Sermons on Avoiding Worldly Pursuits:

"Using Your Gifts Properly" Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Aug 28, 2003

Temptations to watch out for in using our spiritual gifts. How to avoid falling into these traps of Satan.

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches August 31, 2003 “Using Your Gifts Properly” John 15:1-17 INTRODUCTION: During the month of August we have been talking about spiritual gifts--reminding us that each of us has been given at least one and usually more than one gift when we become a Christian. We ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

After All, I Didn't Kill Anybody

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 9, 2014

There is a good reason to avoid the near occasions of sin, but not even that is enough to make us the image of Christ.

“What’s bothering you so much? After all, I didn’t kill anybody!” That lame excuse is often given to people who have seen another doing wrong. The wrong action could be anything short of murder. Maybe it’s a so-called “white lie,” told by somebody to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24

Denomination: Catholic

Go! And Pursue What Matters! Proverbs 21:21 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 6, 2025

This sermon challenges us to shift our pursuits from temporary desires to eternal treasures. Will you go and pursue what truly matters?

Go! And Pursue What Matters! Proverbs 21:21 Introduction: The Pursuit of What Truly Matters Life is filled with pursuits. People chase after wealth, success, recognition, and comfort. But in the grand scheme of eternity, what truly matters? Proverbs 21:21 gives us divine wisdom about the right ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 21:21, Genesis 15:6, Psalm 119:9-11, Matthew 6:33, Luke 10:33-34, John 13:34-35, Ephesians 4:32, Philippians 3:13-14, Colossians 3:1-2, Galatians 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

True Religion James 1:26-27 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 31, 2021

James 1:26 speaks of "true religion." We know about caring for orphans and widows, but what about the other part?

James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

"What's Wrong With Pleasure?" Ecc. Pt 2 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 22, 2007

What is wrong with the pursuit of pleasure? Answer: It will become a tyrannical god – an idol that will never satisfy – it will never bring eternal meaning to your life.

“What is wrong with pleasure?” Ecclesiastes Pt. 2 Illustration: My timer is set for 30 minutes again: You may be thinking, “How many people will die in the world in 30 minutes?” The answer is 3,240 people. But here is a major problem - It is estimated that only 7% of the world’s population is ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Joy Of The Lord PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 22, 2023

This sermon explores the enduring, fulfilling joy found in God, distinguishing it from worldly pleasures, and how to maintain it during trials.

Welcome, dear friends, to another beautiful day that the Lord has made. A day to gather, to listen, to learn, and to lean into the love of our Heavenly Father. As we gather here today, we are united by one common purpose – to know our God more, to understand His word, and to find joy in His ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Topics: Christian's Joy, Lord

Three Dangers With Reference To The Second Coming Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Feb 6, 2003

Examines three danges that we as Christians need to avoid in our thinking about the Second Coming.

A Study of the Book of Luke Sermon # 47 “Three Dangers with Reference to the Second Coming” Luke 17:20-36 Whenever something climatic occurs in our world; whether it be “The Persian Gulf War” in 1990, or the September 11 Terrorist Attack in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:20-36

Denomination: Baptist

The Love God Hates Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on May 23, 2019

Accept God’s love, and don’t love the world, which only wants to turn you to stone.

A group of children were once asked, “What does ‘love’ mean?” Here are some sample answers: Rebekah, 8, said, “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time—even when his hands got arthritis, too. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17, James 4:4, Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 6:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Be Humble, Everyone.

Contributed by Neal Gracey on May 15, 2016

How do you and I avoid self-exaltation? How does your church avoid it? Beloved, humility is a matter of the heart and a complete understanding of our relationship with the Lord.

Be Humble, Everyone! This story told by Jesus is a familiar one to many. It’s the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector from Luke 18:9-14. I won’t go into the parable itself; we can do that in class, but this story does remind me of several people I know and you probably know ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Message Of The Cross Is Foolishness PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 25, 2024

Explores the contrast between worldly views and God's perspective, focusing on understanding the profound love symbolized by the cross in Christianity.

Greetings, beloved. I hope this day finds you in good spirits and ready to receive the Word of the Lord. We gather here today, not out of habit or obligation, but out of a desire to know our God more intimately and to understand His Word more deeply. Our focus today is on a scripture that is both ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Topics: Changing Message, Cross

1 John: Be Real Series

Contributed by Tony Thomas on Aug 31, 2017

This message is an overview of the book of 1 John and part of a 2-year study of the Bible.

1 John: Be Real by, Tony Thomas Sr. Minister, Woodland Heights Christian Church, Crawfordsville, IN No. 62 in a series called, Route 66, a Road Trip Through the Bible In the fall of 2011, ABC-TV premiered a fantasy drama titled, Once Upon a Time. The setting is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22, 1 John 1:1-7, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 John 5:12-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Radical Obedience

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Sep 30, 2018

When we're truly saved, we will always belong to Jesus. So what does he mean when he says to lose an arm or a leg or gouge out an eye of it's keeping you from heaven? Jesus calls us to radical obedience.

Mark 9:43-48 Radical Obedience What kind of dedication does it take to be a terrorist? Seriously, think about this for a minute. How dedicated would you have to be to fly an airplane into a skyscraper? Or to strap explosives to your body and walk into a market? We certainly don’t condone these ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:43-48, John 10:10, Leviticus 21:18

Denomination: Baptist

Will You Rsvp Or Decline? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 16, 2024

This sermon explores the parable of the Great Banquet, emphasizing the importance of accepting God's invitation and prioritizing His call over worldly excuses.

Good morning, beloved congregation. It is a joy to stand before you today, to share the timeless truth of God's Word. As we gather in this sacred space, let us prepare our hearts to receive the divine message that awaits us in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verses 15-24. The renowned Christian ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-24

Topics: Great Banquet, Invitation

Beware Of The Legalist Series

Contributed by Rodney Coe on Feb 12, 2015

Legalism has and is harming our churches. How do we avoid it in our church?

Beware of the Legalist Colossians 2:11-23 As we continue our Sunday morning tour of the book of Colossians we have to remember where we are and what the theme is. Last week we learned that philosophy or better said knowledge apart from Christ is empty. Andy teaching that takes away or adds to the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:11-23

Denomination: Baptist

Strengthened Wth All Might

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Apr 21, 2008

Living a victorious Christian life is a challenge we should readily accept; however there is much to discourage us in this pursuit.

STRENGTHENED WTH ALL MIGHT “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” Colossians 1:10-11 (NKJV) The ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:10-11

Denomination: Baptist