Sermons on Thrive In The Test:

The Pain And Pleasure Of The Pastor

Contributed by Ken Henson on Nov 12, 2012

A person in ministry experiences both, pain and pleasure. From 2 Timothy 4 we can see that Pastor Paul experienced: Pain from Opposition, Pain from Disappointment, Pain from Abandonment and Pleasure of Partnership, The Pleasure of Restoration and The Plea

We had a recital yesterday from our music school. I was looking around at our community, enjoying Sam’s performance. For those of you who do not know him, Sam is a student of the Bangalore Conservatory. He has autism, somewhat rare condition, in which his brain does not function like everyone ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Denomination: *other

Confirming The Covenant Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jun 15, 2024

God is bringing us back to the Garden, the new Jerusalem - the city which has foundations whose architect and builder is God - the place of deep fulfillment in every sense.

In this Genesis series, we can see that one of the themes running through the book is “blessing.” One of the meanings of the Hebrew word for blessing is “deep fulfillment.” When God created Adam and Eve they were in a blessed state - they were deeply fulfilled. However, as soon as they were exiled ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

As Worthless As A Dead Battery Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 19, 2023

Message 5 in a series through James that helps us explore the relationship between faith and works in our lives. James was the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the church in Jerusalem

I have the good pleasure of working alongside several self-proclaimed mechanical ignoramuses. And between these two guys, they have a LOT of talent and God has gifted them with things that he didn’t give me. But the one skillset that neither of them has ever been accused of is this: auto mechanic. ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-24, Matthew 25:34-40, Matthew 7:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Triple Threat

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Aug 22, 2023

We have exactly the same weapons against temptation that Jesus used against Satan in the wilderness.

How many of you remember your first day at school, or your first day at a new job? You usually get some kind of orientation, don’t you. At that new job, maybe you spent the morning in the human resources signing benefits papers and getting company policies explained to you, maybe you get led ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Soaking In Christ's "jesusness"

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 13, 2023

We are over our lifetime changed into His image. That’s what God wants for us, and that’s what we come together weekly to pray for.

Third Sunday in Advent 2023 (sermon 2) Many years ago I had a theology professor who told me that the secret to successfully teaching theology is found in this letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians: “Test everything.” And that’s actually good advice. First, if you are a manager–and all teachers ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-8, John 1:19-28, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, Isaiah 61:1-11

Denomination: Catholic

Point Of No Return

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Apr 25, 2017

Trying God

The Point of no return (Prov. 1:28) Intro: On the river there is a place near rapids of waterfalls called the point of no return let’s take an imaginary journey down a seemingly peaceful river where you are lulled almost to the point of being asleep. We are in the comfort zone, so unaware of the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:22-31

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Vision For The Church: Worship

Contributed by James Chandler on Jun 30, 2015

What role should worship play in the life of the church? This message looks at the very first time the word "worship" appears in the Bible. Genesis 22, Abraham is tested and commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac. It was an act of real worship.

A vision for the Church: Worship Genesis 22 We have looked at other elements in the vision for the church: To see the lost saved- evangelism To see Christians mature- discipleship To see the church one- fellowship To see the world changed- service To see Christi exalted- worship Today we ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prayer-God’s Natural Pain-Killer

Contributed by Craig Condon on Sep 3, 2015

Jesus calls on us to use our God-given gifts, including prayer, to further our faith and God’s work in this world. If we are successful, we will receive the help we need to cope with life’s challenges.

The Old Testament reading we heard from Jeremiah earlier in today’s service talks about the destruction of Judah and the pain and suffering felt by its people. The destruction was caused by the sins of the people. Jeremiah identified with the people and their pain and suffering. We as ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Most Important Exam

Contributed by Allan Quak on May 28, 2021

Paul calls us to examine ourselves. In this exam we don’t compare ourselves to others, we actively seek to bring about real changes in our lives and we place our eternal destiny into the hands of Jesus.

Message 2 Corinthians 13:5 “The Most Important Exam” I love being in ministry – and I love being the minister of NEC. Only one week ago Corianna and I returned from a four week absolutely amazing holiday. We really enjoyed our time. We are also thankful to be back home and continue our ministry ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5

Denomination: Baptist

Examine Yourself

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Jun 25, 2021

We need to test (examine) ourselves and see if the attitudes of our heart, soul and mind are in perfect alignment with those of Jesus. What we do is as important as what we say!

JESUS CHRIST PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON MEETING THE UNBELIEVER RIGHT WHERE THEY WERE AND IN WHATEVER STATE THEY ARE CURRENTLY LIVING. HE REALIZED THAT MANY CHRISTIANS, EVEN TODAY, STILL STRUGGLE TO COMPREHEND THIS AS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT IN THEIR CHRISTIAN LIFE. I AM CONVINCED THAT THE LATEST ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5-9, 1 Corinthians 11:28, John 15:8

Denomination: Free Methodist

01 - James 1:1-8 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Aug 20, 2021

This is the 1st of 11 Studies on the Book of James and talks about our attitude to trials, and about seeking God for wisdom.

James 1:1 “James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.” James begins his letter by introducing himself, as the bondservant of both God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. A bondservant was a slave to his master. In the Old ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8, Acts 8:1, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 2:10, Romans 5:1-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Job Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 14, 2022

Job was faithful to God, even when he lost absolutely everything that had been important to him. This legend concerns Job, a prosperous man of outstanding piety. Satan acts as an agent provocateur to test whether or not Job's piety is rooted merely in his prosperity.

Job Job was faithful to God, even when he lost absolutely everything that had been important to him. This legend concerns Job, a prosperous man of outstanding piety. Satan acts as an agent provocateur to test whether or not Job's piety is rooted merely in his prosperity. However, Job still ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Decision In The Desert- First Sunday Of Lent

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 5, 2022

A paradigm for its own struggle in an alien environment.

THE DEVIL IN THE DESERT “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test,” Jesus replied to Satan from Deuteronomy 6:16: but the rest of the verse says, “as you tested [God] at Massah.” Massah means testing and Meribah means contention. Psalm 95:8 says, “Do not harden your hearts as you did ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Catholic

The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 18, 2020

As we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, He will lead us beside the still waters in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. He will also lead us straight through VALLEYS at times. This message fits everyone of us, because we all face valleys in our lifetime. You may be facing one right now!

“THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH” Dr. Larry Petton Psalm 23 _________________________________________________________________ As we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, He will lead us beside the still waters in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. He will also lead us straight through ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

To Soar Through The Seasons In Ministry Series

Contributed by William Tan Yh on May 28, 2020

We will experience seasons of ups and downs in the ministry. There are days when we feel like an eagle soaring on the high winds, while other days we feel like a deflated balloon.

Brothers and Sisters, I wish to share this devotion with you. I remember a preacher said that in a motorcycle training school, the instructor taught him that where he looked there his motorcycle would go. If he did not keep his eyes straight on the road but looked in the ditch , his motorcycle ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2, Galatians 6:9

Denomination: Charismatic