Sermons on Self Interest:

Having A Healthy Ambition

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Oct 14, 2015

We are all ambitious, in one way or another. That is how God created us. We should be ambitious for who we are.in Christ Jesus. Ambition is a healthy thing when it motivates us to reach our God-given potential.

For thse not familier with an Anglica Service: there are four Scripture readings prior to the message. Today's assigned readings are: Job 38:1-7 & Job 34:41; Psalm 104:1-9; Hebrews 5:1-10 and Mark10:35-45 What does it mean... to be ....ambitious? When is ambition.... healthy,... and when can ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Anglican

I Do Not Box As One Punching The Air!

Contributed by David Smith on Mar 1, 2012

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. 25Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. 26So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Spirit Led Life Part 10 (Meekness) Series

Contributed by Joe Bedy on May 9, 2002

Just because meekness rhymes with weakness does not make them synonymous.

Central Christian Church May 9 2002 The Spirit Led Life Part 10 (Gentleness) Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Gentleness- The word is associated with ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unchained By Humility PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

Good morning, Church! I'm so glad to see all of you here today, and I believe that God has a powerful message for each one of us. Today, we're going to be talking about the power of humility, the example of Jesus, and the freedom of serving others. Before we dive into the Scripture, I want to share ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Topics: Humility

Give Up Giving Up Series

Contributed by David Roth on Feb 20, 2015

Ash Wednesday (B). Too often we focus on our outward behavior, our sins. But the root of our problem is not sins, but sin, our sinful nature. Joel urges us to "Turn to God and live."

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Give up giving up” What are you giving up for Lent? Anything? Some people give up something for lent. Not with the purpose of earning ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19, Psalm 51:5-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Trouble At A Place Of Revelation

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 19, 2014

The enemy of our souls tries to snatch away the words of our confessions of faith while they are still in our mouths, robbing us of our newly received blessing.

TROUBLE AT A PLACE OF REVELATION. Matthew 16:21-28. The place was Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13): a place of revelation, and a place of decision. Which of two realms will we choose? Which of two religions? Who is it that we are following? Jesus asked the disciples, ‘Whom say ye that I am?’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living With Children: The Persistent Liar Series

Contributed by Coz Von on Aug 27, 2017

Lying is one of the most difficult problems to deal with and a major parent-child power struggle - How to deal with Lying Children:

Q: We’re very concerned about our eight-year-old grandson’s lying. He always pleads innocence and wonders plaintively why no one ever believes him. When someone confronts him with some misdeed they saw him do (for example, poking holes in the back door screen), he merely shrugs his shoulders and ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grapes Of Wrath, Grapes At Last

Contributed by David Roth on Oct 8, 2017

Proper 22 (A) As Christians, we bear fruits of righteousness in our lives because we live in Christ. We are grafted into Him, the true vine. He bore our grapes of wrath so that we may bear grapes at last. Grapes that will last. Now and into eternity.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Grapes of Wrath, Grapes at Last” Our Gospel reading today brings us to a third parable of Jesus about a vineyard. In the first one, the owner of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46

Denomination: Lutheran

Distinguishing Between Divine And Demonic Influenced Voices In The Head

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 3, 2025

The phenomenon of hearing voices in one's head can be a source of great confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Some may view it as a

The phenomenon of hearing voices in one's head can be a source of great confusion, fear, and uncertainty. Some may view it as a sign of mental illness, while others may believe it to be a spiritual experience. As Christians, it is essential to approach this topic with a biblical perspective, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:8, 1 John 4:18

Spots And Stripes Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jan 20, 2021

If you want true success in life, don’t depend on your shrewd deals or your spent schemes. Instead, depend on the Lord.

Ted Engstrom and Edward Dayton, in a Christian Leadership Letter some time ago, talked about a young man who was appointed president of a bank. Intimidated by his new responsibilities, he nervously sought the advice of his gray-haired predecessor: “Sir, what has been the secret of your success?” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:25-43, Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:17, Galatians 3:3, 1 Peter 3:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 15:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

"Off The Chart” Egos Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 12, 2022

Isaiah prophetically recalls the fall of Lucifer while addressing God’s judgment upon Babylon. Lucifer, whose name would be changed to Satan (“the adversary”) is conceptually linked to the arrogance of the King of Babylon.

“Off the Chart” Egos Isaiah 14:3-20 1. Today’s joke is short, but one of my funnier jokes. I think I shared it last in 2005. Here goes. There is an old story about a pastor leaving a church. At his farewell dinner, he tried to encourage one of the pillar members, “Don’t be so sad. The next pastor ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 14:3-20, Ezekiel 28:11-15, Luke 10:17-20, Revelation 12:3-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fly High - Acts Part 11 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 27, 2006

Acts 13:1-13 teaches us the importance of prayer, fasting and worship and it also shows us that we are to be godly leaders who are directed and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Fly High – Acts part 11 On the Lighter side of life: See funny pictures from Aha.com Opening Illustration: A NATIONAL PRAYER OF REPENTANCE Joe Wright is the pastor of Central Christian Church in Wichita, KS. On January 23, 1996, He was asked to be the guest chaplain for the Kansas State House in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What's There To Be Thankful For?

Contributed by David Scolforo on Oct 18, 2000

WHAT’S THERE TO BE THANKFUL FOR? TWO MEN WERE WALKING THROUGH A FIELD ONE DAY WHEN THEY SPOTTED AN ENRAGED BULL.

WHAT’S THERE TO BE THANKFUL FOR? TWO MEN WERE WALKING THROUGH A FIELD ONE DAY WHEN THEY SPOTTED AN ENRAGED BULL. INSTANTLY THEY DARTED TOWARD THE NEAREST FENCE. THE STORMING BULL FOLLOWED IN HOT PURSUIT, AND IT WAS SOON APPARENT THEY WOULDN'T MAKE IT. TERRIFIED, THE ONE SHOUTED TO THE OTHER, "PUT ...read more

To Obey Is Better

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 5, 2006

Those in positions of leadership answer to God. When they desert God and go their own way, God can humble them.

“To Obey is Better” I Samuel 15 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts In John’s Gospel, Jesus explains how to prove our commitment to Him: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (14:15). In I Samuel 15 King ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-35

Denomination: Congregational

Ash Wednesday

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Feb 7, 2024

Red Roses for Ash Wednesday. A favorite note: : “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” These are also the words God has for us.

In Jesus Holy Name February 14, 2024 Ash Wednesday John 3:16 Redeemer “Red Roses for Ash Wednesday” In the month of February, you’ll experience holidays such as Valentine’s Day and US Presidents’ Day, and this year Ash Wednesday. This year more than ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16, Isaiah 53:6

Denomination: Lutheran