Sermons on Self Effort:

The Brevity Of Life

Contributed by Shawn Miller on May 20, 2016

A reflection on how short our lives really are and the importance of making the greatest impact for God out of the short time that we have.

The Brevity of Life Introduction: In case you don't know brevity means shortness or briefness. Memorial Day weekend is a time to reflect on those who have passed away, mainly from military service. But the holiday has been broadened recently to remember loved ones who have also passed away. This ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Can You Forgive Yourself?

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Apr 10, 2016

So often we wallow in guilt and shame, long after we have asked Jesus to forgive us. What if we could be free of that for good? Is self-forgiveness biblical? If not, how can I move forward out of my despair? Peter is a case in point.

John 21:1-19 Can You Forgive Yourself? Self-forgiveness is the big rage in pop psychology today. I did a quick search on Amazon.com this week, and came up with over 12,000 hits on the subject of self-forgiveness. Yet, the interesting thing is, the Bible has absolutely no mention of it at all! ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Open Doors Of Opportunity (1) Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Aug 21, 2014

Churches can be missional (other-centered) or tribal (self-centered). This first lesson reminds us of the need for awareness of others and opportunities to act on their behal -- in word and in deed.

Before we have our lesson this morning, there are two things I want to bring to your attention for PRAYER. 1. On September 21, there will be a Satanic Meeting in OKC at the Civic Center a. One purpose is to perform blasphemous acts directed against b. Another purpose is God their attempt to combat ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

False Security

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Dec 4, 2023

No form of government can make up for the peoples’ failure to obey and honor God.

It’s amazing which lessons we learn from our parents and which ones we don’t, isn’t it? Considering that I quit making my bed every day the minute I moved out, my mother would be amazed to realize how many lessons I do remember. One of my favorites is from a time when I think I was about 7 years ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Exodus 18:17-22, Judges 2:11-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Prodigal Son Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 11, 2024

God is glorified not just by being recognized as the Father, but He wants you to rejoice with Him in His benefits.

A. The Prodigal Son Prodigal, adj. (1) wasteful, reckless, or extravagant, (2) giving into desires or weaknesses, (3) spend resources unnecessarily, i.e., spend thrift ~Webster B. Picture of the Younger Son To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-21, Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Running On Empty

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 13, 2023

If we are all we have, we better hang onto it. But those who are full of God can’t wait to give it away.

Show me the alley, show me the train, Show me the homeless man who sleeps out in the rain... And I’ll show you a young man with so many reasons why, There but for fortune go you or I, you or I. Show me the whiskey stains on the floor, Show me the drunkard as he stumbles out the door... And I’ll ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Faithful Man - Joseph Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 1, 2023

There is not a lot about Joseph, a faithful man contained in scripture. Matthew 1:18-25 gives most of the information about Joseph. But what we discover here is that Joseph was a man whom you & I would do well to imitate in many ways.

There is not a lot about Joseph, a faithful man contained in scripture. Matthew 1:18-25 gives most of the information about Joseph. But what we discover here is that Joseph was a man whom you & I would do well to imitate in many ways. And that just makes sense. The man whom God would choose ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18, Matthew 5:31, 2 Timothy 1:13, Matthew 1:24, Luke 6:46  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lacking Faith To Lead (Exodus 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 7, 2024

Do we have self-doubt instead of faith in God? Let's look at Exodus 4.

Can humility and self-doubt cause us to doubt God? Was God angry with Moses' lack of faith? Do we have doubts about ourselves? Do we trust that God can use an imperfect person such as us? Let's look at Exodus 4. Did Moses doubt that he would be believed? Do we also doubt, afraid to share ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Deny Yourself Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Denying ourselves means looking introspectively, living with open hands, and not looking back at what we've left behind in order to fully follow Jesus and experience abundant life.

Today, we're going to talk about going "all in" for Jesus. You know, like when you're playing a game and you give it everything you've got? That's what we're talking about, but with our relationship with Jesus. So, let's dive in! Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Topics: Self-Denial, Spiritual Growth, Discipleship, Sacrificial Love

Let It Go Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

To grow in our relationship with Christ, we must identify and let go of the emotional baggage that hinders us.

Hey God, help us to drop the stuff that's slowing us down and messing with our relationship with you. Show us how to swap out the bad stuff for the good stuff you've got for us. In Jesus' name, Amen! You know how it feels when you're carrying a heavy backpack all day? It's exhausting, right? Well, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32

Topics: Emotional Healing, Self-Awareness, Forgiveness, Personal Growth

Broken Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Jesus takes our brokenness and makes us whole. He uses our failures and the brokenness of the world to restore and repair us, making us more beautiful and valuable.

Hey guys, ever had a favorite toy or gadget that broke? You know, like when your phone screen cracks or your favorite game console stops working. It's a bummer, right? You might even feel like it's useless now. But what if I told you that broken things can become even more valuable? Today, we're ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:19, Hebrews 9:13-14

Topics: Self-Acceptance, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Resilience

A Thin Place Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Understand the concept of "thin places" - special locations where we feel closer to God, and to identify our own thin places.

Have you ever had that one spot where you just feel super chill and at peace? Maybe it's your bedroom, a park, or even your favorite coffee shop. These places are like your personal "God Zones" where you feel closer to God. Today, we're gonna talk about these God Zones and how they can help us ...read more

Topics: Spiritual Awakening, Inner Peace, Self-Discovery, Mindfulness

The Courageous King Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon will explore Jesus' courageous entry into Jerusalem, his authority over all things, and challenge listeners to consider if they have given him authority over their lives.

Main idea: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey knowing full well he would trigger the religious and political authorities. Jesus’ mission required him to demonstrate incredible courage regardless of the reactions of others. He is Lord, the absolute authority over all things. The question is, does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Topics: Courageous Faith, Divine Authority, Self-Giving Love

Saved From Shallow Religion Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon introduction emphasizes the importance of private acts of giving, praying, and fasting as taught by Jesus, highlighting the need for a self-giving love that seeks God's approval rather than that of others.

Hello church and welcome. I am glad we are observing Ash Wednesday together. Today is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection, prayer, confession, and letting go. We join with believers all over the world during Lent. Lent is a time for us to assess ourselves and make adjustments. It’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6, Matthew 6:16-21

Topics: Self-Giving Love, Spiritual Practices, Divine Approval

The Tyranny Of Tradition

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 22, 2022

We must realise that we are susceptible to transforming the Faith through the introduction of our best efforts to make the Faith more meaningful.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” [1] Traditions are essential to civilisation. Societies are built around traditions which most of those living ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8

Denomination: Baptist