Sermons on Thrive In The Test:

The Passionate Pursuit Of Effective Prayer.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 13, 2023

Psalm 3, presents another side of the biblical picture of faith in which the neat, tidy, well ordered theology of Psalm 1 and 2 gives way to a theology that allows for the realities of life– realities that include struggle, injustice, abuse, doubt, fear, and the testing of our faith.

The Passionate Pursuit Of Effective Prayer. Psalm 13:1-6 Jenny and I left our house early to be with our parents for Thanksgiving, 1996. As we left I noticed our next door neighbor’s silver van was parked in his driveway. My neighbor and I had gotten close. I didn’t know that he was a different ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6, John 16:33

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations – Practical Examination And Suggestions – Part 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 21, 2024

We need mature men in ministry, tried and tested and well established in the bible. Many times the pastor finds himself in the middle of problems and tensions, some serious, particularly when it comes to complaints about others. A cult following must not happen to any minister. Humility!

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 4 Problems and tensions in the church often begin small and escalate. They can be difficult to remedy and this series of articles looks at some areas that cause tensions and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:16, John 8:6-7, Galatians 5:26, Galatians 6:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Inspects His Church Series

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 7, 2022

In Rev. 2-3, the SUPERNATURAL GAZE OF JESUS searches our hearts and tests our motives. He inspected the churches - then & now. Jesus saw 3 major problems: false reputations, lukewarm attitudes, and those who'd left their first love.

JESUS INSPECTS HIS CHURCH REV. 2-3 WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT THE FUTURE 4 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: FORGET THE EYE EXAM 1. It had been many years since my last eye exam and my wife was pestering me to make an appointment. The more she nagged, the more I procrastinated. Finally she made an appointment ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Jesus' Chilling Warning, Part Ii Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Sep 17, 2018

How can we explain that some who even prophesy, cast out demons and do miracles in Jesus name will find out on Judgment Day that they have not done the will of God and are headed to hell?

The Paradoxical Sayings of Jesus Jesus' Chilling Warning, Part II Matthew 7:13-28 As we attended Dallas Seminary in the 1980s, my brother-in-law was attending dental school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at Oral Roberts University and lived in the student dorms there. So we would often visit them in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-27, 1 Corinthians 12:1-3, 1 John 4:1-3, 2 Peter 1:9-10

Denomination: Bible Church

Take Your Burdens To Jesus

Contributed by Rev. K. Michael Bryant on Dec 15, 2002

We all have troubles in our life. We have times when things just seem to go against us, but it is at these times...when our faith is tested..that we must be strong. Instead of turning to self or turning to man...we need to turn to Jesus.

Jesus Is Our Burden Bearer? Father the task of preaching your Gospel is once again in my keeping. I commit myself to do the very best that I can. Clear my mind of distractions, warm my heart with compassion, and fill my soul with faith in your goodness and power. Speak to me that I may speak for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Unusual Places God Can Take You!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Nov 6, 2007

THIS SERMON SUGGESTS THAT SOMETIMES GOD WILL LEAD US INTO PLACES THAT HE MAY GET THE GLORY. SOMETIMES GOD BRINGS US TO OUR PLACE OF TESTING. My wife and I have been in many unusual places ourselves as for the past 45 years we have traveled and ministered

Unusual Places God can take you! THIS SERMON SUGGESTS THAT SOMETIMES GOD WILL LEAD US INTO PLACES THAT HE MAY GET THE GLORY. SOMETIMES GOD BRINGS US TO OUR PLACE OF TESTING. My wife and I have been in many unusual places ourselves as for the past 45 years we have traveled and ministered ...read more

What Is Your Name

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Oct 2, 2008

Discovering your name sometimes requires experiences of dark nights and aloneness. God must test our behaviour. He pushes us to see things that are not good for us, things that must change. He loves us far to much to leave us to our destructive behaviour

The unknown author of the following story captures the value of a name. “After the American Civil War the managers of the infamous Louisiana Lottery approached Robert E. Lee and asked if he’d let them use his name in their scheme. They promised that if he did he would become rich. Astounded, Lee ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Denomination: Salvation Army

God Wants Us To Be Restored

Contributed by Joel Santos on Sep 6, 2006

In this text we see several challenges made to Peter, however, I want you to notice the specific “challenges” that Jesus made. I. Jesus tested Peter (1-14) II. Jesus examined Peter (15-19) III. Jesus challenged Peter (20-25)

God wants us to be restored John 21:1-25 (read-15-19) Introduction: God understands each of us as individuals. He is quite aware of our mindsets and moodswings. He knows what we are going through and he is ready to help us in times of trouble. Especially when we start drifting or backsliding away ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-25, Joel 2:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ripping Off God Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 3, 2011

... Test Me now with this, says Jehovah of Hosts, to see if I will not open the windows of Heaven for you, and pour out a blessing for you, until there is not enough room. God said it, so I’ll say it. God is willing to take up the challenge. Tithing is no

Opening illustration: 24 year old Danny Simpson was sentenced to 6 years in jail for robbing a bank. Danny got 6 years in the clink for stealing $6,000. But the gun he used in the robbery ended up in a museum. The .45 caliber Colt semi-automatic turned out to be an antique made in 1918 by the Ross ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Growing In Godliness With Spiritual Disciplines

Contributed by Lay Man on May 26, 2015

Rather, train yourself to be godly. - 1 Timothy 4:7 Life is full of times of training and discipline to our bodies. If we are studying for tests for school, we work hard and stay up late spending many hours exercising our mind to memorization. If we ha ..

Rather, train yourself to be godly. - 1 Timothy 4:7 Life is full of times of training and discipline to our bodies. If we are studying for tests for school, we work hard and stay up late spending many hours exercising our mind to memorization. If we have a certain task to finish at a job we can ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Your Calling? (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 10, 2016

Are you going to take the effort to listen to God? How has your faith panned out for God? Will you step out even when God tests your faith by making the most difficult sacrifices in your life? Do you obey God at every level?

Opening Illustration: Narrate the story of our call to the USA as missionaries. Introduction: The Lord's call for Abram to journey to the Promised Land is often equated with a call to missionary service. For the missionary, there is a sense where God has called them from the ease and security of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Endure

Contributed by Robert Sickler on Dec 21, 2015

We can neither escape experiencing the evils of this world nor can we avoid God’s testing the quality of our devotion by letting us experience reality. It is important, however, that we do not let the hard times damage our faith and service to Christ.

Endurance Illustration: The Battered Bastards of Bastogne Most people recognize endurance to be our not quitting an endeavor; especially when we are experiencing an unpleasant, difficult, or dangerous situation. A perfect illustration of endurance was demonstrated by the 101st airborne division, in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Christian Church

Will You Wait On God? Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Apr 22, 2012

Faith is tested when we must wait and continue to trust God even when the answer seems far away, or when our problems seem too great. Abraham's lack of an heir, and God's promise to work a miracle for Abraham provide a powerful example for us of waiting

Sermon Notes April 22, 2012 FBCam Will You Wait on God? Genesis 17 We often equate FAITH with DECISIONS. Sometimes FAITH is about WAITING. Romans 4:9-12 describes Abraham as the “Father of our Faith.” When we consider Abraham’s faith, we normally consider his faith in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Best Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 23, 2011

Trust God in the test, because He gives His people the best. The world can only give its people cheap junk that doesn't last, but God give His people real wealth that lasts forever. So choose to live for Him not for the things of the world.

Years ago, there was a near-sighted professor who was an expert in entomology. His office walls were covered with pinned and framed insects. One day his students decided to play a practical joke. They took the body of one bug, the legs of another, and the head of yet another and glued them all ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Hidden Blessing Behind Our Act Of Faith

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Aug 1, 2020

God blesses those who put their faith to action. At various steps in our life's journey, the Lord brings situations where he tests our faith. If we exercise our faith, the blessing follows; if we do not, we will lose it.”

A great famine swept over all the land. This famine was prophesied by Elijah. This drought was the result of the judgment of the nation’s rampant idolatry, led by the royal couple Ahab and Jezebel. 1 Kings 17:1 - And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-16, Luke 4:25-26