Sermons on Self Indulgence:

Judge Not, But Discern Wisely Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Dec 15, 2023

Jesus warned about the problems associated with criticizing others, and of the need to do some spiritual self-examination before passing judgement. He then said that we need to use discernment when dealing with some people.

This morning, we are going to look at the problem of judging others. The definition for the word “judge” that applies to our passage means, “to form a judgment or opinion” and to “decide upon critically.”(1) The key word here is “critically,” for when we judge others we are often being “critical” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Triumphant Over Tragedies

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

Are you in a position where all self-sufficiency is gone? As you turn your eyes on the Lord and put your hope in Him, you have God’s reassuring promise that you need nothing more.

Opening illustration: A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him – no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they are sunk.” He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Go! And Have The Mind Of Christ Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 5, 2025

In a world obsessed with status, self-promotion, and influence, Jesus calls us to the opposite mindset - releasing our grip on personal rights, comfort, and ambition, so that the glory of God may be revealed through our obedience.

Go! And Have the Mind of Christ Philippians 2:5b–7 (NLT): “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11, John 1:1, John 1:14, Mark 10:45, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

True Holiness

Contributed by Scott Carroll on May 28, 2011

It is God Who saves us and makes us holy *** We cannot add to God's holiness or righteousness by our own works. *** The Spirit of God in us will bear fruit in good works, but it is not according to God's Word for us to make our list of self-righteous r

TRUE HOLINESS 5/28/2011 “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and . . . put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion Condemned Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2008

James exposes the difference between religion that comforts us and religion that reveals the power of Christ among us.

JAMES 1:26 RELIGION CONDEMNED “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Someone has said, “You can’t believe half of what you hear, but you can repeat it.” This points out a real problem in the church today—we ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

Tending To Life Beneath The Surface Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 22, 2012

Intro to the series on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Tending to Life Beneath the Surface Series: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Brad Bailey – January 15, 2012 Intro Most of us know something of the tragedy of the Titanic. [1] It was created with great pride and potential… created as the largest and most lavish passenger steamship in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Down And Out - The Pastor Who Falls

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Nov 23, 2020

Too many churches have placed men and women into positions of leadership in the church because they were successful in the marketplace or even because they were good communicators. They are looking at performance...

The media has been on a feeding frenzy concerning the Catholic Church scandal that has captured the attention of our nation and even the world. Leaders of the Catholic Church aren’t the only ones that have been hit with allegations concerning sexual misconduct—leaders of the protestant church have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Rich Vs. God

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Sep 12, 2017

To show that rich people are nothing in this world because they are like idols, they forgot GOD that provides all things for our enjoyment.

I. EXORDIUM: Do rich people believed in GOD? No. They think they are gods. II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers/unbelievers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that rich people are nothing in this world because they are like idols, they forgot GOD that provides all things for our enjoyment. IV. TEXT: 1 ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grace For The Humble - James 4:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 3, 2021

What could be more important than gaining the one quality that determines whether God gives you grace or fights against you?

James 4: 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Introduction Listen very carefully to these words I am about to read because Jesus said your eternal destiny depends on whether you understand them. Matthew 18:1 At that time ...read more

Scripture: James 4:6

What Are You Worth?

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 27, 2002

How do you figure your self worth – by how much money you have or how much power or prestige you have? Jesus has a totally different idea of how to measure your worth.

What are you worth? I mean, really, how do you figure out what you are worth as a person? If you are #7 NFL Draft pick Bryant McKinnie the answer is easy. He’s in negotiations now with the Minnesota Vikings. He says it’s easy to sign him: "All I’m asking is for a fair deal. And that’s real simple. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-34

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Why Are We Dependent On The Spirit For Renewal

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 23, 2001

Why are we dependent on the Spirit for renewal? He renews with His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Only His renewal makes us sufficient for life’s challenges.

Titus 3:5 Theme - We are continually dependent on the Spirit’s ministry of renewal. Why are some believers lacking a fresh sense of cleansing, hope, and love? Freedom from sin’s oppression requires a continual application of the Spirit’s grace. Illustration: Sometime back the Associated Press ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Personal Prophecy Series

Contributed by Kurt Heisey on Nov 5, 2002

This is first of a series on discerning the will of God and looks at how we should handle "words for God" that we or others think come from the Lord. It helps us determin what is of God, our self, or the enemy to deceive us.

Discerning Prophecy 10/6/2002 I. Intro to Rom. 12:1-2... the will of God A. Prerequisites 1. Therefore... (11:33-36) in light that God is awesome, more than you can imagine 2. Offer self as a living sacrifice (12:1)... living for God, not for self. 3. Do not conform to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love From The Heart

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Feb 17, 2007

The majority of biblical references to the heart refers to the seat of the emotions, our inner self, or even the center of the will. We can learn much from a survey of the Bible’s call to love God with our whole heart.

Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO From the Heart Jeremiah 29:13 Romance lives even in the retirement home. Did you hear about the 90 year-old bachelor. One day this man gathered his four nephews and announced that he was planning to be married. His ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Esther: Queen For A Day

Contributed by Lee Henry on Jul 30, 2006

The Story of Esther is a story of God’s providence. Esther’s obedience, faithfulness, prayerfulness and self sacrificing attitude made it possible for God to use her. Those same attributes will allow God to use us as well.

Esther: Queen for a Day Esther 4:14 Queen For A Day (sympathy contest, hosted by Jack Bailey)(Local Los Angeles TV, 1948 - 1956) (NBC Daytime, 1956 - 60) (ABC Daytime, 1960 - 64) It was not really a quiz show, since there were no questions or stunts; it was just a relating of the sob stories ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fit For The Kingdom

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 30, 2005

Learning to fold a piece of paper into a square blindfolded requires the same three things as Jesus requires of us to be fit for the kingdom of God: Self-denying devotion to the task, making it an absolute priority and giving it your undivided attention.

Fit For The Kingdom / Luke 9: 51-62 Intro: Challenge – What if God said, “You must be able to fold a piece of paper into a perfect square while blindfolded to be fit for the kingdom of God?” IMPOSSIBLE? – what would I have to do to learn how to do that? I. Verse 57 “I will follow you wherever ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed