Sermons on Effort Required:

What Does It Mean To "make Every Effort" To Enter The Kingdom? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 10, 2025

This passage has two troubling phrases: "make every effort" and "try . . . and not be able." What are we to do with those? And do they mean that God is setting up difficult barriers to get into the Kingdom?

WHAT DOES "MAKE EVERY EFFORT" MEAN? It doesn’t mean that it’s nearly impossible but that you should focus your attention. - Luke 13:22-24a. - Jesus is asked an important question: “[A]re only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). - That's a great question. What is the nature of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

Axes Upon Thick Trees

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on Aug 2, 2006

A thick tree requires more effort than a tender plant in cutting it down.God wants you to become His battle axe, to cut down such trees.

Jeremiah 51:20-23: ”Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; With thee also ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 51:20-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Commitment To Discipleship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 15, 2016

Being a disciple of Christ requires a conscious, committed effort. We will never be effective disciples with a casual, unconcerned approach. It is a lifestyle we are called to commit ourselves unto.

The Commitment to Discipleship Luke 9: 23-26 Let me begin by asking, how many Christians do you know? That is a difficult question isn’t it? Now it seems that everyone you talk to concerning the Lord has had some type of experience. Well, yes I’m a Christian; I was baptized and joined ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Baptist

Church Covenant: What Is Required Of Church Members ? Part 1 Series

Contributed by Mike Turner on Jan 23, 2004

This is part one of a series dealing with the church covenant used by most baptist churches. We seek to answer the question: What is required of church members ?

Church Covenant: What Is Required Of Church Members ? Part 1 1 Cor. 12:18-27 ,Acts 11:25-26 1Co 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1Co 12:19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 1Co 12:20 But now are they many members, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 12:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

Identifying The Competitors For Belief-4 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 8, 2015

4 of 4. John was approached by others regarding his spiritual niche. We must identify those competing for our belief. But How are we to identify them? Identifying competitors for your belief employs...

IDENTIFYING The COMPETITORS For BELIEF-IV—John 1:19-28 Attention: There are many competitors for your belief. Identifying God’s servant(s) John was approached by others regarding his spiritual niche. *We must identify/concern ourselves with/ the spiritual niche of those vying ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-28

Denomination: Baptist

Finding God In Our Lives SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

The pursuit of God is based on a decision and motivated by a firm conviction. Reaching this level requires an effort that few are motivated to take. Here is a reflection on what Isaiah speaks about this.

The search for God is a decision motivated by a strong conviction. It requires effort that few are willing to make. In this reflection, we will explore what Isaiah says about seeking God. Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV) "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-7

Topics: Faith, Commitment

Is God Unjust? Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Mar 26, 2012

We should not think God unfair. God's mercy is far wider & higher that anyone dare hope, but no one is entitled to it & no one can demand from God an accounting or the principles on which He bestows mercy & grace nor that He should bestow it differently t

ROMANS 9: 14-18 IS GOD UNJUST? [1 Peter 2:6-10] Has God's plan gone awry because Christ was rejected by the very people who were prepared for Him, meaning the Jews? Our passage previously has revealed that as always some open their hearts to God's revelation while others hardened their ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:14-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Mandate Of Christian Living

Contributed by John Harper on Feb 3, 2009

Live with honor and make the effort to qualify for the prize.

II Peter 3:11-18 December 17, 2008 Pastor John L. Harper Warden Assembly of God “The Mandate of Christian Living” Introduction: I. MANNER OF LIVING (vs. 11-13) A. Live with honor 1. Honor God with holy living 2. Honor God with godly living B. Live in humility 1. Be humble as we look forward to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Part 2 - Genesis 21:8-13 - The Last Laugh! Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Aug 24, 2010

All of a sudden Ishmael isn’t smiling anymore. THE LAST LAUGH WAS ON HIM.

Part 2 - Genesis 21:8-13 - THE LAST LAUGH! It was a boring job packing books and I remember we would look for ways to have a bit of fun in the warehouse. When people found other work and left the warehouse they were BINNED! Usually it was TIM who organised a BINNING with everyone, and he would ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:8-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loving The Brethren-2 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 21, 2015

2 of 8. Peter exhorted the aliens to love their brothers & sisters in Christ as they were also loved by God. Christians are to love as they are loved by God. But how are they to live out that love? God’s love is lived out thru an encounter with...

LOVING THE BRETHREN-II—1Peter 1:22—2:12 Attention: So far in our study of 1Peter we have examined the fact that Christians are...CONSIDERED ALIEN(:1-2)... We’ve examined...WHAT’s So GREAT About GOD—(:3-12) And discovered God’s means of...UNLEASHING Your ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Their Action Was Just Bull

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Mar 10, 2018

The problem with making an image of God is that WE are supposed to be in the image and likeness of God.

Thursday of the 4th Week in Lent 2018 Reformation/Revolution Humans have, from the very beginning, resisted God’s will, even though that will is for our joy and sanctification. God wants us to be so much like Himself that we can be called His adopted children, even now. And He wants as perfect a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14, John 5:31-47

Denomination: Catholic

The Finish Line, Cast It Down!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 7, 2019

There has been 4,224 horses race, 13 won the Triple Crown. Jesus promised to reward of those that diligently seek Him. Did you know those closest to the Throne of God lay their crowns at Jesus' feet? Cast them down!

THE FINISH LINE, CAST THE CROWN By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com THERE HAVE BEEN 4,224 (2016) HORSES RUN THE RACE, 13 HORSE HAVE WON THE TRIPLE CROWN. The Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing is the Triple Crown: 1. Kentucky Derby, The Run for the Roses 2. Preakness Stakes. The ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 4:10-11, James 1:12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Requires Us To Come With Clean Hands And A Clean Heart Series

Contributed by Michael Trigg on Oct 15, 2006

We must resist the pressures to secularise our faith and to accept the beliefs of other gods. We must seek the peace of God in His Word, not in the words of humans.

God requires us to come with Clean Hands and a Clean Heart ZECHARIAH 5:1 – 11 INTRODUCTION. God requires us to come to Him with clean hands and a clean heart. This means that we need to look clean but we also need to be clean inside. I find it interesting that the world so often concentrates on ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

New Year's Resolutions Require More Than Duct Tape

Contributed by Chris Mason on Jan 4, 2003

God through the death of His Son offers more than a quick fix, rather He offers a lasting solution!

INTRODUCTION The first week in January, has to be the most depressing week of the year! The holidays are over, all the family and friends are gone, the presents have all been opened, the Christmas candy has dwindled, and now it’s time to go back to work and school! What a drag! While I think ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3, Mark 10:17-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shape Me, Transform Me, However You Require Me

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Nov 22, 2010

A short talk given at the 20th anniversary service for Anvil House - a home for adults with learning disabilities in Billericay

(Note to the reader: If you can sing this to the tune of a 1960’s hit that will help get the talk off to a good start) Shape me, transform me however you require me, I know you love me so that’s all right. Shape me, transform me, however you require me, He’s got the power to turn on His light! OK ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8

Denomination: Anglican