Sermons on Make It Your Ambition:

War And Peace - The Way Of The World Vs. The Way Of Jesus

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Apr 7, 2016

This sermon is a look at the opposites that are described in Philippians 2:3-4. The first part is the way of war and strife. The second part is the way of peace and joy in the Lord.

Philippians 2:1-11 (Read from the Bible with the congregation) As I’m sure you noticed, our new memory Scripture is found in this awesome passage. Let’s take a look at the first part … Philippians 2:3a “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit … Selfish ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4

Denomination: Nazarene

Downwardly Mobile

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 25, 2023

Jesus isn’t saying that ambition is a bad thing, or that they/we shouldn’t aspire to be great. He’s telling them/us that true greatness is something else.

Ann Henderson came home from her doctor’s appointment looking much the same as usual. Maybe she was a little quieter, but not enough to cause comment. The whole family was home for dinner that night, for once. She was grateful. She would only have to say it once. She waited for a moment when nobody ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Rebuke Turned Back Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 22, 2009

Jesus turns from silence about His achievements to open speaking about His death. He will not follow the ambition path, the pleasure path, or the easy spirituality path.

You can admire Jesus, you can think well of Jesus, you can even love Jesus. But you cannot domesticate Him, you cannot tame Him, you cannot make Him sweet and nice and pretty. He is who He is and He says what He says, and sometimes it’s hard to take. In my experience, just about everybody out ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

God And Justice

Contributed by Clarence Clough on Sep 23, 2011

Christians should show mercy to those unjustly oppressed.

GOD AND JUSTICE Texts: Amos 6, 8; Zephaniah 3 @ "Injustice is relatively easy to bear; what stings is justice."__ H.L. Mencken, Prejudices We should act with justice in everything. Justice can be considered right behavior. Ethics involve or express moral approval or disapproval consistent with ...read more

Scripture: Amos 6:1-6

Denomination: Church Of God

Discipleship - Warts And All

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Oct 13, 2015

Theme: Self-surrender/sacrifice/servanthood Proposition: Through a series of trials and errors Jesus is able to teach His disciples the true walk of a disciple - that of self-surrender/sacrifice/servanthood

Scripture: Mark 10: 32 - 45; Psalms 104:1-9; Hebrews 5:1-10 and Isaiah 53:4-12 Title: "WARTS AND ALL" Theme: Self-surrender/sacrifice/servanthood Proposition: Through a series of trials and errors Jesus is able to teach His disciples the true walk of a disciple - that of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Nazarene

On His Majesty’s Service

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 18, 2023

True greatness is not power but service.

Ann Henderson came home from her doctor’s appointment looking much the same as usual. Maybe she was a little quieter, but not enough to cause comment. The whole family was home for dinner that night, for once. She was grateful. She would only have to say it once. She waited for a moment when nobody ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Quagmire Of Mankind’s Separation-3

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 16, 2012

3 of 3. Genesis concisely details a separation of nations following the Flood. What defines the quagmire of mankind’s separation? The quagmire in mankind’s separation is in his...

The QUAGMIRE Of MANKIND’s SEPARATION-III—Genesis 10:1-32 & 11:1-9 Attention: Caught in traffic—My experience in Atlanta—the day I had to go thru Atlanta twice... Separated from family. Separated from obligations. Can’t fulfill obligations. Caught up in the momentary ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Being A Disciple Really Means (Luke, Part 7) Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Mar 6, 2022

If you let God lead, He will take you on a wonderful journey ... but, if you don’t start somewhere, how can you ever make an impact? Jesus challenged those following Him to be fully committed ... so are we?

What being a disciple REALLY means (Luke, Part 7) Luke 14:25-35 Introduction / Recap - The study of Luke is an interesting one for believers to explore -- We see Luke’s interest in humanity (it’s genuine, rem: career as a physician) -- We also get to experience how Jesus interacts with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35, Mark 10:28-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Longing For More

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jul 9, 2012

A sermon on spiritual dryness, lack of enthusiasm, lack of growth, and desires (Material adapted from Ruth Barton's book, Sacred Rhythms, chapter 1 entitled Longing for More)

Introduction: U2 sang these lyrics: You broke the bonds and you Loosed the chains Carried the cross Of my shame Oh my shame You know I believe it Sounds great, about Jesus but then they sing: But I still haven't found what I'm looking for WBTU: Don’t jump to conclusions or judgments here. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Achievement And Power Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Jan 24, 2003

Explores what the Bible teaches about ambition.

An excellent illustration of the pitfalls of ambition comes from Shakespeare’s classic work Macbeth. Macbeth probably expected to have ambition delivered in a quite different way then it was. He found the answers to his quest from three witches whose prophesy foretold who the next king of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:38-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Assimilation: Making Insiders Out Of Outsiders Presenter Copy

Contributed by John Putty on Apr 7, 2011

A lesson for your leadership on Assimilation. For more information, see student copy description.

ASSIMILATION Making Insiders Out of Outsiders Rev. J. Kevin Putty, Presenter Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Imprinted (Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany February 5 2023)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Feb 4, 2023

Paul’s purpose was not to make an impression by his human ability and attainment but to let the Holy Spirit make an impression on them through his preaching.

IMPRINTED Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1 – 11 1 Corinthians 2:1-11  When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom.  (2)  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Grace Is Greater Than Your Bitterness

Contributed by Jim Caswell on Jan 23, 2018

Prayer is what makes forgiveness possible.

Title: Grace Is Greater than Your Bitterness Place: BLCC Date: 1/28/18 Text: Hebrews 12.15; Acts 7.57-60 CT: Prayer is what makes forgiveness possible. [Screen 1] FAS: Craig Groeschel said, my biggest struggle with bitterness started when my family discovered the awful truth about someone we had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:57-60

Denomination: Christian Church

Made To Make A Difference (Acts 5) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 14, 2012

This expository sermon series is adapted from Max Lucado's book, Out Live Your Life, and credit for most the series belong to him. Outlines are original. In Acts 5, we find the early church doing good deeds authentically, abundantly, and adventurously! Cu

Made to Make a Difference: Acts 5 Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 7/17/2011 This series is inspired by and portions adapted from Max Lucado’s Out Live Your Life. Even after their first taste of persecution and prison food, the message of the resurrection of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-39

Denomination: Christian Church

Earning Your Money Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Jan 9, 2005

Proverbs is God’s little book of wisdom. One area of life that’s covered in Proverbs is personal finance.

Today, I warn you that I will be using a four letter word that some of you might not like: WORK! Work gets mixed reviews, doesn’t it? Some of us work too much. We are a nation of workaholics. People working 60, 70, 80 hours a week to “get ahead.” People who work early, stay late, and bring ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:22

Denomination: Baptist