Sermons on Self Effort:

"Storming The Gates Of Hell"

Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Sep 13, 2006

when Jesus speaks of the gates of hell, He is referring to the councils of Hell.

Biblical Text: Matthew 16:18 “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” In ancient times, tall, thick and impenetrable walls of stone surrounded most cities. Each city had a limited number of gates through which visitors could enter. Since all traffic came and went through the gates, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Path To Godliness Series

Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on Feb 26, 2019

“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (I Timothy 4:7b, 8)

“Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (I Timothy 4:7b, 8) Apostle Paul is writing to his spiritual son, Timothy - urging him to focus on ‘godliness’. Timothy was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wait And Don't Wait PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 15, 2025

Trusting God in seasons of waiting renews our strength, turning weariness into endurance and hope, as faith refuses to panic amid uncertainty.

Some of us walked in today with a wait in our bones. We’ve stood in waiting rooms, stared at silent phones, counted ceiling tiles in the midnight hours. We’ve waited for a call back from a doctor, a prodigal to come home, a door to open, a cloud to move. Life can feel like a long line at the DMV of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Topics: Perseverance, Endurance

Titanic Warning?

Contributed by Casey Sabella on Apr 6, 2012

Four captains played significant roles in the tragedy which unfolded that fateful night. Each modeled a leadership style thatmspeaksmvolumesmto the church today.

Titanic Warning? On April 15th, we pause to reflect on an event which happened one hundred years ago...the sinking of the Titanic. This ship, and the stories that surround it have fascinated people throughout the world ever since that fateful night. Thousands of books have been written and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Race For The Prize

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 28, 2010

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. Don’t merely observe from the grandstand; don’t just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently – your spiritual progress depend

Opening illustration: We can become distracted and look away from the goal of becoming like Christ. If you saw the movie Chariots of Fire, then maybe you remember the great runner Abraham. He had won so many races. His coach held up such discipline. But he finally lost one of the races because he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:23-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Strong! Do Not Be Afraid. Here Is Your God

Contributed by Carl Benge on Jan 5, 2008

Advent Sermon Year A...John the Baptist and his doubt of faith

Have you ever found your self in a position, where you were certain you were doing the right thing? And then suddenly it seemed everything went to all wrong? Well that is the kind of situation we see John the Baptist faced in our reading from Matthew. Remember John was at the height of his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:47-55

Denomination: Methodist

The Carnal Man PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 12, 2024

Encourages Christians to reflect on their spiritual growth, overcome hindrances, and strive for maturity in likeness to Jesus.

Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ, I stand before you today with a message that is as timeless as the faith we share, as profound as the love our Savior has for us, and as vital as the spiritual breath we draw each day. It is a message that resonates with the heartbeat of our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-5

Topics: Christians, Spiritual Infancy

The Message Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Aug 31, 2003

Paul often changed his style of preaching. (1 Cor. 9:22) But he NEVER changed his message. (Gal. 1:8) There is only one message. (1 Cor. 2:2)

The Message of the Cross Series: Studies from 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 1 Corinthians INTRODUCTION Illustration: Once there was a little girl who always wore a bright, shiny cross around her neck which she proudly displayed for all to see. One day she was approached by a man who said to her, “Little ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

M3 – Mature Disciples 2 Matthew 28:19-20 Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Apr 11, 2019

To MAKE a disciple begins w/ connecting someone to Christ through salvation and then connecting them to His church for ministry care and concern.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been sharing w/ you my heart as it pertains to God’s call on our lives to make disciples of all nations. And if you remember, a disciple is more than a convert, but a person who’s been saved and is now in the process of becoming just like Jesus. In Matthew 28:19-20 – ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 2:52

Denomination: Baptist

Supply Love Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Sep 7, 2010

Hebrews 10:36 teaches that obedience is a key to obtaining God’s promise: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

Supply Love Be Certain of God’s Promises, Part 9 092009 PM Text--2 Peter 1:1-11 Introduction This lesson continues a series focused on the promises of God and our part in receiving what has been promised. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary a promise is a legally binding declaration ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thankfulness – The Great Antidote

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 20, 2025

Thankfulness humbles the heart, silences pride, and turns worship Godward, freeing us from comparison and restoring His glory.

Introduction – The Proud Lion A story is told of a lion who believed he was the undisputed king of the jungle. Confident and cocky, he bypassed the smaller animals and went straight to the bear. “Who is the king of the jungle?” the lion demanded. “You are, of course,” replied the bear. Pleased, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 95:1-2, James 4:6, Deuteronomy 8:17-18, James 1:17, 2 Corinthians 10:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Being Really Reconciled Series

Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 31, 2007

This sermon deals with reconciliation in terms of the truth that being really reconciled Reveals a problem, Restores a relationship and Relates to persons.

Randy felt like a vending machine. Anyone wanting something could pull an invisible lever and get it. On the job, at home, in church or during leisure time Randy was continually being called upon to carry other people’s responsibility. And Randy deeply resented those people who by demanding so ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Condemned Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2008

James exposes the difference between religion that comforts us and religion that reveals the power of Christ among us.

JAMES 1:26 RELIGION CONDEMNED “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Someone has said, “You can’t believe half of what you hear, but you can repeat it.” This points out a real problem in the church today—we ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

Unity In The Church

Contributed by Rolando, Jr Pama on May 2, 2022

Unity is a vital element in order for the church to grow.

REASONS OF UNITY: 1. We are called to be one in Christ. V4-6 2. Mark/ Sign of maturity. 3. To accomplish the calling. 4. The Body of Christ may be built up ATTAINING UNITY: 1. Complete humility. a. Romans 12:16 – Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 133:1

Loving As Jesus Loved

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jul 19, 2004

"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!"

Loving as Jesus Loved (I Cor. 13:7-8) Illustration: One evening while appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live, Jack Kemp, the honorable congressman from New York, made an insightful comment about the reactionary religious right when he said, "People don’t care how much you know until they know how ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational