Sermons on Self Improvement:

Joy Versus Happiness

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 12, 2015

The world relentlessly pursues self-statisfying happiness with utter disregard for the Joy of the Lord. Even those who authored the declaration of independence thought that the "pursuit of happiness" was a God given right. So ... what does the Bible say?

Let’s take a look at a couple of Scriptures … Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NASB) “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!” Ecclesiastes 12:8 (HCSB) “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile.” Ecclesiastes ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2

Denomination: Nazarene

Giving Something Up For Lent

Contributed by Craig Condon on Apr 20, 2015

God will give us the strength and desire to let go of the things that hinder us from serving Him. If we follow Him, He will bless us spiritually. In order to be first with God, we have to be last in the eyes of the world.

Let's take a walk down memory lane for a moment. Some of you, especially the older members of this congregation, may remember a famous comedian named Flip Wilson. He had a weekly TV comedy show back in the 70s, and one of his favorite characters was a preacher named Brother Leroy. In one skit, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Anglican

Jonah Is Us Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jul 11, 2013

This is the conclusion of our series in the Book of Jonah. This was a hard sermon that challenged our congregation to examine how we are like Jonah, and what we should do about it.

Jonah Concluded Text: Jonah 4:5 – 11 So we’re finishing up in Jonah today… I thought after last week I’d be done with it, but as I was re-reading it… just going over it one last time to see if the Lord would have me say any more on this book. I realized that I ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Poor Rich Man Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 6, 2013

If you want to be rich in the things that really count, don’t rely on yourself; rely on the Lord and don’t boast about your sacrifices. Then you will not only inherit eternal life, you will be first in God's Kingdom.

Many years ago, a very wealthy man invited Pastor George A. Truett to a dinner on his Texas ranch. After the meal, he took his pastor to a place where they had a good view of the surrounding area. The rich man pointed north to the oil wells punctuating the landscape and boasted, “25 years ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Who's In Charge Around Here? Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Sep 5, 2013

Everybody struggles with self-control. We all wish we had more of it.

INTRODUCTION Love is the first flavor of the fruit of the Spirit and today we come to the last, self-control. I think these two virtues are placed first and last because love is the primary fruit and drives the rest, and self-control is the virtue that holds them all together. Our scripture says, ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Baptist

Nothing

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 8, 2013

To prove that we have brought nothing into this world, obviously we can take nothing out of it.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you owe GOD nothing? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To prove that we have brought nothing into this world, obviously we can take nothing out of it. IV. TEXT: 1 Timothy 6:7 (Amplified Bible) 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Knowledge Of God" Series

Contributed by Lonnie Erwin on May 30, 2015

The Book of 2 Peter opens up with a statement to indentify to the reader who is the author of the book. Peter uses the term "bond servant" thus implying that he, Peter is a slave to no man but by his own choice he has chosen to serve and summit to Jesus.

"Knowledge of God" Introduction : The Book of 2 Peter opens up with a statement to indentify to the reader who is the author of the book. Peter uses the term "bond-servant" thus implying that he, Peter is a slave to no man but by his own choice he has chosen to serve and summit to Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Increased All The More In Strength!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Jul 6, 2015

Self-pity has sabotaged growth in many lives, many have acted so stupidly in the past that they have failed to manifest their potential to do something useful and wonderful with their lives .

Increased all the more in strength! Acts 9:22 ”Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.” When Apostle Paul was running from pillar to post and persecuted on all sides, the Bible says he increased all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Can I Do More?

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Nov 5, 2015

No matter how much we feel that we do for Christ, the question is, "Can I Do More?"

The film Schindler's List chronicled the heroic efforts of a German industrialist named Oskar Schindler. Through his unselfish activities, over a thousand Jews on the trains to Auschwitz were saved. After Schindler found out what was happening at Auschwitz, he began a systematic effort to save as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Personal Development

Contributed by Nnaemeka Durueke on May 15, 2017

God expects us to grow into the full image of Jesus Christ.

PERSONAL SELF DEVELOPMENT MAIN TEXT-2 CORINTHIANS 3:18, 2 PETER 3:18 INTRODUCTION Personal development is very important for a Christian who wants to fulfill all that God has deposited inside of him. Christians are to be making progress. 1 Peter 1:5. We are supposed to be in that progress of being ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Oh My Soul

Contributed by Davon Huss on May 27, 2017

Whether you are high or low, I have some advise for you this morning (First point adapted from Mr. & Mrs. Friday Pele; second point from Rick Warren)

HoHum: Sing “Oh My Soul” by Mark Hall of Casting Crowns Oh, my soul Oh, how you worry Oh, how you're weary, from fearing you lost control This was the one thing, you didn't see coming And no one would blame you, though If you cried in private If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows No one ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:11, Psalm 42:5-6, Psalm 43:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Leaving God Out Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 1, 2017

It seems like a no brainer for believers to include God in every aspect of life? So what would cause a believer to leave God out? Our Family Minister, Scott Jewell explores some of the excuses people use in this message.

Read Hebrews 11:8-12 Each week, we have a group of ministers that meet over lunch to encourage each other and sometimes we plan sermon series together. This month we’re focusing on obstacles to healthy relationships. Last week, Jeff spoke about only giving the leftovers, today I want to discuss ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Stuff Gets In The Way. Series

Contributed by Eric Grenier on Apr 26, 2018

James 5:1-6 speaks of problems we thought were new problems. being hoarders, defrauding others, being self-indulgent

James 5:1–6 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Jonah's Pity Party

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Oct 7, 2014

Jonah as both an unwilling and angry prophet, filled with self-pity.

Over the edge. That is where so many employers seem to be pushing their workers these days. Perhaps you have felt it yourself. You work hard, sometimes too hard in what seems like 24/7 and even then the work just never stops. Your job drains you, mentally, physically and even spiritually. You put ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Let Go Of Fear Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 19, 2014

Fear will steal your joy and keep you from doing all that God wants you to do. So, what are we supposed to do with our fear? Let it Go!

Fear will be your enemy. And that statement seems to set the tone very early in the movie. If there seems to be one overriding emotion in the movie “Frozen” it is fear. The King and Queen are fearful for their daughters and so the girls are separated and grow up alone. Elsa is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-9

Denomination: Wesleyan