Sermons on Strive:

Perfecting The Saints

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Jul 4, 2022

God demands holiness and perfection from his children. As saints of God, believers must strive to constantly abide in God's presence and depend wholly on him to attain perfection.

TEXT: 1 Peter 5:10 "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." GOD DEMANDS PERFECTION No matter how close you are to God, you must strive for perfection ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10, Psalm 138:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Introduction To The Fruit Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

People who eat only fruit are called fruitarians. In this series on the Fruits of the Spirit we are going to be Biblical fruitarians, and strive to consume all God has revealed about spiritual fruit.

A doctor, an engineer, and an attorney were debating whose profession was the oldest. The doctor said, " it's obvious the medical profession was the first. The Bible refers to God creating Eve from Adam's rib, and that is surgical procedure." But the engineer said, "No! ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-24

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

Pursuing Righteousness

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 28, 2025

Righteousness is a journey that requires dedication and dependence on God. By pursuing righteousness, we grow closer to God, reflect His character, and become lights in a dark world. Let us prioritise righteousness, trusting God to guide and sustain us in this pursuit.

Title: PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Timothy 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:6, Proverbs 21:21, 1 Timothy 6:11, Isaiah 51:1, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22, Matthew 5:6, Proverbs 21:21, 1 Timothy 6:11, Isaiah 51:1, Philippians 3:12-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Go! And Be Still: Knowing The Lord In The Storm - Psalm 46:10 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 14, 2025

In a time where chaos seems to rule, where noise fills every moment, and distraction dulls our discernment - "Be still, and know that I am God!" is not a polite suggestion from God. This is a divine command — a call to stillness in a restless world.

Go! And Be Still: Knowing the Lord in the Storm - Psalm 46:10 Psalm 46:10 (NLT): “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world.” Introduction This is not a polite suggestion from God. This is a divine command — a call to stillness ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:10, Exodus 14:14, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Isaiah 46:9-10, Matthew 11:28, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Perfect Father

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Aug 11, 2015

There is the debt of gratitude, the debt of service, and obligation but the greatest debt that a father can teach his children about is the debt of love owed to God the Father for providing a Savior who paid the price for their sins.

Message: There have been many great fathers throughout history who are wonderful examples of self-sacrifice, commitment, leadership and strength. Men who were excellent role models for their children. But Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father is the greatest of all because He is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:48

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed