Sermons on First Works:

How Giving Works (Re:gift)

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Oct 15, 2019

Many people give out of guilt. The apostle Paul says we should give with joy! The only way we can do this is if we first realized just how joyfully generous God has been to us. When we see His joyful generosity, that encourages us to be joyfully generous ourselves.

Opening and Introduction In our lesson tonight, we hear about farmers that plant seeds. If a farmer doesn’t plant, there won’t be anything to harvest later in the year. His livelihood depends on generously planting as many seeds as he can. This passage uses a lot of farming imagery. But what ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

Denomination: Lutheran

A Pastor's Perplexity Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on May 26, 2005

In this personal section of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Paul first appeals to them, then he fondly remembers their loving acceptance of him, and finally he reminds them of his attitude towards them.

Scripture We are working our way Sunday by Sunday through the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. One of the advantages of this approach is that we cover the whole counsel of God—at least as it is revealed in this portion of God’s Word to us. By studying books of the Bible, or large sections ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:12-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Jews, The Law And God Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Mar 4, 2002

Jews have an advantage in that they have God’s law in written form and were the first to receive God’s grace but it doesn’t help since they’re unable to keep the law.

There is no doubt in Paul’s mind as he writes to the Church at Rome, that the Jews are pre-eminent in God’s sight. He makes it clear in 1:16 that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Mind you he uses the same hierarchy in ch ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

How God’s Working Enables Good Works Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Jul 25, 2010

God graciously works obedience into the lives of his people.

Scripture Introduction Christians have disagreed and debated, since the earliest days of the church, God’s role versus the believer’s role in growth in godliness. Some Bible verses, considered by themselves, seem to support popular phrases like, “Let go and let God,” or “I can’t; God can.” Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

It's Your Choice!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Feb 26, 2001

God is saying, "It’s your choice. You can choose either blessings or a curse. If you want blessings, then keep my commands."

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL. KANSAS, OK A. Last Sunday the Israelites had begun their invasion of the Promised Land. Now today’s message begins some 5 years later as the invasion has come to an end. God has led them to victory after victory, & now the tribes are ready to ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:26-28, Matthew 7:13-14, Joshua 24:14-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Secret Of Priorities: How Seeking God Brings Everything Else

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Apr 6, 2025

This sermon talks about how seeking God first, His kingdom and His righteousness, leads to provision.

Life constantly tempts us to chase after many things — success, security, approval, comfort. Jesus knew this. In Matthew 6, He addresses our human anxiety about daily needs — food, clothing, and tomorrow. Then He drops a revolutionary command: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Power At Work Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Sep 18, 2023

Luke starts Acts with, 'In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus BEGAN to do and teach...' Now he's going to talk about what Jesus CONTINUED to do. In Acts 16 we have a great example of Jesus witnessing to himself - and Paul and Silas fitting in.

Acts 16 God’s power at work Let’s suppose you hear God speaking to you, telling you to do something. You do what God tells you. But then, within a short time, the situation looks a complete mess. What would you think? Did you hear wrong? Has God let you down? Let’s suppose God calls you to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Broken Altar - When Worship Becomes Work Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 2, 2025

The first in a four part series confronts the subtle drift from passionate devotion to empty religious routine, challenging believers to recognize the cracks in their spiritual foundations and commit to rebuilding authentic altars of worship in their daily lives.

INTO: Today we're kicking off a brand-new series that's going to challenge your spiritual comfort zone and reignite your relationship with God. We're talking about being SET APART in a world that wants you to fit in! Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has become more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 29:13, 1 Kings 18:30, Romans 12:1

Put Your Faith In What Works, Not In Your Works

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Jul 25, 2011

It seems that we have always looked for that super human. Superman, Spiderman, and Bat-man and now we have on TV a hero called the Cape

It seems that we have always looked for that super human. Superman, Spiderman, and Bat-man and now we have on TV a hero called the Cape. Fights for goodness and hates evil, upholds the law and always wins the battle for truth and justice. I was born on Christmas day in 1948 and when I was around ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Divine Partnership: Working Out What God Worked In Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Dec 9, 2025

Paul resolves the tension between faith and works by reminding us that our effort to live a holy life is only possible because God is already powerfully at work within our hearts.

Introduction: One of the greatest theological tensions in the Christian life is the balance between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. We often swing between two extremes. On one side, there is the "Let go and let God" mentality, where we become passive, waiting for God to zap us ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Church With Heart Problems - Ephesus Series

Contributed by Graham Kettle on Dec 4, 2010

No matter how hard or diligently we work for the Lord, ultimately if our heart strays from that first love, we are in danger. Yet He is faithful and is our rescuer.

THE CHURCH WITH HEART PROBLEMS - EPHESUS READING: Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Church Of God

How Love Works? Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on May 15, 2019

How love works is a sermon motivating believers to share the gospel with the unreached. The response of God loving us will result in us taking the gospel out and fulfilling the Great Commission.

Follow us on: Website: https://cityharvestag.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityHarvestA... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityharvestag/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityHarvestAGChurch/featured How love works is a sermon motivating believers to share the gospel with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:14, Romans 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Is It Grace Plus Works?

Contributed by John Hamby on May 12, 2014

To add anything whether it is baptism or good works or whatever it may be as a requirement for salvation is to diminish grace.

“Is It Grace Plus Works?” Acts 15:1-23 Paul and Barnabas had just returned from their first missionary ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Relying On The Work Of The Spirit

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Apr 5, 2022

When we bear witness to the saving power of Christ, we must rely on the Spirit to empower our efforts.

Jesus had told them to wait—His first disciples, I mean. He had given them important work to do—the most important work of all, actually—but He had told them not to attempt it just yet. No. They were to wait. “Don’t give,” He said, “until you have received. Nothing can be done by you until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Finishing His Work Series

Contributed by Matthew Grise on Mar 13, 2009

Philippians 1:1-6. Paul rejoices in his relationship with the Philippian church and the certainty that Christ will finish his work in them.

AGAIN I SAY REJOICE FINISHING HIS WORK PHILIPPIANS 1:1-6 INTRODUCTION - Today we are going to begin a study of the book of Philippians. If you turn in your Bible to Philippians chapter 1 you will be in the right place. We are calling our study Again I Say Rejoice. This, of course, is taken ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist