Sermons on Strive Lawfully:

Reconciled Through Christ Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 11, 2011

The Colossians believers had become recipients of God’s marvelous act of reconciliation. They had been made acceptable to God and are challenged to continue striving forward in the truth that had saved them.

COLOSSIANS 1: 20-23 RECONCILED THROUGH CHRIST Having proclaimed the deity and work of Christ, Paul now reveals what it means to the people in Colossae. He thus returns to the thought of redemption. With joyful wonder the Apostle testifies to the Colossians believers that they too have become ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Vineyard PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2023

This sermon aims to explore the depth of God's love for us, as illustrated in The Parable of the Vineyard and the concept of being grafted onto Christ the Vine, emphasizing that we are not striving for God's love, but securely planted in it.

Today’s sermon is grounded in Matthew 21:33-46 and Philippians 3:4b-14. We’ll be exploring The Parable of the Vineyard, God's Love Poured Out in Christ, and what it means to be Grafted onto Christ the Vine. You know, it reminds me of something that A.W. Tozer once said: "God never hurries. There ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-46, Philippians 3:4-14

Topics: Vineyard, God's Love, Christ

The Lost Oil - Refilling What's Been Depleted Series

Contributed by Barry Tallis on May 3, 2025

This sermon addresses spiritual depletion and teaches believers how to be refilled with the Holy Spirit through surrender rather than striving, emphasizing the power that comes when divine presence is prioritized over performance.

INTRODUCTION Church! Last week we talked about the broken altar - that place of worship and surrender that many of us have neglected. Today, we're diving into something equally critical - THE LOST OIL! In Scripture, oil represents the Holy Spirit, the anointing, the presence of God. And let ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6, Psalm 46:10

Marks Of A Healthy Church

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on May 20, 2024

Within the necessary unity of the church, there is also beneficial diversity. Such unified diversity seems like a paradox, but in reality, it is a thing of beauty. Healthy churches must strive to promote unity and diversity at the same time.

Marks of a Healthy Church Ephesians 4: 11-16 In the preceding verses of chapter four, Paul has spoken about the unity that is necessary within the body of Christ in order for the church to be effective in daily life and service unto the Lord. Within this necessary unity, there is also beneficial ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Call To Sainthood Series

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Mar 19, 2024

As Christians, we are summoned to strive for sainthood. In this message Dr. Vorce initiates the conversation into the essence of a saint, the path to becoming a saint, embodying saintliness, and the hope of a saint. “...called to be saints:..” (Romans 1:7)

An Exegesis of Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. • Sainthood Defined: ONE SET APART, CONSECRATED, HOLY ONE... (Let’s see what the Commentators say…) • In the NT the word hagios, when used ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:7

Denomination: Church Of God

You Might Be A Pharisee

Contributed by Tiger Gullett on Apr 12, 2002

Jeff Foxworthy has made famous "You Might Be A Redneck" jokes. Nobody wants to be a redneck! Well, we should strive to not be a Pharisee. This message gives signs for, "You might be a Pharisee.."

*8 WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT BE A PHARISEE IF..." ------------------------------------------------------- I. YOU ARE OUTWARDLY CLEAN BUT INWARDLY UNCLEAN (V39-41) a) IN OTHER WORDS YOU TALK A GOOD TALK BUT YOUR INSIDES ARE UNCLEAN 1. From the outside a Pharisee looks good, but inwardly ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:37-52

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is In The Spotlight? Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Oct 4, 2002

Are you striving to capture the attention of the world or to even make God take notice of you through your righteous achievements? The glory of man does not endure–it pales in comparison to the glory of Christ.

In Greek literature, Virgil wrote about the plight of humanity and how something new needed to be done to help man out of his predicament. In Greek thought, God was removed, a mere spectator, like someone observing a play in an amphitheater or a stadium– –sometimes intervening in a helpful way ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Work Six Rest One! (Labor Day)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Apr 6, 2022

We all have different ideas about what would be the ideal life, and we all strive to acquire it. We will never have the ideal life until we get to heaven.

Some say that heaven will not be heaven for some people. Illus: That reminds me of the story one of the fellows in church told me. He told me that Bill, Ron, and Jack all died and went to heaven. When they got there, they discovered the most beautiful golf course they had ever seen. St. Peter ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

In Remembrance (2022 Version) Maundy Thursday

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 12, 2022

We strive to live out all that Jesus taught us about being His disciples. Our legacy involves living out what we believe in our thanksgiving, holiness and harmony.

IN REMEMBRANCE (2022 version) Maundy Thursday Text: I Corinthians 11:23-26 1 Corinthians 11:23-26  For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread,  (24)  and when he had given thanks, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Denomination: United Methodist

The Dark Side Of Halloween Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 31, 2025

May this sermon serve as a reminder of God's love and the importance of living a life that honors Him. May we all strive to live in the light of His love and avoid the darkness of the world

Reasons Why Halloween is Demonic 1. Halloween originated from ancient pagan festivals that worshipped false gods. (Deuteronomy 12:30-31, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17) 2. It involves occult practices, divination, and spiritism.(Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Galatians 5:19-21) 3. The holiday promotes fear, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:17, Galatians 6:7-8

Conformation And Transformation

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 20, 2002

The world wants you to conform to its thinking and its ways but what is needed is a transformation achieved through the new birth experience. Once achieved, we are to strive to be conformed to the image of His Son.

CONFORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 I. Worldly conformation…the “ easy and popular way” “Enter in at the narrow gate; ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Baptist

Run The Race Of Faith

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Oct 28, 2003

As we run the race of faith, we run away from the love of money and we run after godliness with contentment. We run striving with the strength that comes from God’s promises

Run the Race of Faith Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Word of God through which the Holy Spirit works contentment in our hearts today is 1 Timothy 6:6-12 [Read the text] Dear friends, who find contentment in Jesus: A story is told about New ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Go! And… Live In The Power Of "It Is Finished!” - John 19:30 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 29, 2025

It is finished! - the royal declaration of the King of kings, proclaiming that the mission was complete, the debt paid, the way made open for sinners to be reconciled to God.

Go! And… Live in the Power of “It Is Finished!” - John 19:30 John 19:30 – New Living Translation Introduction: The Cry That Changed Everything John 19:30 (NLT): “When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.” Church, imagine for a moment ...read more

Scripture: John 19:30, Luke 24:44-47, Colossians 2:13-14, John 3:16-17, Romans 10:9, Hebrews 12:1-2, Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 22:1-18, Genesis 3:15, Romans 6:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

You Gotta Serve Somebody

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 9, 2019

When we become Christians, we are set free from our bondage to sin, but we must then strive to be slaves of righteousness. Everyone either serves sin or God. You gotta serve somebody!

Introduction: A. I always liked the Far Side cartoons, and so I begin with this cartoon because of the irony of it. 1. Here’s a man who is a slave on a Viking ship, and he thinks the slave driver will care that he is getting a blister. He was in for a rude awakening! 2. Slavery is an ugly subject ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:15-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ending Well PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 19, 2023

To inspire us to live our lives with a single passion for displaying God's excellence, as we strive to fight the good fight, finish our race, and keep the faith, just like Apostle Paul did.

Good morning, Church family! Today, we're going to delve into a powerful passage from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 where the Apostle Paul, nearing the end of his earthly journey, gives us some profound insights. Opening Scripture Reading – He says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Topics: Ending The Year