Sermons on Self Effort:

God Is For You

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Jan 7, 2019

People often feel like God is against them. Many people suffer from rejection and condemnation. But in Christ all that changes. Discover how God can be for you. And learn the significance of God being for you. More importantly experience it for yourself.

GOD IS FOR YOU! Dr. Lewis W Gregory Illustration: No, No, No! one of the first words a child learns is no. No is seen as a negative. But in Christ no can be a positive. Romans 8:31–39 No accusation, No condemnation, No separation Part 1 Introduction: God is for you A. What things? Romans 8:31 ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Overcoming Exclusivity (Acts 11)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 25, 2025

Do we think that we are exclusive, the one true church?

Were Old Testament laws of exclusivity based upon ethnicity or avoiding pagan practices like idolatry and child sacrifice? Should we therefore exclude people of different ethnicities from the church who have the same faith in Christ? Let’s look at Acts 11. Did the Jerusalem church question why ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lost Sons And A Prodigal Father Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Nov 3, 2025

While the parable of the prodigal son reveals some things about the lostness of the younger son, it also reveals the lostness of the elder son and the prodigal love of God.

How do you view God? Some people view God as a heavy-handed, demanding judge with strict rules of right and wrong. Others view God like a doting grand-father who willingly gives his grandchildren whatever they want - practically spoiling them. Some may view God as aloof and distant, uninterested or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32, John 3:16-17, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 2:4-7, Titus 3:5-6, 1 John 3:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

God Takes His Stand (Psalm 82)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 13, 2026

Pure Religion

Will God give justice to the poor and needy and teach the self-righteous wicked some humility? Let’s look at Psalm 82. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB) Have we ever asked God why He allows the wicked to prosper so long, seemingly delaying judgment on them? God takes his stand in the divine assembly; ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Worthy? Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

We have worth and value because of Christ and the unconditional love of God the Father. Once we understand this amazing truth, we are able to live for others, just as Jesus did.

Today we're going to talk about how much you're worth. And I'm not talking about how much money you have, how many followers you have on Instagram, or how many A's you get on your report card. I'm talking about your worth in the eyes of God. Let's start with a little object lesson. I want you to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Topics: Self-Worth, Spiritual Identity, Divine Love, Christ's Sacrifice

Sent With A Purpose Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

As followers of Christ, we are all sent with a purpose by Jesus to share the good news, serve others, and participate in God's mission, remembering that all things are possible with Him by our side.

Hey guys, I'm super pumped to chat with you today about something that's been on my mind. We're going to dive into a cool part of the Bible, from the book of Matthew, where Jesus gives us a pretty clear idea of what we're supposed to do now that we're Christians. You know, like, what's our purpose? ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35, Matthew 10:1-8

Topics: Life Goals, Personal Growth, Meaningful Existence, Self-Fulfillment

Let's Get Crazy Happy Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

True happiness is found not in external circumstances, but in living a blessed life as defined by Jesus and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

Hey guys, have you ever tried to drink from a leaky water bottle? (Hold up a water bottle with a hole in it). It's frustrating, right? You're thirsty, you take a sip, and the next thing you know, you're wearing more water than you drank. That's a lot like how we chase happiness. We think we've ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-12, Galatians 5:22-23

Topics: Inner Peace, Self-Fulfillment, Life Satisfaction, Joyful Living

Masterpiece Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

We are each a unique and valuable masterpiece created by God with a purpose. We need to embrace our uniqueness, live out our purpose, and see others as God's masterpieces too.

We all like doing our own thing, right? But here's the thing, we weren't made to go solo. God designed us to do life together. You know when you're trying to put together a puzzle, and you can't figure out where that one weird-shaped piece goes? It's frustrating, right? But when you finally find ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Philippians 2:3-7

Topics: Self-Worth, Divine Creation, Spiritual Identity, God's Masterpiece

The Challenger Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

Recognizing and overcoming the enemy's tactics of fear, doubt, and condemnation through faith in God.

Imagine you're facing a nine-foot-tall giant. Scary, right? That's what the Israelites were dealing with in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath was this massive dude who had everyone shaking in their boots. He's like that big problem you're facing that seems impossible to beat. God tells us in Joshua 1:9, 'Be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 1 Peter 5:8

Topics: Self-Confidence, Emotional Healing, Personal Growth, Inner Peace

Living Sacrifice Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 4, 2023

When we give our lives to Christ, we surrender control and embrace His way. We become citizens of heaven and new creations, sacrificing everything for the sake of the gospel.

Today, we're going to talk about what it means to live as people who've been saved. We're not just supposed to say "thanks" and move on. We're supposed to live differently. Imagine you've got a brand new phone. It's the latest model, super shiny, and it's all yours. But instead of using it, you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-3

Topics: Sacrificial Living, Spiritual Transformation, Self-Denial, Godly Obedience

Temptation Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Oct 2, 2023

We all face temptation, but through understanding our identity in Christ, trusting in God's provision, exercising wisdom, and using scripture, we can overcome it.

Imagine you're playing a video game. You're on a mission, but there are obstacles and enemies trying to stop you. That's kind of like life, right? We're on a mission to live for God, but there's this thing called temptation that tries to trip us up. Let's see how Jesus beat temptation and how we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Topics: Self-Control, Spiritual Growth, Moral Strength, Inner Discipline

Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 1, 2007

Self-Denial, Cross-bearing and Obedience are the central elements of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

At this time of year, most people have completed their holidays and are back focusing on work. Were your holiday’s what you expected? The following are actual responses from comment cards given to the staff members at Bridger Wilderness Area in NW Wyoming. -Trails need to be reconstructed. Please ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Other

How Paul Died To The Flesh

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Mar 6, 2007

Dying to self, dying to the flesh, are not particularly popular concepts today, even in the church. But the apostle Paul is a great example of doing just that, and his accomplishments are legendary. How did he die to self?

Intro: I’m beginning to understand why it is easier just to avoid the book of Acts. 1. not all the geography or history. 2. but the example of the Apostle Paul that scares the living daylights out of us. 3. here we find Paul on his last journey, sailing and walking steadfastly to imprisonment and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Mystery Of The Gospel Revealed Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Mar 17, 2022

Christianity cures our self-focus by giving us something greater to focus on in our lives. What I mean is that dying to your self and living for Christ completes and renews your entire life.

Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD, USA www.mycrossway.org View this and other messages at: https://mycrossway.churchcenter.com/channels/8118 Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was a physician. As such he was very interested in the use of ether. In order to know how his ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

When What God Asks Seems To Be Too Much Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 22, 2024

This passage challenges the self-centered "gospel of self-fulfillment" that is too often proclaimed today. What does it mean that God wants us to focus on the "gospel of kingdom fulfillment"?

A HARSH STORY: God gives Ezekiel a task that overwhelms him. - Ezekiel 3:14-15. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 16-18. - This is a tough story and it’s going to lead us in this sermon to some difficult points. - We’ve been talking for the first two sermons in this series about the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:14-16

Denomination: Baptist