Sermons on Human Effort:

Jesus From Baby To Boy

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jan 21, 2010

Some people think that Jesus never knew sickness or pain until the cross but that thinking is contrary to scripture. Jesus knows full well what it means to be human.

Jesus from Baby to Boy Many people are fascinated with the life of Jesus but say there is a lack of information about his early years. I want to address that concern and show you we know more about Jesus early years than people think. What we need to remember is that the gospel writers were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Imagine: No Hell Below Us; Above Us Only Sky Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Jan 28, 2018

Two-thirds of Americans believe there is no hell. Let's imagine for a moment there is no hell. Lest you take me literally, I DO believe in the existence of heaven and hell. But what would you do if you wanted to eliminate the distasteful idea of hell?

INTRODUCTION There are many theories about the afterlife. Some people believe in reincarnation. Three men died and stood before God, who asked them how they wanted to spend their next life on earth. The first man said, “I want to come back as myself, but I want to be 10 times smarter.” “Poof,” God ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:42-49

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas: "An Amazing Journey”

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Dec 14, 2025

All journeys pale in comparison to the greatest journey of all time, that which we know as Christmas. Today I’d like to share with you the divine version of this story, which is found in the first chapter of John’s gospel.

Christmas: “An Amazing Journey” John 1:1-5, 14 Watch on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXpWnJ1-iF4 As we enter this Christmas season, the true meaning we should share with the world is that Jesus left His heavenly estate and came down as a human baby; it’s about God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 49:7-8, John 1:1-5, John 1:14

Denomination: Foursquare

Hoping In The Lord's Mercy

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Nov 30, 2014

To show the difference in Old and New Testament, in Old, according to performance of the person, that's why it's lacking; in New Testament, it's according to Divine effort of the LORD JESUS CHRIST on the cross of calvary.

I. EXORDIUM: Is it according to your human effort or divine effort? Divine effort II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show the difference in Old and New Testament, in Old, according to performance of the person, that's why it's lacking; in New Testament, it's according to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Social Dimension Of Evangelism Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 21, 2016

"the service of charity is also a constituent element of the Church’s mission and an indispensable expression of her very being."

Thursday of the 29th Week in Course 2016 Joy of the Gospel Why did Herod and the Pharisees hate Jesus so much that they endeavored to kill Him, and not only once? And why ultimately did Jesus lay this curse on Jerusalem, or, rather, turn their curse on themselves, so that in 67 AD the Jews ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Catholic

You People Are Awesome! Series

Contributed by Michael Mays on Sep 11, 2021

Most everyone likes looking at pictures in family photo albums, because there are always a couple that make us smile every time we look at them. Paul has similar feelings as he begins this letter to the church at Philippi.

I. Intro A. Who likes to look at pictures in family photo albums? Are there some photos that make you smile every time you look at them? What about every time you think about them? B. We enjoy singing here so much—whenever people ask us what we do, we tell them—but among all the things we’re part ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Spots And Stripes Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 20, 2021

If you want true success in life, don’t depend on your shrewd deals or your spent schemes. Instead, depend on the Lord.

Ted Engstrom and Edward Dayton, in a Christian Leadership Letter some time ago, talked about a young man who was appointed president of a bank. Intimidated by his new responsibilities, he nervously sought the advice of his gray-haired predecessor: “Sir, what has been the secret of your success?” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:25-43, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:17, Galatians 3:3, 1 Peter 3:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 15:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Lost Hope

Contributed by C M Mackinnon on Sep 14, 2010

Hope is vital to an abundant life, but there are three reasons we are losing our hope, and shattering the foundation of our lives.

On Wednesday nights we’ve started the DVD study by John Ortberg entitled, The Me I Want To Be. In that study he relates a medical term, a three-letter acronym: F.T.T. It gets entered into the chart of an infant who, often for unknown reasons, is unable to gain weight or grow. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

In Defense Of Marriage

Contributed by Carlton Coon on Oct 12, 2001

An effort to promote the concept of commitment to marriage.

In Defense of Marriage Matt 19:1 (KJS) And it came to pass, [that] when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan; 2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there. 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:1-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Daily Routine Of Abiding Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Dec 13, 2004

Abiding in Christ takes daily effort

Purpose Series #3 (Six Sessions on God’s Purpose for Your Life) The Daily Routine of Abiding John 15:1-8 SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 4:22-24 INTRODUCTION: All of us have some kind of morning routine. Mine has advanced in complexity since my college days. Back then, I just got up, threw ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Garden Of Evil Planters

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on Jan 19, 2010

The Bible says that evil men shall wax stronger and stronger. Therefore, in this age of so much spiritual contamination, it is important for every believer to know how to deliver himself and how to help others.

THE GARDEN OF EVIL PLANTERS Dr. D. K. Olukoya This week, our message is entitled, “The garden of evil planters.” We shall start by considering Matthew 13: 24-28: “Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which seweth good seed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-28

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Heart Of Worship

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on May 28, 2024

As the heart is critical to the human life cycle, so also is worship essential to pleasing God. What is the state of your heart in the place of worship?

TEXT: John 4:23-24 "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” WHAT IS WORSHIP? Worship is ...read more

Scripture: John 4:23-24, Psalm 24:3-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Walking In The Shadow Of Darkness

Contributed by Nettie J Pennington on Nov 19, 2020

When we walk in the shadow of darkness, we know right but choose to do wrong. We are sojourners who know the Word of God and are familiar with how deeds driven by the flesh can lead to ungodliness.

When we walk in the shadow of darkness, we know right but choose to do wrong. We are sojourners who know the Word of God and are familiar with how deeds driven by the flesh can lead to ungodliness. People walking this leg of the journey are witnesses to the fact that “People's desires make ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:19, Ecclesiastes 7:17

Denomination: Other

Living Wide Open

Contributed by Vinnie Cappetta on Mar 4, 2006

What if God multiplied your efforts by 100?

Living Wide Open (Part Two) Matthew 19:16-30 Acts 13:36 And David served the purposes of God in his generation. Participant vs. spectator Read Philippians 2:5-11 “He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.” Object Lesson: serving towel 1 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A National Imperative: Spiritual Awakening Series

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Nov 2, 2020

The world is falling apart, nations are crumbling, people everywhere are confused and fearful. Such things reveal our human limitations. Our problems are clearly beyond the scope of our human abilities. It is time to pray to God for a spiritual awakening.

JESUS said, “Repent and believe” (Mark 1:15). 1. The world is falling apart, nations are crumbling, people everywhere are confused and fearful. Such things reveal our human limitations. Our problems are clearly beyond the scope of our human abilities. But thankfully, nothing is too hard for the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:15, Psalm 66:17-19, Psalm 24:3-4, 2 Timothy 2:25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational