Sermons on Self Denial:

Self-Dependence - Mark 9:14-29 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 26, 2023

If you are a Christian, you probably don’t have the kind of unbelief the boy’s father had. But we often have the kind of unbelief the disciples had. This message will show you how to detect that kind of unbelief in your heart and overcome it.

Mark 9:14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-45, Matthew 17:14-23

Embracing A Spirit Of Power, Love, And Self-Discipline Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2023

We are not called to live in fear and timidity, but in the power, love, and self-discipline that God has given us. Let us face life's challenges with the confidence that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Embracing a Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-discipline Introduction: Begin with a warm welcome to the congregation and introduce the key verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Share a brief ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 16:14, Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6

The Power Of Words And Understanding Self-Imposed Curses Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jul 6, 2025

In the realm of spiritual warfare, one of the most potent and often overlooked areas is the concept of self-imposed curses.

In the realm of spiritual warfare, one of the most potent and often overlooked areas is the concept of self-imposed curses. These are negative pronouncements or declarations that individuals make over their own lives, often without realizing the long-term consequences. Self-cursing can manifest ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:23

Self-Humbling - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

Fasting is never commanded in the NT, yet all the godliest people in the Bible did it. If it is important, why isn't it discussed in the epistles? If it is not important, why did Jesus do it? And why did he promise reward if we do it?

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Strength Beyond Self: Receiving The Power Of God

Contributed by Jessica Linde on Sep 29, 2025

In contrast to the self-reliant grit our culture so often advocates, this sermon’s ultimate goal is to highlight that true and lasting strength comes from allowing God's "power" to work in and through our human fragility.

Over the past several Sundays, we have been working through a sermon series on Paul’s letter to the early church in Philippi—a now ruined city in north east Greece. As we’ve worked through this series (which we are concluding today), we’ve seen how this little letter is overflowing with faith, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13, 2 Corinthians 4:6-10

Costly Actions

Contributed by Chad Ballard on Apr 9, 2002

Actions that lead to the denial of the Lord.

Costly Actions Matthew 26:31-35, 57-75 Chad H. Ballard Introduction Language is such an important thing. It is how we communicate. It’s how we get our thoughts and ideas through to others. And if you’ve ever tried to talk to people who speak another language, you know how difficult it is to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:31-35, Matthew 26:57-75

Denomination: Baptist

Trying Times - "When We Started" Series

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Jul 15, 2013

Fear that leads to denials and lies.

Trying Times – “WHEN WE STARTED …” by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (5/29/2013, 6/1/2013, 6/15/2013, 6/18/2013, 6/22/2013, 6/29/2013, 7/6/2013, 7/11/2013, 7/15/2013) “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they ...read more

Denomination: Friends

The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall

Contributed by Michael Grant on Dec 6, 2016

A look at the denial of the Apostle Peter.

The bigger they are the harder they fall – mark 14:26-72 One of the things that I enjoy doing is hiking or just going on walks in the woods. It’s quiet, peaceful, there is fresh air and it’s good to get a little exercise. One thing I notice in the woods is that there are a lot ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:26-72

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does It Mean To Carry Your Cross?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 29, 2017

Looking at Simon being forced to carry the cross, we consider the call of each Christian to carry a cross as part of the life of faith.

SIMON'S TASK: Simon was called on to carry the cross. - Mark 15:21. OUR TASK: We are called on to carry our cross. - Mark 8:34. - It’s not just Simon who was called on to carry the cross. As part of the Christian life, we are called to carry our cross as well. - This is confusing to many ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:21, Mark 8:34-35

Denomination: Baptist

Cost Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by James Webster on Mar 14, 2015

Salvation is free but true Discipleship will cost us everything.

THE BOOK OF MARK SERIES MARK 8:34-38 “Cost of Discipleship” OPENING STATEMENTS It appears that the Lord really wants to say something to us about the subject of discipleship. • In January, I was introduced to Hal Perkins Book, “Discipled by Jesus”, in which I am ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-31

Denomination: Nazarene

Recovery Through Repentance

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Sep 7, 2011

Backsliding begins with a rationalization of one's behavior, and a relativistic approach to determining right and wrong in one's life. This message deals with the result of this faulty thinking, while offering the only solution to one's backslidden condit

Recovery through Repentance Text: Jer. 2:13; 3:22 Intro: Backsliding on God, whether that of an individual, or that of a nation, does not take place all at once; but it is a gradual process. This spiritual malady usually begins with little departures from the truth of God’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Presence

Contributed by Donato Solano on Jan 22, 2008

Submission to God and His powerful presence are two of the keys of success as we journey in life. Our submission can be demonstrated through fasting.

INTRODUCTION 2008 is a journey that no man has charted already. How can we know what are the prospects in life in store for us in this journey? In today’s scripture, Ezra ask Israel to fast to ensure themselves of success and prosperity in their journey back to Jerusalem. They did not just pray ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra 8:24-36

Denomination: Baptist

The Mirror Series

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on May 21, 2008

Are you willing to look in a full length mirror...where people can see you for who you are? It’s the only way you will get an accurate picture of what you look like and what others see of you. Or will you just take a glance, and turn to forget what you s

What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Whatever it is, it’s probably the same thing every day. Everybody seems to have their own morning rituals to get them going. Maybe you have to have a cup of coffee before you can do anything. Maybe you make your bed as soon as you get ...read more

Scripture: James 1:21-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Are Somebody Important, I Promise! Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 20, 2020

An important anchor for our souls is God's promise that we are somebody important to Him. Every person has supreme value to God because we are made in God's image.

A. In the 1957 comedy film, called “The Delicate Delinquent,” Jerry Lewis played the typical inept young man that he always played. 1. In this silly film, he tried but failed to be a juvenile delinquent. 2. In the film, there is a powerful scene where Lewis is talking to his best friend, whom he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ