37 sermons preach from Matthew 18 — 35 from real church libraries, transcribed and indexed to the verse, and 2 from the classic library.
“Jesus' instruction to go one by one, then two to that same person, or three, and make it as private as possible.”
George Whitefield
Matthew 18:3 -- "Verily, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." I suppose I may take it for granted, that all of you, among whom I am now about to preach…
Read the full text“'Except you are humble as this little child, you cannot get to the kingdom of heaven.'”
A Sunday worship service combining extended praise, intercessory prayer, pastoral announcements and a Bible message focused on Psalm 23 (and related Psalms). The preacher uses the metaphor of sheep and shepherd to call believers to know God personally, trust his provision, embrace holiness, receive more of Christ’s gifts (forgiveness, love, power) and then give those gifts away. Service elements include offerings, baby dedications, ministry updates and a charge to be doers of the Word.
“Jesus said you have to change, you become like a little child (become like children).”
The sermon teaches that shame is a core human wound—both psychological and social—and that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection uniquely remove shame by restoring dignity and belonging. Practical freedom comes not from self-help or moralism alone but from encountering the gospel, receiving mercy, practicing confession and community, and participating in the church’s sacraments.
““Be like little children.””
A Live Free podcast episode that pairs a rich Christmas/theological reflection on Luke 2 (the angels’ announcement, shepherds, and the ‘Lamb’ motif) with a measured rebuttal of viral claims about the Book of Enoch and the New Testament’s origins. Pastors unpack biblical continuity, canon formation, manuscript reliability, and practical steps for overcoming fear by anchoring thought-life in Scripture.
“I tell you the truth: unless you turn from your sins and become like little children you will never get into the kingdom of heaven; anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
A Family Sunday message about ‘Welcome Home’: invite Jesus into your home and heart, allow his presence to transform you, and trust (walk on) Jesus’ spoken word even when you can’t see the proof.
“The Bible says that if you do anything to harm one of these little ones, it would be better that a millstone be hanged around your neck and you be thrown in the midst of the sea.”
A New Life Service combining the baptism of 54 new believers and the dedication of infants; the preacher preached from 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 about the new creation and reconciliation in Christ, called the church to disciple and protect children, and outlined parental and godparent responsibilities.
“It would be better for someone to have a millstone put around their head and be thrown into the sea than to offend a child.”
Pastor Branson delivers a direct call-to-arms: heaven has declared war against spiritual and cultural forces attacking families and children. He explains biblical precedent (Judges 5), diagnoses contemporary threats (sexualization, gender ideology, trafficking, erosion of parental rights), and urges the church to enlist through prayer, practical action, generosity (support for rescue efforts like Operation Underground Railroad / the film Sound of Freedom), discipleship, and the upcoming Gen One conference.
“"It is not the will of your Father that any of these little ones should perish," referring to 'little ones' (babies).”
Pastor Josh Howerton responds to Texas Rep. James Talarico’s public theological and political claims, arguing Talarico misrepresents Scripture on abortion, sexuality, marriage, and gender. Howerton distinguishes between genuine seekers and ideological infiltrators, asserts politics have become spiritual, defends the biblical view that life begins in the womb and that marriage is one man/one woman, contrasts biblical justice (equal weights and measures) with progressive group-based justice (equal outcomes), explains Kuyperian sphere sovereignty for charity and the role of church/family versus the state, and warns against false teachers who pander to itching ears.
John Wesley
The Cure of Evil-speaking "If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that…
Read the full text“If a brother's caught in sin, you go to him in private, and if he repents, you have gained your brother.”
Using Acts 19 and the church at Ephesus, the sermon calls believers to return to their 'first love' for Christ by identifying and removing rivals (secret comforts, addictions, occult practices, anger, sexual sin, screens, etc.). Confession, forsaking those rivals, and mutual accountability unleash God’s power so the gospel can prevail in individuals, churches and communities.
“They will not practice Matthew 18 — the passage about reconciliation (go and tell your brother, etc.).”
A sermon on Acts 2:42–47 calling the church to reclaim the fourfold devotion of the early church — apostles' teaching (Scripture), fellowship (koinonia), breaking of bread (communion & shared meals), and prayer — which produced unity, generosity, signs, and steady gospel growth. Philip Mitchell exhorts both local and digital disciples to move from consumer Christianity to committed participation, supports small churches, and announces a new book, a new series, and his forthcoming sabbatical.
“If you have an ought against your brother, go to your brother alone... go back with two or three witnesses... then you bring it to the church.”
Pastor Willie Lee Young Jr. preached from Acts 1:9–14 (Ascension narrative), calling the congregation to stop 'standing and gazing' at what was lost, be interrupted out of spiritual stagnation, embrace the Holy Spirit's power, and move into obedience, prayerful unity, and mission. The service also celebrated Mother's Day with a poem, gifts, and church announcements, and concluded with appeals for salvation, church membership, and restored fellowship.
“Jesus' instruction to go one by one, then two to that same person, or three, and make it as private as possible.”
A Bible study on David’s public lament for Saul and Jonathan that draws pastoral lessons about honoring leaders and enemies, the destructive power of sin, the discipline of guarding speech, the value of deep friendships, and the priority of worship and dependence on Christ.
Showing the 4 most recent — 1 more sermon in church libraries reference this verse.
“If a brother's caught in sin, you go to him in private to win him over.”
Using Acts 19 and the church at Ephesus, the sermon calls believers to return to their 'first love' for Christ by identifying and removing rivals (secret comforts, addictions, occult practices, anger, sexual sin, screens, etc.). Confession, forsaking those rivals, and mutual accountability unleash God’s power so the gospel can prevail in individuals, churches and communities.
“If you're offended, if a brother sins against you, go to the person—don't go to your group chat; go one-on-one.”
Pastor Shane Abbott uses the Parable of the Sower to show how small ‘seeds’—words, observations, and stories—can grow into massive division if left unchecked. He identifies four heart postures, contrasts seeds of God vs. seeds of the enemy, gives practical steps (go to the person, 24-hour rule, pause/redirect/clarify/release), calls for repentance and reconciliation, and invites people to lay down offense and sow into kingdom work.
“Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven... if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them.”
A teaching and corporate prayer service emphasizing the power of united, sustained intercession—how corporate prayer differs from private prayer, creates spiritual synergy, and accelerates breakthrough—along with ministry announcements and calls to give and volunteer.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault... take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
Pastor Daniel Batarseh taught practical, foundational tools for studying the Bible: read the whole Bible systematically, read slowly and meditatively, ask the text disciplined questions, use cross-references (Bible interprets Bible), notice concrete details, watch for repetition, and apply New Covenant and Christ-centered lenses. He framed Bible study as essential to discipleship and church mission, illustrated each tool with biblical examples (Abraham, Jacob, Peter, Jude, Luke, John, Genesis, Revelation) and led a short group exercise in Genesis 18.
““But if he will not hear thee then take with thee one or two more; that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.””
A Bible study on Judges 6–7 using Gideon's story to teach trust in God's timing and methods: God tests and refines leaders and their followers, removing pride and unreliable motives so deliverance demonstrates God's power, not human strength.
“it reminds me that that I have the power he gave it to me to bind and to loose”
Youth Congress 2021 Tuesday night service with extended worship and performances, a sub-theme message on spiritual authority/Scripture as the remedy against the enemy, and a main sermon calling Christians to intentional love, forgiveness, peacemaking, and evangelistic outreach.
“What you bind on earth God will bind in heaven... we have this agreement and this is how prayer works.”
Pastor Rick DuBose preaches a call to sustained, disciplined prayer — “keep the lamp burning” — explaining Old Testament tabernacle imagery (lamp, oil, manna, veil) to show how God’s supernatural provision flows into the natural when the church and individuals maintain daily prayer, corporate responsibility, and Holy Spirit dependence.
““Wherever two or three of you agree ... it will be done by my Father ... and if you pray it in my name.” (paraphrase)”
Pastor Jim preaches about hope as a present reality—Christ in us that enables believers to 'radiate' hope—calling the congregation to receive formation (not just fixes), stand on the foundation of the church, and agree in prayer and prophetic declaration for renewal, restoration, and spiritual outpouring.
“The writer said, 'whatever two or three of us are gathered... as in touching anything' (paraphrase of Matthew 18:19-20 about agreement and two or three gathered).”
A teaching and corporate prayer service emphasizing the power of united, sustained intercession—how corporate prayer differs from private prayer, creates spiritual synergy, and accelerates breakthrough—along with ministry announcements and calls to give and volunteer.
“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask...”
Pastor Daniel Batarseh taught practical, foundational tools for studying the Bible: read the whole Bible systematically, read slowly and meditatively, ask the text disciplined questions, use cross-references (Bible interprets Bible), notice concrete details, watch for repetition, and apply New Covenant and Christ-centered lenses. He framed Bible study as essential to discipleship and church mission, illustrated each tool with biblical examples (Abraham, Jacob, Peter, Jude, Luke, John, Genesis, Revelation) and led a short group exercise in Genesis 18.
“Jesus said, 'If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask...' (the principle of agreement in prayer).”
A practical teaching on why faith sometimes doesn't produce results — identify and correct factors that short‑circuit faith (financial irresponsibility, lack of specificity, silent/private petitions, no agreement with others, failure to speak and confess). Emphasizes learning the 'rules' of faith, praying audibly and specifically, coming into agreement with prayer partners, repaying debts, and taking tangible steps (journals, altar time, faith conference) to activate breakthrough.
“Where two or three, I don't need all of y'all. I just need two or three.”
Bishop Jeffrey Thomas Sr. preaches from Luke 9:62, calling believers to keep their hands on the gospel plow — persevering in deep, prayer-driven service rather than surface-level activity — so they may receive revelation, power, and ultimately hear 'well done.'
“where two or three are gathered in his name”
A Sunday service focused on worship and prayer with an extended call to prepare spiritually for an upcoming regional convention. The service emphasized consecration, unity in prayer, expectation and faith for divine visitation, support for church leadership, and invitations to salvation and spiritual growth.
“Where two or three of us are gathered, he is in the midst (for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I).”
A teaching and corporate prayer service emphasizing the power of united, sustained intercession—how corporate prayer differs from private prayer, creates spiritual synergy, and accelerates breakthrough—along with ministry announcements and calls to give and volunteer.
“are we here together with the holy spirit where two more are gathered in my name”
A Sunday service centered on worship and the church's mission to 'go and make disciples.' The pastor emphasizes the Great Commission, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, practical evangelism in the local community, generosity, and an invitation to accept Christ.
Showing the 4 most recent — 9 more sermons in church libraries reference this verse.
“Forgive 'seventy times seven' (teachings on forgiveness).”
Using the parable of the wheat and the weeds, Rev. Hamlin urges believers to labor faithfully in the "between time"—practicing patience, mercy, and persistent service rather than rushing to judgment or mistaking activity for true discipleship.
“forgive 70 times 7”
A sermon on the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds calling believers to faithful, patient ministry in the 'between time' — to persist in compassion, justice, and service rather than rushing to condemn or 'uproot' others.
“you might have to do that seven times or as the parable says 70 times or as Jesus clarifies seven times 70 times”
Tim Brown teaches that unforgiveness (bitterness) is a pervasive source of spiritual bondage that punishes the holder more than the offender. Drawing on Matthew 18, Matthew 6 and Mark 11, he calls Christians to forgive as God forgave us—absorbing the debt, humanizing the offender, and releasing them—and gives a practical five‑step forgiveness exercise.
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times,' and Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving servant.”
Tim Brown teaches that unforgiveness (bitterness) is a pervasive source of spiritual bondage that punishes the holder more than the offender. Drawing on Matthew 18, Matthew 6 and Mark 11, he calls Christians to forgive as God forgave us—absorbing the debt, humanizing the offender, and releasing them—and gives a practical five‑step forgiveness exercise.
“Forgive 70 times 7.”
A sermon on the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds calling believers to faithful, patient ministry in the 'between time' — to persist in compassion, justice, and service rather than rushing to condemn or 'uproot' others.
“He paraphrases the Unforgiving Servant parable: "in anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay back all he was owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart."”
Tim Brown teaches that unforgiveness (bitterness) is a pervasive source of spiritual bondage that punishes the holder more than the offender. Drawing on Matthew 18, Matthew 6 and Mark 11, he calls Christians to forgive as God forgave us—absorbing the debt, humanizing the offender, and releasing them—and gives a practical five‑step forgiveness exercise.
“The parable in Matthew 18 about a servant who owed ten thousand talents and the king who 'took pity on him, he canceled the debt, and he let him go.'”
Tim Brown teaches that unforgiveness (bitterness) is a pervasive source of spiritual bondage that punishes the holder more than the offender. Drawing on Matthew 18, Matthew 6 and Mark 11, he calls Christians to forgive as God forgave us—absorbing the debt, humanizing the offender, and releasing them—and gives a practical five‑step forgiveness exercise.
Every reference on this page was extracted from the transcript of a real sermon in a public Sermon Mind church library. Quotes reflect each preacher’s own reading of the text.