Sermons on Self Effort:

Are You Comfortable?

Contributed by Gerry Pratt on Jan 29, 2002

We may be lulled to sleep and even to spiritual death by self-satisfaction.

One of the greatest problems facing the Church, today, is that far too many of us are comfortable. A. If a person is satisfied, there is no challenge or drive to go any further or do any more. 1. This satisfaction can show itself in many areas....in almost all but one, it is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 5:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Deception Of New Age Spirituality A Biblical Perspective Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 24, 2025

New age religion can be concerning for Christians because it often promotes ideas that contradict biblical teachings. Its pantheistic views of God, emphasis on personal experience over scripture

New age religion can be concerning for Christians because it often promotes ideas that contradict biblical teachings. Its pantheistic views of God, emphasis on personal experience over scripture, and focus on self-realization can lead Christians astray from their faith's core principles. ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:18-23

I Believe In The Communion Of Saints Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 29, 2005

There are no self made Christians. The Communion of Saints is vital to a Christian’s life.

Hebrews 12:1-3, Acts 2:42-47 “I Believe In the Communion of Saints” INTRODUCTION American society tends to idolize the rugged, self-made individual. We admire their individuality, and their ability to overcome adverse conditions, excel, and achieve their chosen goals. ¨ Donald Trump ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Pursue Reconciliation Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Mar 16, 2005

Christ calls his followers to be different from the world. We show this difference in our efforts to reconcile relationships.

(based on Southeast Christian Church’s “Living a Life of Integrity”) SERIES: “WORDS OF WISDOM FOR KINGDOM LIVING” TEXT: MATTHEW 5:17-26 TITLE: “PURSUE RECONCILIATION” INTRODUCTION: A. A young insurance salesman had just completed a training seminar in which the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keepers, Weepers, Losers, Finders

Contributed by David Roth on Mar 2, 2015

Proper 17 (A) We are lost in sin and lost in ourselves. But Christ has redeemed the world. Therfore, those who lose their old selves shall find themselves in Christ, who is Life indeed.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Keepers, Weepers, Losers, Finders” Jesus tells us that to be His disciples, we must deny ourselves, and take up our cross. Now, whatever ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Overcoming Feelings Of Insecurity Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 11, 2025

Feelings of insecurity are common but not insurmountable. By understanding our identity in Christ, embracing His love, trusting in His promises, renewing our minds with His Word, and walking by faith, we can overcome insecurity.

OVERCOMING FEELINGS OF INSECURITY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Might Have Been?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Apr 15, 2005

Little effort, little satisfication? there are no sadder words of pen or tongue, than the words, what might have been.

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN, IF I TRIED A LITTLE HARDER? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com INTRODUCTION: Have we really been trying? Oct. 1978: Mrs. Fannie Turner of Little Rock, Arkansas passed her written drivers test on the 104th attempt, and thus made the Guinness Book of World Records. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Blood, Sweat, And Tears In The Church Of God

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Dec 27, 2017

Blood, swat and tears is hard work and effort in the church to be and accomplish all that God wants from your church.

Prayer- Introduction- This morning I want to talk a moment about the church. I say by sermon title the church of God because there are churches out there that I believe never ask God what He thinks about decisions that are made in His church. I believe there are churches that are nothing more ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:4-5

Denomination: Nazarene

Selfcontrol: The Discipline Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 25, 2012

We are told that we are more than victorius through Christ. If that is so then why do so many Christ followers seem to have defeat and not victory. Because the only place victory comes before work is in the dictionary. A forgotten or ignored fruit of t

Intro: Have you ever looked for victory in your spiritual life but had it vanish like a mist of fog? Are you searching for what it means to be more than a conqueror but feel conquered most of the time? Do you sing victory in Jesus and really don’t believe that it’s possible. If you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

Relying On The Work Of The Spirit

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Apr 5, 2022

When we bear witness to the saving power of Christ, we must rely on the Spirit to empower our efforts.

Jesus had told them to wait—His first disciples, I mean. He had given them important work to do—the most important work of all, actually—but He had told them not to attempt it just yet. No. They were to wait. “Don’t give,” He said, “until you have received. Nothing can be done by you until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Tenacious Love - 1 Peter 4:8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 26, 2025

No matter how deep your love, it can grow cold. We must make every effort to keep it growing.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8

The Work Of The Spirit, Part A Series

Contributed by David Richardson on Sep 13, 2007

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?

Series: Life, Everlasting, Part 3 Message: The Work of the Spirit? Part A Our scripture focus today is Psalm 116:13, but I want to read the entire Psalm… 116:1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 116:1-19

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Bait Of Mis-Understanding...

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 26, 2015

Discuss greater love? In minutes misunderstanding can destroy years of work. Ministry and church work can bring great irritation and frustration... STRIVE TO UNDERSTAND... Give of yourself...

MIS-UNDERSTANDING IS A TERRIBLE BAIT? TRY TO UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING IS... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. A. HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE. I have been thinking about life: ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Same Old Same Old--Vs Change

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 17, 2022

We are commanded to grow in grace. Real growth demands effort and a good plan. Will we stay the same and refuse to change?

THE SAME OLD SAME OLD VS. CHANGE By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com WHAT IF A CATERPILLAR DESIRED TO STAY A CATERPILLAR? CHANGE: Let us look at complete metamorphosis. There are four stages of growth. EGG, LARVA (CATERPILLAR), PUPA (COCOON), ADULT (BUTTERFLY.) Maybe use the frog: ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 13:23, 2 Peter 3:18, Job 14:13-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God