Sermons on Try Harder:

Advent Iv – The Greatest, Littlest Gift Of All

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Dec 21, 2014

This message explores the mystery of the Incarnation, that we will hopefully never get used to.

Sermon for Advent IV - Love - December 21, 2014 Who here remembers being able to walk around in the light of day at 9 PM? Even 9:30 at night! Well, we’ve all experienced the same thing each day since June 21, the summer solstice. The days have gotten shorter, by about 2 minutes each day. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Perfect Storm Series

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Dec 29, 2014

Over the last four weeks we have become reacquainted (or acquainted) with what redemption means.We’ve come to know . . . .The original version of God’s Song of Redemption.We can’t make words up, change the lyrics or tempo.

Recovering Redemption Series (5 of 5) The Perfect Storm Oct. 19, 2014 CFBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker Introduction: A Over the last four weeks we have become reacquainted (or acquainted) with what redemption means. 1 We’ve come to know . . . . a The original version of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Make An Excuse For Excuses

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Feb 8, 2011

A sermon about how we use excuses to excuse ourselves from doing the Lord's work.

DON'T MAKE AN EXCUSE FOR EXCUSES Gen 2 15-17, “15Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Modern-Day Legalism (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Greg Powell on Sep 23, 2020

Legalism is potentially such a damaging, deceitful, and depressing way to view the Christian life.

INTRO: I’ve tried to be very clear and practical at each point in this topic about what legalism is, what it does, and what it looks like. We spent the last message covering the statements a legalist might say, the specifics of legalism as far as the actual fundamental definitions of this way of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20, Colossians 2:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do I Need Church?

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 20, 2017

Jesus built HIS church out of flesh and blood. He took sinful, selfish and self centered people and created a church that would last forever. But how could He make a world changing church out of such useless material? Preached at Unity Service

OPEN: About 9 yrs ago, the Russian Orthodox Church had a 200 year old Church Building that had fallen into disuse. They wanted refurbish and begin worship services there, but when they arrived at village where the church building was … it wasn’t there anymore. It had disappeared. It seems that some ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Paradox Of Grace

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Sep 10, 2018

When it comes to maintaining a healthy relationship with God - We Do Something and God Does Something.

TITLE: THE PARADOX OF GRACE SCRIPTURE: PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13 No two verses in the Bible have been discussed and debated more than these together. Throughout Christian history, these two verses, this passage, has provided comfort and affliction to numerous Bible readers. Among the many biblical ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Gifts Of The Spirit In The Church: And Diagnostics Of The Lost

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jun 1, 2021

I can't help but notice certain patterns in the people and groups around me. Of course people are more complex than stereotypes, but there are certain observable patterns that do emerge, and tend to be at least somewhat accurate in describing people groups.

I can't help but notice certain patterns in the people and groups around me. Of course people are more complex than stereotypes, but there are certain observable patterns that do emerge, and tend to be at least somewhat accurate in describing people groups. What do people think about Jesus? ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:6-8

Denomination: Salvation Army

Do Not Say, "I Am A Youth!”

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 15, 2022

This message looks at a teenager who was called by God. Jeremiah was like any other youth; no different than teenagers today. But the Lord was able to use him in an amazing way! God wants even those who are young to serve Him.

I would like to begin our message with a short account concerning a great evangelist in recent church history. “Dwight L. Moody was once asked, ‘How many converts did you have last night?’ Moody answered, ‘Two and one half.’ The other person said, ‘Two adults and a child?’ ‘No,’ Moody replied. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-12

Denomination: Baptist

Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2021

The Bible has always been honest with us about the potential dangers of discipleship. It speaks of the real possibilities of abuse, prison and even death. Is there ever a time when it's NOT worth it to be a Christian?

CHILDREN’S SERMON – Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego OPEN: I read an interesting article this week in Christianity Today. The title was “Was It Worth It?” and it tried to address the tragedy that’s going on now in Afghanistan. Their opening comment was this: “(Christianity Today) surveyed 15 ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Let It Shine Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

We’re supposed to be light in the world, but not strobe lights or spotlights. We are meant to be little lights - but we are called on to shine. In so much darkness, that’s all that is needed.

When you were little, did you ever stick a flashlight in your mouth and turn it on? It looked pretty weird, didn’t it. For more weird, there was also a contest for who could make the most horrible grotesque face, you know, the kind that would cause your mother to warn you that if you didn’t ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 34:29-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Broken Speech Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 26, 2022

Any speech which is intended to mislead or deceive is offensive to God, whether or not you are under oath.

I’ve been wracking my brains trying to find a lead-in to this week’s commandment without talking about things like political correctness and hate speech, fake news and cancel culture. Things like misinformation, disinformation and media bias. But the subject keeps popping up. Things like the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:20, Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christian Living Perks

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Apr 24, 2023

This sermon focuses on three perks of following Jesus – 1. Being Radically Born Again, Experiencing a Life of Living Hope and Enjoying an Everlasting Inheritance

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 2:42-47; Revelation 21:1-7 Theme: Christian Living Perks This sermon focuses on three perks of following Jesus – 1. Being Radically Born Again, Experiencing a Life of Living Hope and Enjoying an Everlasting Inheritance INTRO: Grace ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Acts 2:42-47, Revelation 21:1-7

Denomination: Nazarene

Regret Smashed. 2023!

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 12, 2023

3 important truths about regret: Smash regret The spirit of offense Live free in Jesus.

Regret Smashed. 2023! Philippians 3:1-3NLT Perpetual New Year's resolution: Vow to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Share a funny story with someone whose ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-3, James 4:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sneakiness Of Pride Series

Contributed by Kevin Evans Tay on Aug 8, 2020

Pride can be sneaky. It can affect you in a very subtle way without you noticing it. We are going to learn from the Life of King Uzziah about the issue of pride.

THE SNEAKINESS OF PRIDE INTRODUCTION: • Welcome back to the House of God and welcome to those of who you are tuning in online. • Today we’re in the third part of the series I called it SOP. • I talked about the Source of Perseverance three weeks ago. • And last week, I talked about the Sacrifice ...read more

Precious In God's Sight

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Jul 1, 2019

Do you realize how much God loves you?

Sometimes when I’m wrestling to figure out what is on God’s heart for me to preach on, I’ll take a pictorial directory of our church family, look at the pictures one by one and pray, “Lord, what is on your heart for this person, for that family?” I did just that this week, thinking about this ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7