Sermons on Try Harder:

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

Learning To Love God Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 25, 2012

What is the most important thing in the universe? The answer might surprise you but goes right to the heart of both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus reveals it to us in Mark 12 as we go in depth into loving God.

During the course of a heated debate between Jesus and the religious leaders, something happens that is like an oasis in the midst of the desert. A scribe approaches the group as the Sadducees are trying to trip Jesus up with some theological argument coming out of their misinterpretation of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:29-31

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Why Are You Downcast?

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 7, 2025

Many Christians stumble, not because they never believed, but because they stayed too close to the place where they first got in. God calls us not only to begin the journey of faith but to grow in joy, perseverance, and victory through Christ.

Introduction: Too Close to Where We Got In A mother tucked her little boy in bed. She kissed him goodnight, pulled up the covers, and went downstairs. Not long after, she heard a loud thump and then crying. She hurried upstairs and found him on the floor. “What happened?” she asked. Through ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7, Nehemiah 8:10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Living In Unfairness Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 24, 2003

This is the 7th study in the study "Hope In The Darkness". This study looks at remaining faithful in our service to Christ no matter what happens.

LIVING IN UNFAIRNESS 1 Peter 3:8-22 One of the hardest lessons to learn in life is that life is not always fair. It seems like the harder you try to live like a Christian the more difficulties you face. It also seems like those who could care less about God seem to prosper the most. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-22, 1 Samuel 21:10-15

Denomination: Baptist

Promises Kept Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 17, 2013

God made a promise—a covenant with Abraham. That covenant, which is based on faith and not on the law, is still valid today.

Galatians 2:15-21 “Promises Kept” INTRODUCTION We are a people who believe that justice is one of our unalienable rights along with life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are frustrated when justice doesn’t take place. For example, we don’t like the lack of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:15-21

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Hall Of Fame

Contributed by Ed Wood on May 3, 2002

A message of encouragement for those Christians who do not think that they are valuable in God’s service

GOD’S HALL OF FAME 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:4 INTRO: Ask those who received an honor such as class president, all Americans Beta club, etc. Not talking to those today, but to the rest of the audience. God can use the others too, but it will be a little harder. It is not scholarship that matters, but ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With The Boss Series

Contributed by Wesley Bishop on Mar 13, 2004

This sermon deals with workplace relationships.

Workplace satisfaction is a big topic today. Surveys, articles, and studies are abundant on the topic of workplace satisfaction. Companies calculate the cost of employee dissatisfaction. Foundations for Excellence put out a paper a few years ago entitled “Employee Satisfaction: Why it is so ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9

Denomination: Wesleyan

To Gain Real Wealth

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Nov 23, 2011

I. EXORDIUM: Wealthy people are unapproachable, have problems in traveling alone. Conversations: Guy: I would like to invite you to our church to come. Rich Guy: Sorry I can't travel alone. Does you church entertain poor people? If so, I don't want to

I. EXORDIUM: Wealthy people are unapproachable, have problems in traveling alone. Conversations: Guy: I would like to invite you to our church to come. Rich Guy: Sorry I can't travel alone. Does you church entertain poor people? If so, I don't want to come. Guy: I would like to invite you to come ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:4-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Treadmill Christianity

Contributed by Jeremy Houck on Jul 9, 2005

In nearly every aspect of a Christians life, they feel like they’re on a treadmill. They can never quite do enough or be quite good enough. And just when they think they are up to speed, someone turns up the machine, and they are playing catch-up again.

Treadmill Christianity Titus 3:3-7 In 2001 we were about to have our first child and I decided that if I was going to be the dad that would play catch, and soccer in the yard then I needed to get into better shape. So I started going out to the local college and running. Every night Trista would ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:3-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Single And Living Strong

Contributed by Brad Rigney on May 27, 2006

This sermon looks at being Single and how those who are single can find contentment through Christ.

Single and Living Strong Message 1Cor. 7 Intro.: A. What is one of the largest segments in our society today? It’s not a particular ethnic group – it is not a socio-economic group – it’s not any particular occupational group… It is Single Adults! Statistics show that 43% of the adult ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-38

Denomination: Adventist

Getting Into God's Business

Contributed by David Fox on Nov 10, 2001

If we are working for ourselves, then we are in a miserable business.

Getting into God’s Business (Ecc. 4:7-8) “Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, Ecclesiastes 4:7-8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Enough

Contributed by Thomas Bowen on Nov 25, 2007

Enough Faith - The disciples ask for more

Enough Luke 17:5-10 Yesterday, I was thinking about how much of something is enough? Some things like money or nice things often seem like we can’t get enough. I am tempted to think that is something I would not mind trying to find out for myself. Then another category that comes to mind ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: Congregational

Who Said You Were Naked Series

Contributed by Charles Cockroft on Aug 11, 2007

This is number 2 in a series that teaches that God want us to be honest with Him and ourselves

WHO SAID YOU WERE NAKED We are looking at Life Changing Questions. Last week we saw 2 questions. One is from the Devil and one is from God. “Did God really say?” and “Where are you” There was a young man that got his first apartment. His parents visiting him noticed a large GONG and Hammer. The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:9-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Need For Community Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jul 31, 2015

A look at chapter 4. We need to live within community.

Three is Better Than One Ecclesiastes 4:1-12 August 2, 2015 We’re in week 4 of looking at Life Lessons from Ecclesiastes. Again, this is not very optimistic literature, but if we’re willing we can find the hope in this book. Solomon is the writer and he’s trying to find every ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:4-12

Denomination: Baptist