Sermons on Effort Required:

From Wee Little To Great Big Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 13, 2006

In order to draw nearer to Jesus we need to make the effort.

From Wee Little to Great Big Text: Lk. 19:1-10 Introduction 1. Read Lk. 19:1-10 2. Illustration: A certain man was troubled with dizzy spells. He went from one doctor to another and none could tell him what the problem was. He tried everything, it seemed. Finally, it was bothering him so ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

A Monument Of Shame Series

Contributed by Mathew Philip on Sep 7, 2020

Man's efforts without God result in confusion.

Several of the structural designers of the original World Trade Center was attending a conference in St. Louis. During the question and answer period a person asked to one of the chief engineers if he had any regrets about the design of the building. When asked this question, the chief structural ...read more

Denomination: Other

Come Let Us Reason Together.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 10, 2022

The failure of our efforts and the glory of Christ's work.

COME LET US REASON TOGETHER. Isaiah 1:10-18. Isaiah addresses his congregation as “rulers of Sodom” and “people of Gomorrah”, and begins to reason with them (Isaiah 1:10). It is all quite shocking: how dare he expose our comfortable, upright congregation to such strong language? After all, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let You Shine Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 6, 2014

Being the light of the world is a cooperative effort between God and ourselves.

Let You Shine Text: Phil. 2:12-18 Introduction 1. Illustration: Jesus himself said to his disciples, "[L]et your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) 

This is a concept that is sometimes a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Methodist

Walking Towards Spiritual Fitness

Contributed by Steve Taylor on Jun 9, 2018

Spiritual growth requires effort and diligence, and it takes time. It’s not a one shot deal. There’ll be constant battles. But just like physical fitness, you’ve gotta keep getting back out there, and start back working out, your body, mind and soul.

Do you ever feel like you’re slipping with your faith? You just can’t seem to keep steady with doing what you know it takes to be a good Christian. You just can’t be that perfect projection of what’s perceived to be the “perfect Christian”. Well believe me, true spiritual growth requires effort ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Supernatural Advancement

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 17, 2025

Supernatural advancement refers to progress that is beyond human effort, orchestrated by divine intervention.

SUPERNATURAL ADVANCEMENT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Isaiah 60:1 – "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Supporting Texts: Exodus 14:15, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 75:6-7, Zechariah 4:6, Acts 12:7-10 INTRODUCTION: Supernatural advancement ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:15, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 75:6-7, Zechariah 4:6, Acts 12:7-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Understanding Works Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Jan 4, 2003

In this sermon we explore the difference between works by human effort and godly works.

Good deeds or works fall primarily into two categories: man driven works and God produced works. Man-centered religion always works to improve self in the hope that we will reach the level of salvation. Even Christians fall into this trap. Man driven works is either the attempt to become a god or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:8-10, 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

Experiencing The Word Of God Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Feb 2, 2003

1. Being a student of the Word takes effort. 2. Being a student of the Word turns effort into joy. 3. Being a student of the Word turns the written Word into the Living Word.

Ravi Zacharias, a Christian intellectual who travels around the world lecturing in secular settings on spiritual themes, tells of an experience he had in Columbus, Ohio. He writes, “A few weeks ago, I did a lectureship at Ohio State University. As I was being driven to the lecture, we passed the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16

Denomination: Methodist

Timely Support For Ministry-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 17, 2010

Part 2 of 2. Paul urgently needed Timothy’s support. Thus effective ministry requires timely support. But what is required? Timely support for ministry requires a Sacrifice to...

TIMELY SUPPORT for MINISTRY-II—2Timothy 4:9-22 A man is at Grand Central Station waiting for his train that is leaving soon. He notices a guy carrying two suitcases & sporting this fabulous hi-tech watch, so he approaches him & says... "Wow! That’s a pretty cool watch you’ve got there." "Yeah, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Denomination: Baptist

R.s.v.p.

Contributed by Alan Smith on Aug 9, 2002

An invitation has been extended and a response is required.

Introduction: It’s fascinating to me how after only a few years of being married, a couple can sometimes communicate with a very small number of words. Husbands, if you will, imagine this scene with me. You’ve been invited to a party, and after spending the day working out in the yard, you dash ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 22:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Holy Spirit Vs. A Spiritual Nuisance Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 16, 2011

If we serve the Lord in the Spirit's power, God will assist and bless our efforts.

The Holy Spirit vs. A Spiritual Nuisance (Acts 13:4-12) 1. The Upshot newsblog carried a breath-taking article this week: Jordan Rice, a 13-year-old Australian boy, has emerged as a tragic-heroic figure in news accounts of the disastrous Australian floods, after he asked a rescuer to save his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:4-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Standing Tall When It Counts Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Dec 6, 2000

The requirements of taking a standing for Christ

A Study of the Book of Acts Sermon # 14 “Standing Tall When It Counts” Acts 6:8-7:60 “Death reveals who we really are. Consider the famous French philosopher Voltaire, who … boasted, “In twenty years Christianity will be no more. My single hand shall destroy the edifice it took twelve apostles ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revival

Contributed by Paul Stacy on Aug 4, 2004

Three basic requirements for revival

Revival – Ps. 85: 1 - 6 I. Concern A. For ourselves 1. Are we as close to God as we were? – Ps. 51: 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Loving One Another Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Jan 16, 2004

Love requires some responsibility

INTRODUCTION • Last week we looked at how important it is for all of us to find some area of service in the church. We looked at how important it is for all of us to work together in accomplishing the work that God has commissioned us with. • Today we are going to take things a step deeper. We ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus Is Looking For Disciples

Contributed by Dr. Phillip Paschal on Dec 30, 2004

What Jesus requires of us.

JESUS IS LOOKING FOR DISCIPLES LUKE 14: 26 I. INTRODUCTION WHEN WE CONSIDER THE CONDITION OF THIS CRAZY, CHAOTIC WORLD, IT JUST SEEMS THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT COULD MAKE LIFE MORE ENJOYABLE AND LIVEABLE. WE CAN’T COUNT ON MONEY BECAUSE IT’S THE LOVE OF MONEY THAT IS THE ROOT OF ALL ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:26

Denomination: Baptist