Sermons on Self Improvement:

The Day Will Come Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 30, 2009

It begins with God, who created. Humanity, who rebelled. Jesus, who came. And us, who respond with repentance. And then we live lives of hope – hope that “our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.

The Day Will Come Zech 12-13 Nov 9, 2008 Intro: "Hope" is the thing with feathers— That perches in the soul— And sings the tune without the words— And never stops—at all— And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard— And sore must be the storm— That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm— I’ve ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dead Prophets Society

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 4, 2009

For Transfiguration Sunday: we, like the disciples, have not imagined Christ as who He is, we as who we can become, or the cost of glory ... losing our lives to save them.

Every one who teaches knows what a mighty struggle it is to teach anybody anything and make it stick. Students come to school drowsy and distracted. Some are there because they have to be; some because Daddy’s money put them there; and some just because they cannot think of anything else to do. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Baptist

How We Live Reflects Who We Are

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Aug 6, 2009

Know who you are in Jesus, and then live it. How we live reflects who we are.

How We Live Reflects Who We Are Aug 2, 2009 1 Peter 1:13-25 Intro: Chickens don’t fly around in the sky, perch on telephone wires, or swoop down and capture some prey. That’s not who they are. Whales don’t walk around on land, or dig around in the dirt looking for a meal. That’s not who they ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

God Operates Value Village, Not The Landfill

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 6, 2009

For Senior Adult Sunday: There are legitimate concerns about aging; but there are also those who would prey on the elderly. God is our ultimate refuge and the protector of those who are to be valued, not thrown away.

If it’s old, it has to go. That used to be the message. In the years after World War II, once we got our economy back on a peacetime basis, we all wanted only new things. Bright, shiny, new. And so, if it’s old, it has to go. Do you remember? Do you remember, if you go back that far, how, during ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:4-12

Denomination: Baptist

Ignorance Is Bliss -- Not!

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 14, 2009

First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg, MD: We avoid too much information because we know we will have to respond. Some escape into private piety; some escape from knowing themselves. But true bliss comes from knowing how to invest in Kingdom concerns.

You can buy it anywhere in Pennsylvania Dutch country – a banner, an apron, a towel, anything really – and it proclaims, in pidgin German, “Ve get too soon oldt und too late schmart”. Your preacher this morning is a walking example of that ancient truth. Too soon oldt und too late schmart. The ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

"Take Them By The Hand And Lead Them"

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 16, 2009

a Father’s day message. Stories remind fathers that they are important in leading their children to Jesus, enabling their sons and daughters to know God’s love from their example.

In Jesus Holy Name June 21, 2009 Text: Ephesians 6:2,5:16-18 (The Message) Father’s Day “Take Them by The Hand and Lead Them” Two weeks ago, the June 8th cover of Sports Illustrated placed on their cover a 16 year old Bryce Harper with this caption: “Baseball’s Chosen One”. According ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:2

Denomination: Lutheran

Life In Christ Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 8, 2010

1- Life in Christ excludes hypocrisy 2- Life in Christ excludes salvation by observance of the law 3- Life in Christ includes death to self

INTRO.- Life. What is life all about? Obviously, that depends on who you are talking to. Here are some examples. ILL.- It was said that Jimmy Johnson, when coaching football on the college level, had a wife and the appearance of a marriage because it was expected of college football coaches. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Love Contrasted Series

Contributed by Chris Surber on Mar 18, 2010

The love of Mary for Jesus contrasted with the selfish motives of Judas.

Love Contrasted, John 12:1-8 Scripture “Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Christian Church

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

Oh Be Careful Little Tongue

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Feb 19, 2013

The tongue must be controlled so that we might bless instead of curse and edify instead of destroy.

Oh Be Careful Little Tongue February 17, 2013 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: The tongue must be controlled so that we might bless instead of curse and edify instead of destroy. Focus Passage: James 3:1-12 Supplemental Passage: Let no unwholesome ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Power Flows Out Of Passion

Contributed by Samuel Fulkerson on Mar 10, 2013

For there to be Power there must first be Passion, because Power flows out of Passion. We must decrease that He may increase. We must die out to self that He may have the preeminence.

Quotes: “A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.” -- John Maxwell “Without passion you don't have energy, without energy you have nothing.” -- Donald Trump “Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Obeying God

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 20, 2013

When I finished college I rejoiced, thinking that at last I would be free of tests - that I would never have to take another. But I discovered that I was just starting a time of testing. In every stage of life there are tests...

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED - 2023) ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Heart Trouble Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 26, 2012

Let’s look at the Book of Proverbs & see some of the different ways heart trouble in the inner person affects us. Perhaps you will recognize one of these symptoms which is warning you of heart trouble in your inner being.

HEART TROUBLE PROVERBS 12: 20, 25 Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in America. Heart failure accounts for 40% of all U.S. deaths. That’s more than all forms of cancer combined. Why is heart disease so deadly? One reason is that many people are slow to seek help when ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:20-25, Proverbs 20:5, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Obstacles To Grace

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Jun 14, 2012

We all face obstacles that block the flow of God's grace in our lives. This message is a message given during a Walk to Emmaus weekend.

Obstacles to Grace Rev. Lynn Malone Toby Keith has a popular song right now that I have heard several people walk around either singing or humming the words. The song is entitled I Want to Talk About Me. Have you heard it? The words to the chorus go like this: I wanna talk about me Wanna ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:8-9

Denomination: Methodist