Sermons on Ambition:

Wisdom From Above Series

Contributed by Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson on Sep 12, 2003

A comparison and contrast of worldly wisdom and wisdom from above.

Sermon for 15 Pent Yr B, 21/09/2003 Based on James 3:13-18 Grace Lutheran Church, Medicine Hat, Alberta By Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson When a dog wags its tail and barks at the same time, what end do you believe? When a sick florist goes to the hospital, what do you send her or him? Why does ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Seek Wisdom Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Sep 17, 2009

The wisdom of the world is fleeting; seek godly wisdom!

Seek Wisdom, James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a Introduction Those who study bees tell us when a honeybee drives its barbed stinger into flesh, it becomes so firmly imbedded that the only way the bee can escape is to leave the stinger behind. This, however, is sure to cause the death of the bee. It receives ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church

Gifted People Week 2 Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 19, 2012

The gifts of the Spirit Operate best in the atmophere of Love. They are used to build the lives of believers to the glory of God and good of all people.

Intro: In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t. "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?" asks Linus. "These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they’re nothing but when I curl them together like this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

If I've Got It - Why Can't I Flaunt It? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 12, 2004

God hates boastfulness. But what so wrong with a little bragging if you’ve got a special talent or ability?

OPEN: An older woman was cruising a busy parking lot in her new Mercedes-Benz looking in vain for a parking space. She finally saw someone loaded with packages heading for a car, so she followed him, put on her blinker and waited patiently until he pulled out. Just as he pulled out a young man ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Two Kinds Of Wisdom

Contributed by Glen O'brien on Oct 5, 2006

Two kinds of wisdom are set before us in the Book of James - a “wisdom” in quote marks that is not wisdom at all but “earthly, unspiritual, and demonic" and true wisdom which comes from God and is first of all peaceable.

16th Sunday after Pentecost 24th September 2006 Text: James 3:14-4:10 TWO KINDS OF WISDOM James defines wisdom in a very down to earth way. When we think of the wise man we may think of the sage who sits on a mountain top meditating on the nature of the universe. His devotees climb the rugged ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Servants Shall Be Rulers Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Aug 13, 2011

Jesus predctis his death & James & John’s request. (Powerpoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: (A). The Plan (vs 32-34): (1). The city (vs 33). (2). The conspirators (vs 33b-44a). (3). The conclusion (vs 34b). (B). The Request (vs 35-45). (1). It tells us something about Mark (2). It tells us something about the disciples (vs 35-44) (3). It tells us something about Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Brethren

Maintaining Spiritual Unity

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Sep 14, 2006

What two attitudes destroy the unity of the church? What is the only way given in Scripture to fight against this? Listen as Pastor Steve shows how we are to be involved in "Maintaining Spiritual Unity."

Tonight we’re looking once again at the portion of Scripture that speaks to the subject of unity in the church. Philippians 2:1-4 says, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Demonic Wisdom Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 23, 2008

Many churches operate with demonic wisdom rather than with heavenly wisdom. James confronts us, calling us to recognise the evil that can destroy us.

JAMES 3:13-16 DEMONIC WISDOM “If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Test 5: The Wisdom Test, Part 1 Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Nov 2, 2007

There are two types of wisdom—man’s wisdom and the kind of wisdom that only comes from God. The kind of true wisdom that only comes from God is evidence of real faith.

1. Introduction (13) 2. Roots of test-failing wisdom (14) 3. Attributes of test-failing wisdom (15) 4. Fruits of test-failing wisdom (16) JAMES 3:13 Have you ever flown on one of those little puddle-jumper airplanes? I have and let me tell you, they’re not very much fun. If you’re in one of ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Future Focus Motivates Present Faithfulness Pt 9 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jul 28, 2018

Part 9 in our exploration of a future focus specifically dealing with the admonition to address bitterness.

“Uprooting Bitter Roots” Hebrews 12 addresses three specific life goals to consider as individuals and as a church family. It is my hope that they will guide the direction of our church family throughout the year. a) Promote Healing among the body b) Pursue peace with ALL men ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-16

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

God Is Bigger Than My Selfishness Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

Fast food restaurants ask you, “Would you like to supersize your drink?” Warehouse stores sell Costco and Sam’s Club offer us items in bulk – really big sizes. It seems like the only item in modern day life that hasn’t been upgraded is God.

Today, we continue a short 4-week series entitled God is Bigger. Pause for a moment because I want everyone to hear this question: How big is your God? How capable is God in your mind? J.B. Phillips wrote a book that he gave a title that fascinates me entitled, Your God Is Too Small. He writes, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 2:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Uprooting Bitter Roots 1 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Aug 14, 2018

This message addresses the second deadly virus in the family - Bitterness. These messages were also part of a series on Future Focus Present Faithfulness.

“Uprooting Bitter Roots” Hebrews 12 addresses three specific life goals to consider as individuals and as a church family. It is my hope that they will guide the direction of our church family throughout the year. a) Promote Healing among the body b) Pursue peace with ALL men c) Pursue purity ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18, James 4:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

The Greatest In The Kingdom

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on May 30, 2023

The Disciples argue over who is the greatest

The Greatest in the Kingdom Mark 9:30-37 The Britannica website defines social class, as a group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status. The term “class” began to be used widely in the early 19th century, replacing such terms as rank and order, as descriptions of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In All Your Ways, Acknowledge Him.

Contributed by Greg Burcham on Jun 5, 2016

This sermon calls on us to acknowledge God in every aspect of our lives.

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Did you know that the English language is one of the most difficult languages to learn? One of the reasons for this is due to the multiple meanings of words. For instance, the word "can" has many meanings, depending ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:6

Denomination: Baptist

True Wisdom Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Sep 21, 2017

Like faith, true wisdom is seen in our actions.

TRUE WISDOM Text: James 3:13-18 INTRODUCTION 1. Illustration: Have you ever heard the phrase, "Out of the mouth of babes?" Certainly you have. It comes from the simple truth that sometimes it takes a child to reveal lasting wisdom. It seems foolish but it isn’t! For example: · Patrick, age ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Methodist