Sermons on Human Effort:

Staying On Course Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on May 2, 2011

Make the effort to stay faithful (winning over complacency) and make the choice to obey God (winning over compromise).

It easy to make promises, but to keep them is another matter altogether. • You may be passionate and sincere when you make a stand, but to stay on course requires much, much more. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, say this: “It is in the nature of a fire to go out, you must keep it ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:1-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Blood, Sweat, And Tears In The Church Of God

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Dec 27, 2017

Blood, swat and tears is hard work and effort in the church to be and accomplish all that God wants from your church.

Prayer- Introduction- This morning I want to talk a moment about the church. I say by sermon title the church of God because there are churches out there that I believe never ask God what He thinks about decisions that are made in His church. I believe there are churches that are nothing more ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:4-5

Denomination: Nazarene

Relying On The Work Of The Spirit

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Apr 5, 2022

When we bear witness to the saving power of Christ, we must rely on the Spirit to empower our efforts.

Jesus had told them to wait—His first disciples, I mean. He had given them important work to do—the most important work of all, actually—but He had told them not to attempt it just yet. No. They were to wait. “Don’t give,” He said, “until you have received. Nothing can be done by you until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Law Vs. Grace Vs. Faith PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 7, 2025

God’s promises are received by faith, not by our efforts; grace, not performance, secures our acceptance and hope in Christ.

Some of us walked in today with lists—mental ledgers of what we did right and where we fell short. We carry them like heavy backpacks. We whisper, “Maybe if I try harder, God will be pleased.” And our hearts grow tired, tight, and tentative. Then we come to Romans 4 and hear a fresh breeze blow ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:13-16

Topics: Grace, Gift

The Tower Builder And The Warring King Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Jul 28, 2009

We examine two parables that deal with discipleship and specifically the carefully weighing the cost of following Jesus. No matter where you are spiritually, Jesus calls us to seriously consider discipleship.

The Parables of Jesus The Tower Builder and the Warring King Luke 14:28-32 July 26, 2009 This week we are going to turn to two parables that are about discipleship. It is a “Who from you…” parable. This refers to the phrase in verse 28 of Luke 14 that in the NIV says, “suppose one of you.” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:28-32

Denomination: Church Of God

Freedom's Children Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 3, 2017

Know your mother and throw out the other. Stop trying to earn your way, and start enjoying your way to heaven.

Mary Hickey talks about the time when she was expecting her first baby. Then, a six-year-old neighbor girl was particularly curious. She wanted to see the baby furniture and hear her list of possible names. When she asked where the baby was, Mary was a walking show-and-tell even at four months. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:21-31

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Complete Sacrifices

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Nov 12, 2004

The central issue of human life, to be resolved, is that of worship.

Complete Sacrifices Montreal/Cornwall September 18, 2004 The central issue of life is worship. This has been the case from the very beginning. Worship was the central issue for the first war. In eternity past, the sin of pride entered Lucifer’s heart and he became jealous of God, wanting to be ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Rejoicing In God's Lagniappe Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Oct 8, 2011

Paul wanted the Philippians to know how wonderful it was to serve Christ and praised their efforts to be the servants God called them to become...

Sermon Brief Date Written: October 6, 2011 Date Preached: October 9, 2011 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series from Philippians Sermon Title: Rejoicing In God’s Lagniappe Sermon Text: Philippians 4:10-20 [ESV] Introduction: Here as Paul concludes his ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Understanding The Times

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 11, 2001

The line has been drawn, & the battle is on. But do we realize it? Are we people who understand the times & know what should be done? You see, there are four areas in which this battle is being fought.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Updated & Revised: 2022) TEXT: 1 Chronicles 12:30-32 Acts 17:22-34 A. Tomorrow is officially designated as a holiday celebrated in many communities by a variety of solemn observances. All across the U.S. people will gather in parks ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-24, 1 Chronicles 12:32, 1 Peter 5:8, Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34, Acts 17:30, Hosea 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Echoes That Will Not Die

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 3, 2009

In the song of the angels we hear echoes of our ancient problems -- meaning, sin, peace -- all of which are dealt with in the coming of Christ.

The drama of Christmas is focused on a starlit night at a manger, on a mother and a babe, on the small things of life. And yet it is also wide open to eternity, it is a window into past and present and future. The drama of Christmas seems to play on such ordinary things. Tax legislation; taxes, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Friend Of The Hopeful Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 22, 2009

In fearful times, there are also signs of hope. Some turn everything into a sign of fear and conflict. Others can see hope if they allow others to succeed. The child Jesus is a sign of such hope.

"The time of fear is over; now comes the time of hope." These words were spoken in the most unlikely of situations. A French novelist, Tristan Bernard, and his wife, were being put into prison by the Gestapo, after the Nazis had overrun France. They were being sent to a concentration camp; ...read more

Scripture: John 3:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Gospel Message For The Well Informed

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Aug 22, 2009

How can we make the message of the Gospel meaningful and relevant to the current generation?

A Gospel for the well informed We live in a world where propriety is considered higher than truth. In the name of diversity and inclusiveness, permissiveness is rampant. We live in a country where anything is “worshippable”. A nation where spirituality is equated with “Doing Good” where any ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fear Not In Any Crisis Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 5, 2009

In every crisis, whether a wind on the lake or concerns about our daily bread, the Master counsels "Fear not, I am with you."

September 7, 2009 Caritas in Veritate Labor Day As we continue our reflections on human development, the Scriptures and the papal documents again converge in this pair of readings we hear proclaimed each Labor Day. God gave a twin gift to the earth in the beginning–a mist to water the soil, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:31-34

Denomination: Catholic

Health Care Plan

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 7, 2009

God’s Health Care Plan is discussed!

Health Care Plan James 5:14-15 8-09-09 Intro I want to address a subject that seems to be on a lot of people’s minds these days—health care. Almost everyone agrees there are aspects of the current health care system in America that need reform. Almost nobody agrees as to how to fix it. Town hall ...read more

Scripture: James 5:14-15

Denomination: Charismatic

So Much I Can Taste It

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 31, 2009

We the church have not been paying attention to what God wants passionately for His people: that they be fed, that they be healthy, that they have salvation.

She strode feverishly across the room, brandishing two sheets of paper, one in each hand. She was smiling and yet agitated, excited and yet anxious. "I want this job so much I can taste it." In one hand was a job listing that read as if her very name were on it. Her degree, her major, her ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-31

Denomination: Baptist