Sermons on Harmful Motives:

How To Finish Well Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Feb 8, 2021

Stories abound of folks who began well in the Christian faith, and in ministry, but failed to finish well. What does the Word of God say about how we can be motivated to follow Jesus faithfully to the end?

I was listening to one of our secular news and talk radio stations one morning this past week. And there was an innocent joke, of all things, about our subject this morning. A married couple was having a debate about who should get out of bed in the mornings to brew the coffee. Finally, the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 3:14, Colossians 3:16-17

Denomination: Bible Church

A Future With Focus Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 2, 2021

The key to happiness and success in the new year is to have a dream, and a goal to pursue. Without a dream or goal to motivate us we will just drift through the new year, and whatever we achieve will be a matter of chance and not design.

Vanna White, the glamorous star who turns the letter on Wheel Of Fortune, was a leader in her church youth group at North Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. Her pastor wrote about how he asked her, when she was a senior, what she was going to do after graduation. She responded that her dream was to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14

Defining The Relationship (Romans 8:12-17) Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Aug 13, 2022

When we trust Jesus as our Savior, everything changes in our relationship with God. Our motivation, our status, and our expectations. In Romans 8:12-17, God defines our relationship status.

Defining the Relationship Romans 8:12-18 This week, I asked several people around me if they knew t what a DTR was. My suspicion was that if you were a college student or young adult, you knew exactly what a DTR was, but that if you were older, you didn’t. And as it turned out, I was right. When I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

In Terms Of Eternity

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jun 11, 2023

The Bible teaches that after death (Hebrews 9:27), we will face judgment and enter eternity, either heaven or hell. Consider what that means and how it should motivate us to spread the Gospel in these last days.

The Bible teaches that from the moment we are conceived, we are destined to live forever (Psalm 61:7; Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46: Romans 2:7). The LORD God Almighty saw fit to create us, give us meaning, a purpose, and conscience to use for His glory and our benefit (Psalm 73:25-28; Romans ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, Mark 9:43-48, Luke 16:19-31, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15, John 5:28-29, John 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus And Women Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 20, 2023

Reading of the Gospel according to Mark, inspires and motivates us to know the value of women. Jesus had tender heart and compassionate eyes upon them. He healed them, and forgiven them to live a happy life.

Mark 7:24-30 Jesus and Women in Mark Jesus and Women in Mark Women are prominent in the story of Christ Jesus. They are mentioned in no less than sixteen contexts. (Fabian Ekwunife Ezenwa). He was born of a woman, had numerous interactions with women, and was seen first by women after his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30

Denomination: Methodist

The Better Priest Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 11, 2022

God appointed Jesus to be our high priest in the order of Melchizedek. How is Jesus the better priest and how should that motivate us as we serve? Consider these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell

Christmas is quickly approaching. We’ve been looking at the book of Hebrews to recognize that Jesus is better. The gifts of the wise men remind us that Jesus is the better Prophet, Priest, King, and Sacrifice. Today, I’m going to focus on what it means for Jesus to be our better Priest. Read ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is The Spirit Of Christmas? (3 Ways To Stop, 4 Ways To Promote The Spirit Of Christmas).

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 21, 2022

The Spirit of Christmas moves forward motive free. One purpose and one agenda, Worship the King! I want to give you 3 ways to stop the spirit of Christmas. 4 ways to promote the spirit of Christmas.

What Is The Spirit Of Christmas? Matthew 2:7-12NKJV The Spirit of Christmas moves forward motive free. One purpose and one agenda, Worship the King! From the very beginning of Matthew 2, we will read case and point, Herod had an agenda, “Find Jesus and destroy Him; Destroy a baby! (Satan ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:7-12, Luke 24:49

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sinful But Called

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 5, 2025

The power of God’s word, spoken to Peter and the others by the very Word of God, Son of the Father, was enough to kick in the adrenaline and motivate the fishermen to fish longer in the worst time of day in the part of the lake with the worst prospects.

Fifth Sunday in Course 2025 The first thing that strikes me as I read today’s Gospel is that Peter and his fishing crew had been working all night and then had cleaned their nets. These professionals had just worked at least ten hours and were ready to go home. Jesus came along with hundreds of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11, Psalm 138:1-5, Psalm 138:7-8, Isaiah 6:1-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Unanswered Prayer (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Mar 1, 2023

God invites us to ask Him, and we will receive (Mat 7:7). But why does He sometimes not answer our prayers? This sermon series explains several possibilities for why God does not grant our prayers.

We have learned that God invites us to ask Him what we need (Matthew 7:7) because, number one, God wants us to be close to Him; number two, God wants us to always depend on Him; and number three, God wants to show His love to us. When we ask something from Him, we must be ready to get His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7, 1 John 5:14, Numbers 14:34-35, James 4:3, Deuteronomy 3:25-26, Jeremiah 29:4-7, Galatians 6:7, Deuteronomy 29:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pure In Heart: Defined Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 10, 2023

In this sixth beatitude, we must understand the standard Jesus is setting with the with the phrase "pure in heart.". If we set the standard too low, we fail to enter into the fullness of the blessing. If we set it too high we forsake the pursuit as futile.

Intro We are studying the Beatitudes with an interest in how to position ourselves for revival. What attitudes of heart are conducive to experiencing more of God’s grace and participating in what he is doing. The Beatitudes provide insight for participating in the kingdom of God because this is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:21-28, Psalm 51:6-7, 1 John 1:7-9, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 6:1-24, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 17:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

All Kinds Of People Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on May 18, 2023

You can learn from observing people. It is amazing that King Solomon could see this much from his palace. Solomon was observing people who were working hard, and he observed that their inward motive was envy. We could find this type of person very commonly.

You can learn a lot from watching people. You could be at the Atlanta airport at the busiest airport in the world or at a quiet rural restaurant and you will find a variety of people. We can become students of people. Knowing what makes people tick and learning from others is wise. We are ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

"When Someone Has Done You Wrong"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 17, 2002

When you are in the position of leadership, you will be provoked. David had 4 motivating thoughts to help keep him on track (to make the right decision) when most would have been easily diverted from God’s will. What were the four thoughts that led to h

Dr. Dennis Deese “WHEN SOMEONE HAS DONE YOU WRONG” (The Leader’s Self-Control) I SAMUEL 24:1-22 When you are in the position of leadership, you will be provoked. David had 4 motivating thoughts to help keep him on track (to make the right decision) when most would have been easily diverted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Never Repay Evil With Evil

Contributed by John Newbaker on Feb 22, 2012

The rest of the passage here in Romans 12 has to do w/ our r/ship w/ those who harass us, irritate us, insult us, persecute us, and want to hurt or harm us. When others curse us, belittle us, berate us, and insult us we are not to return the favor. V17 s

Title: Practicing the Principles of Romans 12 in 2012 The rest of the passage here in Romans 12 has to do w/ our r/ship w/ those who harass us, irritate us, insult us, persecute us, and want to hurt or harm us. V14 The word bless is mentioned 2 xs in this 1verse. We are to bless those who ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:8-21

Denomination: Baptist

"Steadfast Hope" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 5, 2002

A. The depths of despair (vss 1-2); B. God’s forgiveness (vss 3-4); C. The process of waiting and hoping (vss 5-6); D. Motivation to tell others (vss 7-8).

Psalm Steps> “Steadfast Hope” -Psalm 130 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Introduction and Outline Psalm 130 is a literal Song of Ascents—it climbs from the abyss of depression to the high ground of steadfast hope. In this brief penitential psalm we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 130:1-8

Denomination: Congregational

Be Empowered, Enriched And Enabled By The Spirit

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jan 19, 2004

Why are so many people seeming to lack motivation to give of their best to the Master? Could it be that they are not that intimately acquainted with His Holy Spirit? Learn how to be empowered, enriched and enabled by the Spirit. Ask the Lord to help you t

Be Empowered, Enriched and Enabled by the Spirit 1 Chronicles 29:10-18 Illustration: Sometime back the Associated Press carried this dispatch: "Glasgow, Ky.--Leslie Puckett, after struggling to start his car, lifted the hood and discovered that someone had stolen the motor." Many Christians ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 29:10-18, 1 Chronicles 29:1-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational