Sermons on Sordid Gain:

Thorns Of Life

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on May 17, 2011

There are different kinds of vessels in the house of God. So you will do well to examine what kind of vessel you are. Let me clear one thing before we go deeper into this message: God will not accept any excuse from anyone for not being a useful vessel.

Our message this week, is what I call “The thorns of life.” Genesis 3:17-19 says, “And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee saying, thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:17-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Makes God Smile?

Contributed by Darrin Fish on May 7, 2014

Even though God can do all things It is you and I that He used to accomplish the things that need to be done.

What Makes God Smile? Have you ever wondered that if something you said • Or something you did made God smile? • I know as a parent there are things that my children have done • that make me smile. • At the same time there are something’s that my children say ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:8-10

Denomination: Christian Church

Loose Your Life To Save It

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Feb 9, 2014

We are not called to a superficial Christianity. We are called to be Christ's disciples. We are called to discipleship.

“Life is precarious, and life is precious. Don’t presume you will have it tomorrow, and don’t waste it today.” —John Piper Losers Keepers Mark 8:27-38 Peter’s Confession of Christ 27 Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Spirit Led Life Is The Only Life Series

Contributed by Leslie Tarlton on Jan 19, 2014

Seeing Christ ministry as a pattern for us to follow

The Spirit Led Life is the Only Life. Matthew 4:1 – 11 May 24, 2009 Pray: Father, We come to you as children needing guidance, encouragement, and help. You have provided the Bible, Your living Word, Your Holy Spirit, Pray, and Each other to go to for meeting our needs. The devil, Satan ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Joy: Against All Odds!" Series

Contributed by Rick Finitzer on Jul 19, 2015

Biblical joy comes from a heart yielded to God and the Holy Spirit understanding the One who rules our life loves and cares for us deeply using whatever we are going through to either perfect the image of Christ in us or to bring Himself glory!

Cornerstone Church 7.19.15 “JOY: AGAINST ALL ODDS” Philippians 1:12-30 Last week we began our look at the Book ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Discerning & Discovering Spiritual Blessings Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jul 5, 2011

In chapter 2, a father encourages his son to search diligently for this rare jewel because wisdom is not usually discovered by the casual observer. Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it.

PROVERBS 2:1-8 DISCERNING AND DISCOVERING SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS When Betty Goldstein of Staten Island, New York, entered the hospital, her husband Ron wrapped her 3.5-carat diamond ring in a napkin for safekeeping. But in a forgetful moment, the 63-year-old Goldstein threw the napkin in the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have A Servant’s Heart To Use Your Spiritual Gifts?

Contributed by Doug Gorman on Apr 11, 2016

Use your gifts!

1 Timothy 4:14: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you.” Using our gifts to serve God and serve others is something that goes against our natural desire for popularity, influence, and prominence. Our corrupt flesh only wants to oblige itself and it only wants to help others only if ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Ode To Joy Series

Contributed by David Welch on May 2, 2018

Last message (33) from Philippians. This message is an overview of the lessons learned from Paul's letter demonstrating the true source of joy in life.

Chico Alliance Church “Ode to Joy” An “ode” is a lyrical poem meant to be sung. Paul didn’t intend his letter to be sung but the music of the letter is clear. Certain pieces of music weave carefully crafted repeated musical themes or melodic phrases thorough the entire piece. Paul wove several ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

A Wisdom-Filled Heart

Contributed by Dennis Lee on May 28, 2023

Do you seek wisdom? Do you want to make wise decisions? Do you want a wisdom-filled heart? Then, trust in the Lord with your whole being, stop trying to be in control of everything and let God take over, and finally, have a personal intimate relationship with Him. All from Proverbs 3:5-6.

A Christian’s Heart “A Wisdom-Filled Heart” Watch on YouTube: Years ago, I read two proverbs that resonated so much within me that I have lived my life and conducted my responsibilities as a teacher of God’s word based a lot upon them. “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Foursquare

I'm Confident Of That (Part One)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Nov 1, 2020

We can view the word confident in a purely negative light. We associate confidence with pride and arrogance, but that's not always the case. There are times where the word is used in a positive way. Let's look at some of them and see what we can take away.

I'M CONFIDENT OF THAT (part one) In the Wed. night study we've been going over verses regarding boasting about tomorrow and making plans for tomorrow but things not going as planned. Sometimes we're too confident that things are going to go a certain way and are blindsided when they ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 32:1-23, 1 Samuel 17:45-50, Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 John 3:19-24, Hebrews 10:19-23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Family Values - Week 8 Series

Contributed by Steve Greene on Dec 31, 2018

Thousands of year ago, God put in place 10 key values that can make a difference in the life of every family. The Ten Commandments have stood the test of time. Discover how these important values apply to every single person, every married couple, and every family regardless of size or makeup.

Today we are going to jump ahead to the 8th Commandment, even though this is week 7 of the series. We’ll come back around and pick up commandment #7 in the final week of the series. Exodus 20:15 (NIV) 15 "You shall not steal. There will undoubtedly be some push back to some of what I am ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:15, Job 34:21-22, Proverbs 20:7, Proverbs 15:27, Proverbs 21:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

The Call Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 16, 2025

While Jesus announces for the first time to his disciples his call to the cross, He calls us to confess who he is and calls us to live a crucified life.

I would guess that we are probably similar in that we get so many unwanted calls each day. Somehow, I’ve been getting calls for some group who says they can get me on Social Security Disability. Other times I’ve been on the list for VA loans - except I’m not a veteran. I’ve received calls for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

A Time For Faith

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 16, 2025

This message is about how God's Word will increase our faith as we walk through seasons of life. We have to speak life into our situations - not death.

A Time For Faith Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: Matthew 6:24; 33; Philippians 4:13 Good morning Strangers Rest. In my message last Sunday, I asked you “What movies will you create in 2025?” In that message, I spoke about how our thoughts create movies in our minds that cause us to react. Those ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Matthew 6:24, Philippians 4:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Number Your Days

Contributed by Ken Ritz on Mar 1, 2016

Life is fleeting, so Moses tells us to "Number our days," and make the most of them.

Number Your Days One of the interesting things in our culture, is we are almost always conscious of what time it is. We wear watches, or have cell phones with the time on it, and whether we’re in an office or school or car or hospital or anywhere else we go during the day, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational