Sermons on Harmful Motives:

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

A Heart Of Faith

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Mar 18, 2026

There are many challenges that come our way that make our hearts melt with fear instead of faith. However, the way Caleb and David handled the challenges that came their way, will motivate us to overcome every hardship when fear is replaced by faith in our Almighty God.

For today’s meditation we focus on Joshua 14:7, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart.” (ESV) Of late we are studying the life of Caleb, and the above mentioned verse are the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 14:7, Numbers 13:31, Joshua 14:8-9, Mark 11:23, 1 Samuel 17:26, 1 Samuel 17:1-2, 1 Samuel 17:4, 1 Samuel 17:8, 1 Samuel 17:11, 1 Samuel 17:28, 1 Samuel 17:20-31, Numbers 14:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

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

King Saul Dies In Battle With The Philistines Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 27, 2023

He keeps saying, "Who am I to harm the Lord's anointed?" But finally, it comes to its final point here. It says that the Philistines, this enemy nation, right near Israel, they are attacking Israel. There's there's a huge battle going on. And many were slaughtered.

Have you ever had a loved one in your family pass away? Can anyone relate? I think we've all probably had someone pass. And for some of us, it was someone we loved dearly. That's so incredibly hard. Then again maybe we don't have a good relationship with our parents or with our moms. ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

"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

Hell? Yes!

Contributed by Klaus Mehrl on Aug 30, 2005

Without a understanding of the doctrine of hell and the fact that people without faith in Christ face an eternity in hell, we have no great motivation to withness our faith and be involved in mission and ministry. This fact changes our perspective and giv

One of the old time managers of the New York Yankees was Joe McCarthy, who was also a Baseball Hall of Famer. He once said that he had a dream in which he was in heaven and had assembled before him a team of all of the old time greats – Ty Cobb, Lou Gehirg, Babe Ruth, and others. He was ecstatic! ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:28

Denomination: Lutheran

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

"Purpose"

Contributed by Ken Harris on May 7, 2006

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that before they were born God had formed and shaped them for a particular PURPOSE, which requires His Holy Spirit to set them apart in preparation for His Service.

Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG) *Jeremiah 1:5 (GW) 7 May 2006 U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris CP Walker Multicultural Gospel Service Taegue, South Korea BIG IDEA: The Lord who formed and shaped us knows the particular PURPOSE he intended us for, but unless He Sanctifies us by ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Renewal Of Mind

Contributed by Seth Aryee on Nov 29, 2005

The renewal of our minds must center on the use of our resources - treasure, time, and talents. The more disillusioned we are with the world, the more motivated we will be to pursue the Christian way. If we are not willing to face the reality that we li

SERMON BY BRO. SETH A. ARYEE LOCAL PREACHER, BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH, DZORWULU, ACCRA-GHANA THEME: RENEWAL OF MIND ROMANS 12: 1-2 TEXT: “AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED . . .” [ROMANS 12:2] In our secular world, we usually conform to societal values and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

"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

"How To Go From Dirtbag To Top-Notch" Series

Contributed by Ken Harris on Mar 19, 2007

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that ONE OF GOD’S greatest acts of love is shown in how He forgives and welcomes the return home of his shameful and disgraceful children with open arms and loving gestures.

18 March 2007 U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris Fort Ord Chapel Seaside, California BIG IDEA: One of God’s greatest act of love is His FORGIVENESS OF SINNERS. . References: Luke 15:1-32 (NIV); Psalm 32:1-11 (Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered …); Joshua ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Being Smart With My Money What Should I Avoid

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Oct 12, 2012

This message is on dealing with two motivating factors of how we spend our money 1) it looks good now and 2) it will impress others later. We should be more concerned with pleasing God than each other.

Being Smart With My Money—What To Avoid Genesis 13:5-13 and Acts 5:1-11 We are in part 2 of our series, Being Smart With My Money. Last week Pastor Toby preached “What Do I Need”. Next Week Pastor Kellie will do “What Cost Me The Most”, Pastor Toby will return ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Anger Danger Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 28, 2011

Moses' life shows a pattern of anger issues. Because Moses never got control of his anger, he faced tragic consequences. This sermon will motivate us to do something about our anger with God's help.

Introduction: A. There is a story told about a girl who was writing a paper for school and asked her father for help, "Dad, what is the difference between anger and exasperation?" 1. The father replied, "It is mostly a matter of degree. Let me show you what I mean." 2. With that, the father put ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Knowing When To Break The Rules

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 2, 2009

Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman admits several interpretations, all of which teach us: give what is needed rather than what is wanted; teach others rather than do for them; watch your motives.

Just when you think you have your life routines down pat, settled and secure, something comes along and upsets the whole pattern. Just when you think you have your life all organized, something comes up to discombobulate it! Just when you think you know the rules by which you govern your life, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

"Thirteen Thirty-Two (1332)"

Contributed by Ken Harris on Jun 14, 2009

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that God takes a believer (who has faith and trust in Him) and plants him in a specific location with a small beginning to miraculously grow and become a huge blessings to all peopl

14 June 2009 Second Sunday (Communion Service provided today) U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris Fortress Chapel Contingency Operation Site (C.O.S.) Sykes Tall-afar, Iraq BIG IDEA: God takes a believer (who have faith and trust in Him) and plants him in a specific location with a small ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 17:22-24

Denomination: Pentecostal