Sermons on Self Willed Efforts:

The Folly Of Man

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Aug 2, 2003

As farcical as was the building of the tower of Babel, it is not one wit more so than for any man to attempt to gain heaven by his own efforts or good works.

“THE FOLLY OF MAN” "Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. "Then they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They had brick ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Be Intentional #1 - Living By Decision Instead Of Default Series

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Jan 27, 2003

First in a series on living a life characterized by intentionality. This message dealso with being a person who makes determined effort to strengthen his or her relationship with God.

Be Intentional #1 – Living By Decision Instead of Default Various Scriptures December 29, 2002 Introduction Today we begin a series that will take us well into the New Year, as we look at becoming people of purpose, people of intentionality. I’ve mentioned before that this is probably the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16, Isaiah 29:16

Denomination: Wesleyan

Building For Eternity

Contributed by Howard Parnell on Oct 7, 2002

One day we will all find out that no matter how valuable the materials we use to build with, if the foundation is faulty all effort is in vain.

BUILDING FOR ETERNITY Matt. 7:24-29 INTRO. This passage comes at the end of the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount in which he gives the beatitudes...shows the importance of his believers in the world (salt of the earth)...tells the Jews that he is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses...gives a new view ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

"Wait On Me!" (God)

Contributed by Doug Warren on Apr 16, 2002

WE HAVE BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF HOW TO WAIT ON GOD, IT REQUIRES ENERGY AND EFFORT TO DO SO, BUT THERE ARE ENCOURAGING RESULTS WHEN WE WAIT UPON HIM.

Intro: One of the things I am NOT GOOD AT is waiting. I am the person who paces the floor waiting for the microwave popcorn which only takes three and one-half minutes! (Do I need therapy? Most likely!!:) We live in an "instant society" of fast food, instant information on demand, pay-at-the-pump ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Baptist

If You Could Have Anything You Wanted Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 16, 2011

1st in a series about life of Solomon. An effort to get the audience to associate Solomon's request with the choices that are placed before them and to prioritize them accordingly

I Kings 3:3-15; II Chronicles 1:1-13 Intro: Wouldn’t it be nice? Wouldn’t it be great to have 3 wishes, for whatever you want? I once asked our church family in Joplin to think that through – If you could have anything you wanted, what would you want? I’ll share some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:3-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Good To Go

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 29, 2010

Funeral service for Alberta Perry Faulkner, the mainstay of the church's missions support efforts and a world traveler, nurse, teacher, Scout leader, senior citizen sponsor.

I had my car repaired not long ago. It took about as long to check out at the cashier’s desk as it did for the mechanics to do the work, because at the desk I had to sign several forms, initial a couple of others, present my credit card and sign the charge slip, and then wait for the clerk ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

If You Were Only Guilty Of One Fleeting Sinful Thought, A Lifetime Of Righteous Deeds Could Not Justify You.

Contributed by David Goering on Aug 9, 2018

Our sin has earned a wage of infinite loss and this loss cannot be undone, even if we dedicated our entire life as an effort to undo it.

SCRIPTURE: James 2:10 "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in ONE point, he is guilty of all." Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." PROPOSITION: To use these texts and others to ...read more

Jeremiah, Jesus And Our Evangelical Call Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 2, 2018

This Advent, try to spend more time and effort and even money in preparing yourself and helping others to welcome the Lord at Christmas than you spend on presents.

First Sunday of Advent 2018 Jeremiah has to be one of the saddest prophets of any age of the Hebrew people. His message could be summarized in one word–disaster. It was a disaster for the people who were delivered from Egypt by God through Moses, who were led through the desert, given the land of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16, Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Catholic

April: My Month Of Supernatural Lifting

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 28, 2025

Supernatural lifting is a divine promotion that comes from God and not from human effort. In this month of April, May God lift you beyond your expectations!

APRIL: MY MONTH OF SUPERNATURAL LIFTING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 75:6-7 Supporting Texts: Isaiah 40:31, 1 Samuel 2:8, Genesis 41:38-44, Daniel 2:21, Proverbs 4:18 INTRODUCTION Supernatural lifting is a divine promotion that comes from God and not from human effort. It is when God ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 75:6-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Finding God In Our Lives SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

The pursuit of God is based on a decision and motivated by a firm conviction. Reaching this level requires an effort that few are motivated to take. Here is a reflection on what Isaiah speaks about this.

The search for God is a decision motivated by a strong conviction. It requires effort that few are willing to make. In this reflection, we will explore what Isaiah says about seeking God. Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV) "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:6-7

Topics: Faith, Commitment

Paul’s Missionary Dilemma Around Turkey Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Aug 26, 2024

Paul’s last words to the church in Ptolemais really ought to be our rallying cry! Are we willing not only willing to be arrested for the cause of Christ, but would we give our life for His glory also? Why not?

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 32 Paul’s missionary dilemma around Turkey Acts 21:1-14 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- Last week, we completed our exploration of Paul’s 3 years in Ephesus -- CH: Would Seasons be a place that only ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:16, Philippians 2:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living A Changed Life

Contributed by Bradford Robinson on Sep 15, 2004

This sermon looks at how we die to our old self and are reborn a new creation in Christ.

Sermon: Live a Changed Life Text: Col 3:1-11 Intro: My Experience in Becoming a Shellback instead of a Pollywog. (Navy ceremony for those crossing the equator). 1. What all I went through and how the purpose was to change me from one to another. Yet I didn’t feel changed. I ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Commitment

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 12, 2004

Are we living in the land of self (east side of the Jordan) or the land of God (west side of the Jordan)?

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: James Calvert was a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands. When he and his fellow missionaries landed on the island, the captain of the ship that brought them tried to get them to turn back. "You will die, the men with you will die, if you stay here." he ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 32:16-42

Denomination: Baptist

Attacks And Deception

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

GUARD FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIANITY AGAINST THE ATTACKS AND DECEPTION OF SELF-CENTERED TROUBLEMAKERS -- 4 SAFEGUARDS: 1.

GUARD FUNDAMENTAL CHRISTIANITY AGAINST THE ATTACKS AND DECEPTION OF SELF-CENTERED TROUBLEMAKERS -- 4 SAFEGUARDS: 1. CAUTION -- Keep Your Distance Keep away from those who divide us from fellow Christians and cause us to stumble from fundamental Christianity 2. DISCERNMENT -- What You See Is Not ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:17-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Get Over Yourself Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 18, 2005

To be effective in ministry, let us not focus too much on self but rather be concern for the welfare of others.

To be effective in ministry, we need to learn one thing – don’t take yourself too seriously. Don’t be too bothered about how people see you or treat you. Get over yourself. Don’t get stuck inside your own ego, because over time it will become your prison. It is amazing that while Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-50

Denomination: Independent/Bible