10 Sermons That Changed My Life

Travis Nicholson
4 min readSep 6, 2022

(video links included)

Have you ever had a song speak to you so powerfully that whenever you hear it again, it brings you right back to the place you first heard it? It’s sort of like that with me and sermons. As I’ve been following Jesus for over 15 years, there have been powerful Christian messages that have spoken to me and marked me deeply.

Fortunately, with the blessing of technology, I have the opportunity to share these messages with you. I hope they encourage you as much as they encouraged me in my walk of faith!

#10 — Generosity by Robert Morris

Jesus taught more about finances than he did on heaven and hell combined! It’s such an important topic, yet many churches do not cover it in detail. There are several teachings out there that have shaped my view on the subject, but I chose to share this introductory teaching on the life of generosity from Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, TX.

#9— Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper

John Piper is one of the most gifted preachers I have come across. During my time in college, he was instrumental in shaping my theology and understanding of God’s word. His hallmark message is here, exhorting followers of Jesus to keep the end in mind and not waste our lives on frivolous things.

#8 — Bethel’s Cornerstone Values by Bill Johnson

I believe Bethel Church in Redding, CA is one of the most influential churches in our nation. From their worship music to their conferences, they have led the way in faith, healing, and miracles. I was tremendously blessed by visiting their church for a conference in 2018. This sermon details the four core principles that built Bethel to what it is today.

#7 —Living In God’s Presence by Arthur Blessit

Click here to watch video

An oldie, but a goodie!! Arthur Blessit is a cross-carrying evangelist who has travelled the globe telling people about Jesus. In this message, he shares his burden for people to know Jesus and the joy of walking with Him.

#6 — God’s Glory Through The Church by Jimmy Seibert

Christians often think of church as a Sunday activity, but in this message, Jimmy Seibert (Lead Pastor at Antioch Waco) teaches that the church is meant to be a powerful movement that impacts every sphere of society. Jimmy was my pastor in college and I was always stirred by his stories of faith and revival.

#5 — The Church and Innovation by Craig Groeschel

Life.Church was one of the first churches to launch online church and they developed the ever popular Bible App. Since their founding, they have been pushing the envelope of innovation in the church, and the results have been astounding. I first heard this message during a conference I went to in 2017 and it shaped how I view the intersection of faith and innovation.

#4 — Rethinking Church by Francis Chan

In 2010, Francis Chan left his megachurch in California and began a journey of understanding God’s heart for the church. This message details his experience learning from the church in Asia and planting house churches in San Francisco.

See my other article: I Visited Francis Chan’s House Church Network

#3— Friendship with Jesus by Dan Baumann

I don’t know anyone who has watched this message and not be impacted. Dan Baumann is a YWAM missionary who details his personal account of friendship with Jesus, including while imprisoned in Iran.

#2— Discipleship by Carl Gulley

I had the opportunity of being discipled by Carl Gulley (he was my college pastor) and I can attest that he lives what he preaches. This message is a great summation of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus who makes other disciples. Living out this one truth can change the world!

#1 —The Power of a Focused Life by Mike Bickle

Click here to watch video

This is by far, the most impactful message I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s a bit intense (probably why I like it) but contains powerful truths and principles that will benefit your soul if lived out. After hearing this sermon in college, I scheduled out my life in 30 minute increments and got serious about time management. Today, I’m not as strict, but I still carry the value of intentionality and having vision for your life.

How about you? What sermons have impacted your life? Feel free to leave a comment below!

--

--