Sermons on Try Harder:

Spots & Stripes Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Feb 12, 2011

If you want true success in life, don’t depend on your shrewd deals, and don’t depend on your spent schemes. Instead, depend on the Lord.

Ted Engstrom and Edward Dayton, in a Christian Leadership Letter some time ago, talked about a young man who was appointed president of a bank. Intimidated by his new responsibilities, he nervously sought the advice of his gray-haired predecessor: “Sir, what has been the secret of your success?” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:25-43

Denomination: Evangelical Free

No Wonder The Dragon Wanted To Kill The Christ-Child!

Contributed by Harold Miller on Dec 15, 2000

The followers of Christ have been such a powerful force for good in this world. No wonder the prince of darkness --that great dragon-- did not want the Christ-child to live!

"No wonder the dragon wanted to kill the Christ-child!" (Simple transcript of Harold Miller’s sermon December 6, 1998, Corning NY) "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6, Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Mennonite

Desperate Households - Building A Family Fortress Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 1, 2005

The 5 "C’s" of Marriage and Family: Commitment, Communion, Communication, Coping Skills, and Consecration. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Desperate Households: Building a Family Fortress Josh. 24:15 A strong family must be a fortress, and not just a façade. Here’s some things strong families have in common: 1. Strong sense of Commitment Seems obvious, right? But over the last decade, I’ve counseled w/ dozens of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Baptist

I Know That Nothing Good Lives In Me

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Jul 20, 2004

PENTECOST 7(A) - I know that nothing good lives in me because sin is alive and well but sin is also to be defeated.

Romans 7:15-25a - July 18, 2004 – Pentecost 7 ROMANS 7:15-25a 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25

Denomination: Lutheran

32. Context Of Jesus' Teachings Series

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Nov 5, 2018

Jesus' teaching focused on Kingdom Ideals

[IN GOD’S IMAGE 32 – CONTEXT OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS] This message is part of a series of 90 sermons based on the title, “In God’s Image – God’s Purpose for humanity.” This series of free sermons or the equivalent free book format is designed to take the reader through an amazing process beginning ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-12, Philippians 3:6, Matthew 5:20-22, Acts 15:10-11, Romans 3:19-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian Church

Shepherds: Fear Not! Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Dec 14, 2024

A look at the angels proclaiming to us Do Not be Afraid in 3 birth stories.

Do Not Be Afraid Luke 2:8-12 December 15, 2024 We’re in the last week of our advent series in which an angel of God tells people “do not be afraid.” We all have our fears, some are rational and some are irrational. One fear I have is a fear of heights. I don’t like to be over 10 feet high, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-12, Romans 3:20-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Heart Of A Healthy Church Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 2, 2021

Having spent much time dealing with the end times, Paul shifted his focus mid-way through the closing chapter. He sought to ensure the church developed and maintained a healthy culture in order to remain effective in the midst of trying times.

The Heart of a Healthy Church 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-15 We are getting close to the conclusion of the first letter Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church. He has covered much with them – seeking to encourage, admonish, and challenge them in their faith. Thessalonica was not a perfect church, but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Folly Of Mere Spirituality Series

Contributed by Byron Harvey on Jan 8, 2009

This continues in my expository series through the book of Acts.

Say the word “spiritual” today, and really, you’ve said nothing. There are all sorts of “spiritualities” out there in the marketplace. Google the word “spirituality”, and here’s outcome: • Spirituality.com, from the Christian Science society • Jewish kabbalah inspirational ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Complacency Vs. Taking Risks

Contributed by Paul Kaiwi on Oct 18, 2006

The church is complacent, but God has called us to step out of the comfort of the boat.

Aloha I Ke Akua Christian Fellowship Senior Pastor Paul A. Kaiwi, Jr. MD Sunday Morning Service 9:30 am June 9, 2006 Complacency vs. Taking The Risk Joke: Three psychiatric patients are eager to be released from the hospital, but the doctor ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

All Things Working Together Series

Contributed by Ron Tuit on Feb 24, 2013

One of the most encouraging promises by GOd is that ALL things will work out for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD: Is that promise for me?

All Things Working Together Romans 8:28 Everyone likes encouragement and today we will look at one of the most encouraging and outstanding promises of God. The context of our ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Back On Track Pt. 3 How Do I Come Back

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jul 16, 2012

This sermon looks at what David had to do to get back on track in his relationship to God after the affair with Uriah and Bathsheba.

Getting Back On Tack: How Do I Come Back 2 Samuel 12:1-31 John 21:15-25 7/15/2012 Calvary Have you ever tried to fix something or a situation, and the more time you spent trying to fix it the worse it became? We’re going to look at why fixing stuff our way does not always ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Flip Side Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by Andrew Hamilton on Oct 26, 2002

As much as Jesus calls for complete surrender, he also makes that call of ordinary people - putting discipleship within all of our grasp

The Flip Side of Discipleship Intro Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews. Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement." Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire." Problem: "Test flight OK, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:13

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

The Pharisees Confront Jesus: What Does It Mean To Be A Hypocrite? An Issue Of The Heart Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jul 10, 2023

The Pharisees today are often regarded as hypocrites, mean, nasty, people who killed Jesus, and it’s true that they plotted against Jesus. But in general these were not bad people. These were religious leaders trying to help the people live according to God’s ways.

A lot of the scriptures that we look at, I feel like we get to understand another piece of the puzzle about who Jesus really is. It’s like we dive into a moment in history and we get to look over the shoulder of Jesus and see what he does, and why he does it, and we’re amazed. We want to live like ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-5

Denomination: Salvation Army

How To Handle A Sanballat

Contributed by Brady Cook on Jan 6, 2022

Usually, when we talk about Nehemiah, we focus on the wall. But what about the conditions he built it in -- namely, discouragement? - How are you supposed to focus on doing God's Work when others are trying to constantly tear you down?

https://hillsidechurchofchrist.com/how-to-handle-sanballat-and-tobiah/ Usually, when we have a sermon from Nehemiah 4, we fixate on a single verse: “The wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Neh. 4:6) We then dissect this verse and what it means to have ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Germinating Gentleness Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 30, 2003

A gentle spirit gives the world a taste of the presence of Jesus. As we become as gentle as Jesus, we will treat others like He does.

Germinating Gentleness Rev. Brian Bill 7/29/01 Pastors are not always known for their gentleness because many of us talk too long or preach too loud. On the other hand, people are not always real gentle with pastors either. I heard about a minister who received a note from an ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

Denomination: Baptist