Sermons on Self Interest:

Unity Vs. Disunity

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Aug 1, 2005

Six points to help you get a job done

Unity vs. Disunity One grasshopper seems insignificant as it leaps across the lawn. But when it joins forces with other grasshoppers, the resulting swarm can soon devour all the vegetation in its path. Grasshoppers demonstrate the power of community. What they cannot do by themselves, they can ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Wealth – A Potential Enemy

Contributed by Robert Sickler on May 17, 2012

Scripture clearly states that people who long to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them.

WEALTH – A POTENTIAL ENEMY INTRODUCTION Scripture clearly states that people who long to be rich fall into all sorts of temptations and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that drag them down and destroy them. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6

Denomination: Christian Church

Never Invite God To A Pity Party

Contributed by Jeffrey Samelson on Sep 1, 2004

When we’re tempted to focus on everything that’s wrong in our lives, God directs us back to him and leaves us no room for self-pity.

July 11, 2004 — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Christ Lutheran Church, Columbia, MD Pastor Jeff Samelson 1 Kings 19:14-21 Never Invite God to a Pity Party I. He Won’t Agree with You II. He Won’t Let You Wallow III. He Won’t Leave You Alone Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Struggling Even When The Good Times Roll Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 21, 2009

July 1989: When we are prospering, we are tempted into the idolatry of me-ism and self-congratulation. This is an opportunity to do more for others and for the Kingdom, for God is the source of our bounty.

About a year ago, toward the end of July, I placed one of these up here on the pulpit as the visible sermon for the day. Remember? Do you recall what we called that Sunday? Right: we called it "catch-up Sunday" …catch-up Sunday … and the idea was that if we were behind in our giving, if we as a ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 14:4-8

Denomination: Baptist

Radical Spiritual Amputation

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Aug 28, 2015

Anything that would hinder us in our walk, our work or our service must be radically amputated from our lies and replaced with that which will glorify God.

Radical Spiritual Amputation Mark 9:42-50 On April 26, 2003, Aron Ralston was hiking through Blue John Canyon, in eastern Utah. While he was descending a slot canyon, an 800 pound suspended boulder, became dislodged, as he was climbing down from it. It crushed his right hand and pinned his right ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:42-50

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Religious Or Spiritual?

Contributed by Jay Winters on Jun 28, 2008

This week the texts seem to revolve around the idea that you can’t be "religious" but not "spiritual". It sounds like that tired line, "I’m spiritual but not religious". In the Gospel reading, I think it is interesting how Jesus heals both someone who wou

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three in One who has come to call sinners home. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Up to 10 percent of the world’s population that does not attend church on a regular basis describes itself as “spiritual, but not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-26

Denomination: Lutheran

Inadequacy Encountering Sufficiency Series

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Jan 31, 2016

There is an idea in our culture that recognizing our inability or insufficiency is somehow contrary to the principles of success. Self-confidence and high-powered, aggressive personalities seem to be what takes the day.

A Tour Through Acts ~ part 2 Inadequacy Encountering Sufficiency Acts 2:1-4, 14 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-4

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Compel Them To Come In

Contributed by Robert Simmons on Feb 24, 2002

Evangelistic Sermon reworked from the Charles Spurgeon Classic

LUKE 14:23 AND THE LORD SAID UNTO THE SERVANT, GO OUT INTO THE HIGHWAYS AND HEDGES, AND COMPEL THEM TO COME IN, THAT MY HOUSE MAY BE FILLED. * Whosoever Calls upon the Name of the Lord Shall Be Saved * for this Is a Faithful Saying and Worthy of All Acceptation, That Jesus Christ Came into the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:23

Denomination: Church Of God

Lessons From A Lonely Apostle Series

Contributed by Donald Mcculley on Mar 18, 2019

Paul closes out this letter with some personal remarks. From this passage we learn several truths.

LESSONS FROM A LONELY APOSTLE II TIMOTHY 4:9-18 Introduction: Someone once said, “It’s lonely at the top.” I have news for you. “It’s lonely at the bottom too!” Paul closes out this letter with some personal remarks. From this passage we learn several truths. I. There Will Always be People ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Dangers Of Speaking Ill Of Godly Women Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 10, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore the biblical reasons why we should refrain from speaking ill of godly women, the differences between worldly and godly women, and the consequences of speaking ill of them.

As believers, we are called to uphold the highest standards of integrity, love, and respect, especially towards our sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to witness or experience hurtful words and accusations directed towards godly women. In this sermon, we'll explore the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29-32, Psalm 37:23-24

The Still Small Voice

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 26, 2022

This message looks at a situation in the life of Elijah in which he felt all alone. This account teaches us that God is with us, and He has our best interests in mind at all times, even though we may not immediately hear from Him.

This morning we are going to learn about hearing God during the midst of life’s difficult circumstances. How many of you have ever been through a difficult time in which you felt like God had abandoned you, or perhaps that He was nowhere to be found? I am sure a number of us have experienced ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Which King Is He?

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Oct 19, 2012

Do I use Jesus for my own selfish opportunities? Do I find it convenient to cheer with Him one day then deny him the next? What kind of a King do I try to make of him?

Which King is He? Matthew 20:17 – 21:17 NIV A Parade of Opportunity and Opportunists From The Scriptures 1. Matthew 20:17-19 The Divine opportunity Jesus explains His opportunity – the reason He came to earth was to be a perfect sacrifice for all They still did not understand and ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Characteristics That Distinguish The Christian

Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 28, 2004

Everything has what we consider to be identifying marks or characteristics--things that make them distinguishable from other things. In the same manner, the child of God should exhibit traits that set them apart from the world.

CHARACTERISTICS THAT DISTINGUISH THE CHRISTIAN Text: I John 3: 1-2 Intro: The characteristics of a thing help us not only recognize it, but also to define it. This is especially true with people. Our physical characteristics as well as our individual personality define who we are. There ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Fifth Sunday Of Lent Year B; Grain Of Wheat

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 18, 2021

We need the ground for all those negatives things to die.

And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” John 12:32 He draws us, not forces us. Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” Song of Songs 1:3, “Draw me after you.” He draws us by his suffering for ...read more

Scripture: John 12:32, John 12:24, John 12:25

Denomination: Catholic

Whitewashed Tomb Christians Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 10, 2025

This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, exposing the hypocrisy that plagues many who claim to follow God.

In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus unleashes a scathing critique on the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." This metaphor reveals the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:25-28, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3