Sermons on Try Harder:

Offense Of The Cross

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Feb 18, 2022

Romans 1:16 says the gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Power is something that is very invasive, and more than likely power will offend people. By design, the gospel contains a necessary offense.

In Romans 1:16 the apostle Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” How many of us can actually declare, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ?” How many of us truly believe that the gospel is “the power of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Truth Will Squish Out Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 18, 2021

The Gospel of life is something concrete and personal, because it is a Person. It is Jesus, who is Life. Truth, Life and Resurrection are one in Jesus Christ.

Monday of 25th Week in Course It’s one thing for our movers and shakers throughout the world to work hard to destroy the next generation, and our human future, through contraception, abortion and infanticide. What should really irritate us is how hard they work to conceal the truth. But nothing ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 1:1-6, Psalm 126:1-6, Luke 8:16-18, Isaiah 45:1

Denomination: Catholic

A Joyful Church (1 Thessalonians 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 27, 2024

Some churches are a joy to be around. Let's look at one such church in 1 Thessalonians 2.

Some churches are a joy to visit, from the moment you enter the door to the final farewell, the welcome, preaching and fellowship refresh the soul. Let’s look at a joyful church in 1 Thessalonians 2. Were Paul and his coworkers bold about preaching the Gospel in Thessaloniki? For you yourselves ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Listen, To Receive God's Best (Isaiah 48:1-22) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 5, 2024

God's people have failed to listen once, and missed God's best. God here gives them a second chance, letting them know He's not angry despite their idolatry.

One of the hardest things to do in the entire world, is to listen when someone gives you good advice. Listening requires a lot from you. It requires an openness to unpleasant possibilities-- the possibility that you're wrong, that you don't know everything, that someone else knows more ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 48:1-22

Your Commitment To Purity - God Will Make A Way

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 14, 2006

God has made a way for you to be pure.

Your Commitment to Purity - God Will Make a Way 1 Corinthians 10:13 Sermon by: Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Nov. 26, 2006 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Denomination: Baptist

Why Did God Make Hell? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2021

Why did God make hell? And why would He want to send me there?

OPEN: A detective was investigating a burglary at a church building. He questioned one suspect - who he was pretty sure committed the crime – but he couldn’t prove it. Finally, the preacher of the church stepped up and asked if he could talk to the suspect alone. Within minutes, the preacher came ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When You Lack Wisdom

Contributed by Duane Johnson on Aug 20, 2008

Encouragement to act wisely in the midst of pressure packed situations.

JAMES 1:5-8 WHEN YOU LACK WISDOM Ralph had worked for his company for almost 15 years and he had always been one of the top salesmen. But the economy had slowed down to a snail’s pace and no one was placing orders with him anymore. The pressure was really beginning to mount, and past performance ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Reverse - Pt. 2 - Setting Up A Reverse Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Mar 26, 2011

Taken down. Shoulders on the mat. No way of escape seems available. Could it be that God is setting up reverse instead?

Reverse Part 2 – Setting Up a Reverse I. Introduction As I mentioned to you last week I wrestled for several years. Here is the pictorial proof for you entertainment. Tim offered to let me borrow Jake’s singlet to wear while I preach. That didn’t take much thought to turn down! Wrestling is ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Flesh Is Willing

Contributed by G W Bill Elliott Jr on Nov 21, 2019

Wait… the title of this story is “The Flesh is Willing”, yet this scripture claims it is weak… and it was Jesus who actually said it… so, that must be right! See… the flesh is very willing to do things, to get involved, to perform or get into action… to a fault.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Wait… the title of this story is “The Flesh is Willing”, yet this scripture claims it is weak… and it was Jesus who actually said it… so, that must be right! No, I am not trying ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-25, Matthew 7:21-23, Acts 19:13-16, Matthew 26:41

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Cross Roads Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Jan 7, 2004

This is the 1st study in the study "The Hebrew Hymnal".

Series: The Hebrew Hymnal (Psalms) [#1] HYMN #1: CROSS ROADS Psalm 1 Through the centuries God’s people have sang songs that express their relationship with God. The book of Psalms is a compilation of Hebrew hymns that still speak to us in the 21st Century. This first hymn we find is one ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Walk The Walk?

Contributed by Rich Cook on Jun 28, 2005

A sermon used before communion. Like the disciples at the Last Supper, we can talk the talk about the Christian life. But Jesus wants to know who will walk the walk with him.

Can you walk the walk? Purpose: To challenge those who call themselves Christians to obey God’s commands. 1. You’ve heard the phrase, "You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk." · NCAA Basketball Tournament (this sermon was preached during the tournament): I can talk a pretty good game. ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-35

Denomination: Nazarene

The Believer’s Confidence In Christ Phil. 1:6

Contributed by Luke Vasicek on Sep 22, 2024

Exegetical Idea: Paul is rejoicing not only in their gift but also in their sanctification and salvation, because it is guaranteed by God.

The Believer’s Confidence in Christ Phil. 1:6 Exegetical Idea: Paul is rejoicing not only in their gift but also in their sanctification and salvation, because it is guaranteed by God. Phil. 1:6 “I am sure of this…” Paul is _Certain_ the Philippians are saved. How can we be sure of our or ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Denomination: Bible Church

Detours

Contributed by John Beehler on Mar 20, 2003

When you run into the cross, don’t look for a detour because you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Detours The 2002 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest National Challenge was to select, raise, and wave a national flag…in twenty or more steps! The idea of this contest is that groups of students are given an elementary challenge: something as simple as peeling an apple, sharpening a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

0301 Pre-Lent I (Septuagesima): Here Be Dragons! Series

Contributed by Mark Woolsey on Aug 18, 2005

Care must be taken to properly interpret the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.

Sermon: Here Be Dragons! Text: Matt 20:1-16, I Cor 9:24-27 Where: Arbor House When: Sunday, January 23, 2005 Occasion: Septuagesima Where: TI When: Friday, February 11, 2005 Occasion: Morning Prayer Who: Mark Woolsey May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Blessing Of Life

Contributed by Eyriche Cortez on Jan 8, 2009

The death of a child is not a waste for he is a blessing from the Lord, a reward from him (This is the message I preached in a funeral service for a young boy who died of a lingering sickness).

Honestly, I find it hard to speak in a funeral service. I am aware that words are not enough to fully comfort the family. I’m at a loss for words because I have kids also. I find the task harder because tonight we are holding a funeral service for an 8-year-old boy, Justyn [Name changed to protect ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:3

Denomination: Baptist