Sermons on Self Willed Efforts:

Making The Jail House Rock

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 25, 2022

God needs to shake things up in the church and free us from our self-imprisonment.

Making the Jail House Rock Acts 16:16-34 The text we read this morning has been a popular one for Vacation Bible Schools for many years. The cardboard props of the wall of the jail house and the barred windows has “imprisoned” many a child or saint in the skit. someone pulls the string, and the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Death And Deny

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Feb 20, 2024

Jesus asks his disciples to deny and death self so He can live in us.

Mark 8:31-38 Death and Deny 1. According to Jesus, we have two choices. Neither one of them is appealing. Is it possible if were not denying and deathing stuff are we pretenders? • Do we as followers have pretense problem? • Are we fake disciples? Are we pretenders? • Jesus says this about those ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Methodist

Sermon On A Voyage Of Discovery

Contributed by William Meakin on Jun 13, 2025

A voyage of discovery in metaphorical terminology may describe a journey of individual growth, learning, or self-awareness.

Marcel Proust, a French novelist and literary critic once remarked: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes". 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 reminds us: “But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Proverbs 16:9

The Visible Evidence Of Christian Maturity: The Production Of Spiritual Fruit

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 3, 2022

John 15 presents the themes of fruit-bearing, or the visible evidence of true faith and obedience Jesus demands of those who follow Him (Matthew 10:34-39, Luke 14:25-33). Fruit-bearing Christians, or those who do the work of the LORD, will be blessed by Him and hated by the world.

The German pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship" opened the first chapter with these words; " When a man comes to Christ, He bids him come and die." Bonhoeffer lived by his own words as he lingered in a concentration camp, ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, Genesis 49:22, Isaiah 5:1-7, Matthew 3:8, Romans 7:4, Colossians 1:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Count The Cost PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 18, 2023

To emphasize the importance of understanding and being willing to pay the full cost of completely surrendering to and following Jesus.

Good morning, church. Today, we are going to delve deep into the question, "Are you willing to pay the price?" This involves not just being a follower of Jesus, but rather selling out to Him completely. As we navigate through this topic, I am reminded of a profound quote by Ian Thomas, a respected ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:28-30

Topics: Prayer, Willingness

Press On Series

Contributed by Dan Cale on Nov 28, 2006

This is the sixth and finalsermon in a series of sermons looking at developing a deeper walk with Christ. It addresses the issues of self evaluation and service.

Going Deeper Pt 6 - Press On Phil 3:2-16 This morning I want to wrap up this series on going deeper. Are you still with me? I hope that you are journeying deeper each day in your relationship with Christ. Last week I shared with you Paul’s goals for his spiritual life; To know Christ in the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-16

Denomination: *other

Sometimes You Gotta Go Through The Roof

Contributed by Bo Brown on Apr 3, 2004

OFTEN WE DON’T SEE MIRACLES BECAUSE WE AREN’T WILLING TO GO WHERE JESUS IS

SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA GO THROUGH THE ROOF MARK 2:1-5 INTRO: A) DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? B) WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ONE IN YOUR LIFE? C) WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SEE AN ACTUAL MIRACLE? D) OFTEN WE DON’T SEE MIRACLES BECAUSE WE AREN’T WILLING TO GO WHERE JESUS IS E) ARE YOU READY TO GO THROUGH THE ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is On The Lord's Side? Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Aug 2, 2015

Many times, we are not even aware that we have slipped into the enemy's side because of our disobedience and ignorance but this message will remind us to be reflective, to be more assured and to be more committed in the side of God.

WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE? Scripture reading: Exodus 32:22-26 "22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:22-26

Denomination: Nazarene

What Has Happened To The Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 23, 2024

This sermon encourages self-examination, fulfilling our spiritual duties, and combating spiritual forgetfulness through the study of Revelation 3:14-18.

Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to gather with you once again as we open God's Word together. Today, we find ourselves in the book of Revelation, a book that often feels like a mystery to many of us. It's filled with images and symbols that can seem strange and even daunting. But let's not ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-18

Topics: Losing Identity

The Strength Of Sacrifice Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 16, 2006

As we try to put ourselves into a position to be able to share the gospel with others, there are few things that will get their attention more than self-sacrifice.

A. Self-sacrifice. A word we are not too familiar with, right? 1. Certainly, we understand its meaning. It is not too hard to define, but it is hard to embrace and embody. Wouldn’t you agree? 2. And yet when we witness self-sacrifice, we are drawn to it. We are amazed by it. 3. Sacrifice ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Conflict Of Prayer Vs Pride Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on May 4, 2025

Pride is a terrible snare – it is a destructor with no limits. As soon as pride takes root in your heart, it will absolutely exalt you over others because it gives you a false sense of worthiness.

Isaiah, Part 15 The Conflict of Prayer vs. Pride Isaiah 38:1-8, Isaiah 39:1-8 Dismiss kids for Children’s Church and Nursery Introduction - Welcome to Seasons! We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us! - Last week, we saw how God delivered His people from certain defeat -- He ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 38:1-8, Isaiah 39:1-8, Matthew 23:12, Matthew 7:7, Proverbs 25:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Life Without Immanuel: Living In Spiritual Darkness

Contributed by Michael Davidson on Dec 4, 2005

When man chooses to live life apart from (God) Immanuel – man first rejects God’s self-revelation.

Life without Immanuel: Living in Spiritual Darkness “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

Who Do You Say That I Am? Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Nov 30, 2003

The Lordship of Christ calls us to forsake our rebellion and agendas and submit to God’s will.

“I Believe” A sermon series on the Apostles Creed “Who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:13-18 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Scholars claim education is the answer…politicians say that government is the answer… sinners say that self-indulgence is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Congregational

Prayer And The Will Of God Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 9, 2004

Praying the Lord’s Prayer confronts the intersection of our praying and the Lord’s will.

Prayer and the Will of God Matthew 6:10; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 5:14-15 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO The second petition of the Lord’s Prayer (Thy Kingdom, Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven) solves three big problems that many of us face ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:10, 1 John 5:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Giving Well Beyond Common Hospitality

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Nov 8, 2022

God, who is all good and has made everything good, never wills anything but good.

Saturday of the 32nd Week in Course 2022 Take a look at this judge in the Gospel. You talk about corrupt politicians? This guy doesn’t even fear God, and has no respect for any human being. I don’t ever want to have that kind of guy pushing justice in a lawsuit or criminal trial. He would have no ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 112:1-6, Luke 18:1-8, 3 John 1:5-8

Denomination: Catholic