Sermons on Extra Effort:

Ephesus: The Desirable Church That Was Fallen. Series

Contributed by David Moore on Aug 29, 2008

Message No 1: This sermon shows that without a passionate love for Christ, all the best efforts of Christians and churches count for nothing, and stirs people to rediscover their first love.

Ephesus: The Desirable Church That was Fallen. Text: Revelation 2:1-7. Introduction: This morning I want you to come with me to the first century and the beautiful Mediterranean city of Ephesus. Here we find an important and prosperous commercial centre in the ancient world, its streets crowded ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Life On Purpose Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Jan 17, 2013

Book sermon from Mark. Jesus' mission on earth was one of careful planning and execution and a life given over to Him ought to reflect the same care and effort.

I saw a picture of little twins the other day. They both were wearing red T-shirts. One said, “I was planned!” The other one said, “I was a surprise!” I wondered – how could they tell which one was the surprise? I have news for you – whether you were planned ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Commitment To Discipleship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 15, 2016

Being a disciple of Christ requires a conscious, committed effort. We will never be effective disciples with a casual, unconcerned approach. It is a lifestyle we are called to commit ourselves unto.

The Commitment to Discipleship Luke 9: 23-26 Let me begin by asking, how many Christians do you know? That is a difficult question isn’t it? Now it seems that everyone you talk to concerning the Lord has had some type of experience. Well, yes I’m a Christian; I was baptized and joined ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Baptist

Be A Piece Of The Rock

Contributed by David Roth on Mar 2, 2015

Proper 16 (A). We are fashioned by Christ, who is the rock and cornerstone. Therefore we look to Him instead of to our effort, to be the living stones of His church.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Be a Piece of the Rock” “What!? Have you got rocks in your head?” You have heard that expression before. The implication is that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Looking For A Perfect Christmas

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Feb 26, 2018

We cannot try to make Christmas Perfect with our own efforts. There is one thing that is perfect in Christmas. We got to be able to focus on that perfect thing in Christmas.

We are into yet another Christmas Season. And immaterial of the number of times we have done Christmas before, and have failed, we still want to do things right. We want to make all possible efforts to make things as perfect as possible. We buy the perfect clothes, we look for the perfect gifts for ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25, Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 30:9-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Remember Jesus

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Dec 18, 2014

To show that we need to remember JESUS always in our job, house or church especially for it is He who provides and supplies us liberally not our own effort.

I. EXORDIUM: Who do you always remember? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we need to remember JESUS always in our job, house or church especially for it is He who provides and supplies us liberally not our own effort. IV. TEXT: Deuteronomy 8:18 (Amplified Bible) ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Supernatural Advantages Of Believers (Part 5) Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 23, 2025

The supernatural advantage of believers is the unique grace and divine support they receive from God, allowing them to overcome challenges and achieve what human effort alone cannot.

Title: SUPERNATURAL ADVANTAGES OF BELIEVERS (PART 5) By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ephesians 1:3 Supporting Texts: 2 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 2:9, John 10:10 INTRODUCTION: As we conclude this series, we reflect on the abundant and unending blessings that are the heritage of believers in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3, 2 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 2:9, John 10:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

Grace PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 18, 2025

God’s grace alone saves us, transforms us, and empowers us to live out our purpose—not by our efforts, but as God’s gift.

Friends, grace has a way of slipping into the room like morning light under the curtains—quiet, sure, and warm. It comes to tired souls and try-hard hearts, whispering what our to-do lists never can: you are loved, you are rescued, you are His. Some of us carry the ache of “Have I done enough?” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

Topics: Grace, God's Grace

A Dynamic Church Devotes Themselves To The Lord's Supper Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 8, 2008

God gives the Lord’s Supper both to proclaim the reality of an alternative community and to produce it.

Scripture Introduction [Teri’s and Shelley’s stories from the chapter, “The Crisis of Loneliness,” in Anderson, Signs of Warning, Signs of Hope.] Teri and Shelley are typical 30-something adults. Teri was surrounded by friends in high school and college, but her network of friends began to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why Did Jesus Have To Die? Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on May 12, 2013

Reconciliation. It’s what Easter is all about. In our Scripture passage today, Paul explains the true meaning of Christ’s life and death in no uncertain terms: “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself; that is, in Christ, God was

Why did Jesus Have to Die? 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 For the past five weeks, we’ve been looking at the story of the Passion or Jesus’ road to the cross. We’ve looked at different people Jesus encountered on the way to the cross, how they contributed to his death and the lessons we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Denomination: Methodist

Joseph, An Obedient Heart For God

Contributed by Jim Kane on Jan 12, 2007

The first of series on ‘Developing a Heart for God’

Pastor Todd Coget tells the story of a small-town church in upstate New York who had had a rector (or pastor) in that church for over thirty-five years. He was loved by the church and the community. After he retired, he was replaced by a young priest. It was his first church; he had a great desire ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:2-9

Denomination: Church Of God

The Power Of Positive Mothers

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 9, 2005

This message gives four common qualities of positive mothers.

The Power of a Positive Mother Proverbs 14:1 “The wise woman builds her house; a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” (NLT) Proverbs 31:25-26, 28 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:1

Denomination: Free Methodist

Man's Control Dissipates Power Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Sep 29, 2003

Man’s effort to control and secure the forces of life generates greed and idolatry. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Man’s system simply does not work – if the goal is a good, Godly life of abundance and peace.

Man’s Failing Control Dissipates Man’s effort to control and secure the forces of life generates greed and idolatry. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Man’s system simply does not work – if the goal is a good, Godly life of abundance and peace. Some things just don’t ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Getting Close Without Getting Hurt Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Jan 8, 2008

This message explores the God given desire for intimacy without shame. Inspired by "The Seven Longings of the Human Heart" by Mike Bickle.

If I were to start this week’s teaching with a movie clip, as I have been known to do, it would actually be a collection of clips. All strung together in a row. Showing the same scenario being played out over and over again as shown to us in movies and TV shows. The sad part is that it is a real ...read more

Denomination: Wesleyan