Sermons on Cease Striving:

Testing The Waters

Contributed by Dwayne Brown, Phd on Jul 7, 2005

Each of us needs to strive for more depth in the Lord and more growth in God’s grace.

Many of us view the New Year as a time of beginning afresh, of setting new goals for ourselves, and making changes in our pattern of living. Some of us begin the New Year by saying to ourselves, as well as others, “I’m going to do things differently this year. I’m going to make some needed changes ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Cruise Control Or Self-Control

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 19, 2006

This sermon challenges the hearers to evaluate their lives and strive to experience the fullness of the Christian life.

“CRUISE CONTROL OR SELF-CONTROL” 2 Peter 1:1-11 INTRO – Hilton Wall’s new company car is a Dodge Charger. Got the big engine. Lot of power under the hood. Susan warned him to be careful or he would get a ticket. Told her, “It’s got cruise control, but I just hope I have self-control.” I began ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Blessed Attitude Toward God

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on May 22, 2006

1- We must hunger and thirst 2- We must strive for purity

INTRO.- ILL.- There was this preacher who was an avid golfer. Every chance he got, he could be found on the golf course swinging away. It was an obsession. One Sunday was a picture-perfect day for golfing. The sun was out, no clouds in the sky, and the temperature was just right. The preacher ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Matthew 5:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church Jesus Built Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 6, 2014

The church is the people of God and we should strive to simply be the church that Jesus built.

A. Introductory comments. B. Today’s sermon begins a series of lessons that I plan to deliver in the coming weeks. 1. I’ve titled the series UR Church – Be the church of Christ. C. The story is told of a young girl was sitting with her grandmother, who had presented her with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

“the Importance Of Unity” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Dec 18, 2014

Unity is so important that those within the church must strive to maintain it.

Today we are starting a series that will be based on this passage in Ephesians. We are going to think together about unity in the church and what binds us together. Paul says that unity is so important, that we are to pursue it “making every effort.” (READ TEXT) In his book The ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Wrestling Match

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 5, 2015

Jacob wrestles with an angel. He receives the name Israel, for he strives with God.

Genesis 32:22-30 “The Wrestling Match” INTRODUCTION It has been a long time since I have attended a wrestling match. I do remember how exhausted the wrestlers looked after six minutes of wrestling. I can’t imagine what an all-night match would be like. I do know what it ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Seven Marks Of A Biblical Elder - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Feb 13, 2012

The requirements for Biblical elders should be something that every Christ follower strives for.

When the New York Giants won the Super Bowl last Sunday, Eli Manning was chosen the Most Valuable Player in his role as the quarterback for his team. But he was certainly not the only reason, or even the main reason, his team won the game. They won because every one of the 45 players on the roster, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Empathetic Christian Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

Let us strive to be empathetic Christians, enhancing our fellowship and usefulness to the Master.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to a deeper level of connection with one another. Empathy is a vital aspect of this connection, allowing us to understand and enter into each other's feelings. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, the apostle Paul writes, "If one member suffers, all the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:58, Acts 11:23

"the Power Of Persistent Prayer."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jun 2, 2025

This timely message focuses on the parables of 'Ask, Seek, and Knock' and the parable of the unjust judge. The message emphasizes the importance of perseverance in prayer and reassures us that God is a loving Father who responds to the cries of His people who call out to Him day and night.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 7:7-8) (7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” (8) “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10, Luke 18:5-8, Jeremiah 29:13, Hebrews 11:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Finding God's Will: The Rest Area Series

Contributed by Dan Morrison on Sep 18, 2002

The Rest Area a most important signpost but often misapplied. An often-used phrase when some one is trying to determine God’s will. “ I have a peace about it”. We are going to investigate today and explore this.

Finding God’s will sign post rest area Sunday April 7th 2002 The Rest Area a most important signpost but often misapplied. An often-used phrase when some one is trying to determine God’s will. “ I have a peace about it”. We are going to investigate today and explore this. Symbolic of this ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Baptist

From Fear To Faith By The Banks Of The Sea - Exodus 14:10-16

Contributed by Chris Layton on Sep 9, 2025

The Israelites, trapped by their past and present, found hope through trusting God’s power.
 And this is where find our future that God has planned for us.Trusting Him brings hope.


Introduction A few years ago, a woman received devastating news from her doctor. When she asked, “What can we do about it?” he replied, “All we can do now is pray.” Her response was telling: “Has it come down to that?” For her, prayer seemed like a last resort, not a source of hope. I’ve had ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-16

Denomination: Baptist

Continue To Be Thankful

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 21, 2012

Although Thanksgiving is over yet we should never cease to be Thankful. Revelation gives us an idea of why we should continue to be thankful.

Continue to Be Thankful Rev. 1:1-8 Although Thanksgiving is over yet we should never cease to be Thankful. Revelation gives us an idea of why we should continue to be thankful. 1. Continue to Be Thankful Because the Unveiling (or The Great Reveal) of Christ is being known : • 11The ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

When Nagging Is Necessary Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on May 9, 2013

She was a mom with a huge problem that being ignored, brushed off, or insulted would not cause her to cease from getting her answered prayer.

Three children had become very prosperous and had accumulated vast amounts of money. They discussed what gifts they were going to give their elderly mother for Mother‘s Day. The first built a big house for his mother. The second had sent her a Mercedes with a driver. The third felt he out did the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Foursquare

A Church On Fire

Contributed by David Radcliff on Nov 30, 2017

There is nothing more pathetic than a drowsy and lethargic church. When a church loses its fervor for Christ, it ceases to be an organism and becomes merely an organization.

A CHURCH ON FIRE 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 Scripture Text: Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Introduction: Many of us love an open ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Finishing First

Contributed by Mike Kern on Jun 30, 2002

Striving for first place in God’s kingdom may mean coming in last in this kingdom.

Finishing First Mark 9:33-35; Matt 20:20-28 When the United States of America began the Apollo project to put a man on the moon, our motivations were not entirely scientific… In fact, the so-called space race was driven largely by the ego of the American public. The Soviet Union was the first to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-35, Matthew 20:20-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational