Sermons on effort:

The Best Laid Plans Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 19, 2019

Robert Burns wrote a poetic apology to a mouse for having destroyed its home. How often are we like that mouse when we try to leave God out? What does the Psalmist have to say about finding balance between faith and effort? Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister, Scott Jewell

There’s a popular saying that goes, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Where does this saying come from? Many attribute this to John Steinbeck’s book- Of Mice and Men, written in 1937. He actually got the title from a poem by Robert Burns- To a Mouse, written in 1786. ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Get Smart - 2 Peter 1:5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 9, 2025

Is the Christian life supposed to be hard work? Or should it be easy?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5

Got Guilt?

Contributed by Bill Sullivan on Jul 1, 2010

we know we are saved by faith, but we often live with guilt because we can’t measure up to God’s standards - we need God’s grace as much after we are saved as before

Got Guilt? TCF Sermon June 20, 2010 The Apostles Paul and John, in most of their New Testament epistles, began with a greeting that included something like this one in 1 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, it’s the exact same ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spots & Stripes Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 12, 2011

If you want true success in life, don’t depend on your shrewd deals, and don’t depend on your spent schemes. Instead, depend on the Lord.

Ted Engstrom and Edward Dayton, in a Christian Leadership Letter some time ago, talked about a young man who was appointed president of a bank. Intimidated by his new responsibilities, he nervously sought the advice of his gray-haired predecessor: “Sir, what has been the secret of your success?” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:25-43

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Power Of Persistent Prayer SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

Many believe prayer is a futile effort, but without the ministry of prayer, our efforts are in vain.

Many people believe that prayer is a waste of time, but in reality, without the ministry of prayer, our work becomes futile. The early church understood the significance of prayer and relied on it to accomplish great things. Prayer is not just a religious duty; it is a powerful tool that connects ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:14

Topics: Prayer, Persistence

The Spirit Of The Disciplines Ii

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 27, 2007

We are to "make every effort" to grow to be like Christ. Growth comes through conscious efforts.

2 Peter 1:5-8 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

Plod On! We Are In A Marathron

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 20, 2014

Ministry must be build about the long haul not the sprint? Life is a MARATHON... PLOD ON... PREPARE FOR THE GOAL.

PLOD ON... LIFE IS A MARATHRON NOT A SPRINT... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com MY DAD HAS PASTORED ALMOST 60 YEARS, I HAVE 33 YEARS IN THE FULL TIME MINISTRY... OFTEN AS I LEAVE MY DAD HE SAYS: LOVE YOU SON! PLOD ON... PLOD ON IS A OLD MOUNTAIN EXPRESSION... DO YOU UNDERSTAND ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

More? I Know There Is More?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Nov 21, 2014

We must never settle for less than we are capable of accomplishing. There is more than this. Thank God for this, but help me find more...

MORE: I KNOW THERE IS MORE... GIVE ME MORE... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com This is a two part lesson... Many focus on YESTERDAY'S REGRETS... Too bad! Others are focusing on TOMORROW'S DREAMS... Too bad! Beyond the regrets of yesterday and the dreams of tomorrow are: OPPORTUNITIES ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33-34

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Self-Evaluation: History?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Dec 27, 2017

Accountability is seldom seen? Do we practice self-evaluation? What does our history say about our future?

Self-evaluation: A OLD YEAR BECOMES HISTORY --- A NEW YEAR IS A MYSTERY By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com Text: Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:36-37

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Garden Of Gethsemane

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on May 30, 2009

Seeking Gods will in our life takes moments of great surrender just as Jesus demonstrates for us in the garden. Our Heavenly Father works out the events of our life in a mysterious way we can not comprehend it all.

The Garden of Gethsemane Exodus 12:1-10 Mark 14:12-42 One of the most famous paintings in the world is that of Heinrich Hofman and his work entitled Christ in Gethsemane 1890. Most of you know it well, it depicts Jesus kneeling and resting on a rock as he prays looking up. The colors of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:12-42

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Primary Lessons

Contributed by Monty Newton on Feb 14, 2012

Like a Political Primary race that is aimed at the White House, the Christian life is a race aimed at eternity with God.

Reaching your final destination Title: Primary Lessons Text: I Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2 Thesis: Like a Political Primary race that is aimed at a term in the White House, the Christian life is a race aimed at eternity with God. Introduction On Thursday the front page of the Denver ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Work!

Contributed by Greg Nance on Mar 3, 2012

What does the Bible teach us about work? There is more here than we may realize!

Today let's begin a series of lessons on a much needed subject: Work! An employer called in all his workers together for a meeting and said, "We have just purchased a bunch of robots. And these robots will free you from some of the menial things you have been doing in the past, tightening ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

All In Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 4, 2012

To follow God requires 100% effort. It's "All In" or "All Out" in our service -- no holding back!

1. Examination At 3:00 a.m. one cold morning a missionary candidate walked into an office for a scheduled interview with the examiner of a mission board. He waited until 8 a.m. when the examiner arrived. The examiner said, “Let us begin. First, please spell baker.” ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:2-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It Takes Gumption To Harvest A Crop

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Jan 30, 2019

It takes effort to have a harvest

It Takes Gumption To Harvest a Crop, No effort to grow Weeds (Gal 6:7-10) ( A Hard working farmer Toils to prepare his fields and sows GOOD SEED, He then reaps a great Harvest--- A lazy Bum don’t prepare and lets weed seeds take over, He also reaps a harvest—WEEDS OR GOOD CROPS – YOUR ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:7-10

Denomination: Pentecostal