Sermons on Self Effort:

Jehovah Shalom - God Is Peace Series

Contributed by Paul Basehore on Feb 12, 2015

Fear is a self-preservation instinct -- it's designed to protect us from something that may cause us real or imagined harm. But Jesus says in Matthew not to fear death, but to fear God. What's the difference?

Jehovah Shalom - God of Peace Fear is a constant in our world. It’s so immersed in our culture that sometimes it’s actually considered a psychiatric issue, complete with fancy descriptive terms! I thought it may be interesting to read some of these to you tonight. Some seem normal, but ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:28, Judges 6:11-24, John 16:33, Ephesians 1:4-6, Luke 2:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Genesis 31:1-18 - How To Overcome A Victim Mentality Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Feb 28, 2015

Are they really ready to break free from their self-destructive cycle? Are you? If Jacob decides to act on what God has said what would it look like in their lives? What will it look like in yours?

Genesis 31:6-16 - HOW TO MAINTAIN A VICTIM MENTALITY KEY WORDS: Victim, rescuers, self- defeating behaviour, blame game, Genesis 31, Jacob, Laban, Victim Mentality, I AM A VICTIM For over 20 years he has agreed to play the part of the victim. He is now trapped, his wheels condemned to running ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 31:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Discovering A Biblical Worldview Series

Contributed by John Dixon on Feb 14, 2016

The Christian Worldview has permeated all of Western Civilization. The impact of Christian thought is the source of the freedoms that we enjoy. To separate Biblical truth from our society is to doom our culture to self-destruction.

Matthew 5:13-20 NASB 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Denomination: Christian Church

Ark, Anger, And Assurance

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 24, 2010

We become angry at God because our prayers are self-centered, but when they are not answered we shut down and avoid God. Until we see that the blessing is in the presence of God we will not reap joy.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, September 8, 1991 (this version); preached in slightly different form at Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD, July 30, 1978; Calvary Hill Baptist Church, Fairfax, VA, August 6, 1978; Forest Heights Baptist Church, Oxon Hill, MD, Sept. 9, 1979; ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Proper Planning Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 15, 2009

This section warns against self-centered planning. Worldly living is not displayed only by a disbelief in God, sometimes it’s apparent in the disregarding of God as we plan our life & our daily activities.

JAMES 4:11-17 PROPER PLANNING [Luke 12:16-21] It is too easy for Christians to make plans and set goals, expecting God to fall in line behind them. It is easy to plan our lives as if we controlled the future and had unlimited authority over the factors that affect our life. And so, in reality ...read more

Scripture: James 4:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Makes A Difference

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Apr 18, 2009

Easter 2: Easter makes a difference. It changes cold, hard, self-centered people into a community that cares for one another. It gives boldness to weak hearts. It gives hope to suffering spirits. It provides a perspective.

Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed – Alleluia! Life in the time of Jesus was hard – maybe even mean. There are plenty of examples of this. Justice was often quick and oftentimes harsh. Look at what happened to Jesus! He was celebrating Passover with his disciples on Thursday night, and by ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Dying To Live Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Aug 28, 2011

No Christian continues in habitual sin who has by faith died to self and received the new life of Christ. Those who have died to sin are alive to God & it becomes possible for them to live for Christ.

ROMANS 6:1-7 DYING TO LIVE [Galatians 2:20] [We now begin a new section of Romans that deal with the doctrine of sanctification or the Christlike growth of disciples.] The Bible has just declared that where sin abounded, God's grace super abounded. What wonderful news this is! It means that no ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Never, Never, Never Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Mar 29, 2017

Synopsis: Because we are in the Heart of God, there are certain things He does not do. Jesus never: 1. Asked for the Details of Our Sins 2. Rewards the Self-Serving 3. Turned Down an Invitation

1. “Never” has powerful implications a. Intentions of finality – “I’ll never do that again.” “Never in a million years.” b. Intentions of determination – [Winston Churchill once spoke at a commencement address several years after WWII. He walked to the podium and said, “Never, never, never give ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do It Alone

Contributed by Bala Samson on Mar 13, 2020

Self-pity would kill you! Those who fly solo have the strongest wings! Make note of this before you continue to read further, this is important point to learn from the sufferings of Joseph.

Who are these? Genesis 48:8”When Israel saw Joseph's sons, he said, "Who are these?" Self-pity would kill you! Those who fly solo have the strongest wings! Make note of this before you continue to read further, this is important point to learn from the sufferings of Joseph, who ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 48:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

How Jesus Survived A Quarantine And Came Out Stronger Part 1 Series

Contributed by Greg Stier on Apr 20, 2020

For us, as Christians, it helps to realize that we are not alone. As a matter of fact, our founder, Jesus Christ himself, was himself under a 40 day self-quarantine. What can we learn from him?

Right now it we are in the middle of, what feels like, a global quarantine. Countries around the world have locked down and shelter-in-place laws are in play in cities from Paris to Portland. When will it end? The world is getting stir crazy! For us, as Christians, it helps to realize that we are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-14, Luke 3:21-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Love The Lord Because...

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 5, 2018

Christianity is not a “What’s in it for me?” religion. The Bible views thanks-giving as the sincere overflow of gratitude for all that God has given to us. Thanks-giving is not self-centered; it’s God-centered.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK Text: Psalm 116:1-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ILL. “What can I do for you, Madam?” Abraham Lincoln asked an elderly lady who had been ushered into his office. Placing a covered basket on his desk she said, “Mr. President, I have come today ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, James 1:17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Something Is Nothing Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 23, 2021

Man's self-love is both an evil and a good. It is both an essential for a happy life in God's will, and the main cause for most evil that is out of God's will.

Some people, probably most people, and maybe all people have to learn how to be humble the hard way, and that is the humpty dumpty way of having a great fall. This was the case with Max Eastman. A film was being made on the life of Christ, and he happened to meet the well known woman photographer ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:3

Transfiguration Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Apr 11, 2023

Transfiguration of Jesus is a spiritual experience for the Disciples. We can't stay in ecstatic realms but come into reality of struggles and fight for the existence of self and others. Jesus always leads into every level of life.

Lesson 13 Mark 9:2-13 Transfiguration in Mark INTRODUCTION The Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate it as a festival on August 6. It was declared a universal feast of the Western church by Pope Callistus III in 1457. The feast was included in the English Prayer Book in 1561 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-13

Denomination: Methodist

The Power Of Humility In Christian Living Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 25, 2025

Humility is a fundamental Christian virtue that reflects the heart of Christ. It is the opposite of pride and self-exaltation, which lead to destruction. Humility enables believers to serve others, grow in grace, and glorify God in their daily lives.

Title: THE POWER OF HUMILITY IN CHRISTIAN LIVING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Philippians 2:3-8 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Supporting Texts: James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 23:12; Proverbs ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-8, Proverbs 22:4, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6, Matthew 23:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Long? Watchman, What Of The Night.

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 18, 2024

There were 4 watches of the night according to the Roman law. People were required to warn others of oncoming dangers. Do we hold our self accountable to warn others of the dangers we are facing.

HOW LONG? WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) TEXT: Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? I read the story of a young boy that lived on a farm ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 21:11, Mark 13:37, Matthew 24:4

Denomination: Assembly Of God