Sermons on Human Effort:

Sodom & Gomorrah Pt. 1: A Byword For Depravity Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Feb 17, 2010

Our society is still as depraved as Sodom and Gomorrah was. Does God still judge with disasters in an effort to wake us up?

Read Matthew 24:3-8. The birth pains have begun my friends. Lloyd gave me these rocks that are from Haiti and as I watched CNN this week, I saw hundreds and thousands of people lying dead and alive underneath much larger pieces of rock from collapsed buildings. Bodies scattered on the sidewalks ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-11

Searching For The End Of The Rainbow Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Apr 27, 2009

An effort to help people become wiser to the pitfalls of materialism and to accept contentment as a proactive way to live within God’s design

Open with skit - (complete skit is pasted below) You have to relate to some of the drive of Dorothy, scarecrow, the tin woodsman, and the lion. 4 characters, drawn together by what they have in common: they’re lacking something. In Frank Baum’s classic story, they’re all seeking to improve ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Promise Of Peace

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Feb 22, 2024

Peace requires effort and intentionality, a conscious choice to turn away from the distractions and temptations that pull us away from God.

The Promise of Peace Scripture: John 14:27. Introduction: Peace requires effort and intentionality, a conscious choice to turn away from the distractions and temptations that pull us away from God. Reflection In the tumultuous seas of life, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, to lose sight of ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Other

David And Saul's Jealousy

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jun 7, 2019

1 Samuel 18:6-30 shows us Saul’s jealousy of David’s success and efforts to kill him.

Scripture God has rejected Saul as king over Israel, and David has been anointed as the future king over Israel. Later, the Philistines gathered their armies for battle against the armies of Israel. At this time young David killed the giant Goliath. The armies of Israel then routed the armies of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Ode To The Messed-Up Church Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 11, 2020

This passage details the numerous efforts the Paul made to get the Corinthians back on track and the harsh reality that some churches are just a mess.

- Maybe start with the story of Pastor Mark and church “J.” THE SITUATION FOR THIS MESSED-UP CHURCH: 1. Paul handled his ministry there with integrity. - 2 Corinthians 12:11-12, 17-19. 2. Paul sacrificed for them. - 2 Corinthians 12:13, 14b, 15-16. 3. This was not the first time he’d tried ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

Obedience Is The Key For Success: Part 2 Series

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jun 18, 2021

God is not going to ignore people who are obedient and who take all efforts to please God despite the inconveniences. Are you listening?

Obedience is the key for success: Part 2 Genesis 26:1”….So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines.2 “The LORD appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you.” Obedience is the key for success: God is not going to ignore ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

How Impressive

Contributed by Craig Benner on May 17, 2017

What kind of an impression are you making? Is it temporal or is it eternal? Anyone can leave a mark, but it takes effort to leave a positive impression.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. Acts 4:9-13 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Building A Community Of Benai Shalom Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 26, 2015

We aid each other in the effort to build an authentic community of people working together to do God’s will.

Thursday of 26th week in course 2015 Joy of the Gospel Last Thursday we heard the words of the prophet Haggai to the returning exiles–rebuild the Temple of the Lord. It would not have the glory of Solomon’s Temple, but it would be a place around which to restructure the worship of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

The Danger Of Drifting

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Nov 4, 2025

We must anchor ourselves in the truth of Christ, lest we drift into destruction. Drifting never requires effort, only neglect.

The Danger of Drifting November 2, 2025, Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: We must anchor ourselves in the truth of Christ, lest we drift into destruction. Focus Passage: Hebrews 2:1-4 (Pew Bible page 1373) Supplemental Passage: Therefore, since we ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

You're Invited

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 21, 2025

God lovingly invites everyone to His eternal banquet; true acceptance means wearing Christ’s robe of righteousness, not our own efforts.

Section 1 – Introduction: The Search and the Invitation Picture the best church potluck you’ve ever attended. Tables sag under the weight of steaming casseroles, vege meatloaf, fragrant breads, and desserts that dare you to try “just one bite.” Everyone brings something, but nobody goes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24, Isaiah 61:10, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Revelation 19:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Crossed Boundaries

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Mar 17, 2020

Jesus crossed boundaries to encounter humanity in our deepest need.

March 15, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Rev. Mary Erickson John 4:5-42 Crossed Boundaries Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” Jesus had traveled a long distance for ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Denomination: Lutheran

The Role Of Government Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Nov 15, 2016

Human government and human leaders are ordained of God. How do their roles intersect with faithfully living as a disciple of Jesus Christ? That is the focus of this sermon.

As a pastor, there are two things I try never to talk about in church: religion and politics. Well, here we go! Not only talking about both subjects, but wedding them together in a message series. Let me offer some disclaimers as we begin. This will not be a message series that “takes ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

The God Who Breaks Protocols Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 31, 2025

Protocols are created by men, but miracles are orchestrated by God. He operates above human systems and disrupts human order for divine order to manifest.

THE GOD WHO BREAKS PROTOCOLS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Esther 4:10-17 Supporting Texts: Genesis 41:14, Matthew 8:1-3, Luke 13:10-13, 1 Samuel 16:11-13, Daniel 3:28-30 INTRODUCTION: There are seasons in life when established systems and rules appear to hinder progress, and when man-made ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:10-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No Fault Of Mine

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 20, 2025

Jesus stood on humanity’s fault line, bore our blame, and made us faultless in grace—secure on the unshakable ground of mercy

> “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (ESV) --- Introduction – The Medal, the Fault Line, and the Mirror A church once gave their pastor a medal that read “Most Humble Pastor.” They took it back the next Sabbath—he wore it to church. That little story ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Psalm 40:2, Hebrews 12:28, Isaiah 53:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

What The Hell... Is It?

Contributed by David Dunn on Nov 3, 2025

Hell is not God’s cruelty but humanity’s final refusal of love—the tragic absence of the presence that could have been heaven.

PART 1 — The Whisper Beneath the Questions Sometimes life feels like a hallway with too many closed doors. You step forward, expecting something good, and the moment your hand reaches for the doorknob, it locks. You pray, and nothing moves. You wait, and nothing changes. You do everything you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:28, 1 Timothy 6:16, Deuteronomy 32:22, Ezekiel 33:11, Revelation 21:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist