Sermons on Human Effort:

The Magi Surface Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 21, 2015

The visit of the Magi piques our curiosity but also reveals the importance of honoring Jesus Christ — no matter how much effort it takes.

The Magi Surface (Matthew 2:1-12) 1. Some people think the Bible teaches that the fruit Adam and Eve ate in the Garden was an apple….. probably a fig. Most of us know the Christmas narratives fairly well, but we often assume things that the text does not actually say. 2. Lin Smalec writes, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon On Speed Of Achievement

Contributed by William Meakin on Feb 13, 2023

Achievement is defined as a thing done successfully with effort, skill or courage. Unless failure occurs, it is usually the given result in any task or endeavor.

Marcus Tullius Cicero, a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar and philosopher once remarked: “It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment.” Ephesians 1:11 confirms: “In him we have obtained an inheritance, having ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, 2 Peter 3:9, Amos 9:13-15, Isaiah 40:31

Solemnity Of The Ascension Of The Lord And Mother's Day

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Apr 11, 2024

We are chasing a sense of enoughness. But it remains ever out of reach, and the effort and anxiety are burning us out. American "performancism."

Martha Campbell said of flunking her final exams and the resulting report card, and what her parents did: "I got a no TV for a week in math, a no dessert for a month in history, and a just wait 'til your father gets home in social studies." My seminary Bible teacher said, “The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-20, Acts 1:1-11

Denomination: Catholic

The Joy Of The Lord PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2025

True strength comes not from our own efforts, but from receiving and resting in the deep, sustaining joy that Jesus freely gives to us.

Some weeks feel like a treadmill stuck on high speed. Emails multiply, news headlines weigh heavy, and the to-do list seems to lengthen while our energy shortens. Maybe your smile has been performing overtime while your heart has been running on empty. Friend, you’re not alone. And you’re not left ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10

Topics: Joy

Hold On PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 11, 2025

The sermon encourages perseverance in doing good, assuring that faithful, unseen efforts matter and will ultimately yield a harvest in God’s perfect timing.

Some of us walked in today a little weary, a little worn, and a little wondering. You’ve been faithful in the small things—praying for prodigals, blessing neighbors, showing up for work with integrity, holding your tongue when it would be easier to snap, trusting God when the calendar feels crowded ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9

Topics: Perseverance, Endurance

Why Jesus Was Raised From The Dead

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Sep 15, 2015

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IS ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION TO BE AVAILABLE TO HUMANITY. BY JESUS CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION GOD HAS SOLVED HUMANITY’S SIN PROBLEM AND HAS CREATED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GUILTY HUMANITY TO STAND BEFORE HIM AND BE JUSTIFIED..

WHY WAS JESUS RAISED FROM THE DEAD MATTHEW 28:1-8 THROUGHOUT HISTORY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO EXPLAIN THE MYSTERY AND MEANING OF THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. HOW DOES IT HELP US AS WE STAND BEFORE GOD AS OUR RIGHTEOUS JUDGE? AS WE SHALL SEE TODAY, THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IS ESSENTIAL ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Or Observance Of The Law? Series

Contributed by Roger Griffith on Jul 15, 2003

Some begin well in the faith but leave the truth for error and false teachings. Once you get on the track of faith in Christ, don’t get off.

FAITH OR OBSERVANCE OF THE LAW? TEXT: Galatians 3:1-14 (NIV) 1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit BY OBSERVING THE LAW, or BY BELIEVING ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-14

The Christian Life In A Nutshell

Contributed by Michael Bell on Oct 18, 2000

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A UNIQUE DIVINE-HUMAN ENDEAVOR.

Introductory Paragraph: One of the major news stories of the year...Princess Diana...news magazines reviewing her life...eulogy Almost unnoticed went the death of Mother Teresa...as I listened to the story of her life, I gained an even greater appreciation for who she was & the work God did ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Right In Their Own Eyes Series

Contributed by Guy Caley on Dec 14, 2001

The story of Abimelech demonstrates the shortfalls of Human Wisdom.

Right in their Own Eyes Text: Judges 9 Introduction The Poem "Smart" by Shel Silverstien (from Where the Sidewalk Ends--available at your library) Judges 21:25 "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit" or "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" Proposition:. ...read more

Scripture: Judges 9:1-53

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Significant Insignificance

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 21, 2000

Human significance comes only from God

Significant Insignificance Psalm 8. 3-5 October 28, 1997 Meigs Area Holiness Rally I. The Canadian Star scape A. The rugged beauty of the Canadian landscape: Annual fishing trip, little piece of heaven, cabin view of Candy Cane Ridge, Canadian National post card B. The majestic beauty of the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:3-5

Denomination: Church Of God

What We Believe: Mankind (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Dana Chau on Jun 5, 2003

Discover your value and potential as a human being

We’ve spent four Sundays looking at what God is like and what difference knowing the true picture of God makes in our lives. Every time you hear someone say that they don’t want anything to do with God, you can be sure that if they told you what kind of God they don’t want anything to do with, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28

Denomination: *other

Opened Eyes, And Burning Hearts

Contributed by Jacob Holmes on Nov 25, 2002

What happens with Divinity,and humanity unite.

Opened Eyes, and Burning Hearts. Unaware of the reality of the resurrection of Christ, two men embarked on a two hour journey, that was interrupted by the son of God himself. They spake as if he were just another prophet, and believed as if he were still dead, all the while, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-36

Denomination: Church Of God

Three Plains Of Life

Contributed by Gerald Van Horn on Apr 6, 2006

Class and caste have always charactorized humanity

Three Spiritual Plains by Gerald Van Horn I Corinthians 2:14. “But the natural man received not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them. I Corinthians 3:1-2 “And I brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:14-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Gossip To Death Series

Contributed by Eric Bain on Feb 14, 2007

This sermon looks at the role of Gossip in the Fall of humanity.

Gossip To Death GENESIS: 3 © 2007 Eric Bain NOTE: This sermon is available in audio format @ www.sanctuary-church.com BI - There is a sin that our society not only embraces, but encourages. • It seems that when we get a taste of it, we can’t get enough of it. • It is utterly ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Common Struggle, Part 2 Series

Contributed by John Harvey on Feb 15, 2006

The second struggle common to all humanity is temptation.

James: Religion That Works “The Common Struggle, Part Two” February 19, 2006 Introduction: We started last week looking at the common struggle of trials in our lives. We talked about how the people that James is writing to were Christians who had left their homes under the threat of persecution. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:13-18

Denomination: Baptist