Sermons on Harmful Motives:

An Introduction To Worship Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 15, 2019

What is worship? Is it prayer, praise, or preaching? These are elements of worship, but they do not necessarily constitute worship in and of themselves. Worship is an attitude that motivates action, not a mere activity.

An Introduction to Worship John 4:22-24 Today, I want to lay the groundwork for a series regarding biblical worship. The verses I read are likely familiar to each of us. (Illus. context.) Just as the woman at the well, many today have no concept of biblical worship. I want to spend the next ...read more

Scripture: John 4:22-24

Denomination: Baptist

An Abundant Gift Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 18, 2018

Things are not always as they appear. Little can be much, and much can be little. The Lord knows the desires of our hearts and the motivation behind our gifts.

An Abundant Gift Mark 12: 41-44 This had been an eventful day for Jesus and the disciples. Having returned to the Temple in Jerusalem for the third time, Jesus had dealt with several confrontations. He was challenged regarding His authority; the Pharisees and Herodians sough to trap Him with a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Baptist

Our Eternal Reward Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 31, 2021

It is the reward of heaven, however, that motivates us to add these values to life, and to apply them so that we bare fruit, and become profitable servants of Christ.

Among the Kamba people of East Africa there persists an ancient legend. The story goes that the people of that region long ago were very embittered by death's merciless destruction. They sent messengers to all countries of the world to seek a place where death did not reign so they could all ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:11

The Gift Of Prophecy Series

Contributed by Bruce Willis on Mar 22, 2007

This sermon is the second in a series of ten on Motivational Spiritual Gifts which communicates the characteristics of the Gift of Prophecy in order to allow the Holy Spirit opportunity to reveal this gift to those who have it.

Last week I introduced this subject area of spiritual gifts by sharing the “Categories of Gifts.” Based on 1 Corinthians 12.4-7 I shared that there are Motivational Gifts, Ministry Gifts and Manifestation Gifts. Every Christian, every believer, every born again child of God is given a spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Music As Gift

Contributed by William Baeta on Jul 13, 2013

“Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well” 1Sam. 16:16.

Music as gift Text: 1 Sam. 16:16-23; 1 Cor. 12:1-12; Lk. 10:1-12 The Bible begins with the words “In the beginning God”. Everything begins with God and whatever we do must begin with Him. Is this not enough reason to praise and worship Him continually? Music began with God to be used ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

From Bitter To Better

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 6, 2021

Trials and troubles, far from being harmful to you, cause us to grow. Under Pharaoh's oppression Israel grew dramatically. Joseph too faced the dilemma of whether to become bitter at his brothers, or better. He saw the hand of God & chose the latter.

FROM BITTER TO BETTER Exodus 1:11-14 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: Some things never change! 1. A supposed ancient manuscript was found that told extra details of what happened when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil. 2. When Adam bit the fruit he felt great ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:11-14, Genesis 45:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Ministry, The Right Way: Free From All For The Sake Of All Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 4, 2021

Christians should be obsessed with evangelism. It should be a constant thought throughout our day. The interest in winning others should consume you.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision that opened the floodgates for abortion in America. It was on January 22, 1973 that the US Supreme Court handed down its decision that women had the constitutional right to an abortion. Nearly four decades later, the argument ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27, 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

The World’s Predictable Deception Of Humanity Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Nov 21, 2023

Why does God feel so much anger towards the city of Babylon? Because of the pride of great men, their spiritual corruption, because it has led people (God’s creation) astray, and because of the persecution and death of believers.

Alpha and Omega, Part 45, Revelation Part 22 The World’s Predictable Deception of Humanity Revelation 17:1-18 and 18:1-24 Introduction - Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation -- REM: Redemption of sin is granted through Jesus; and yes, we have a choice - ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18, Revelation 18:1-24, John 14:6, Isaiah 53:10-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Transformed By Gods Light Series

Contributed by Dan Myer on Apr 16, 2008

Sin is the proprietor of great evil upon the hearts and minds of man… It has brought destruction, death and pain…It hides in the dark places… God wants to shine His light into our hearts…exposing and removing the harmful and destructive scars that si

“TRANSFORMED” God’s light comes on! Pastor Dan Myer “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”- 1 John 1:5 “…God, commanded the light to shine out of darkness, and has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”- 2 Corinthians ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sinful Sympathy Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 1, 2021

Chapter 4 shows us three approaches that Eliphaz took to Job, which he apparently thought would be helpful, but which are contrary to the true spirit of sympathy, and thus, must be classified as sinful sympathy, for they do more harm than good.

Tragedy so often leads to bitterness against God. Mark Twain had a daughter who died at the age of 21 because of diphtheria. His wife also died young. He became so angry and bitter that he lashed out at God with the very gift that made him famous, his pen. He wrote and imaginative tale about ...read more

Jesus "i Am" The Good Shepherd! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 25, 2021

: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He lead’s the sheep to safety, security, pasture and the good life but not to slaughter or harm. Jesus guards, encourages, supports and protects His sheep because He loves them.

I am playing these videos to get your mindset focused on Shepherding – agriculture lifestyles – a common sight in the time and teaching of Jesus – not so much today – as a matter of fact you would be hard pressed to find many sheep farms in this area of Illinois! Opening Video Transition (2 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-42, John 10:11, John 10:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Square Inch Of Hell Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 7, 2022

Why did Jesus talk so much about hell? It's not a real popular topic even today and its hard to think it would have been then. What possible reason would Jesus have for stressing it during His ministry?

OPEN: There’s a small town in Michigan, about 60 miles west of Detroit. It’s a small community of about 80 people, and the name of this little town is (pause) Hell... Hell, Michigan. It always seems to make the news during the winter time, when newspapers joke about HELL FREEZING OVER. They ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Marks Of A God Pleaser

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Dec 5, 2012

God has called us to please Him in all areas of our lives! And He offers to help us live a life that honors Him and does no harm to ourselves or others. God is ready and willing to forgive those who have fallen into the trap of sexual sin, giving in to si

Marks of a God Pleaser 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Intro: How important is it for a person to please God? The Bible really has a lot to say about this. First, we know that without faith or trust in God, it is impossible to please Him (Heb. 11:1). Most people don’t worry about pleasing God unless ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Way Of Spiritual Immunity

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on May 24, 2009

Immunity is a state whereby certain things cannot harm you. It is having an internal defense. Sometimes, people wonder why they are always attacked and the attacks prosper, while some other people do not even see any attack and it seems as if nothing touc

THE WAY OF SPIRITUAL IMMUNITY Dr. D. K. Olukoya Immunity is a state whereby certain things cannot harm you. It is having an internal defense. Sometimes, people wonder why they are always attacked and the attacks prosper, while some other people do not even see any attack and it seems as if ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Pentecostal

Halloween

Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Apr 17, 2015

Halloween is harmful because it lures people into the occult. Many children are introduced to cultic practices at Halloween parties. I first learned about the occult at a Halloween party as a teenager. Many kids get their first exposure to cultic horror movies at Halloween parties.

HALLOWEEN EMPHASIZES THE OCCULT Halloween is harmful because it lures people into the occult. Many children are introduced to cultic practices at Halloween parties. I first learned about the occult at a Halloween party as a teenager. Many kids get their first exposure to cultic horror movies at ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:11

Denomination: Foursquare