Sermons on Self Willed Efforts:

Looking To Jesus Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Sep 22, 2017

The New Testament never requires sacrifices or dreams or visions as either the means or the indicator of spirituality. . . If we focus on Jesus and His word, we will remain anchored in truth and humility

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: *other

Lay Down Your Load And Head Down The Road

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on Jul 18, 2008

There are many degrees of commitment in The world. When you join the army, you can commit to a couple weekends a month, a whole year, three years, five years, or ten years. You can buy a cell phone plan for a year or two, or renew it every month. You

“Lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” --Hebrews 12:1 Activity: Ball Drop Choose four teens from the audience. Have the first two teens stand behind the starting line. Give each of them a tennis or racquetball ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Apr 15, 2011

When we respond to God

Blessed are the Pure in Heart Matt 5:8 April 10, 2011 Intro: A couple of years ago we went to Ottawa as my wife Joanne had some work to do there, so Thomas and I tagged along to check out our nation’s capital. One of the places we visited was the historic Canadian mint – where money ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

For The Sake Of Others

Contributed by John Pingel on Mar 1, 2021

Christ offers his life for us, the undeserving; now we are to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" for him.

Text: Romans 5: 6-8 This morning I want to talk to you about SACRIFICE. Not like some of the sacrifices we are from time to time asked to make…perhaps financial sacrifice, or sacrifice of some of our time. ….But the kind of sacrifice wherein one person lays down their life for the sake of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:6-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Great Setback Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 6, 2017

Don't look at the big setback, see the big picture. Don't look at the big self, see the works of God. Don't look at the big things, listen to the voice of God.

Elijah had a great victory against the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. • He challenged the 450 prophets to call on their god to bring down fire and burn up the sacrifice. They failed, after a whole day of shouting. • At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah repaired the altar of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Search Me Series

Contributed by Wesley Bishop on Mar 26, 2004

This sermon gives people a time for them to allow God to search their heart.

The Lenten Season is one of preparation and self-examination. We have looked at “Facing Temptation,” “Where’s Your Citizenship?” “My Way or God’s Way,” and “Choose Your Side.” This psalm (139) is a deep, introspective work. If we take it seriously, it could change your life. If this is truly ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-24

Denomination: Wesleyan

Becoming A Living Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Feb 14, 2022

In God’s kingdom I must die in order to truly live

NOTE: This is a manuscript, and not a transcript of this message. The actual presentation of the message differed from the manuscript through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is possible, and even likely that there is material in this manuscript that was not included in the live ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Discipleship: 4 Essential Components Series

Contributed by Cameron Bottema on Jul 24, 2013

To be a disciple of Jesus begins with a "desire" to follow Him. Here at 4 essential components of discipleship explained.

Introduction: Pastor Randy Leckliter tells the story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time, suffering from a severely parched throat, he spotted a little shack in the distance. He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water ...read more

Denomination: Friends

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease

Contributed by Randy Crawford on Apr 24, 2025

Every believer faces the battle of self—pride, ambition, and the longing for recognition. John the Baptist’s profound statement in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” cuts straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ.

He Must Increase, I Must Decrease” Introduction: Every believer faces the battle of self—pride, ambition, and the longing for recognition. John the Baptist’s profound statement in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” cuts straight to the heart of what it means to follow Christ. In a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30-35

What's Your Problem

Contributed by Chad Cole on Jan 4, 2019

There is always something nagging at us and causing us to not worship wholey, what is it?

We all have problems in our lives. Some are vocal about them and share with anyone and everyone that will listen. Some air them out on Social Media for the entire world to see. Some confide in a select few to share with. Some just bottle them up and pretend like everything is perfect. We’ve all got ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Baptist

Sending "Beautiful Feet" Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on May 15, 2010

Baptist Union of New Zealand's Self Denial Appeal for their mission agency Tranzsend.

Call to Worship: Psalm 99:3-4 Self Denial Appeal #1 Sending “Beautiful feet” INTRO: Look at your feet. Aren’t they beautiful? READ Isaiah 52:7 The messenger – says to Zion (the people of God) Not the heathen/unbelievers God promises restoration following ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

It's Really Me, Really

Contributed by Roy Probus on May 17, 2008

We must first love ourselves before we can love others. Looking at our friends should help us define who we are but not at the expense of ourselves.

Nornan, what a mess. Jim burns tells a story of a friend of his named Norman. Some of you know someone like him. Norman was the type of person to change fads and friends very quickly. During his high school years, Norman was a: i. Surfer ii. Punk rocker iii. Football team manager iv. Cross ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:21-39

Denomination: United Methodist

“diotrephes & Demetrius – A Cantankerous & A Consistent Christian” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Mar 26, 2012

John contrasts a God centered Christian with a self centered Christian.

In the book of Third John, we read a tale of three Christians - Gaius, who John commended; Diotrephes, who John saw as cantankerous; and Demetrius, who John cited as being consistent in His walk with Christ. Last time we considered what John has to say about Gaius - a commendable Christian. Now ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do When Depressed Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Oct 19, 2015

Many times, we have difficulty serving the Lord when we are emotionally depressed and we don't know what to do. In this message, we will discuss the causes and the cures for depression basing from Joshua's experiences in the defeat from Ai.

WHAT TO DO WHEN DEPRESSED SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 7:1-6 (NIV) "But the Israelites were unfaithful in regard to the devoted things[a]; Achanson of Karmi, the son of Zimri,[b] the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel. 2 Now Joshua ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-6

Denomination: Nazarene

At Least I Am Not That

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Dec 9, 2024

This message is about self-righteousness and how Christians can easily fall into this attitude when we stand in judgment of others.

At Least I Am Not That! Scripture: Luke 18:9-14; Romans 10:3; Proverbs 26:12 Good morning Strangers Rest. The title of my message this morning is “At Least I Am Not That” and it is a message about being self-righteous. To ensure we are all on the same page, I want to give you the definition of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14, Romans 10:3, Proverbs 26:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational