Sermons on No Effort:

But They Could Not...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 13, 2018

Despite the repeated efforts of mankind to duplicate the work of the Lord, His work is unique and man is unable to do what He does. Eventually, those who imagine they can supplant God crash up against reality, and they are revealed to be frauds.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Say to Aaron, “Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats in all the land of Egypt.”’ And they did so. Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 8:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Story Of An Absentee King Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 9, 2021

Every believer will give an account of their efforts You will give an account of your whole life. Some of you have taken the gospel and stuck in a sock drawer. Some of you have taken the story of Jesus and stuffed in under your mattress.

I wish I could say I was shocked when I saw the story… A Libyan branch of ISIS claims to have beheaded 21 men. A caption across the bottom of the video screen read, “The people of the cross, followers of the hostile Egyptian church” As many as thirteen of the men were from one small farming ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Challenges Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 22, 2021

Amongst the many interpretations, the challenges of life have been defined as "The situation of being faced with something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person's ability."

Roy T. Bennett, the author of “The Light in the Heart” once remarked: “Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter.” James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10, Isaiah 41:13, Philippians 4:13

Make It Make Sense

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Oct 16, 2025

Pause and reflect on the hand of God in your life. When God allows something to bend a certain way, no human effort can straighten it out, unless He wills it. It may not make sense to us, but it may sense to God.

Ecclesiastes 7:13 (NIV) Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what He has made crooked? Look at somebody and tell them, Neighbor, I’m trying to make it make sense. Look down your row at somebody else and say, but sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. Because if we’re honest today, ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:13

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham’s Faith, God’s Faithfulness

Contributed by Barnabas Park on Oct 31, 2025

Abraham trusted God’s promises despite doubt, fear, and impossibility—and how, like Abraham, we are justified not by our works but by God’s faithfulness. It reminds us that salvation and blessing are gifts of grace, not achievements of human effort.

“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about—but not before God. What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’” ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-3, Genesis 15:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 3:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Character Study Of Ishmael Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025

Ishmael's story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s timing and avoiding decisions based on impatience. While human efforts can bring temporary success, only God’s promises bring true fulfilment.

CHARACTER STUDY OF ISHMAEL – SON OF ABRAHAM AND HAGAR By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 16:10-12 "The angel of the Lord also said to her, 'I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.' And the angel of the Lord said to her, 'Behold, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:10-12, Genesis 17:18-21, Genesis 21:8-21, Galatians 4:22-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Strike Until The Battle Is Won Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 17, 2025

This account reveals that partial obedience, half-hearted efforts, and spiritual laziness can limit the fullness of God’s intended victories. Many believers fail to receive all God has for them because they stop striking too soon.

STRIKE UNTIL THE BATTLE IS WON By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Kings 13:14-19 Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 10:35-36; Galatians 6:9; Isaiah 54:17; Romans 8:37 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when the outcome of a battle is not just determined by the enemy's ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 13:14-19

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Enter Through The Narrow Door!

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Aug 26, 2025

In this Gospel Lesson we hear our Savior speak words of warning and encouragement. Jesus said that there is only one way to enter heaven. He said that we should make every effort to: “ENTER THROUGH THE NARROW DOOR”

“How do you get into heaven?” A Sunday school teacher asked that question of her 2nd grade class. It seemed like a simple question for a group of little Lutherans. But no hands went up. Silence. Crickets. The teacher was confident that the students knew the answer, so she waited patiently. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Getting A New Body Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 13, 2004

We spend many hours and much effort to make our present bodies better. While there’s nothing wrong with it, we should also be preparing to get our new bodies - ones that won’t decay or atrophy.

For more Bible studies go to: www.LivingWatersWeb.com It’s too bad our bodies break down. I remember when I was much younger I could go and go and go and never get tired. Then when I became a parent, my kids could go all day and night and never stop and I was just dragging by the end of the day. I ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

3 Ingredients For A Successful Church.

Contributed by Terry Hensley on Jan 31, 2002

I’m not no cook, but I know that for a cook to be able to make a meal that’s just out of this world; the cook must use the right ingredients. The same emphasis is necessary for the success of a Christian in his efforts to win the lost, in this world of wi

3 Ingredients For A Successful Church Text: Acts 17: 1-9 A. What we need in the church is some more trouble-markers! Trouble-makers? Yes, Trouble-makers! That’s what the enemies of the church called the Christians at Thessalonica. They said they were the ones, “who have caused trouble all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

A Clash Of Cultures Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 8, 2004

God wants us to hold one another accountable to His truth, but He wants us to tolerate our cultural differences; He wants us to make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification among believers.

A Clash of Cultures (Romans 14:1-23) A. Many churches are held hostage by SPIRITUAL terrorists who hold the church back in the name of being OFFENDED or claiming to be WEAKER BROTHERS. 1. If a vegetarian joins our church, should we forbid all meat at a church dinner? 2. If one person finds our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Introduction To 1 Timothy Series

Contributed by T D on Jul 25, 2011

This series is a quick look through the book of 1 Timothy as Paul encourages the younger man in his efforts to realign the mission of his church. If we want the church to be what it is supposed to be each person must give themselves to being the best Chr

Series: So You Want to Be the Church? Intro to 1 Timothy 1 Timothy 1:1-11 Today we are beginning a series over the next 6 weeks through the book of 1 Timothy in an effort to be ever more familiar with the basics of what the Bible has to say about the church. This is important for us to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

"What Changed His Mind?"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Apr 26, 2006

When Jesus was first placed on the cross both thieves, mocked on Jesus. What caused the repentant thief to change his mind? Knowing the answer to that question will help us, in our efforts in bringing others to that same place of repentance. Simple thre

Title: “What changed his mind?” When Jesus was first placed on the cross both thieves, mocked on Jesus. What caused the repentant thief to change his mind? Knowing the answer to that question will help us, in our efforts in bringing others to that same place of repentance. Note this text in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Baptist

Titus 2:11-13 "The Best Is Just Ahead"

Contributed by William D. Brown on May 9, 2013

These verses teach us that God's grace should cause us to make a determined effort to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live sober-minded, to maintain self control, not to yield to the old man; we that are saved should never think that we are be

Titus 2:11-13 "THE BEST IS JUST AHEAD" 5-4-13 Today I want to bring a few thoughts to do with the believers blessed hope. * Listen as I read today's text found in; Titus 2:11-13 11For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Choosing To Live For Christ Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 30, 2015

Peter encourages us to live a Godly life by making every effort to be faithful to God, knowing that our reward comes from only Him. Therefore, our focus should always be on Christ and submitting to Him faithfully in all we do!

Choosing to Live for Christ 2 Peter Sermon Series, Part 1 2 Peter 1:1-11 Introduction - Well … he’s written us another letter! - Peter gives guidance and reassurance to the growing church -- Promise he stand on: the Gospel they are preaching is of Jesus Christ! -- This is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational