Sermons on Try Harder:

The Case For Spiritual Formation Series

Contributed by David Flowers on Dec 31, 2009

Part 4 in series The Company We Keep, this message makes the case for why spiritual formation is critical and discusses the difference between training to obey Jesus and trying to obey Jesus.

The Case for Spiritual Formation The Company We Keep, prt. 4 Wildwind Community Church David Flowers May 23, 2009 John Ortberg asks us to consider what it would be like to be doing what we do every night – sitting on the couch eating Twinkies and potato chips – when suddenly the phone rings. You ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Free Methodist

Our Commander In Chief Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 27, 2009

God always makes powerful statements on top of mountains like this, but what was He trying to tell us at the Mount of Transfiguration and what should we do about it?

ILLUS: A crowded airliner was just about to take off when a five-year-old boy began to throw a temper tantrum. His embarrassed mother does to tried to calm him down, but the boy continued to kick and scream. Suddenly, from the rear of the plane, an Air Force General slowly walked up the aisle. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Meeting With The Messiah

Contributed by Dan Stires on Mar 17, 2010

Sometimes we have to face certain barriers that will try to keep us from quenching our spiritual thirst. This sermon deals with conquering those barriers and coming to the "Living Water."

Pataskala Church of the Nazarene March 14, 2010 A Meeting with the Messiah Scripture Reading: John 4:6-7 Introduction: One of the most significant encounters recorded of Jesus' ministry was his meeting with the Samaritan Woman at the Well. She was known as a sinful woman who was headed to ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-26

Denomination: Nazarene

Despicable Me - Part 2 - Confession Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 18, 2010

What if we aren’t what we seem? What if we try to be perfect and can’t pull it off? What is God’s prescription to deal with “Despicable Me”?

“Despicable Me” Pt. 2 – Confession A. Introduction Last week I read to you a passage of Scripture in which Paul reveals his inward struggle and the inner turmoil that exists in him between good and evil, holiness and sin. It is an intriguing description and one that I believe that most of us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-20

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Cure For The Common Church Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 8, 2012

Don't try to hide the fact you have quarrels and fights. Deal with the fact that there is divisions and disagreement. Divisions distract us. Learn the principles that can be the cure for the common church.

Intro: What is it that causes fights and quarrels or division? We see division in families, marriages, teams, governments, and of course churches? Why? Listen to what James the brother of Jesus has to say. James 4.1-3 “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren’t they caused ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Love Is The Answer Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 1, 2008

Love is the guiding principle for followers of Jesus. Although we might try to complicate the issues, what God requires from us is not complicated - Love God and Love your Neighbor.

A. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that each of us will strive to be thankful people all the time, not just on Thanksgiving Day. B. As you know, our lives are fraught with many questions, and many answers. 1. Some of the questions and answers are silly and frivolous, others are ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Priceless Gift

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Dec 11, 2008

God gave a priceless gift in His Son, Jesus Christ, and whatever we give back will pale in comparison to that. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

A Priceless Gift Griffith Baptist Church – 12/14/08 A.M. Service Text: Matthew 2:1-12 Key verse: Matthew 2:11 - And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

It's Better To Be Good Than Fair Series

Contributed by Phil Smith on Dec 20, 2008

We spend WAY too much energy trying to balance the books of our relationships. Jesus did not teach us to be fair, but to be good. His birth beautifully illustrates the lesson.

Php 2:5-11 – ...Christ Jesus: ...being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Clarifying Our Mission And Purpose, Part 2 Series

Contributed by Richard Laraviere on Aug 16, 2008

Unless we know who we are, where we are going and who we are trying to minister to, how can we fulfil our mission as a church family?

What are we aiming for? Clarifying our mission and purpose Part 2 Review: Write down on a paper, last weeks main point of the message. Put your name at the top of the paper and pass it forward. The main thrust of the message was, Do we know who we are as a church? What do we stand ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

Denomination: Mennonite

Keys To Victory

Contributed by Paddick Van Zyl on Oct 5, 2020

Introduction When faced with a challenge or problem in life, what do we do? Do we ask God’s advice? Do we try and figure it out by ourselves?

Keys to Victory Pastor Paddick Van Zyl 05-10-2020 Sermon Outline Scripture Reference Joshua chapter 6:1 to 8:27 Key verse : 2 And the Lord said to Joshua: “See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. (Joshua 6:2 NKJV) Theme How to ensure we live a ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Defeating Doubt

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Apr 16, 2020

Everyone has doubts, especially in trying times like these. Thomas shows us to guard in your low times, draw strength from others, and meet the risen Lord.

John 20:19-20, 24-29 Defeating Doubt In this terrible time of pandemic, you might be tempted to think, “Where are you, God? Why don’t you stop this? Are you really there?” Everyone goes through doubts in their faith, even Mother Teresa. She once wrote her spiritual director, “Where I try to raise ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-29, 1 Peter 1:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Into The Storm Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jul 29, 2020

This morning, we are going to see a prophet try to run away from God. And we will see God pursue Jonah with a storm. At the end of this section, the story gets a bit fishy.

In the Storm (Jonah 1:4-17) Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church 09-08-19 A Whale of a Storm This past week, Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas as a category 5 storm. Then it stalled. It just sat still over the Bahamas for more than. 24 hours as hurricane force winds, ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:4-17

Denomination: Baptist

Valiant And Violent

Contributed by Craig Benner on Apr 8, 2017

We are called to face the devil and his imps in the power of God. Quit trying to not hurt feelings and being so politically correct. Let us cast down the kingdom of Satan.

The Valiant and the Violent 2 Samuel 23:8-12 Also found in 1 Chr. 11:12-14 Matt. 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. --the devil sure didn't want the Messiah to come down to earth --Satan knows ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:8-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Wizard Of Oz

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 25, 2016

This movie is parallel to the life of the Christian, who is trying to get to the Celestial City, New Jerusalem. Christians, like Dorothy, are given 4 aids to help them reach the Heavenly City.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Heb. 11:10 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR “Why Men Are Happier People” 1. NICKNAMES. If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah. If Mike, Dave & John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Bubba & ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Study Of Psalm 7 Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Oct 12, 2017

How we respond to adversity demonstrates a great testimony for the world to see. Do we run to our God for shelter and comfort … or do we try to wage war ourselves?

A Study of Psalm 7 Psalm 7 Introduction - Psalms broken into 5 books, covered an extensive time period - Gathered together as songs of praise & words of encouragement/warning - We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … then will move to something else - There are psalms of wisdom, royal psalms, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 7:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational