Sermons on Harmful Motives:

Money Problems At The Church Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Oct 5, 2009

This is the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They are an example of when we do a good thing but do with the wrong motives and attempt to make ourselves look good to others.

“Money Problems at the Church” Acts 5:1-11 On your way to church today you may have been greeted by someone who wanted you to buy a Sunday paper. They are stationed I read that one of these workers spotted a man who would drive up, buy a paper with a $20 bill, get his change, then go to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-11

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

A Vision In Your Heart - A Bible In Your Hands

Contributed by Tim Diack on Mar 12, 2012

What vision do you have for your life? Where do your dreams come from? What motivates all that you do?

A Vision in Your Heart – A Bible in Your Hands - Matthew 25:14-30 - September 23, 2007 In 1428, at 16 years of age, Joan of Arc began her journey into the pages of history. To all outward appearances there was nothing remarkable about this young woman – she was a simple peasant ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: *other

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

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

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

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

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

Those Who Hunger And Thirst For Righteousness Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Mar 27, 2023

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." This beatitude calls for an intense desire for righteousness. Are we actively and passionately seeking to be more and more like Jesus?

Intro Our text today is Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”i What do you long for in life? People are hunger machines. Bruce Springsteen sang in the 80s, “Everybody’s got a hungry heart.”ii Even the world recognizes the internal ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Isaiah 57:15, Philippians 3:1-14, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 6:33, 1 Timothy 2:2, 1 John 3:7, Luke 6:21, Titus 2:11-12, Psalm 42:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Poor Lazaruses

Contributed by Ken Harris on May 28, 2005

To motivate the hearers to use their personal finances to care for the POOR Lazaruses (the sick, hungry, and less fortunate in this life) in order to ensure their HEAVENLY destiny hereafter.

Luke 16: 19-21(KJV) U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris Church of God in Christ Spring Retreat 2005 Seoul, South Korea BIG IDEA: How we use our finances to care for the sick, hungry, and the less fortunate in this life - determines where we spend eternity hereafter. REFERENCES: Movie: ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:10-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Getting The Message Out

Contributed by Greg Nance on May 6, 2002

What makes you uncomfortable as a Christian? God can use that to motivate you to spread the gospel! Look at Paul’s example here in Acts 17

Getting God’s Message Out. Acts 17:16-34 What do you do when you are surrounded by things that make you uncomfortable? When Paul came to Athens, he walked through town and was upset by all the idols that he saw there. Now just think about the different ways he could have responded to it. 1. He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Where Do You Go After You Come Home From A Memorial Service?" Series

Contributed by Ken Harris on Aug 29, 2004

The purpose of this sermon was to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO HAVE AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD THAN WHEN YOU ARE COMING HOME FROM A MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Busan,South Korea Wednesday, 25 August 2004 U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris BIG IDEA: GO TO CHURCH WHEN YOU COME HOME FROM A MEMORIAL SERVICE. REFERENCES: II Chron. 26:19-21; John 12:41; I Kings 22:19; II Kings2:11; II Kings 15 I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Isaiah ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal