Sermons on Self Effort:

Initiating The Turn-11(2024)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 8, 2024

11 of 12. Luke informed his audience of the initial steps that God took to turn His people toward Himself. God began the process of turning of His people toward Himself. But what principles does God use to begin turning people toward Himself? In Initiating the Turn, God uses...

‘INITIATING The TURN’-XI—Luke 1:24a(:5-25) Attention: The aftermath of Hurricane Helene(Cat. 4; Landfall in Florida, Sept. 27, 2024; Sept. 28 it carried not only wind, but unprecedented amounts of rain into mountainous areas of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, & Tennessee causing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:24, Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Baptist

Because Of The Cross

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Aug 26, 2014

This message focuses on four gifts given to each of us because of Jesus' finished work on the cross. This material was inspired by "Search for Significance" written by Robert McGee who shared the four answers from Jesus to false beliefs.

Because of the Cross I Corinthians 1:18 CHCC – September 8, 2013 (Outlline inspired by Robert McGee, "The Search for Significance") INTRODUCTION: The God of the Bible is the complete opposite of the kinds of gods human beings tend to invent. The gods that humans concoct are impressive, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The End Is Near Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 3, 2021

Since The End is Near we should be: 1) Self-Controlled (1 Peter 4:7), demonstrating 2) Sincere Love (1 Peter 4:8-9), and faithfully 3) Serving One-Another (1 Peter 4:10-11).

1 Peter 4:7-11. 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Other

Childlike Faith

Contributed by Charlie Roberts on Aug 16, 2020

Everyone keeps saying and we keep hearing over and over the phrase, “this is the new normal!” There is an old saying, “if it walks, talks and acts like a duck...it’s a duck!” What we are witnessing is not the new normal, what we are witnessing is the devil getting all of his ducks in a row!

As we look around the world in the day and age in which we live, we find ourselves questioning everything we’re told. The truth is we have never had more access to information, but have never been more weary of the information we are being told as truth. The go to response for knowledge and truth ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, Romans 8:1-4, Mark 6:31-34, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 11:25-28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

One Day To Feed The World – Compelled By Compassion

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Oct 11, 2007

ONE DAY TO FEED THE WORLD – Compelled by Compassion We cannot ignore those less fortunate than we are. If the love of Christ is in us then we are compelled to H.E.L.P: Heed the compassion command, Empty self, Lift the burden, and Pay the price.

• Galatians 6:2 (GOD’S WORD) Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings. INTRODUCTION: This morning we are asking you to give one day’s income to help feed the world. Before we go any further I think we ought to ask if it is fair for any of us to be asked do ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Working In God’s Vineyard Series

Contributed by Tesh Njokanma on Jun 5, 2018

When God tells you to go and work in His vineyard, He is telling you less of self more of God’s needs. He is telling you get out of your comfort zone, go and reach out to others, go and minister to others.

In Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus told an interesting parable on Christian service and the kind of attitude to service that pleases Him. A father approached two of his sons and told each son to go and work today in the vineyard. In other words, go and occupy for me in my vineyard. Same assignment, same ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32, Luke 19:11-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

When God Says, "don't Pray For Them!"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 16, 2021

God holds all mankind to account. All face judgement, and some are judged now. When God judges individuals and even communities, He informs His people, saying, "Don't pray for them!"

“Thus says the LORD concerning this people [Israel]: ‘They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore, the LORD does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.’ “The LORD said to me: ‘Do not pray for the welfare of this people. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 14:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Worth?

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 27, 2002

How do you figure your self worth – by how much money you have or how much power or prestige you have? Jesus has a totally different idea of how to measure your worth.

What are you worth? I mean, really, how do you figure out what you are worth as a person? If you are #7 NFL Draft pick Bryant McKinnie the answer is easy. He’s in negotiations now with the Minnesota Vikings. He says it’s easy to sign him: "All I’m asking is for a fair deal. And that’s real simple. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-34

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Personal Prophecy Series

Contributed by Kurt Heisey on Nov 5, 2002

This is first of a series on discerning the will of God and looks at how we should handle "words for God" that we or others think come from the Lord. It helps us determin what is of God, our self, or the enemy to deceive us.

Discerning Prophecy 10/6/2002 I. Intro to Rom. 12:1-2... the will of God A. Prerequisites 1. Therefore... (11:33-36) in light that God is awesome, more than you can imagine 2. Offer self as a living sacrifice (12:1)... living for God, not for self. 3. Do not conform to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Are We Dependent On The Spirit For Renewal

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 23, 2001

Why are we dependent on the Spirit for renewal? He renews with His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Only His renewal makes us sufficient for life’s challenges.

Titus 3:5 Theme - We are continually dependent on the Spirit’s ministry of renewal. Why are some believers lacking a fresh sense of cleansing, hope, and love? Freedom from sin’s oppression requires a continual application of the Spirit’s grace. Illustration: Sometime back the Associated Press ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why God Hates All Forms Of Idolatry

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Mar 15, 2003

A person seldom considers that his own selfishness can be an idol, as "self" is more important than God. Very few consider that anything, which is more important to a person than obeying God, may be considered an idol.

Why God Hates All Forms of Idolatry A person may not consider that an automobile, house, certain possessions, a hobby, a person, a political party, a cause, a job, a sport, an addiction, lusts, pleasures, or some other thing, can become an idol. A person may not consider that stubbornness is as ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:3-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Time For New Clothes Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 27, 2003

Midlife feels like a time for new clothes .. signs of mortality are showing up. We need new "shoes" to climb out of self-centeredness, and a new "coat" to enable us to travel out of our comfort zone.

I’ve always been glad that in this church we wear pulpit robes. I’m glad of that because pulpit robes keep you from noticing what the preacher is wearing. I don’t want you to think about what I am wearing. I don’t want you to think about my clothes because you are likely to discover that my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 102:18-28

Denomination: Baptist

Working It Out

Contributed by Jane Willis on Oct 18, 2004

Work gets overwhelming. The people we work with seem hurtful and self serving. Yet, work is a place where we live out our faith--a setting where we must learn to be more Christlike.

This passage about Mary and Martha is familiar to many of you. It is fairly well known. It is a story about one women working in the kitchen and making preparations to entertain guests while her sister is involved in spiritual pursuits and assisting directly in the ministry of Jesus. And, when the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Congregational

Fit For The Kingdom

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 30, 2005

Learning to fold a piece of paper into a square blindfolded requires the same three things as Jesus requires of us to be fit for the kingdom of God: Self-denying devotion to the task, making it an absolute priority and giving it your undivided attention.

Fit For The Kingdom / Luke 9: 51-62 Intro: Challenge – What if God said, “You must be able to fold a piece of paper into a perfect square while blindfolded to be fit for the kingdom of God?” IMPOSSIBLE? – what would I have to do to learn how to do that? I. Verse 57 “I will follow you wherever ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Esther: Queen For A Day

Contributed by Lee Henry on Jul 30, 2006

The Story of Esther is a story of God’s providence. Esther’s obedience, faithfulness, prayerfulness and self sacrificing attitude made it possible for God to use her. Those same attributes will allow God to use us as well.

Esther: Queen for a Day Esther 4:14 Queen For A Day (sympathy contest, hosted by Jack Bailey)(Local Los Angeles TV, 1948 - 1956) (NBC Daytime, 1956 - 60) (ABC Daytime, 1960 - 64) It was not really a quiz show, since there were no questions or stunts; it was just a relating of the sob stories ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ