Sermons on Efforts:

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

#15 Understanding Love: Sweat And Dirty Hands?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 1, 2016

To understand love we must go beyond human logic and realize the lesson that sometimes all we can do is DIG THE WELL AGAIN. We also consider all the tears and sweat that Nehemiah invested to rebuild God's church and walls.

#16 LOVE UNDERSTANDS: SWEAT AND DIRTY HANDS By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com What a strange text about understanding love? Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4 (NLT) Without oxen a stable stays clean, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Going Beyond What Is Expected?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Sep 23, 2016

This is a two part lesson as we consider are we going along que sera, sera? Or will we apply extra effort and go beyond our duty?

THE CALL? GOING BEYOND THE DUTY CALL AND WHAT IS EXPECTED! By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (Two part) I. INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:15-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Therefore, Bear Fruits Worthy Of Repentance"

Contributed by Howard Gunter on Sep 16, 2018

understanding what repentance really is

Weekend Message/Devotion Matthew 3:8 September 16, 2018 Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance How often do we pray for forgiveness and repentance? It is within our daily prayers at the Gunter house. In Matthew’s account of John the Baptist in Chapter 3, we come across a very interesting ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Altar Of Stones

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jun 7, 2015

To show that we worship GOD in JESUS's name and no man-made, self-effort worship will be accepted. Our worship is accepted by GOD because of JESUS.

I. EXORDIUM: Are you a worshipper? Yes. Hebrews 12:28 Hebrews 12:28 Let us therefore, receiving a kingdom that is firm and stable and cannot be shaken, offer to God pleasing service and acceptable worship, with modesty and pious care and godly fear and awe; II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 27:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Sovereignty And Sweat: How God Blesses Our Faithful Labor - 1 Samuel 10-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 7, 2025

Success is supplied by God, not our effort, but it comes only through our effort. The right understanding of sovereignty and free will will increase effort and decrease worry and pride.

1 Samuel 10:1-8 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul's head and kissed him, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you leader over his inheritance? 2 When you leave me today, you will meet two men near Rachel's tomb, at Zelzah on the border of Benjamin. They will say to ...read more

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

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

What Lies Beneath

Contributed by Ed Doss on Oct 24, 2000

Satan's efforts to steal faith

What Lies Beneath Ed Doss Sunday July 23, 2000 Rev. 12:7 The Bible says that there was a great war in Heaven. ~ Satan and his Demons fought against God and his Angels ~ But he was not strong enough and the Bible says that he was hurled down to Earth and there was rejoicing in Heaven ~ But woe ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Shining Lights Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Apr 25, 2006

Giving your Best Effort

Proclaiming His Majesty Series 2006 Shining Lights Matthew 5:14-16 (Only a small portion of this story is true, I’ll leave it to you to figure out which part. The meaning however is everlasting.) Last week Sheryl and I were spending a quiet evening at home, the children were all in bed and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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