Sermons on Thriving:

Fourth Sunday Of Advent, A--Four Advent Annunciations

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 8, 2022

To all the Marys everywhere; to all the Josephs everywhere; to all the Pauls everywhere; and to even all the Ahazes everywhere.

There are four annunciations or announcements in our Gospel this Sunday. 1. To all the Marys everwhere— Mary’s Annunciation— reminds me of an advertising slogan for a shoe company that says, “No great story starts, “it was cold, so I stayed in.” In classical Greek and Roman mythology every ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-24

Denomination: Catholic

Even The Dogs Qualify

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 3, 2019

I would like for you to think with on the subject, “Even the dogs qualify.” Think of a dog as the lease likely person, in the worst position, at the most inappropriate time, who discovers the power of faith. Faith in God is a qualifier that cannot be ignored.

Subject: Even the Dogs Qualify Matthew 15:21-29 Introduction: The Scriptures refer to four seasons during Jesus’ earthly ministry where He sought solitude and rest. No matter how gifted or anointed we are, we all need rest. We all need places to be refreshed. The unusual story of our lesson occurs ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-29

Denomination: Methodist

Ethos #2 Relationships Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 16, 2019

What does a Christian relationship look like and how is it different than the other relationships in my life? Why are they more valuable? Why do I need them?

We began this new message series last week entitled, “Ethos.” Each individual and organization has unique ethos or culture. We talked last week about our collective ethos as the church being that of an alternative lifestyle which is directed by our willingness to live a Holy life – directed by the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reconcile: Conflict Transformation Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 17, 2019

Conflict is a catalyst for growth in Christians because we called to be more. Conflict leads to holiness

This 3-part message series entitled Reconcile. Jesus once said, the scriptures say an “eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”(Matt 5:38-39) In this simple statement is a ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-23, Matthew 5:38-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is God Sustaining Your Church

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jul 11, 2020

Are you struggling to keep the doors open? Stop! God is most likely calling you to a better pasture because yours is brown.

"What God does not ordain, He does not sustain." - Unknown This may well be why so many church starts fail. Intentions may have been good and demographics screamed, "GO!", but the still small voice of God said, "No" or "Not now" or "Not you." It ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:5, John 17:20-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Beginning Of It All Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Jan 17, 2017

Creation, Sin, and More Sin The Beginning of It All Gen 1:1-2:3 David Taylor

Creation, Sin, and More Sin The Beginning of It All Gen 1:1-2:3 David Taylor December 10, 2016 Today we start working through the book of Genesis, the first book of the bible. I will split the book up into three series, chapters 1-11 which centers on the beginning of history; 12-36 which ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Avoiding Loss Or Becoming A Champion? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 2, 2013

God wants to transform us from loss-avoiders to champions.

Avoiding Loss or Becoming a Champion? (Judges 6:1-32) 1. Loss aversion means instead of playing to win, we play not to lose. We get much more misery from losing $100 than we get joy from being given $100. One authority writes; 2. “For example, ever wonder why retail clothing stores have ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

#3 Signs Of The Second Coming In The Church

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 28, 2021

We continue this our 3 series on the second coming of Jesus Christ that reveal signs within the church. May we be ready and expecting God's son's imminent return.

#3 Signs of second coming in the church. By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Are expecting the IMMINENT RETURN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST? 1. In the church. 2. In Israel. 3. In nature. 4. In world politics. 5. In society. 6. In technology. 7. In Biblical prophecies. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:18-19, 2 Peter 3:3, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

You Feeling Sheepish?

Contributed by Craig Benner on Jul 27, 2021

Sheep have unique characteristics. Some you may know about and others may surprise you. The Bible refers to us as christians as being the sheep of His pasture. Let us see how much we act like sheep.

Sheepish? Timid, shy? Sheep-like? Ps 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Ps. 23:2,3 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:3, Psalm 23:2, Isaiah 53:6

Denomination: Pentecostal

Divine Intimacy Series

Contributed by Bruce Rzengota on Mar 3, 2017

RECOGNIZING JESUS DESIRE, THE PURSUIT OF DIVINE INTIMACY SHOULD DEFINE US.

Divine Intimacy 1/15/17 John 17:1-3 INTRODUCTION What's on your wish list? Buzzfeed regularly makes some suggestions for items to add to your wish list on Amazon. Here is some of their recent top suggestions. Rainbow projector A Peanut butter cake mix for your dog's next birthday A gift basket ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Spiritual Discipline For The Race Of Life

Contributed by Craig Condon on Sep 1, 2015

We must learn to lay everything aside and renew our fellowship and communion with God. We must “keep our eyes on the prize.” We must keep our eyes fixed on Christ. We must pace ourselves when we run the race of life. Only then can we survive and win.

Have you ever struggled with your faith? Have you ever felt like giving up? If so, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews has a word for you---don’t! Don’t give up. The road of faith has been compared to a race. The race is not a sprint. It is a marathon. At the end of the race, we ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-13

Denomination: Anglican

Surrounded By God's Peace

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Sep 15, 2015

This world is anxious to strike you with its rod and beat you at every opportunity whereas our Heavenly Father uses His rod to guide you and comfort you, by protecting you from this fallen world that is - the valley of the shadow of death.

Surrounded by God’s Peace Psalms 125 K.J.V. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. 2 As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. 3 For the rod of the wicked ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 125:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Are You A Christian? Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Jun 18, 2017

We are not asked to convert others—God alone saves. Our responsibility is to share the way God’s glory affects us. We have a story to tell!

I. INTRODUCTION 1. If someone were to ask, “Why are you a Christian?” could you give he or she a meaningful answer? What effect has accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior had on you? 2. We aren’t looking for the textbook answer herenot a memorized versesomething that will stir the heart of an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-11

Denomination: Other

Between Two Kingdoms

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 2, 2017

Christians live within the tension of being in a fallen, broken world, while trying not to be influenced by it.

“He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). As Christians, living between two kingdoms is what we do every single day, regardless of where we are. We face the challenge of living as Christ’s followers in an unholy, fallen ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-14

Denomination: Congregational

The River Of Life

Contributed by Jody Vansickle on Aug 27, 2023

How are we treating the River of Life in our lives? Have we truly drunk from its' waters.

Here in eastern Kentucky, we know about floods. • We just ‘celebrated’ for lack of a better term, the floods that were so devastating to Breathitt, Letcher and Perry counties last year. I remember when I was young, looking at some pictures of from what is known as the flood of ’37. • The flood of ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:6-22, Matthew 16:13-17

Denomination: Methodist