Sermons on Serving Self:

Common Tools; Uncommon Tasks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 12, 2023

God calls His people to serve now. He delights to use us with what we have, and not after some long, extended preparation in the distant future.

“Moses answered [the LORD], ‘But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The LORD did not appear to you.”’ The LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ And he said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

God Prepared A Worm

Contributed by James May on Sep 17, 2014

God prepared a worm that took Jonah out of his comfort zone. God will do whatever it takes to stir us out of our lethargy and to begin to serve him faithfully.

God Prepared a Worm Sunday, September 7, 2014 By Rev. James May Jonah 3:1 – 4:11 Nearly all of us have heard about Jonah and God’s call upon his life. Most of the time when we hear of Jonah, the first thing that pops into our mind is the story of how he was swallowed by a whale, ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Glory Of Christian Leadership

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 24, 2024

Many people treated Jesus like a celebrity as they followed Him from place to place, listened to His teaching, observed His miracles, and sought healing from His touch. Yet Jesus was never self-important or aloof, but available to all.

Opening illustration: In today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, it isn’t surprising that entrepreneurs are marketing “celebrities as products … allowing them to sell their personal time and attention.” Vauhini Vara’s article in The New Yorker noted that for $15,000, you can have a personal meeting ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Paradox Of Pride Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

Man is in a strange predicament, caught between his own dignity and depravity; his own worth, and his wickedness. The result is another great paradox of life. Man's self-love is both an evil and a good.

Some people, probably most people, and maybe all people have to learn how to be humble the hard way, and that is the humpty dumpty way of having a great fall. This was the case with Max Eastman. A film was being made on the life of Christ, and he happened to meet the well known woman photographer ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:3

Pride And Humility

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 20, 2018

Does pride have any place in the life of a Christian?

If you would, please stand as we say together our memory Scripture for this quarter: Matthew 6:31-33 “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. “But ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:16-18, Daniel 4:34-37, Acts 9:1-18, Daniel 3:26-29

Denomination: Nazarene

The Real Cost Of Discipleship – Part 1 Series

Contributed by Warren Lamb on Oct 22, 2006

The picture has not been very encouraging: sheep among wolves, hated and despised, betrayed by family and loved ones, sold-out for convenience and self-preservation, falsely accused and punished, even tortured and killed. All this they had to look forward

From being on the receiving end of personal betrayal and persecution to the point of beatings and death, to being cast in a light that will cause them to be labeled with the most odious of labels, the disciples have been hearing from their Teacher just what the price tag is for all who would really ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I'm A Prisoner! I'm Free! I'm Free!

Contributed by Dan Chromy on Oct 21, 2000

When we consider God’s purpose for our lives as a result of God’s grace, we will see the consequences of life as opportunities to serve God and to be effective witnesses for the gospel.

Do you see every circumstance of your life as an opportunity to be a witness for the gospel? Throughout your lifetime, you will have many opportunities to serve Christ as a witness for the gospel. There will be times in your life when it is easy to serve the gospel, especially when everything ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25, Acts 28:21-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Your Physical Provision—part 1 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on May 18, 2001

Part 1 of 3 in the 2nd of a 5-sermon series describing God’s provision for the people of Israel as it applies to His Church today. This sermon deals with God’s provision for His people’s autonomy or self-governance.

YOUR PHYSICAL PROVISION—Part I —Joshua 15:1--19:51 The Smith’s were proud of their family tradition. Their ancestors had come to America on the Mayflower. Their line had included Senators, Pastors, & Wall Street wizards. Now they decided to compile a family history, a legacy for the children. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Be Great In The Sight Of God! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Sep 29, 2022

We have to: 1. Overcome our selfish mindset (vs. 1). 2. Use God's standards for greatness (vs. 1). 3. Follow the right examples for greatness (vs. 2-4). 4. Focus on the right mission (vs. 5).

Be Great in the Sight of God! The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 18:1-5 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared September 29, 2022) MESSAGE: *Who would you name as a great man or woman? Almost everybody could offer some suggestions, and opinions around the world would have huge differences. But Jim Kane ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Slave For Christ Part 8 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Apr 14, 2012

This message focuses on two parables dealing with our commitment and willingness to serve. The parables are of the landowner who rents part of his land to vine-growers and the parable of the wedding feast.

A Slave For Christ Part 8 Scriptures: Matthew 21:33-40; Matthew 22:11-14; Isaiah 61:10 Introduction: In my message last week I shared with you the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Jesus, as you recalled, served God the Father as a slave; was betrayed for the value of a slave’s; and ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ministering To The Sick

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 26, 2024

People can become so afraid of catching an illness that they will stay clear of anyone who is sick. Jesus challenged people to realize that caring for the spiritual needs of others far supersedes one’s desire for self-preservation.

I want to begin our message today with two quotes by Mother Teresa; and here is the first quote: “The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.”(1) In her humanitarian efforts in Calcutta, Mother Teresa saw a lot of rejection and hopelessness, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit Of Infirmity

Contributed by Martin Scarce on Dec 3, 2002

What hinders God’s church and God’s people from serving God? In Luke 13:10-17 we will consider the Proper Interpretation, the Prophetic Interpretation and the Personal Interpretation.

The Spirit of Infirmity Introduction – Luke 13:10-17 This passage can be interpreted three ways: 1) The Proper Interpretation 2) The Prophetic Interpretation 3) The Personal Interpretation I. The Proper Interpretation By the proper interpretation I am referring to what really happened in this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Real With Your Enemies Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 5, 2003

Hostility comes from the obsessed, self-absorbed heart, and often offers permission for random acts of violence. Jesus got real with His enemies by naming their madness but trusting His own defense to God.

Stress strengthens. That is a physical fact. It is also a spiritual truth. Stress strengthens us. When we face opposition, we grow. When we deal with differences, we become stronger than we were. Strange as it may seem, and unpleasant though it may feel, give thanks when you ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:43-50

Denomination: Baptist

The Psalm Of The Two Ways

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Jan 30, 2003

How can we be sure to establish a God-centered life rather than an ungodly life. Psalm 1 is a description of the wicked and the righteous. It describes both the God-centered life and the self-centered life.

The Psalm Of The Two Ways Psalm 1 I claim little originality for this sermon. Much of this came from a commentary by the late Ray Stedman. Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

So, Live On Another Level Series

Contributed by Jim Luthy on Mar 15, 2002

You don’t have to live like many of those around us are living—in despair and fear and shame. You can have a new life. You can put on a new self.

So…Live On Another Level Pastor Jim Luthy Ephesians 4:17-24 You’ve pursued understanding and received grace. So what? That’s a great question: "So what?" We’ve reduced it to be the question of the lazy and uncooperative: "So?" But the truth is, people who make a difference ask that question. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational