Sermons on Thrive In The Test:

Matthew 4 - How To Test Your New Years Resolutions Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Jan 2, 2010

MAKING RESOLUTIONS is not the real problem. It is TESTING THOSE RESOLUTIONS AGAINST THE YARDSTICK OF THE BIBLE that is often neglected.

Matthew 4 - How to TEST YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS Well it’s a NEW YEAR - 2010! The new year is always a good opportunity to EVALUATE your spiritual life, to reflect on whether you’re being CARELESS or COMMITTED in YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE Everyone has the opportunity to think about the DIRECTION you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Turning Away From Sin And Its Enslavement - Test #2 Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 23, 2012

The fact is if you are enslaved by some habit of sin, and you knowingly continue in that sin, you cannot truly love God. If you did, you would work at getting through that sinful habit.

Do you really love God? We need to be sure if we really love God the way God expects. And I have to ask the question “Do you consistently turn from sin or do you find that you have some little habits that are sinful and you just can’t seem to break away from them? Are you enslaved by ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

The "How Do I Know I Am A Christian" Test?

Contributed by Roy Sommerville on Jul 30, 2011

In Mark 8:27-38, Jesus provides six marks of an authentic follower of Jesus, and these serve as the basis of this six question test to determine the reality of your Christian faith.

The “How Do I Know I’m A Christian?” Test Mark 8:27-38 There are a lot of people who think they’re Christians and really aren’t. Then there are some Christians who have no assurance that they are Christians and are afraid they’re not Christians. Then there ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

Taking The D.n.a. Test: What’s In The Blood

Contributed by Sean Dees on Feb 7, 2020

We live in a time where we feel that we must carry some sort of label. People run to Dr. Phil not for help but Identity. They want a label a term to help identify who they are and why they are who they are.

(11) And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: (12) So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. (13) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:11-15

The Body Of Christ Today: Fighting A Delaying Action In Severe Testing

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Sep 10, 2021

It feels like the battle of Hoth out here. We as the body of Christ are fighting a delaying action against the enemy, who appear to be advancing on all fronts. I feel the desperation. I sense the walls closing in.

It feels like the battle of Hoth out here. We as the body of Christ are fighting a delaying action against the enemy, who appear to be advancing on all fronts. I feel the desperation. I sense the walls closing in. The last year has burned like a cold fire in my heart. The battles have been many. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-5, Matthew 24:13

Denomination: Salvation Army

When God Seems Distant: The Teacher Is Silent During The Test Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Feb 12, 2024

It all goes back to the heart. Guard your heart. Keep your heart encouraged. And in prayer, always believe in your heart that God is there and will answer.

There have been a few times in my life when I felt God’s presence depart from me. And it was for the purpose of testing me, to see what decision I’ll make without his presence strong upon me. Don’t get me wrong, God was still with me in those times. He hadn’t left me or forsaken me. But, his ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12, Romans 5:3-5, Luke 17:7-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

When You Pray - Do You Pass This Prayer Test? Series

Contributed by Carlton Berry on Aug 11, 2022

What’s your prayer life like? Have you seen mountains moved in your life? We see little when we ask little. As James closes his writing He challenges the scattered church to pray in faith. Share a personal story of answered pray or one from history.

When you Pray - Do you pass this prayer test? James 5.13-20 What’s your prayer life like? Have you seen mountains moved in your life? We see little when we ask little. As James closes hi writing He challenges the scattered church to pray in faith. Share a personal story of answered pray or one ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Testing The Spirits To See If It's From God Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 6, 2025

Let's explore what the Bible says about testing spirits and examine relevant examples.

The Bible instructs believers to "test every spirit" to determine if it's from God (1 John 4:1). This command is crucial in today's world, where various spiritual influences vie for attention. Let's explore what the Bible says about testing spirits and examine relevant ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

The Test Inside Every Blessing - 2 Samuel 8-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 3, 2025

Mephibosheth was lame, powerless, and overlooked—yet David called him to the palace and treated him like a prince. What does this teach us about God’s favor toward you?

Receiving the Promised Blessing Responding to blessing In chapter 7 we saw a wonderful interchange between God and David over God’s promises. It starts with David wanting to build a house for God, and God says, “No, I am going to build a dynasty for you.” And He goes on to make all kinds of ...read more

"Count It All Joy"

Contributed by Timothy Proctor Sr. D. Min on Mar 15, 2002

No matter what you may encounter, count it all "Joy". Problems come and they go, but count it all "Joy". With Jesus, we can face the whole world, and know that we have the Victory!

Intro: James was the oldest half-brother of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 13.55). He witnessed Christ’s appearance following His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:7), and was among those who assembled together following the Ascension (Acts 1:14), He awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit. Later he became a leader ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3, James 1:1-18

Denomination: *other

Faith

Contributed by Bernard Jones on Jan 23, 2010

This sermon teaches us about faith that please God.

Faith But without Faith it is impossible to please God; for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Heb. 1:6 God has declared that no one can approach Him except it be through Faith. That tells ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Pentecostal

Geuss Who's Talkin'

Contributed by Michael Bolin on Jan 31, 2010

listening for only God's voice

Have you ever watched the Antiques Roadshow on PBS? This is the show were individuals are able to take antiques and have them a evaluated with are worth. One of the show’s most famous discoveries was a Seymour mahogany card table from Boston, bought at a garage sale for $25. She later sold ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

A Snake In The Sand

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jan 26, 2008

What Jesus does in the desert puts right the wrong that was done in the garden. Satan had been waiting for this as he watched Jesus grow day by day. Jesus restored the beauty and perfection that was the Garden of Eden while in the desolation of the desert

A Snake in the Sand The greatest battle between a man and Satan is the one recorded here concerning Jesus temptation in the desert. Jesus has just been baptized by John the Baptist and as a result Jesus is revealed as the Lamb of God as John puts it. The Holy Spirit has come upon him like a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Joy" A Fruit Of The Spirit

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Feb 9, 2011

The Believer and Joy in their life

"JOY" A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 10And Nehemiah£ continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be grieved or depressed (sad), for the joy of the LORD is ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Exodus 16 - I Don’t Recall Grumbling Being A Fruit Of The Holy Spirit! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Dec 27, 2009

I like Moses response to people who grumble. "Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord." That’s calling it like it is! Grumble for be grateful but grumbling is not one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit!

Exodus 16 - New and Fresh Every Morning! I don’t think I have ever been tested in my trust concerning food. I have always had enough. I have never been without. Julie was away recently in Sydney for a brief time and the food ran out, but all I had to do was to go to the shop and buy some more. I ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:1-36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational