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

Even In A Catastrophe, We Should Glorify The Lord By Our Lives Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 8, 2020

In heaven, then, when we succeed in becoming like Christ as His servants and siblings, the Father will give us honors beyond anything we could hope for.

Monday of the 19th Week in Course: St. Lawrence One of the directions we deacons can give at the end of Holy Mass says “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” The idea is to go out from the Eucharistic celebration and bear fruit, bringing the Gospel to your friends and colleagues. That ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26

Denomination: Catholic

Remove The Roots Of Bitterness

Contributed by Dennis King on Feb 25, 2018

Most people think they are totally and unequivocally free of bitterness. However, that’s not necessarily the truth. You see, bitterness creeps in, slowly and is easier seen in other people rather than in yourself.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. That statement comes from Ephesians 4, verse 31. The Greek word for bitterness is “Pikria” which translates to “Sticky.” No matter what has been done to you, how bad, how often, or who from, bitterness ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

A Seed Dies & Life Begins Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 14, 2018

How does selfishness destroy us? How does selflessness save us? How does truly living only begin when the seed of selfishness dies?

Prelude How does selfishness destroy us? How does selflessness save us? How does truly living only begin when the seed of selfishness dies? Purpose: Jesus taught that self-preservation is self-destructive and self-sacrifice is really living. Plan: Let’s examine the passage where Jesus predicts ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

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

Going The Distance (On What Matters)

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Feb 3, 2021

This sermon is about running the Christian race.

Going the Distance (on what matters) Opening Illustration: "He didn't win a medal. In fact, he came nowhere near. But, in defeat and in pain, he came to represent something much more profound and enduring than many sportsmen achieve in illustrious careers. Akhwari was never likely to win ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Looking At Your Own Faith Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 25, 2020

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to examine their own faith. What does that look like?

WHO'S IN? There are a lot of questionable boundary markers for the Christian faith. - If you read the obituary page, you will discover some marvelous realities. Among them: a. Upwards of 90% of people are going to heaven. b. People are members of church despite the fact that they haven’t ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Better Than Anything - Philippians 3:7-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 3, 2022

Why is it so evil for a person to try to make himself righteous?

Philippians 3:7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them filth, that I may gain Christ 9 and be ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-9

The Smiths

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 29, 2022

Demetrius “Smith” represents someone whose judgement is clouded by selfish desires. Alexander "Smith" represents someone who doesn't want to be alone in his sin; who makes it a point to cause other Christians to stumble.

I’ve entitled our message for this evening, “The Smiths.” Have you heard about the Smiths? Take for instance Zipporah Smith. “Who’s that?” you may say. Well, her husband, Moses, was used by God to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. You see, Zipporah was a Kenite, and the word ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:14-16, Acts 19:23-34

Denomination: Baptist

Give Your Life Away Series

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Apr 5, 2022

There are at least four core commitments for Christian living: (1) abide in the Word, (2) pray your heart out, (3) be killing sin, and (4) give your life away.

Our lives tell a story—a story about who we are and what we value, where we’ve come from and where we’re going, what we want and what we’ll do to get it. And what most of us do is, we make “the story” of our lives about us. But God makes “the story” of our lives about Christ. Someone has said, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Identity Crisis

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 26, 2022

Identity answers the question “Who am I?” My identity is based on how I view myself, the foundation I build my life upon, and where I find my sense of worth, acceptance, and well-being. Everything changes when we find the King!

Sermon: An Identity Crisis Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13 “One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked. “Yes sir, I am,” Ziba ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Methodist