Sermons on Try Harder:

The Father's Discipline Series

Contributed by Frank Lay on Sep 20, 2004

In Hebrews 11:1-12:4, we learn that all God¡¦s children go through trying times in life. God uses those trying times to make us more like Jesus. This passage uses three different words to describe God¡¦s discipline in his children.

THE FATHER¡¦S DISCIPLINE Hebrews 12:3-17 Why do persecution, testing, trial, sickness, pain, sorrow, and trouble come into the life of the believer? Are they a sign of God¡¦s anger or displeasure? Do they happen by chance? How should we react to them? Certainly some of our sufferings and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:3-17

Denomination: Baptist

A Great Light

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Nov 23, 2007

Friends has God been dealing with you in a gentle way trying to lovingly get you to return to His light yet you resist? Have you heard message after message from preachers trying to convince you to step out of the darkness yet you continue to stay put.

A Great Light As we near the Christmas season I want to continue with the theme of light. A few weeks ago I talked about the star that shone over Bethlehem and the wise men that followed the sign in the heavens. We talked about the signs that exist today in the night sky and about Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-2

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why In The World Is This Happening To Me?

Contributed by Moy Hernandez on Oct 26, 2009

We must consider it all joy when we face trials and tribulations because God is trying to get our attention. He is attempting to restore His purpose in us, He is trying to increase our patience because He wants us to mature so that we may be restore back

One of the most difficult questions at times of troubles is the question of why. Now it is question that comes easy, but it is one that is often a difficult one to answer. Why did this have to happen now? Why in the world is this happening to me? Perhaps some of us have been taught that it is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-6

Denomination: Salvation Army

How Can We Truly Worship God? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jun 17, 2024

1. Let God fill you with the Holy Spirit (vs. 18). 2. Let God put a song in your heart (vs. 18, 19). 3. Let God give you more gratitude (vs. 18, 20).

How Can We Truly Worship God? Ephesians 5:18-20 Sermon by Rick Crandall Series: The Book of Ephesians (Prepared June 17, 2024) (Revised July 7, 2024) MESSAGE: *Today our focus is on worship, and nothing is more important in our Christian life than heartfelt worship of God. But what is worship? ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Heavenly Mindedness

Contributed by Eddie Robinson on Jan 2, 2001

You soul has already been saved, try to keep your mind focused on a heavenly mentality, and it is easier to handle life.

Colossians Chapter 3:1-4 1 If ye then be risen in Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Recharging Your Spiritual Battery

Contributed by William Young on Aug 26, 2001

In these most trying times, we need to know we can "recharge" our spiritual life with God’s saving power!

RECHARGING YOUR SPIRITUAL BATTERY Eph 3:14-21 Introduction: 1. Do you ever feel spiritually drained? 2. Have you ever feel that the “spirit” has just been exhausted in your life? 3. We all feel this way from time to time; but an energetic Christian knows the cure! a. We have to RECHARGE our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21, 1 Peter 1:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Standing Fast

Contributed by Bob Ashcraft on Apr 22, 2002

God has given us the ability to be steadfast, even in the most trying adversities. This message explores four aspects of "standing fast."

11/01/1998, 04/22/2001 Standing Fast "Four Aspects of Standing Fast" 1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. · God has given us the ability to be steadfast. · It is one of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 14:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Out With The Old

Contributed by Carl Willis on Dec 31, 2001

Have you ever made a new year’s resolution? Maybe it’s time you try lasting change.

Have you ever made a new year’s resolution? Of course you have. We’ve all made them. This year I’m going to: Lose weight Drink less Smoke less Cuss less Spend more time with family We’ve all tried to make changes and most certainly we’ve all blown it!!! In fact many of us have made the same ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Religion With A Kick!

Contributed by Johnny Carver on Jun 2, 2001

This is a message that deals with the lifeless attitude that keeps trying to creep into the churches across this nation and the change that God want to make in those churches.

Scripture: Matthew 9:17 Title: “Religion With A Kick!” Introduction: Jesus came into this world to institute CHANGES! The forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, and Jesus Himself began their preaching ministries with the message of “REPENTANCE.” Evidently the Scribes and Pharisees were critical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Blessing Of Trouble

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Nov 14, 2005

We try to avoid the very things God wants to use to mould us into the glorious creatures He intends us to be.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” It is noteworthy that the man who, by the time of this writing ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Orthodox

It's Just You And Me, Tonto (And Frankly I'm Not Too Sure About You)

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Oct 28, 2002

Leaders are generally pretty lonely people. How do you get past the "Lone Ranger" syndrome of trying to do it all?

October 20, 2002 In the movie Awakenings Robert DeNiro is a 50 year-old post-encephalytic vegetable. Encephalitis caused Parkinson-like loss of motor control (tics). These tics accelerate until they freeze a person catatonically, within himself. Robin Williams plays Dr. Sayer, who ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 18:24-26

Denomination: United Methodist

Mistakes Re-Made Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 20, 2005

Abraham gets reprimanded by a Cannanite king - what happens when we don’t learn the lessons God is trying to teach?

There are times to stay and face situations and times to leave. Hagar gets to leave (after the first time when God told her to go back), and Abraham must face his mistakes (after getting to leave without rebuke the first time). We all like to think that we learn from our mistakes. Truth is it ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

"Sick And Tired Of People Pleasing!"

Contributed by Kevin Smith on Oct 27, 2005

we spend far too much time trying to please everybody else, that we lose ourselves and our identities with God.

Luke 7:11-23 You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. Verse 14 says, "Then Jesus went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still." I want to take a strange twist on this text and for a little bit of time talk from the subject as the Holy Spirit shall lead and guide of, "I’m ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-23

Denomination: Pentecostal

God Can Change You

Contributed by Alvaro Dominguez on May 15, 2004

Sometimes we try hard to change, but that’s God’s duty not ours. We only surrender to his power.

God Can Change You Sunday, May 16, 2004 Ezk. 36:24-31 INTRO. What can you do when there is no desire for change? What can be done to put that desire in you and how can that change come about? The answer is: “Surrender”. Be convinced in your mind what God can do for you. You are not responsible for ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Abiding In Christ Series

Contributed by Geoff Bruschi on Jan 19, 2007

Tired of trying to saw down the redwoods of sin in your life? Put some gas in the chainsaw, and let it do the work for you!

Title: How to have Godly Character Type: Series/Christian growth Objective: Every Christian Can display true Godly Character by applying 3 supports that are found in John 15. Text: John 15:1ff Intro: The past few months, I have been bringing messages that have been designed to try and correct ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational