Sermons on striving:

Getting Fit: Worship Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 9, 2011

We're to strive for our worship to be both reverent and filled with rejoicing. In order to do that we're going to have to rethink a few things.

Getting Fit: Worship Hebrews 12:28-29 Rev. Brian Bill 1/9/11 How many of you participated in “White Elephant” gift exchanges over Christmas? The background to this crazy tradition comes from ancient Asia, where white elephants were the ultimate pampered pets. Because they were ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:28-29

Denomination: Baptist

5 Reasons Jesus Chose Fishermen

Contributed by Chris Miller on Feb 6, 2019

There are a few reasons 7 of the 12 first disciples were fishermen. They were not chosen by accident. They possess skills every Christian should strive to possess.

The Bible tells us 7 of the first 12 disciples were fishermen by trade. It is no accident Jesus chose these individuals to be his first disciples. As fishermen, these guys possessed characteristics every Christian should have. Here are 5 reasons Jesus chose fishermen. 1. Fishermen know how to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Good Bread Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 8, 2022

What fills you up? What do you strive hardest to acquire? Jesus is truly the bread of life that meets all our needs.

* Introduction to Lenten season * Our understanding of Lent is likely limited to knowing people who give up something for the season or don’t eat meat on Fridays. * Season of preparation for Easter - the resurrection * A time to reflect on Christ and His sacrifice so that when we come to Good ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-40, John 6:11-13, Matthew 6:31-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sermon 6 - The Strength Of Sacrifice Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 31, 2025

As we strive to be salt and light to the world, the sacrifices we make for others can make a difference in drawing them toward faith and commitment to Jesus.

Introduction: A. A funny thing happened to me a number of years ago and I have shared the story with you before, but I think it is a good launching point for today’s sermon. 1. Years ago, while I was driving and using my earpiece, I called my brother, but he didn’t answer, so I left him a message. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12-13, Luke 9:23, Romans 12:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Money Is A Terrible Master, But A Great Servant Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Money can either serve us or control us. We should strive to achieve financial freedom and use money to make a lasting impact.

Ever heard of Centralia, Pennsylvania? Back in 1962, a coal mine fire started there and it's still burning today, right under the ground. Crazy, right? Money is kinda like that fire. It can be used for good stuff or it can cause a lot of damage. When money takes over our hearts, it can burn us up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24, Mark 10:17-27

Topics: Financial Management, Wealth Accumulation, Consumerism, Economic Inequality

Identity PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Our identity is not based on our achievements or mistakes, but on God's design and purpose for us, and we should strive to understand and live out this identity in Christ.

Good morning, church family! Today we will be focusing on one of my favorite verses in the Bible, Ephesians 2:10. This verse says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Isn't that awesome? It reminds us that we are not ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

Topics: Identity

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

Forward Momentum PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 6, 2024

This sermon encourages believers to persist in their faith journey, striving towards spiritual maturity and heavenly citizenship, guided by the teachings of Philippians 3:12-21.

Welcome, dear friends, to this blessed gathering where we have come together, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment, to delve into the riches of God's word. We are here today, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the grand narrative of God's love and grace. As we gather in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Topics: Momentum, Walk With Christ

Why The Law Cannot Fix Us Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 11, 2020

Although ignorance is a major problem in the Christian world, our biggest issue involves being rightly related to God. Many, sadly, look to law-keeping as the way to know God or receive His forgiveness. This simply will not work; we need regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Why the Law Cannot Fix Us (Romans 7:1-25) 1. Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms. Moms come with all sorts of personalities and approaches toward parenting. A mother is trying to get her son to eat carrots. “Carrots are good for your eyes,” she says. “How do you know?” the boy asks. The mother ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:1-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Type Of Life That Is Worthy Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION)

BIG IDEA: THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION) I. (1:27a) THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD BE THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR LIFESTYLE A. General Exhortation ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Blessed Assurance - Evidence #7 Series

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 14, 2003

Continuing in our series on the EVIDENCES that give you the ASSURANCE of your salvation ... The TRUE Christian will strive to be more Christ-like in their daily living, and not practice sin.

“BLESSED ASSURANCE” – Evidence #7 – “The Practice Of Righteousness” 1 John 2:28-3:10 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on EVIDENCES of salvation that give us the ASSURANCE of salvation. You can’t base your ASSURANCE of salvation on a PAST experience … it may have been COUNTERFEIT. We are ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

About Tomorrow

Contributed by Paul Redwine on Jan 2, 2004

When we pursue the future without striving to do God’s will, we practice arrogance. This sermon discusses three areas of selfish pursuit.

About Tomorrow, James 4:13-17 Paul Redwine, Northside Christian Church, Sunday, August 24, 2003 Introduction We often put too much emphasis on the future, thinking that our plans are the best for us, without even considering the Lord’s will. This is arrogant. [TEXT] James 4:13-17 [CT] When we ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Luke 12:16-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"That I May Know Him."

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on May 3, 2004

Many people strive for prestige and prosperity, but the most important thing is a interpersonal relationship with God. That I may know should be the greatest desire of a child of God.

“That I May Know Him” Philippians 3:10 The book of Philippians has been called the “Song of Solomon” of the New Testament because of its intimacy and the passionate desire that Paul has for the church of Philippi. The manner of his writing is the same kind that distant lovers often communicate ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:10

Denomination: Apostolic

Discovering Your Purpose Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 24, 2003

As we understand the ramifications of Christ dwelling within us, we will strive for maturity in our faith and can become all that God desires for us to be.

Discovering Your Purpose A truck driver was hauling a load of 500 penguins to the zoo. Unfortunately, his truck broke down. He eventually waved down another truck and offered the driver $500 to take the penguins to the zoo. The next day the first truck driver got his truck fixed and drove into ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Man Under Authority

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 18, 2002

The Roman centurion was the only man that caused the Lord Jesus to "marvel". We should strive to grow in faith realizing that "without faith it is impossible to please Him".

A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY "For I also am a man under authority, with solders under me; and I say to this one, ’Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ’Come!’ and he comes, and to my servant, ’Do this!’ and he does it." Matthew 8:9. I COMPASSION EXPRESSED The one showing compassion: The Roman ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:9

Denomination: Baptist