Sermons on Effort That Is Worthless:

Open The Door As Wide As A Needles Eye! Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Aug 11, 2010

With mankind it is impossible for us to gain our salvation through our own effort. God has made it possible because with God all things are possible!

The first of two camels in this sermon series Think of a time when someone has asked you instructions to get somewhere. What about this scenario? Someone asks you, what do I have to do to get into Jade Stadium to watch the test games in the 2011 Rugby World Cup? I think the answer would be a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Salvation Army

Good To Go

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 29, 2010

Funeral service for Alberta Perry Faulkner, the mainstay of the church's missions support efforts and a world traveler, nurse, teacher, Scout leader, senior citizen sponsor.

I had my car repaired not long ago. It took about as long to check out at the cashier’s desk as it did for the mechanics to do the work, because at the desk I had to sign several forms, initial a couple of others, present my credit card and sign the charge slip, and then wait for the clerk ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

If You Could Have Anything You Wanted Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 16, 2011

1st in a series about life of Solomon. An effort to get the audience to associate Solomon's request with the choices that are placed before them and to prioritize them accordingly

I Kings 3:3-15; II Chronicles 1:1-13 Intro: Wouldn’t it be nice? Wouldn’t it be great to have 3 wishes, for whatever you want? I once asked our church family in Joplin to think that through – If you could have anything you wanted, what would you want? I’ll share some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:3-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"This Thing Doesn't Work"

Contributed by Brad Henry on Aug 26, 2011

We are talking about News Years resoultions. If you really want to change it takes discipline to get into the word of God but the benefits far outweigh the effort.

Now that the New Year is right around the corner there are those infomercials that tout great fitness. It seems that each year the machines get weirder. Hang upside down, spin 360 degrees then throw up. That loses about 5 lbs. Then there are those that bend you like a pretzel while listening to Rap ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:14

If You Were Only Guilty Of One Fleeting Sinful Thought, A Lifetime Of Righteous Deeds Could Not Justify You.

Contributed by David Goering on Aug 9, 2018

Our sin has earned a wage of infinite loss and this loss cannot be undone, even if we dedicated our entire life as an effort to undo it.

SCRIPTURE: James 2:10 "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in ONE point, he is guilty of all." Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." PROPOSITION: To use these texts and others to ...read more

Jeremiah, Jesus And Our Evangelical Call Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 2, 2018

This Advent, try to spend more time and effort and even money in preparing yourself and helping others to welcome the Lord at Christmas than you spend on presents.

First Sunday of Advent 2018 Jeremiah has to be one of the saddest prophets of any age of the Hebrew people. His message could be summarized in one word–disaster. It was a disaster for the people who were delivered from Egypt by God through Moses, who were led through the desert, given the land of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Catholic

Remember To Whom You Belong Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Mar 10, 2019

The strength to fight temptation is found only in Christ. Satan uses every effort to convince us to sin. We must remember to whom we belong.

World-acclaimed illusionist Roy Horn goes to work on Friday evening, October 3, 2003, amid a celebrative atmosphere. It is his 59th birthday, and more than a thousand friends have just thrown him a party. And now an audience of fifteen hundred people waits excitedly inside the Mirage Hotel for a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Other

Five Ingredients Of A Successful Christian Race Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Mar 19, 2019

Living a life of victory and success is not by accident. It requires diligence and effort! Paul gives us five ingredients to achieve a successful life and win the gold (crown).

FIVE INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN RACE I CORINTHIANS 9:18-27 INTRODUCTION: I’m indebted to my dear friend Bro. Truman Kimbrough for this outline and idea. Living a life of victory and success is not by accident. It requires diligence and effort! Paul gives us five ingredients to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

It's Not What You Know

Contributed by Greg Carr on Jul 6, 2006

Religion has been described as following a set pattern of dos and don’ts, an outward expression with no inward authenticity, or the human effort to reach God. Religion knows about God without knowing Him.

At about the end of May and the first part of June hundreds of thousands of students walk across stages and platforms to receive a diploma. This is something they have been working hard for. During the WMU graduation on May 21, Mr. Probasko’s last statements to the class of 2006 was, “Would the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Do You Value Most?

Contributed by Terry Hovey on Jul 28, 2023

What do you value most? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, then maybe you should try looking at those things you spend the most time and effort in...

What Do You Value Most? Matthew 13:44-52 What do you value most? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, then maybe you should try looking at those things you spend the most time and effort in, because it is a well-known fact that you spend the most time pursuing that which you desire the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44-52

Denomination: Methodist

Blind Bart Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 11, 2010

If we dont’ want to become weakened or hardened in adversity, but change the world around us, we must throw aside our own efforts at self-betterment and trust Christ with our lives.

A daughter complained to her father about how hard things were for her. “As soon as I solve one problem,” she said, “another one comes up. I’m tired of struggling.” Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen where he filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Evangelical Free

"Looking Good Is Not Enough”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 26, 2021

Jesus challenged the Pharisees..... religion is useless and worthless, ineffective when it substitutes a human plan of salvation for God's plan of redemption; when it rests upon man's works. (Illus. Pharisee robes and rules.) (Illus. what people do to look better)

In Jesus Holy Name Pentecost XIV August 29, 2021 Text: Mark 7:1-14 “Looking Good Is Not Enough” Recently “People” magazine selected the 50 most beautiful people in the world, I wasn't on the list. It was quite a blow. Years ago Cindy Crawford was a heartthrob for many men and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-14, Matthew 15:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cost Of Holy Living Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 28, 2025

Holy living demands self-denial, perseverance, and complete devotion to God. Though it comes with sacrifices, the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary costs. As believers, let us embrace the call to holiness, knowing that God’s grace will sustain us.

Title: THE COST OF HOLY LIVING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Luke 9:23 Supporting Texts: 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12, Galatians 2:20 INTRODUCTION: Holy living is a command and an essential aspect of the Christian journey. However, it comes with a cost—self-denial, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Failed Father Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 17, 2023

When it comes to fatherhood, bad examples from Scripture can be good examples, once you know what a failed father has done wrong. Eli was a bad example. But what did he do wrong, and what can we learn from him so we can build better fathers?

Someone once said that everyone is an example to others - some are GOOD examples, and some are BAD. And, believe it or not, bad examples can be good examples for us. For example, Eli was a “GOOD EXAMPLE” of a bad example of how to be a father. But before we get to Eli’s story (and what we can ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:22-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Saved By Grace: A Gift Beyond Measure Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 8, 2023

In Titus 3:5, we encounter a profound truth - our salvation is not earned through our own efforts, but it is a gift of God's mercy and grace.

"Saved by Grace: A Gift Beyond Measure" Introduction: Good day, beloved congregation. Today, we gather to explore the profound message contained within Titus 3:5 from the New Living Translation: "He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Pentecostal