Sermons on Harmful Motives:

"The Father's Heart"

Contributed by Ken Harris on Mar 14, 2010

The purpose of this sermon is to motivate the hearers to affirm to others that God looks for opportunities to lovingly forgive and rejoice at the return of his happy-go-lucky and wasteful child.

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris, Jr. West Fort Hood Chapel First Worship Service since Iraq ”Men Program” Killeen, TX 14 March 2010 Big Idea: The Heart of the Father Watches, Loves, and Rejoices at the return of his carefree and wasteful child. Scriptural References: EAI ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:15-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Good Employer Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 13, 2021

The owner of a vinyard pays all of his workers the same amount. How can this be fair? The motivations of the employer are explored within the cultural context of the first century.

The Good Employer (Matt. 20:1-16) Harvest time. The morning sun burned just below the hillside and backlit the ancient vines rising up from the even more ancient earth. The ground was parched and packed. Only the grapes held the promise of moisture, the pulp near bursting through their skins. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Mentoring Discipleship – How To Develop Fully Devoted Followers Of Jesus

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 12, 2022

This course covers the following: I. THE BASICS AND MOTIVATION FOR MENTORING DISCIPLESHIP II. THE PRINCIPLES OF MENTORING DISCIPLESHIP III. THE NATURE OF A DISCIPLE IV. THE PRACTICE OF MENTORING DISCIPLESHIP

INTRODUCTION – A Life Well Lived I fell in love with Jesus when I was a troubled teenager while attending Topanga Community Church in California. One person stood out among all others, a silver-haired senior saint named Doris Shumate. She was an unassuming, kind, and gentle soul who always ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, John 3:16, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Timothy 2:2, Mark 3:13-14, Mark 6:6-13, Luke 5:10, Luke 10:1-20, Colossians 1:28-29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The King's Defense

Contributed by Sean Harder on Aug 29, 2013

Many questions we ask are not really coming from a place of curiosity but have ulterior motives, and we’re going to see that in action today.

The middle part of Matthew chapter 22 is incredible. Three groups are going to use questions to try and trap Jesus into saying something that will get him killed. They all, government, the Pharisees, and Sadducees all wanted to get rid of Him. The Herodians represent the secular, political and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:23-33

Jesus Announces His Mission, From Which We Can Announce Our Own.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jan 25, 2016

This is a subtle sermon to motivate and thank the congregation, based on why Jesus chose his own readings in the temple; and how the church can gain from that announcement?

This sermon was delivered to St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 24th January 2016; St Oswalds is a Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries. Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21 Psalm 19 “Please be seated, and join me ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Episcopal

Not As Earthling, But Holy Human Being

Contributed by Efren V. Narido on Aug 7, 2018

Considering ourselves as new creation in Christ is enough motivation to live differently. But there are other additional reasons, why we need to live holy and godly lives.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Look Who Came To Church

Contributed by Jason Duhon on Mar 5, 2016

On a typical Sunday, who will you find in our churches? Just about every cross-section of our population shows up, each with their own motives.

Who do we find in church? 1. The Heathen a) The Seeker This is the typical sinner. He or she comes to church, not desiring to become part of the fellowship, but for the sake of attendance. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:4

Denomination: Baptist

The Holy Family Of Jesus, Mary, And Joseph: A Timeless Model For Modern Families Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Dec 15, 2023

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph serves as a timeless example for families in the current era, offering insightful guidance and motivation for overcoming the challenges of modern life.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: A Timeless Model for Modern Families The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph serves as a timeless example for families in the current era, offering insightful guidance and motivation for overcoming the challenges of modern life. The virtues of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6, Genesis 21:1-3, Luke 2:22-40, Colossians 3:12-21

Denomination: Other

Can How You Love Tell Who You Serve? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 18, 2024

This sermon explores the call to emulate Christ's boundless, transformative love, manifesting mercy, mimicking His love, and being motivated by His mandate to love others.

Welcome, beloved, to this place where we gather to share in the fellowship of faith, a place where we seek to understand the mysteries of God's love and grace, a place where we strive to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we explore a theme that is as old as creation itself, yet as ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Topics: Love, Despite

For Growing Love Series

Contributed by Scott Jewell on Feb 18, 2024

Paul's love for the church of Philippi motivated his prayers for them. What does this demonstrate for us as we pray for our churches today?

This past Wednesday, we celebrated Valentine’s Day. So it seems appropriate that we talk about a prayer about growing love since the idea of love is on people’s minds. I had to chuckle when I saw this meme on Facebook and shared it with someone who had posted to see if anyone would like ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

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

New Clothes For The New You!

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jun 15, 2015

In Col, 3:1-17 Paul shares with us that we are 1. Set our hearts and minds 2. Put to death that which will kill us and 3. Put off that which will harm and Put on the New Clothes of Our New Life in Christ.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17 Theme: New Life - New Clothes or New Clothes for the New You! INTRO: Good morning and I am so glad you are here this morning! Throughout the years, America has been identified by various iconic images. For example, during the great western expansion ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

Denomination: Nazarene

What's The Big Deal About Grace? Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 18, 2021

Grace is such a big deal. Your Bible says the purpose of everything in the universe is to show God's grace: "so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

Happy Easter to all of you! Welcome to Easter Sunday, including those of you online. Easter is a time when God's people celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As much as you may admire Abraham Lincoln, your parents, or MLK, JR., there are not even two people who gather every Sunday to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

Denomination: Baptist