Sermons on Human Effort:

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

He Prepared Not His Heart

Contributed by Greg Irby on Feb 28, 2009

It is necessary that we prepare our hearts to seek the Lord. If no care or effort is made in doing and making the heart right, it will go wrong.

HE PREPARED NOT HIS HEART 2 CHRONICLES 12 Text: 2 Chronicles 12:14 2 Chronicles 12:14 14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. Introduction: In your study of the Word of God you have probably noticed that as a general rule, at the end of each king’s reign ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Presence Of The Lord

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Feb 22, 2012

We need to seek the presence of the LORD in all our worship and ministry for it is His presence that determines the results of our efforts and ministry.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 KJV 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Is The Yoke On You? Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Nov 2, 2011

The walk with the Master requires great effort on our part. However, the load we bear is made easy by the one we serve.

Robert Kirkpatrick had some good news and some bad news. The good news: he had been extended a written invitation to a dinner with President Bush in Washington, DC. The invite and letter were signed by Vice President Cheney himself. It is not every day you receive an invitation like that. On the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

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

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

Being A Focused Christian Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Apr 10, 2015

Being focused believer takes effort and it takes determination. There are many distractions that can pull you away from a relationship with the Lord.

Being a focused Christian Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus Matthew chapter 6:33 Introduction We are still in the series Thinking, Acting, Being like Jesus. Last week you remember we looked at the principal and relationship of prayer. We agreed that prayer works, and I asked that we do ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Denomination: Nazarene

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

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

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

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

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

The Value Of One Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 23, 2001

Human life is full of dignity and worth because we are made in the image of God -- Jesus sees the value of every human being and calls us to do the same.

The Value of One Rev. Brian Bill 1/21/01 An elderly man was out walking along the beach early one morning when he noticed a teenager ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Catching up with the youth, he asked him what he was doing. The student responded by saying that ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-18

Denomination: Baptist