Sermons on Effort Required:

Healthy Independence-9

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 27, 2020

9 of ? The prophet Jeremiah contrasted two major aspects of Independence—Independence from God versus independence from the world. Dependence upon YHWH brings independence from worldly influence. How can I be independent of worldly influence? A Healthy Independence Engages...

HEALTHY INDEPENDENCE-IX—Jeremiah 17:11(:1-14) Attention: The following was written by a pastor describing one of his experiences... I love children. I love being around them & watching them play. Once in a while, I get it into my head to give a children's sermon. Even though I know I ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:11, Jeremiah 17:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Baby Battle Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 13, 2021

If you want to find peace, don’t look down on some with disdain; don’t look up on others with jealousy; don’t look within at your own schemes. Instead, look to the Lord.

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her class of five and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to honor thy father and thy mother, she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?” Without missing a beat, one little ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:1-24, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, James 4:1-2, Ephesians 2:14-15, Genesis 29:31-35  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Wrestling In Prayer

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 21, 2007

There are times that much wrestling is required in prayer. Epaphras was an excellent example of this.

Colossians 4:12-13 KJV Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. [13] For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grace And Identity Series

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Mar 22, 2011

Other than our faith, there is nothing we can appeal to in an effort to merit God’s favor.

Grace And Identity Romans 2:25-3:8 I. Paul Defines A True Jew A. Did the Jews have special privileges others did not have? Do they now? Where does the modern day Christian fall in this scheme? 1. The Jews did have special privileges. 2. God gave his Law to them; he called them as his special ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

An Anchor For The Soul Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Oct 21, 2003

Success in the Christian life isn’t all about our effort. While we must make an effort we are not left to do it alone. However, we can have assurance of success without yet realizing the success.

An Anchor for the Soul Hebrews 6:13–20 INTRODUCTION At the time of his death, this man’s work appeared in twenty-six hundred newspapers worldwide, and was the basis of a franchise earning $1 billion a year. Since its modest debut in just seven papers on October 2, 1950, his comic strip became a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Want To Know More Of You Lord! Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Feb 4, 2013

After accepting Jesus Christ, your duty does not stop there, you got to make every effort to grow, know about God and His ways, make every effort to read the Bible and fellowship with good believers.

I want to know more of you Lord! Colossians 1:10”That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..” If you visit some of the metropolitan cities in India, you would see plethora of prayer conferences, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Knowledge Of God

Contributed by Bala Samson on Apr 11, 2014

After accepting Jesus Christ, your duty does not stop there, you got to make every effort to grow, know about God and His ways, make every effort to read the Bible and fellowship with good believers.

I want to know more of you Lord! Colossians 1:10”That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God..” I would like to borrow the words of Journalist Shankkar Aiyar from his recent book ‘Accidental ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Messiah On The Move Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Mar 6, 2009

Moving forward in our faith is a requirement for a healthy spiritual life.

A Messiah On the Move Text: Matt. 4:12-25 Introduction 1. Illustration: Living in Ohio during the cold winter months teaches us many things. However, one of the most important is the need to keep moving forward. When we drive on the ice and snow we do well as long as we keep moving forward, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25

Denomination: Methodist

Love In Bloom Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 11, 2019

Genuine believers put in great effort toward loving fellow believers, and yet are willing to be hated for doing right.

Love in Bloom (I John 3:11-18) 1. In the world, a lot of people do things for spite. Here are a few real life examples from some blogs: Today, my boss got mad at me because I told her that I wouldn't be able to work two days out of the week, due to college classes. She then cut back my hours ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Did Not Quit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 21, 2016

Christian service requires stamina to stay the course despite opposition.

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Initiating The Turn-9(2024)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 24, 2024

9 of 12. Luke informed his audience of the initial steps that God took to turn His people toward Himself. God began the process of turning of His people toward Himself. But what principles does God use to begin turning people toward Himself? In Initiating the Turn, God uses...

‘INITIATING The TURN’-IX—Luke 1:22(:5-25) Attention: I discovered just a couple of years ago that ‘fresh’ Medjool dates were delicious. Until that time of discovery, I didn’t really appreciate the taste of dates, because the only dates I had ever had were dried. Now, for my morning breakfast ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:22, Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Baptist

Guideline #5: Step Out With A Bold Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Oct 14, 2003

Active faith: what it requires and the results of its implementation in the church

SERIES: “GOD-GIVEN GUIDELINES FOR GROWING A GREAT CHURCH” TEXT: HEBREWS 11:1-6 TITLE: Guideline #5: “STEP OUT WITH A BOLD FAITH” (Material basically from Bob Russel’s When God Builds A Church) INTRODUCTION: A. A little old lady was given a much desired mission assignment to the Apache ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Timely Support For Ministry-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Aug 17, 2010

Part 1 of 2. Paul urgently needed Timothy’s support. Thus effective ministry requires timely support. But what the specifics? Timely support for ministry requires a Sacrifice to...

TIMELY SUPPORT for MINISTRY-I—2Timothy 4:9-22 This section highlights some personal concerns of Paul the apostle in his last recorded letter. They entail concerns regarding certain named people both good & bad. Paul makes sure that Timothy is aware of their background so he is better able ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Shield That Covers Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Nov 5, 2015

The shield of faith is designed to fully cover us. But it requires attention and care.

As we continue our study on the spiritual armor, let’s recap what Paul has observed so far. The most impressive parts of the armor were made of brass, the breastplate and the shoes. The breastplate covered the soldier from shoulders to knees, front and back. The shoes were like boots, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:16

Denomination: Foursquare

What Are You Wearing?

Contributed by Kevin Hall on Jul 16, 2012

Understanding the requirements that a person must possess in order to be a part of the Kingdom of God

Matt 22:1-14 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Methodist