Sermons on Wilderness Travels:

What Are You "Platting” Into Your Life?

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Oct 7, 2020

There is a reason why so many of the values and beliefs of many in the Church are no different than the unchurched.

Good evening to the blessed of the Lord. I am so glad to see you. Would you join me in turning to Matthew 4 please. This a passage we’re very familiar with. It says: (1) Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8:1-3, John 5:19, John 5:30, Ephesians 2:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus' Midrash: Materialism And God's Provision

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 26, 2009

From God’s provision during Israel’s 40 year wilderness wandering experience, the Jews in Moses’ time could learn some valuable lessons, the Jews in Jesus’ time could learn some valuable lessons, and so can Christians of all times.

Jesus’ Midrash: Materialism and God’s Provision (Deuteronomy 8:3-18, Matthew 6:24-34) 1. "In contradistinction to literal interpretation, subsequently called "peshaṭ" (comp. Geiger’s "Wiss. Zeit. Jüd. Theol." v. 244), the term "midrash" designates an exegesis which, going more deeply than ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:3-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Are You Listening To God Or Goliath?

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Dec 13, 2016

I wish that once I became a Christian my struggle with sin, depression, discouragement, bad habits would be overcome with just a prayer. If we want freedom/victory it means we have to square off with our devils . . . just like Jesus did in the wilderness.

Are You Listening to God or Goliath? (Inspired by article in Charisma August 2016 by Larry Dugger) 8/10/16 CFBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A I wish that once I became a Christian my struggle with sin, depression, discouragement, bad habits would be overcome with just a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13, Luke 17:1

Denomination: Baptist

"Fear Not" Series

Contributed by Nick Panico on Apr 28, 2008

God’s ultimate intention for all believers is to conform us to the image of Jesus. Part of the process includes going through times when you can’t feel His presence. Walking Through the Wilderness series deals with temptations you face during these trying

“Wilderness – Pt. 1” “Fear Not” by Pastor Nick S. Panico (Rom 8:28-29 NKJV) "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. {29} For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Quarreled & Tested: For The Long Haul

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 30, 2023

Exodus 17:1-7 is a story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which mirrors our struggles and tests. This passage reveals how the Israelites quarreled with God and faced a profound test of faith, a test that we, too, may encounter on our spiritual journey

1 October 2023 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A Quarreled & Tested: For the Long Haul The Message 17 1-2 Directed by God, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages from the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn’t a drop of water for the people to drink. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

Angelic Activity When Jesus Is Around

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 10, 2023

When Jesus is among us and in us, we witness a lot of angelic activity. The shepherds were informed of Jesus’ birth by angels. Angels came and ministered to Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). In Isaiah’s vision, angels are gathered around God’s throne.

When Jesus is among us and in us, we witness a lot of angelic activity. The shepherds were informed of Jesus’ birth by angels. Angels came and ministered to Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). In Isaiah’s vision, angels are gathered around God’s throne. In Samson’s birth, an angel declared the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:11

The Voice

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Dec 29, 2024

John knew who he was; "I am the voice". A voice is temporary. A voice is fleeting. A voice is fading. John saw himself as a fading voice that is crying out in the wilderness. Each generation has a voice, and we are the temporary voice for this time for this place.

In 1948, ...a remarkable religious phenomenon occurred... in the United States. It began in a tent ... near Hollywood California, ...under the preaching ... of a young evangelist. The crowds were sparse at first ... but as the preaching continued, ... the crowds began to grow. At first, ... ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-29, Malachi 4:5, 2 Kings 2:11, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 3:30, Ephesians 6:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Journey From The Intellectual To The Foolish Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Dec 16, 2002

2nd of 4 messages: Wise men traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, yet there were important intellectuals who wouldn’t go six miles out to see if the rumors were true... Today intellectuals find it difficult to embrace the foolishness of a God who i

12/15/2002: The Journey from Intellectual to Foolish Wise men traveled a great distance to worship Jesus, yet there were important intellectuals who wouldn’t go six miles out to see if the rumors were true... Today intellectuals find it difficult to embrace the foolishness of a God who is born a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

World Religions - 2 Hinduism Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Nov 13, 2008

All things are not equal. All roads do not lead to the same destination. Our experience bears this out. Who among us would trust our own guesses when traveling on a long road trip of many hundreds of miles rather than trusting a compass and a map? Let

What About Hinduism? Revelation 5:11-13 Introduction A Hindu said to a native missionary, “I am sure if I lead a good life and do what is right, giving up my bad habits, God will be pleased with me and receive me into heaven.” “That is the way most people reason today,” replied the missionary. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:11-13

Denomination: Christian Church

Will You Let The Holy Spirit Warm Your Heart? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 8, 2012

Perhaps you have reached a stage in your life where you feel like you are just going through the motions. Sunday comes, and Sunday goes, and you have traveled through it on auto pilot. It’s time to let the Holy Spirit warm your heart

Will you let the Holy Spirit warm your heart? Do you remember what it was like to be a new Christian? Do you still feel the same way? Were you more excited and full of joy than you are now? Did you spend more time reading your Bible than you do now? Did you pray more than you do now? Did ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

"And Then He Raised The Knife...!"

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 14, 2017

It wasn't enough to travel 3 days, or build the altar, or stack on the wood, or bind his son, or even to place his son on the altar. God waited until the great Patriarch raised the knife! Why wait so long? Why does God take us to the edge?

"AND THEN HE RAISED THE KNIFE...!" Genesis 22:1-14 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. There are times when even doing what is right seems like it will backfire on you. Old habits are hard to break. 2. One guy invariably left off the cap to the toothpaste and for years his wife had hounded him about it. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Some Things We Should Not Do

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 13, 2010

The wilderness experience of the Israelites is an illustration of how God’s people can provoke His anger through disobedience and faithlessness. We must take heed lest we fall by the same experience of unbelief (v. 5 cf. 11, 12). The apostle lists some t

Intro: The wilderness experience of the Israelites is an illustration of how God’s people can provoke His anger through disobedience and faithlessness. We must take heed lest we fall by the same experience of unbelief (v. 5 cf. 11, 12). The apostle lists some things we, as Christians, must not do. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-10

Denomination: *other

Lessons From The Manna: Sustenance For The Soul

Contributed by Christian Jones on Jul 9, 2023

Today, let’s look into Exodus 16:32-36, where God provided manna to sustain the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This passage not only teaches us about God's provision in physical needs but also holds spiritual significance for us today.

1. Divine Provision: Exodus 16:32-36 reveals God's supernatural provision of manna as physical sustenance. As believers, we can trust that God will meet our needs in every area of life. Matthew 6:25-34 emphasizes seeking God's kingdom first and relying on His provision. 2. Daily ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 6:11, Philippians 4:11-13, Hebrews 11:8, Hebrews 4:9-11, John 6:32-35, Colossians 3:16-17, John 6:48-51  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Seeing God In Your Life

Contributed by Bruce Hadley on Jun 8, 2021

Last week we talked about going through the spiritual wilderness experience, were you feel God is silent in your life, and you don’t sense His presence. However, we concluded that God is never silent, and He is always present in our lives.

Last week we talked about going through the spiritual wilderness experience, were you feel God is silent in your life, and you don’t sense His presence. However, we concluded that God is never silent, and He is always present in our lives. As Christians, we are to know that God is at work in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8, Psalm 16:8, Philippians 4:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Family Ties: My Big Fat Greek Wedding Series

Contributed by J John on Dec 20, 2007

I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. (Recently, she returned the Christmas presents that my wife and I bought for her.)

--note-- 2002: IFC Films Directed by Joel Zwick Nia Vardalos as Toula John Corbett as Ian Rated PG for sensuality and language - - - - - I am Greek. And if you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’ll have seen some of my relatives - including my mother, who is a travel agent for guilt trips. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: *other