Sermons on Self Improvement:

Formula For Growing In Christ - For If These Things Be In You And Abound

Contributed by William Akehurst on Mar 20, 2023

Peter said, Grace and Peace be multiplied in YOU in the Knowledge of GOD and JESUS our LORD. Then he gave us a "formula" for fruitful growth. Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Self Control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love = FRUITFUL GROWTH IN FAITH

2023.03.19.Sermon Notes. For if these things be in you and abound. A formula for Growing in Christ William Akehurst, HSWC KEY SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1:5-11 Scriptures Referenced: Galatians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Ephesians 5:8-11, Luke 9:23-27, Romans 1:16-17, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5-11, Galatians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Ephesians 5:8-11, Luke 9:23-27, Romans 1:16-17, 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 3:16-17, Acts 4:10-12, Psalm 34:1-3, 1 Chronicles 26:10-14, Acts 16:30-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Test The Prophets - Deuteronomy 18:22 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 3, 2025

In a world of social media influencers, self-proclaimed prophets, false teachers, and endless noise, we are bombarded with voices that claim to offer truth, hope, and direction. But not every voice is from God. Some may sound spiritual or wise, but they do not carry the authority of the Lord.

Go! And Test the Prophets - Deuteronomy 18:22 Opening Scripture Deuteronomy 18:22 (NLT): “If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:22, Jeremiah 23:16, Numbers 23:19, Deuteronomy 18:18, Acts 3:22, Hebrews 1:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, 1 John 4:1, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Love That Waxes Cold: A Prophetic Warning (Matthew 24:12)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Feb 24, 2026

The Bible says that in the last days, people's love and concern for one another will "wax cold". Self-centeredness, worldly pleasures, and apathy will increase. This problem is not just the world's problem. It has become imbedded in the church as well.

For the past several months, I have been submitting messages based on Matthew's Gospel. After much prayer and thought, I have decided to bring these messages to a conclusion. Godly men such as the late John Walvoord, John MacArthur, James Boice, and others have written excellent messages and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:12, 2 Timothy 3:2-5, 1 John 3:17, Revelation 2:2, 2 Corinthians 5:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

"do Not Be Offended."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 15, 2025

Choosing not to take offense when wronged demonstrates strength and patience. Practicing this mindset enhances our emotional well-being and strengthens our relationships. By fostering self-control, compassion, and mindfulness, we can cultivate a culture of love and harmony within the body of Christ.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 18:7) “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.” (Matthew 11:6) “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:6, Proverbs 19:11, Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 18:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Singing A New Song Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 7, 2022

David speaks of singing a "New Song." What does that mean, and what difference can singing songs about Jesus make in our lives?

OPEN with song: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjF_xGUS6X8 gives example of melody) “Sing unto the Lord a new song, sing unto the Lord all the earth (repeat); For God is great and greatly to be praised (repeat). OPEN: Years ago, I was at a Christian camp, where the Dean of that week challenged ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preparing For Difficult Days Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 24, 2023

No matter how bad things become, our great God is in control.

Preparing for Difficult Days 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Rev. Brian Bill July 22-23, 2023 This week, I did a Google search to see how the ever-knowing search engine would answer this question: “Is our world getting better or worse?” Of the top five responses, four of them said the world is getting better. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Body Of Christ, And You

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 12, 2007

Encouragement for Christians who wonder what their role is in the church of the Living God.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:27 THE BODY OF CHRIST, AND YOU “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” Many Christians know what the Bible teaches, but this knowledge does not necessarily mean that we who bear the Name of the Master eagerly embrace the instruction of the Word. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:27

Denomination: Baptist

Yearning To Breathe Free

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 14, 2003

We yearn to be free. In Christ we can be transformed from a slave mentality, we can become agents of liberation, and we can come forth from self-imposed bondages. For Transfiguration Sunday and for Black History Month; uses poems (not replicated here)

The plan of God is that all should be free. All free. Free from the things that keep us from what God intends us to be. Free from oppression, free from hostility. Most of all, free from sin and death. That is the ultimate plan of God. We who have yearned to breathe free have not been ...read more

Scripture: John 11:38-44, Ecclesiastes 3:10

Denomination: Baptist

Available For Liberation

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 8, 2006

To be effective as peacemakers in a warlike time, we must have a healthy self-doubt, we must understand God’s concern for justice, and we must use what is available to us, no matter how small. Reworking for Montgomery Hills Baptist Church of a message do

There is an old saying here in Washington that nothing ever happens in August. Government people head off on vacation to the beaches, to the mountains, or to beautiful downtown Crawford, so there is nobody to make things happen. So, it is said, nothing ever happens in August. Of course that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Congregation

Contributed by Ian Johnson on Jun 10, 2004

There is so much talk among self appointed prophets that the day of the gathering Church is over. I can’t sit back and let these words go un-challenged. God is into unity and its impossible to have unity sitting at home by ourselves or cutting ourselves o

The power of the congregation There is so much talk among self appointed prophets that the day of the gathering Church is over. I can’t sit back and let these words go un-challenged. God is into unity and its impossible to have unity sitting at home by ourselves or cutting ourselves off from the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 133:1-3, Malachi 3:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let's Make A Deal

Contributed by Chris Tiller on Dec 14, 2005

Parable of the dishonest manager: The Kingdom of God works on different principles than we’re used to. Efficiency, practicality, and self-interest are not the core values of the Kingdom. God expects a lot more for us (and from us) than we expect him to.

There was a rich man. This man was so rich that he didn’t make his own bed. He had a personal maid who did that. He didn’t make his own dinner. He had a personal chef who did that. He didn’t drive his own car. He had a chauffeur who did that. He didn’t balance his own checkbook. He had a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Faces: Samson Part 2 Series

Contributed by John Braland on Apr 3, 2007

Samson was reckless. He became arrogant in his self pursuits always assuming that God would bless him because he was special. He virtually abandoned his spiritual life over the course of 20 years then was shocked that God was gone. In the end, he lost

Last week we learned that Samson was special. Even before he was born God had put a call on his life and all Samson had to do was walk into his calling. His calling was clear, God wanted to use Samson to move the Israelites out of their complacency because they were losing their identity. They ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Cain: The Story Of Alienation Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 5, 2008

The story of Cain. Intimacy with God and family and self is lost. He no longer feels accepted. He lives in fear. God warns Cain... but Cain chooses to turn his back on God and walks away. Peter and Judas both betrayed and denied Jesus, one walked to

In Jesus Holy Name March 9,2008 Lent IV Series: O.T. Challenges Redeemer Genesis 4:1-12 “Cain: the Story of Alienation” This is the third message in our series: O.T. Challenges. In Genesis chapters 1-3 we saw Adam and Eve sharing a life of perfect love ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Grow Free From Bondages

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Feb 12, 2013

Self-deliverance is one of the most important parts of the deliverance process. The devil will seek to enter legally through open doors into a person’s life. Once these doors have been identified and shut, believers can break off any legal grounds that th

Grow Free From Bondages Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-15

Denomination: Charismatic

Hold The Ball Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 7, 2008

There are many "self-help" books about how we can have a successful church, but Titus is one of the few divinely inspired books telling us how to do this. What are three of the basic principles a church needs to observe to be successful in God’s eyes?

OPEN: Several years back, John Brodie, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was used by his team to hold the ball for field goals and extra points after the touchdown. A reporter once asked why a million-dollar player like him would have to do such a menial task. "Well," said ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:1-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ