Sermons on Synthetic Self:

A Church The World Needs, Not Wants--Pergamum Pt6 Series

Contributed by Kent Kessler on Oct 14, 2010

“Be the church would ya!” Young people practice faith in the same way their parents practice faith. Studies today call this “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism”. It is a very self-centered spirituality; a self-absorbed Christianity.

Title: “A Church The World Needs--Not Wants--Pergamum” Introduction: I HAVE FOUR CHILDREN and I can tell you—kids, are smart—they know when you aren’t living up to what you believe and what you say! I worked with inner-city, street-wise kids for several years and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Methodist

Week One Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Mar 15, 2021

“Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter.

“Lent is one of the oldest observations on the Christian calendar. Like all Christian holy days and holidays, it has changed over the years, but its purpose has always been the same: self-examination and penitence, demonstrated by self-denial, in preparation for Easter. Early church father ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-2, 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Give Life And You Get It More! Series

Contributed by Paul Kallan on Feb 1, 2003

We are called to remember that beyond the demands that we make, battles we fight, our urge to retaliate and the violence we offer, the gospel (Lk.2.22-32) calls us to self-giving, commitment and self-sacrifice for the happiness and wellbeing of the other.

The german newspaper „Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung“ carried on 29. January 2003 an article on Mr. George W. Bush, the President of USA. I was really surprised to find out that he is a very active member of the United Methodist Church. It seems, every day he begins the work in the White House with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-32

Denomination: Catholic

What Stands Between You And God? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 3, 2013

As humans, our default position is to be self-centered. And unless we are aware of it and address it, we will always act in our own best self-interest. But as the Psalms show us, we are not the center of the universe - God is. And that's a very good thing

Psalm 115 is all about how silly we as humans can be, thinking we can actually do anything apart from God. It is also about who really gets the glory—God or us? By the way, many of the lines in this psalm are also found in Psalm 135. 1 – 3 If more of us would live by verse 1 of this ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Teaching Our Children Respect For Themselves

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

Self respect comes from having strong character. Say whatever you want about what constitutes self respect, but it cannot exist apart from a strong, Godly character. D. L. Moody said Character is what you are in the dark

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army Self respect comes from having strong character. Say whatever you want about what constitutes self respect, but it cannot exist apart from a strong, Godly character. D. L. Moody said Character is what you are in the dark. [1] Where does character come ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Oppression Defeated.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 20, 2022

Jesus is anointed to defeat any stronghold of oppression. A stronghold is something that has been around a while. Strongholds don’t get nervous over your self-will and or your self-determination. The very word stronghold indicates its here to stay.

Oppression Defeated. Acts 10:34-38KJV One man stated—Men ablaze are invincible. The stronghold of Satan is proof against everything but fire. Most of us are familiar with this song—it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-38, Luke 4:16-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Different Roles, Same Assignment

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jul 9, 2021

There are some in the body of Christ who see those with public roles (ministries) in the body of Christ as being more valuable to the kingdom than those who don’t. But this is simply not true when you see “the big picture.”

Over the years, I’ve known Christians who, because they didn’t have public ministries, believed that they were, somehow, second tier to those who did. They were not preaching. They were not teaching Sunday school. They didn’t lead the choir. They served on committees. They were not unhappy. They ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:10, Luke 9:1-2, Luke 10:17-20, Luke 10:1, Genesis 1:31, Ephesians 2:8-10, Genesis 2:21-22, Genesis 1:26, Romans 12:3, Ephesians 4:12-14, Luke 15:7, Luke 19:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Teaching Our Children Respect For Other People Series

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Apr 15, 2002

Part two of a three part series for parents and grandparents on teaching respect for God, Others, Self and Leaders.

April 14, 2002 Last week we began our current series on "Help For the Home" by laying down two statements upon which we agreed were necessary for helping our children become better examples of "salt and light" for our community: 1. Lack of respect is epidemic in our society. 2. We must do ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12-17

Denomination: United Methodist

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Contributed by Jim Kane on Mar 10, 2002

How then do we not let self-sufficiency and pride take root in our lives and in our church?

One of the most frequent headlines the past several months has been the Firestone tire safety issue on certain Ford Sport Utility Vehicles. However, not only have these two companies been linked together by business deals, they have also been linked together by marriage. In 1947 Harvey Firestone, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Church Of God

Contrasting Between Bad Attitudes And The Be-Attitudes Of Jesus

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Bad Attitudes Self-righteous attitudes that say I am right and others are flat out wrong.

Bad Attitudes Self-righteous attitudes that say I am right and others are flat out wrong. Taking credit for every good thing that happens Prideful thinking Refusal to forgive others Indifference to those who have experience adversity, tragedy or loss Cold, callous, and calculating thinking ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stepping Up To The Plate

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Jun 27, 2003

The church must be self-perpetuating, so it is important for young people to know what is expected of them in the church.

June 29, 2003 Morning Service Text: 1 Timothy 3:8-13 Subject: Christian Leadership Title: Stepping Up to the Plate I have been a Cardinal baseball fan all my life. I like other sports as well but there is something about Cardinal baseball that makes all the others pale in comparison. When I look ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Is Commitment?

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Sep 27, 2005

There are many types of Commitment. Commitment to, family, spouse, children, job, country, self, ideology and God.

What is Commitment? There are many types of Commitment. Commitment to, family, spouse, children, job, country, self, ideology and God. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:26-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Priority And Protocol Of Love In Marriage Series

Contributed by Jerry Gatson on Jan 17, 2008

The love expressed by a husband and wife for one another is a reflection of a love for God and a love for one’s self.

SUMITTING YOURSELVES ONE TO ANOTHER (pt 2) "The Priority and Protocol of Love and Marriage" INTRO – One of the obstacles to the Christian marriage is misplaced and displaced priorities. The Word of God gives the outline and the guideline of how to keep everything in its proper place and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39

Denomination: Charismatic

Seven Great Bible Paradoxes

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Nov 10, 2010

A "paradox" is defined as a seemingly self-contradictory declaration but is in fact true. There are several interesting paradoxes found in the Bible.

Intro: The Bible is a unique and strange Book. It is very different from any other “sacred book” of other religions. The Bible contains “God’s thoughts” which are strange and yet marvelous spiritual teachings. Among them are paradoxes. A Paradox is defined as a seemingly self-contradictory ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8, Philippians 2:1, Exodus 10:1-24, Galatians 2:20-21, Proverbs 11:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: *other

Master Submission Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Aug 21, 2012

Self-centeredness and the 'me first' attitude permeate our culture. But Paul points us in a different direction.

“Building Quality Relationships: With Christians – Master Submission” Phil. 2:1-11 & Eph. 5:18-21 Michael Hernandez has written a piece called “Property Laws as Viewed by a Toddler.” Included are the following toddler laws: “If I like it, it’s mine. If ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed