Sermons on Striving For God:

Follow Me!

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jan 22, 2017

Jesus' call of the first disciples reminds us that God takes the initiative to pursue us; that God calls us into relationship, not rules; and that God's mission becomes our mission: to teach, preach, and heal a hurting world.

Matthew 4:18-23 Follow Me Today we’re talking about fishermen. Anyone here like to fish? Two avid fishermen go on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment: the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. They spend a fortune. The first day they go ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

Anna: The Importance Of The Prayer-Filled Life Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Dec 29, 2015

Through prayer, we can be sure to be where we need to be when we need to be there in order to be in on what God is doing.

We’ve noticed how this passage speaks of three sets of individuals who are an example of what needs to be true of us if we’re going to be in on what God is doing in our day. We’ve looked at the importance of the Word-filled life, as we considered Joseph and Mary. Then we thought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Baptist

Grace For The Graceless Series

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 24, 2025

God’s free grace in Christ saves and transforms sinners, replacing fear and striving with joy, gratitude, and Spirit-empowered obedience today and forever.

Introduction – A Gospel that Begins at the Bottom “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) What a breathtaking way to open the greatest sermon ever preached. Jesus does not begin the ladder from earth to heaven with “Blessed are the pure in heart.” If ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3, John 3:16-17, Romans 11:6, John 5:24, 1 John 4:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Forgiveness And Love PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 7, 2025

God’s grace is a free gift we cannot earn or buy; it transforms our hearts from striving and bitterness to rest, faith, and love.

If you’ve ever tried to buy a birthday gift for someone who already has everything, you know the head-scratching feeling it brings. What do you give the person who lacks nothing? Now lift your eyes a little higher and imagine bringing your best to the God who has never needed a thing. We sometimes ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:20-23

Topics: Bitterness, Sin

Favoritism Forbidden PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 14, 2023

Showing favoritism goes against God's command to love our neighbors as ourselves, and we should strive to treat everyone equally, as God does.

Good morning, church family! Today we are diving headfirst into the book of James. We're going to discuss a topic that we all wrestle with from time to time. That's right, we're talking about favoritism, and how it goes against the Golden Rule and God's judgement. It's a tough subject, but as Billy ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Topics: Treat Others, Golden Rule

Seven Marks Of A Biblical Elder - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Feb 13, 2012

The requirements for Biblical elders should be something that every Christ follower strives for.

When the New York Giants won the Super Bowl last Sunday, Eli Manning was chosen the Most Valuable Player in his role as the quarterback for his team. But he was certainly not the only reason, or even the main reason, his team won the game. They won because every one of the 45 players on the roster, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Extinct

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Jun 15, 2013

As a Christian, we must strive to allow our earthly nature to become extinct.

What would you say the following list of items have in common? The Yellow pages. Movie rental stores. Dial-up internet service. The VCR and telephone answering machines. If you guessed “things going extinct” then you would be correct. Much like the dodo bird, dinosaurs and the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:15-21

Denomination: Free Methodist

“the Importance Of Unity” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Dec 18, 2014

Unity is so important that those within the church must strive to maintain it.

Today we are starting a series that will be based on this passage in Ephesians. We are going to think together about unity in the church and what binds us together. Paul says that unity is so important, that we are to pursue it “making every effort.” (READ TEXT) In his book The ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

Christ, Our Example: Prayer Series

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Aug 15, 2011

Jesus is our example of a prayer warrior; we must strive to be like Him.

Christ, Our Example: Prayer August 14, 2011 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: Jesus is our example of a prayer warrior; we must strive to be like Him. Focus Passage: Matthew 6:9-13 Supplemental Passage: "When you pray, you are not to be like the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Cruise Control Or Self-Control

Contributed by Jon Daniels on May 19, 2006

This sermon challenges the hearers to evaluate their lives and strive to experience the fullness of the Christian life.

“CRUISE CONTROL OR SELF-CONTROL” 2 Peter 1:1-11 INTRO – Hilton Wall’s new company car is a Dodge Charger. Got the big engine. Lot of power under the hood. Susan warned him to be careful or he would get a ticket. Told her, “It’s got cruise control, but I just hope I have self-control.” I began ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Empathetic Christian Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

Let us strive to be empathetic Christians, enhancing our fellowship and usefulness to the Master.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to a deeper level of connection with one another. Empathy is a vital aspect of this connection, allowing us to understand and enter into each other's feelings. In 1 Corinthians 12:26, the apostle Paul writes, "If one member suffers, all the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:58, Acts 11:23

What Is God's Will For Me?

Contributed by Jason Cole on Mar 11, 2007

Learning God’s will is difficult, but we can know certain things about His will for us.

“God’s Will for Our Lives” Introduction: I don’t know about you, but I like doing puzzles. Crossword puzzles are always fun. I usually answer the five or six that I know and then retire and go to a new puzzle. Some people like those word search puzzles too, where you din a word in a group of ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Bending God's Ear Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Dec 21, 2007

God provides every encouragement for us to pray fervently.

Scripture Introduction We have elevated (in the last centuries) the democratic ideal as the “desire of all nations.” Unfortunately, insisting on the equality of all people seems to denigrate thoughts of God. Rather than high and holy, he is now low and chummy. Instead of a “consuming fire,” he is ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christians Only Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 4, 2019

The goal to be simple, New Testament Christians and to strive to be like the New Testament church is something that will lead to Christian unity and pleases God.

Introduction: A. I like the story told of the man who was shipwrecked on a beautiful, deserted South Pacific island. 1. Five years later, he was discovered by a passing naval ship. 2. Upon their arrival at the shore the rescue party was met by the shipwreck survivor. 3. He said, “I'm so glad ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:3-6, John 17:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Community PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 23, 2023

This sermon encourages us to strive to be a community that mirrors the early church in devotion to God, love for each other, and active engagement in the world.

Welcome, beloved sisters and brothers, to our shared space of faith and fellowship. As we gather here today, let us remember that we are not simply a gathering of individuals but a community, a family, united in our love for Christ and our commitment to following His teachings. We are here not only ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Topics: Power, Relationships, Local Church