Sermons on Effort That Is Worthless:

Sodom & Gomorrah Pt. 1: A Byword For Depravity Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Feb 17, 2010

Our society is still as depraved as Sodom and Gomorrah was. Does God still judge with disasters in an effort to wake us up?

Read Matthew 24:3-8. The birth pains have begun my friends. Lloyd gave me these rocks that are from Haiti and as I watched CNN this week, I saw hundreds and thousands of people lying dead and alive underneath much larger pieces of rock from collapsed buildings. Bodies scattered on the sidewalks ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-11

The Road To Peaceful Relationships Series

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Aug 25, 2009

The road to unity is paved with humility. Paul shares 5 reasons why we should express humility in an effort to foster unity.

Paul’s Thesis: Let me give you five reasons you should express humility and pursue unity. Why Should I Express Humility and Pursue Unity? REASON #1: I AM ENCOURAGED BY CHRIST’S PRESENCE. Paul asks these Philippians a rhetorical question that does not need an answer. He asks, "Do you ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Is The Yoke On You? Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Nov 2, 2011

The walk with the Master requires great effort on our part. However, the load we bear is made easy by the one we serve.

Robert Kirkpatrick had some good news and some bad news. The good news: he had been extended a written invitation to a dinner with President Bush in Washington, DC. The invite and letter were signed by Vice President Cheney himself. It is not every day you receive an invitation like that. On the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Obedience Is The Key For Success: Part 2 Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jun 18, 2021

God is not going to ignore people who are obedient and who take all efforts to please God despite the inconveniences. Are you listening?

Obedience is the key for success: Part 2 Genesis 26:1”….So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines.2 “The LORD appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you.” Obedience is the key for success: God is not going to ignore ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Being A Focused Christian Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 10, 2015

Being focused believer takes effort and it takes determination. There are many distractions that can pull you away from a relationship with the Lord.

Being a focused Christian Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus Matthew chapter 6:33 Introduction We are still in the series Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus. Last week you remember we looked at the principal and relationship of prayer. We agreed that prayer works, and I asked that we do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Nazarene

Building A Community Of Benai Shalom Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 26, 2015

We aid each other in the effort to build an authentic community of people working together to do God’s will.

Thursday of 26th week in course 2015 Joy of the Gospel Last Thursday we heard the words of the prophet Haggai to the returning exiles–rebuild the Temple of the Lord. It would not have the glory of Solomon’s Temple, but it would be a place around which to restructure the worship of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

The Presence Of The Lord

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Feb 22, 2012

We need to seek the presence of the LORD in all our worship and ministry for it is His presence that determines the results of our efforts and ministry.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 KJV 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

How Impressive

Contributed by Craig Benner on May 17, 2017

What kind of an impression are you making? Is it temporal or is it eternal? Anyone can leave a mark, but it takes effort to leave a positive impression.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 4:9-13 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

David And Saul's Jealousy

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jun 7, 2019

1 Samuel 18:6-30 shows us Saul’s jealousy of David’s success and efforts to kill him.

Scripture God has rejected Saul as king over Israel, and David has been anointed as the future king over Israel. Later, the Philistines gathered their armies for battle against the armies of Israel. At this time young David killed the giant Goliath. The armies of Israel then routed the armies of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Finding A Quiet Place

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jul 16, 2009

We need to recharge our batteries by finding a quiet place in order to give our full attention and effort to serving the Lord.

Mark 6: 30 – 34 / Finding A Quiet Place Intro: I would be willing to bet that the majority of you sitting here today are really sick! Let me describe some of the symptoms of your illness: 1) You complain you don’t have enough hours in the day, 2) at a stoplight, you get into the lane with the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-56

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Ode To The Messed-Up Church Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 11, 2020

This passage details the numerous efforts the Paul made to get the Corinthians back on track and the harsh reality that some churches are just a mess.

- Maybe start with the story of Pastor Mark and church “J.” THE SITUATION FOR THIS MESSED-UP CHURCH: 1. Paul handled his ministry there with integrity. - 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, 17-19. 2. Paul sacrificed for them. - 2 Corinthians 12:13, 14b, 15-16. 3. This was not the first time he’d tried ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

When My Strength Runs Out

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 15, 2025

When human strength collapses, divine life begins; Christ replaces effort with indwelling power, transforming weakness into the vessel of grace.

Introduction — When the Tank Is Empty There comes a point in every believer’s life when the gears grind and the fuel gauge hits E. You can quote all the right verses. You can teach Sabbath School, preach a fine sermon, smile in the foyer, and still feel like your soul is running on fumes. Some ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:18-25, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:1-4, Matthew 11:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Danger Of Drifting

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Nov 4, 2025

We must anchor ourselves in the truth of Christ, lest we drift into destruction. Drifting never requires effort, only neglect.

The Danger of Drifting November 2, 2025, Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We must anchor ourselves in the truth of Christ, lest we drift into destruction. Focus Passage: Hebrews 2:1-4 (Pew Bible page 1373) Supplemental Passage: Therefore, since we ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

A Time Of Divine Intervention Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Dec 1, 2025

There are moments in life when human efforts are exhausted and circumstances seem hopeless. It is at such times that the hand of God intervenes beyond human expectation.

A TIME OF DIVINE INTERVENTION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 7:1-20 Supporting Texts: Psalm 126:1-3, Isaiah 43:18-19, Joel 2:25-27, Exodus 14:13-14, Romans 8:28 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when human efforts are exhausted and circumstances seem hopeless. It is at such ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The God Who Unlocks Divine Favour Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 20, 2025

Divine favour is a supernatural key that God uses to open doors of opportunity, promotion, and blessings that human effort alone cannot achieve.

THE GOD WHO UNLOCKS DIVINE FAVOUR By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 102:13 Key Verse: “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.” (Psalm 102:13 KJV) Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:3-4, Esther 2:17, Genesis 39:21, Luke ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God