Sermons on Self Improvement:

Procuring The Blessings Of God

Contributed by James May on Sep 21, 2003

Have you ever considered why some receive a blessing while others nearby don’t. This sermon speaks concerning the pre-requisites for receiving God’s blessings.

Disclaimer: Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, Matthew 25:24-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

O Joy That Seeks Me Through Pain

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Mar 27, 2004

Some­thing hap­pened to me, which was known only to my­self, and which caused me the most se­vere men­tal suf­fer­ing. The hymn was the fruit of that suf­fer­ing. It was the quick­est bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the im­press­ion of hav­ing it

O Joy That Seeks Me Through Pain (Psa 23:3) He restores my soul. George Matheson, a blind Pastor said about his famous hymn: My hymn was composed in the manse of Innelan [Argyleshire, Scotland] on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882, when I was 40 years of age. I was alone in the manse at ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Shall Answer

Contributed by Gregory Thomas on Jun 12, 2001

TODAY WE WITNESS THE PROPHESIES BEING UNFOLDED, WE SEE MEN THAT ARE BOASTEROUS AND SELF - WILLED, AND THERE IN OUR CHURCHES TODAY HOLDING THE OFFICE OF A PASTOR. GRANTED THE NUMBERS ARE NOT THAT HIGH, YET, STAND POST YOU WILL WITNESS THEM GROW THE CLOSER WE NEAR THE END.

YOU SHALL ANSWER TEXT JEREMIAH 23: 1,2, IN OUR FACILITIES.IN THESE GOD GIVEN PASSAGES JEREMIAH MAKES HIS PETITION TO THE STIFFED NECKED LEADERS OF YESTERDAY. I MAKE THAT SAME PETITION TODAY. SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE ARE LEADERS WHO ARE REFUSING TO FEED THEIR FLOCK, REFUSING TO DEMONSTRATE THE ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-2, Ezekiel 34:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"You Cannot Serve God And Wealth.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Sep 14, 2001

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 23, 2001 Luke 16: 1-13 Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus teaching that it is in our own best self-interest to be “interested” in the welfare of others. Amen. Title: “You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost September 23, 2001 Luke 16: 1-13 Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus teaching that it is in our own best self-interest to be “interested” in the welfare of others. Amen. Title: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” Jesus relates a parable about a prudent ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Rejoice In The Lord Always

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Nov 28, 2003

Too many believers forget where real joy comes from. In our self-absorbed society it is easy to think that joy comes from personal pleasures, people or possessions. The following points contain some helpful motivations to obey the scriptural commmand, "Re

Rejoice in the Lord Always (Phil. 4:4) Too many believers forget where real joy comes from. In our self-absorb society it is easy to think that joy comes from personal pleasures, people or possessions. The following points contain some helpful motivations to obey the scriptural commmand, "Rejoice ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Cross And Community

Contributed by Steven Chapman on Jul 6, 2005

God freed us to live in community. His design from the very beginning of the church was that the church would exhibit the kind of self-sacrificing love that he exhibited on the cross. Since God saves us in community, what does this community look like? Le

The Cross And Community Galatians 5:13-6:3 The war in Iraq is over. It took only 28 days for Coalition Forces to completely dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein. And while Hussein and a large number of his henchmen are still at large, the only opposition that remains is a scattering of ill ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Salvation

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Apr 12, 2005

In this passage (vv. 16-21) Paul summarizes the motive of the whole Christian life. Christ died for all and the old self of the Christian died in that death. He arose a new man. In this newness of life he has acquired a new set of standards. He no longer

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: In verses 14 and 15 Paul comes to two conclusions: 1. The total depravity of man (v.14). If Christ died for all, then all must be dead in trespasses and sin. 2. God’s purpose for saving us (v. 15). He died that we might live through Him and for Him, and one day with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Motivation?? Part I

Contributed by David Richardson on Apr 15, 2005

What’s your motivation? Where do your interests lie? Are they transparent? What is your motivation? Why do you do what you do? Is it for Jesus and Him crucified or is it to see your own self lifted on high? What is your motivation?

Title: Motivation? Scripture: Acts 21:30-40, 22:1-30 Introduction: What’s your motivation? What compels you to get out of bed in the morning? A desire not to be late, or a desire to get a head start on the day? What compels you to eat? Is it hunger, taste, or the price you paid for the meal? When ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Pity Party - Prodigal Son / Brother

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 28, 2004

It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly - Very "Phunny" opening poem, then the CURSE, CAUSE, AND CURE of Self Pity. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Pity Party Luke 15:25-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PityParty.html It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly. It’s not fun to listen to and no one taps their foot. But you are certain it makes you feel better to beat it out ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

While We Wait

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 26, 2005

Funeral service for Elizabeth Wilkey Abernethy, a quiet yet committed long-term church member who struggled with cancer for nine years. We can wait if, like Liz, we are self-controlled, upright, and godly, for the glory of the risen Christ is coming.

I am not very good at waiting. Are you? I do not like to sit and twiddle my thumbs waiting for something to happen. Do you remember that in days past shoe repair shops would advertize, “Shoes repaired while you wait”? You would go in, sit down, take off your old clodhoppers, and turn them in, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

Is The World Out Of Control?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 10, 2008

I need not be afraid though all hell should break loose. Why? Because “God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, CEV).

In today’s gospel reading Jesus says to a frightened group of friends: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." It’s from the story of Jesus walking on water. Some people have interpreted the story as giving us a lesson about needing to take risks in life. One preacher made that the topic of his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Methodist

Joy In The Journey - Being Positive In A Negative World Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Nov 24, 2009

This sermon looks at six steps to overcome complaining. 1. Admit There Is A PROBLEM 2. Change your SELF-TALK 3. Speak POSITIVELY 4. Take Responsibility For Your Own LIFE 5. Develop An Attitude Of GRATITUDE 6. Look For God In Every SITUATION

Joy in the Journey - Being Positive In A Negative World Complaining kills joy. It makes you unhappy. It makes everyone around you unhappy too. How many of you like to be around complainers? The problem is – that once we start to complain – it is hard to stop. Complaining can become a habit ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Do You Expect From Jesus? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 6, 2009

Have you ever stopped to consider what you expect from Him? A helper, a rescuer from your troubles, a self-help guru, someone that thinks like you? In this chapter Jesus punctures the expectations of others and ask that you really listen to Him.

What do you expect from Jesus? It’s a natural question. If you ask you’ll probably get answers like: • I expect Jesus to get me out of my tough situations • I expect Jesus to give me good advice on how to live my life • I expect Jesus to tell me what I need to do to get to earn my way to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-30

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Lesson 4: Don't Trust Your Mind - Trust God's Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Oct 4, 2010

The mind is one of the most amazing and most dangerous things we possess. It is incredibly creative, self-justifying and horribly deceiving and sick. So Paul tells us when it comes understanding God, using our minds only will never get us there.

In our series: Lessons in how NOT to be a Christian, we have seen: Lesson 1: You (and your church) do not belong to you, but to God Lesson 2: Don't worship your pastor Lesson 3: Don't confuse the world's wisdom with God's And now Lesson 4: Don't rely on your own mind Scientific ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Why Have We Been Just Lying Here?

Contributed by James May on Apr 15, 2012

How long will we lie around at the pool waiting for the waters to be troubled? Do we not know that the supernatural power of God is available all of the time? Will we rise and walk in power or lie in sorrow and self-pity. Take up your bed and walk by G

Why Have We Been Just Lying Here? Sunday, April 15, 2012 – AM Rev. James May John 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible