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

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

Take Up Your Cross And Follow Jesus

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 14, 2013

Self denial, self sacrifice, following wherever Jesus leads. The danger of ruining our eternal souls. Christ alone can save us.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS. Luke 9:18-26. Peter was in no doubt that Jesus is the anointed one of God. What he did not understand was that his Master is not like any earthly Lord. He is not the type of King who was expected by the crowds. Jesus did not come into the world to deliver ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Gospel According To Genesis Series

Contributed by Dwayne Dickson on Feb 20, 2016

In this sermon of the sacrifice of Isaac we see a presentation of the Gospel. Most importantly we see us. We see that God is willing to provide a sacrifice for us if we are willing to put ourselves on His altar.

The Gospel According to Genesis Introduction We often think of the Gospel as found only in the New Testament. After all, we often call it the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But listen to what the Apostle Peter has to say about the Gospel. 1 Peter 1:17-20 (NLT) And remember that the heavenly Father to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Things We Value In Ministry Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Feb 28, 2016

Ministry work should be done by every Christian not just for pastors and church leaders. In this message, we will learn from the life of Deborah three things that can help us as we minister to God, to the Christians and to the unbelievers.

Many of us think of ministry as the work done by pastors, by missionaries, by Christian Conference speakers or evangelists. We rarely think that work done by bankers, by lawyers, by engineers or homemakers can also be considered as ministry. We have a wrong notion that only those who get their ...read more

Scripture: Judges 4:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

Your New Name Series

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Mar 1, 2016

Part one of a series on the life of Jacob

Your New Name Dying to Self, Part One If you have your bible, turn to Genesis chapter 32. We’re starting a new series today, based on the life of Jacob. Gen 32:22 TNIV That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, By the way, we’ll deal with that in a couple weeks… his two ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Starving Sons Series

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Mar 1, 2016

Part 2 of a series on the life of Jacob.

Starving Sons Dying to Self, Part 2 (Vineyard Pen) If you have your bible, turn to Genesis chapter 25. We’re continuing our series, based on the life of Jacob. Last week we talked about letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be, so we can become who God created us to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:24-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Name It What You Want Series

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Mar 1, 2016

Part 4 of a series on the life of Jacob. Jacob changes his sons name from sorrow to "right hand" or strength. We also can choose how we look at our circumstances in life.

Name It What You Want Dying To Self, Part 4 I was reading an article from the Wall Street Journal. Wildlife researchers in Germany and the Czech Republic have been studying migration patterns of deer in the two countries, and they were surprised to find out that deer never cross between the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:16-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seeds Series

Contributed by Tim White on Mar 11, 2014

Jesus teaches of the ways people receive the truth.

A pastor once preached on this passage: A mother of 12 came forward, concerned that her life has not produced any eternal fruit. She told the pastor, “I am not sure that with my responsibilities, I have time to do anything of value to God.” The pastor tried to comfort the lady, prayed ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-20

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

Fully Known

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 18, 2009

Healthy self-knowledge means that in Christ we know enough to be functional, and indeed our ignorance is the vehicle through which God conveys wisdom, for in Him we are fully known.

Charley Brown says to Lucy, still dispensing sage wisdom for the pre-inflationary price of five cents, "Nobody likes me, Lucy. Everybody hates my guts. Do you see that plane up there, Lucy? It’s a plane full of people going somewhere else. That’s what I’d like to do. I’d like to go somewhere else, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4-31

Denomination: Baptist

Know Thyself Series

Contributed by Mark Eberly on Oct 26, 2009

This week we turn the focus on understanding ourselves and gaining emotional awareness so that we may know God. Four competancies will be shared to help us become emotionally aware so that we might be emotionally healthy spiritually.

Back to School Know Thyself Psalm 55:1-5, 16-17 October 25, 2009 This week and next week we are going to look at several emotional health competencies. These are qualities that emotionally healthy people cultivate and display. These give us plenty of things to work because none of us have all of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:1-5

Denomination: Church Of God

A Noble Task Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 25, 2011

1- The noble task of being an elder 2- The noble task of being a deacon 3- The noble task of being a leader’s wife

INTRO.- A noble task. What’s that? It depends on what you consider to be a noble task. I personally would not commend tending bar as being a noble task nor many other jobs in this world. Like: prostitution, dealing at a table at a gambling casino, etc. Nobility carries the idea of excellence ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ