Sermons on New Ambitions:

How God Grows Us Through Struggles Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 7, 2018

This difficult passage points us toward who we are in Christ and how He grows us.

HOW GOD GROWS US THROUGH STRUGGLES: 1. AN EASY LIFE? God does not take away our struggles, though He does ensure they don’t overwhelm us. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-9. - In verses 8-9, Paul shares four statements that we’d rather not hear. They speak clearly to an uncomfortable truth: God’s goal is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Great Expectations For God's Church Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 9, 2018

Great expectations for God's Church: 1. Expect new strength (vs. 32). 2. Expect new support (vs. 33-34). 3. Expect new service (vs. 35-36; 39-41). 4. Expect new starts (vs. 37-39). 5. Expect new struggles (vs. 37-40). 6. Expect new success (vs. 37-41).

Great Expectations for God's Church The Book of Acts - Part 51 Acts 15:32-41 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - August 3, 2014 "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God." You've probably heard that quote before. It's one of my favorites. Mary cross-stitched it for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:32-41

Denomination: Baptist

Aim For Perfection

Contributed by Roger Hutto on Dec 31, 2017

The church should intentionally strive for perfection - being a church where God's presence is evident and powerful. This requires a strategy of obeying God's word, uniting on the fundamental truths of our faith, and never sacrificing unity over trivial

Aim for Perfection 2 Corinthians 13:11 Well, we have another Year in the books! We're standing at the door ready to enter into a New Year. What are we going to do with it? How are we going to approach it? We've got a couple of choices: • We can focus on the past: whether it be our successes ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christianity's Best Kept Secret Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Aug 20, 2019

Jesus Christ our Savior set us free from the penalty of sin. Jesus Christ our Lord set us free to minister in HIs Name, but without selfish ambition of gaining position, prestige or power in God's kingdom.

GOOD NEWS PRESENTED BY MARK Study of the Gospel According to Mark As you read Mark, be aware that you are reading the very first written account of the ministry ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-42

Life Testimony Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 25, 2023

Paul in this passage gives one of the most profound counter cultural statements ever said, "to live is Christ, and to die is gain!" In this sermon we are going to examine what Paul meant by those words and how putting Christ first is the key to joy and rejoicing in Lord's presence!

Paul’s Life Testimony Philippians 1:18b-26 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 While the Christian life is filled with a few glorious mountain tops to stand upon to review one’s blessings and spiritual fruit, far too often one finds oneself in the trenches of trials, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-26

Denomination: Baptist

David And Jonathan Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Apr 3, 2003

Here is the story of a friendship that transcends personal ambition, family differences and even the circumstances of war. It’s a friendship based on a recognition of God’s will for his people Israel, expressed through one man, David. It’s a friendship th

Well, it’s been 3 weeks since we looked at the story of David and Goliath and a lot has happened since then. If you remember David came along at just the right time for Saul and the Israelite army. The Israelites were being humiliated by the Philistines and their champion Goliath, but David, with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:1-42

Denomination: Anglican

Be Careful What You Ask For

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Mar 28, 2009

Lent 5: James and John ask Jesus for seats of privilege at his right and left. Ambition, power and glory are often pursued - but at a cost. Glory to Jesus is much different than what we see... Be careful what you ask for!

One of my favorite movies of all time is The Christmas Story. The character around whom the story revolves is nine year-old Ralphie. Now more than anything else in the world, Ralphie wanted a Red Ryder BB gun. But every time he mentioned it, he would be rebuffed. Ralphie asked his momma for the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-40

Denomination: Lutheran

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

Contributed by Randy Crawford on Apr 24, 2025

Every believer faces the battle of self—pride, ambition, and the longing for recognition. John the Baptist’s profound statement in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” cuts straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ.

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease” Introduction: Every believer faces the battle of self—pride, ambition, and the longing for recognition. John the Baptist’s profound statement in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” cuts straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ. In a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30-35

The Best Of Times In The Worst Of Times

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Dec 16, 2001

In a bad-news, good-news world, we need to remember that God’s good news 1. Is greater than the world’s bad news. 2. Transforms the world’s bad news. 3. Will do away with the world’s bad news.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

Denomination: Methodist

The Lavishness Of God - Part Iii Series

Contributed by Steve Lombardo on Jun 7, 2008

The bad news and the good news from Psalm 103.

This past week I celebrated a birthday, my birthday – 29 years old and I had a lot of wonderful people who were really quick to remind me that it was one year away from 30. So thanks so much for that encouragement. 361 more days until 30 years old. Now some of you are thinking- “Big deal. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Truth About Truth

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jul 26, 2012

It may take a crucified church to bring a crucified Christ before the eyes of the world. Christ’s cross makes foolish human wisdom. The cross insults our intelligence (too simple), ability (nothing to do), and ambition (not glory for self).

Opening illustration: When Harvard University was founded, its motto was Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae —“Truth for Christ and the Church.” Its crest showed three books, one face down to symbolize the limitation of human knowledge. But in recent decades that book has been turned ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

John: The Apostle Of Truth And Love Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Aug 6, 2018

There is no one kind of personality that is the best to serve God but as we learn from Apostle John balancing the truth with love goes a long ways towards being effective in our witness of Jesus!

John: The Apostle of Love 2 John Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Ever wonder what kind of personality is best to have to serve God in His kingdom? While those who have a passionate, zealous and ambitious personality have the drive to “push” others to obey ...read more

Scripture: John 14:23-24, John 3:5-6, 1 John 4:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Greatness?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Oct 10, 2024

Jesus our God came to serve. And even to die, to give his life as a ransom for many! To die for us, to empty himself of divine power and authority and serve those in need. That is true greatness.

I recall a meme I saw online, it had a picture of a janitorial supply cart and it said, "Called to ministry? This will be your first pulpit." Truer words were never spoken. My first five years in ministry I mopped a lot of floors, and believe me, I expect more floors in the future. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

Grace At Work 1 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jul 22, 2012

Having looked at “new men”, and a new “society”; Paul now turns his attention to new standards that will define this new order.

Dakota Community Church July 22, 2012 Grace at Work - 1 Ephesians 4-6 Closing thoughts on Paul’s Powerful Prayer: Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Mennonite

Quitters - Pt. 2 Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Aug 24, 2019

Hang on! Let go! Endure till the end! Throw in towel. So should we quit or not quit? That is the question!

I. Introduction Some have already crashed and burned! Others are killing it. Fasts. Workout plans. Pages read. Promises kept. Promises broken. A new year and new dreams, new ambitions, new desires and old obstacles, old challenges, old situations. This mix leads to quitting. As much anticipation ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:10-11

Denomination: Pentecostal