Sermons on Human Effort:

"Our Identity In Christ (I): We Are Humans, Created In God’s Image”

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Jun 2, 2021

Knowing who we are in Christ is vital. Without it, we can be confused, lost, and have no meaning and purpose in our lives, and therefore, fail to accomplish God's plans for us. This is the first sermon series on "Our Identity in Christ."

Last week we learned from Romans 12:3 the importance of having a correct understanding of ourselves. Otherwise, we can become arrogant, feel that we are great, smart, strong, and right, when in fact it is not. Or conversely, we can become inferior, not realizing the gifts and abilities that God has ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, 1 John 4:2-3, Romans 10:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Genesis Chapter 6: The Corruption Of Humanity And The Grace Of God By Pst Joseph Ondu Series

Contributed by Joseph Ondu on Nov 17, 2025

Noah’s obedience is a challenge to every believer. It is not enough to hear God’s Word; we must follow it carefully and consistently. The preservation of Noah’s family shows that righteousness does not only benefit an individual; it becomes a covering for generations.

Genesis Chapter 6: The Corruption of Humanity and the Grace of God Introduction Genesis chapter 6 marks a turning point in the story of humanity. What began as a creation filled with beauty, order, and divine purpose has now descended into deep corruption. The chapter shows the seriousness of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Desire To Save All, Yet Human Rebellion Persists Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 6, 2025

This paradox is woven throughout the biblical narrative, raising fundamental questions about the nature of God's sovereignty, human free will, and the human condition.

The Bible presents a complex and multifaceted portrayal of God's relationship with humanity. On one hand, scripture reveals God's profound desire to save all people, while on the other hand, it acknowledges the persistent rebellion of humanity against its Creator. This paradox is woven ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:10-12

Does God Want Everyone To Be Saved? Understanding The Divine Love And Human Choice Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 11, 2025

The Bible presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of God's desire for humanity's salvation.

The Bible presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of God's desire for humanity's salvation. On one hand, Scripture affirms that God wants everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9). On the other hand, it also warns that not everyone will accept God's offer of salvation, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Psalm 27 - The Lord Of Light And Salvation Series

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Apr 7, 2014

This is another message from my efforts to preach through the Psalms.

THE LORD OF LIGHT AND SALVATION TEXT: Psalm 27:1-14 Psalms 27:1-14 KJV A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? [2] When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let You Shine Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 6, 2014

Being the light of the world is a cooperative effort between God and ourselves.

Let You Shine Text: Phil. 2:12-18 Introduction 1. Illustration: Jesus himself said to his disciples, "[L]et your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) 

This is a concept that is sometimes a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Methodist

Come Let Us Reason Together.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on May 10, 2022

The failure of our efforts and the glory of Christ's work.

COME LET US REASON TOGETHER. Isaiah 1:10-18. Isaiah addresses his congregation as “rulers of Sodom” and “people of Gomorrah”, and begins to reason with them (Isaiah 1:10). It is all quite shocking: how dare he expose our comfortable, upright congregation to such strong language? After all, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:10-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Father's Day 2001

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 16, 2001

Scriptural thoughts from the book of Proverbs in an effort to honor Fathers.

FATHER’S DAY 2001 INTRO.- It’s Father’s Day and someone wrote, “What my dad taught me.” - My dad taught me about religion - “You better pray that stain will come out of the carpet!” - My dad taught me about behavior modification - “Stop acting like your mother!” - My dad taught me about time ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 6:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Move With God Beyond Your Comfort Zone Series

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Mar 18, 2003

Sometimes it takes effort to move out of our comfort zone.

Iliff and Saltillo UM Churches January 26, 2003 Move with God Beyond Your Comfort Zone How to: Go for the Gulp Matthew 14:22-33 INTRODUCTION: Picture yourself at 4:00 a.m. out in a rowboat on a choppy lake with the wind blowing like crazy and the waves slapping up around the side of the boat. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Methodist

Missing Christmas

Contributed by Bernard Dawson on Dec 15, 2002

An effort to draw attention to the risk of missing the real meaning of Christmas.

MISSING CHRISTMAS Luke 2:1-7 George Mason was an astute businessman. He was also unsocial, single and against Christmas. He was a modern day Ebenezer Scrooge who wished for Christmas to move along so business and profits could resume. On Christmas eve as his workers were leaving he accidentally ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:25-36

Denomination: Holiness

Is The Righteous Life Worth Living?

Contributed by Robert Bravo on Jul 1, 2007

Living righteous in an unrighteous world is hard. Well is it worth the effort?

Is the righteous life worth living? Malachi 3:13 - 18 (NIV) 13“You have said harsh things against me,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ 14“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

From Wee Little To Great Big Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jul 13, 2006

In order to draw nearer to Jesus we need to make the effort.

From Wee Little to Great Big Text: Lk. 19:1-10 Introduction 1. Read Lk. 19:1-10 2. Illustration: A certain man was troubled with dizzy spells. He went from one doctor to another and none could tell him what the problem was. He tried everything, it seemed. Finally, it was bothering him so ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

Living In Christ Part 2: Bearing Fruit Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 11, 2008

We must put forth an effort towards becoming fruitful.

Living In Christ Part 2: Bearing Fruit Text: Eph. 4:25-32 Introduction 1. Illustration: There are no short cuts to maturity. It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Methodist

"Thirst"

Contributed by Fred Mueller on Apr 2, 2011

A sermon focusing on the theme of thirst - of Israel in the wilderness during the Exodus and of the woman at the well and of Jesus on the Cross.

“Thirst” From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Place For Us-4

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 18, 2010

Part 4 of 5. The beginnings of the heavens & the earth were handed down in God’s word. Man must be aware the scenario that surrounds the founding of his world. How can we find our place in the world? The place for us is found in the...

THE PLACE for US-IV—Genesis 1:1—2:3 Attention/Need: Mankind without God, is plagued by... Loneliness(Relationships—personal, business) Hopelessness(Purpose; Direction; Meaning; Joy; etc. Insecurities-Losses(Job; Financial; Health—threat of cancer, disease, catastrophic ...read more

Denomination: Baptist