sorrow, suffering and regrets. Just like Adam and Eve, we have the power to choose today.

LIFE ON THE EAST-SIDE OF EDEN "23 therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:23-24, John 10:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Special Blessings In Heaven

Contributed by David Nolte on Nov 6, 2020

Heaven, a blessing in itself, is filled with blessings beyond measure, but here are 4 special blessings.

We all prefer receiving blessings more than we enjoy being cursed. At least those among us who are not masochists who take pleasure in being hurt or punished. That holds especially true when we refer to how God works in our lives. I have never yet sought the Lord’s curse, but constantly request ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:3-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Always Has A Plan Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Dec 31, 2020

Even in dire circumstances and the upending of God’s good plan for the world, He has a plan, and He provides the grace that makes a way for salvation. We can be thankful for His plan and His grace (of which Jerry will expand on at the end of this month.

God Always Has A Plan Jeffery Anselmi / General Worst Year Ever / Hope / Genesis 3:14–21 The year 2020 has not treated us well. It’s been a terrible year; what do we have to be thankful for? This four-week series explores what we as Christians can be grateful for, even in hard circumstances, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christian Responsibility In The End Times

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Feb 24, 2021

Last message in 2 Thessalonians. It addresses Christian responsibility to those in and out of the church, and our response to the lazy.

2 Thessalonians 3 (2) Our Responsibility in the End Times Years ago, I went out to the dump in Geneva. I believe that is the first place I remember seeing it, though I’ve seen it at several other dumps since the. If you go out there now you will see the same sad sight. You will see 10 or more ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15

Denomination: Baptist

Restoring God's Masterpiece Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2023

Sin marred and disfigured God's masterpiece. But the Bible is one long narrative of how God sought to restore that which was damaged. Has God completely restored His masterpiece now... or is that yet to happen?

OPEN: One of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings was called “The Last Supper.” It was painted on the wall of the Sistine Chapel, and Da Vinci was sure that the unique painting style he used would create a masterpiece that would last forever. It didn’t quite work out that way. The painting ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Where Is God When I Hurt? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

1 Peter is a book about suffering. It’s about how to live in a hostile culture for faith.

A pastor is cutting his front lawn. He looks up from mowing to see a dump truck back out of his neighbor’s driveway. Yet, the large truck backed over his neighbor’s eighteen month old son. The little boy had been squatting behind the truck’s huge tire. The pastor joined the boy’s hysterical mother ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Building God's Kingdom (9/17/2017)

Contributed by Pastor C Burns on Aug 17, 2022

Building God's Kingdom Requires Action

Building God’s Kingdom Requires Action 1st Corinthians 4:20 (NLT) For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:20, Romans 14:17-18, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 6:10, Joshua 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 10:14-15, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Is God’s Word Like Rain And Snow?

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jul 1, 2022

“A lamp.” “A fire.” “A hammer.” “A sword.” “Spirit.” “Life.” “Truth.” “Seed.” “Milk.” “Solid food.” These are all descriptions of God's Word. Isaiah adds two more images to the list. Rain and snow.

“A lamp.” “A fire.” “A hammer.” “A sword.” “Spirit.” “Life.” “Truth.” “Seed.” “Milk.” “Solid food.” What am I talking about? Throughout the Scriptures the Word of God is compared to different things. Each of those comparisons helps us better understand the power and purpose behind what ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Does God Ever Withdraw His Favor?

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 15, 2022

There is a belief in the church that when a Born-Again Christian sins or walks in disobedience, God withdraws His favor and blessings to punish them.

This belief is rooted in the Old Testament, where a relationship with God was conditionally based upon behavior. The Hebrew words translated as ‘favor’ are ‘ratson’ and ‘ratsah.’ The word ‘ratson’ is translated as favor, goodwill, acceptance, desire, pleasure. It most often represents God ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:7-11, Romans 5:3-4, Ephesians 2:4-7, Matthew 7:16-18, James 4:4, 1 Peter 5:6-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Baptism Necessary For Salvation?

Contributed by Colin Mcgeer on Jul 21, 2023

Baptism to be fully immersed in water. As the Israelites escaped Egypt through the Red Sea, our old man dies, and we are raised into newness of Life in Christ Jesus. Our old man is buried, and we live in resurrection life.

How many of us remember when we were Baptized, fully emersed in water? I remember the day I was baptized. At that time in my life, I had grown up in a church that christened Children. My parents had me christened as a child. Our church practiced infant baptism called Christening due to their ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-4, Mark 16:15-16, Galatians 3:13, Romans 5:12-17, 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, Colossians 2:11-13, 1 Peter 3:19-21  (view more)  (view less)

Freedom Day

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 5, 2023

All our days were given by God and belong to God; but on the Sabbath day he gives us freedom as well.

Leah didn’t know why she kept coming to the synagogue. She counted the days up in her head... every seven days for eighteen years, it had to be at least 400 times, she thought. At first people were sorry for her, and someone would take her arm to help her up the steps to section reserved for the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Doesn't Everyone Go To Heaven?

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 16, 2024

Our world today will try to convince people that ultimately everyone goes to heaven. God makes it very clear that is not the truth.

I mentioned last Sunday that the world tries to convince people that there is more than one way to get to heaven. God showed us in Scripture that His Son Jesus told us very plainly that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one gets to the father unless they go through Jesus. But ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-23, Luke 13:22-27

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 14 - Choices Have Consequences Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 8, 2024

God made Adam and Eve in His image and that’s why they also had the freedom to choose. Their choice had consequences for all mankind. Let’s learn how to make right choices, so we don’t miss out on the bountiful blessings God has in store for us.

We read in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.” (ISV) God is able to make every blessing overflow for us, and though it seems like there is no evidence that God’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8, Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 3:1, Genesis 3:5, Genesis 3:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other