Sermons on Useless Pursuits:

The Stubborn Evangelist Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

This short story is one where Jonah is in flight; it’s also one where God is in pursuit. Jonah’s life is really one of a boomerang for he ends up in the place that ran from in the beginning. For four chapters we’ll witness Jonah’s futile flight as well as God’s persistent pursuit.

Note: The entire book of Jonah is read before I preach. Today we launch a new four part series entitled Jonah: The Stubborn Evangelist. And it is coming at just the right time for our church (more on the timing in just a moment). Most only know it as an amusing story about a prophet and a “whale.” ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Week That Changed The World: The Day Jesus Saw The Downfall Of Apostate Religion Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Jul 15, 2021

Jesus finished His final day of public ministry. He taught the crowds in the Temple, confronted difficult questions, and then left for good. The Temple and its religious system was corrupt, useless, and irredeemable, and would be judged by God.

Mark 12:28-44 gives us details about the final day of Jesus' public ministry and HIs departure from the Temple. He will go to the Mount of Olives and present to His astonished disciples the reality of what is to come in the future, and it does not involve a new Israel free from Rome, nor the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46, Mark 12:28-44, Luke 10:25-28, Luke 20:41-47, Luke 21:1-4, Matthew 23:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Investing For Peace

Contributed by Brad Froese on Sep 28, 2004

The endless pursuit of earthly wealth has a dramatic dimming effect on the eyes of faith. This sermon compels one to begin investing in things of eternal value...

“Financing for Peace” (Kingdom Cash VS the US Dollar) (Let me start by saying that you do not buy your way into Heaven. But what you spend your money and your resources on certainly indicates where your heart is: in the world, or with God in Heaven.) How many here obey God’s command to observe ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I'm On My Way To Victory!

Contributed by Rev. M Edmunds on Apr 9, 2005

If you desire the victory over the difficulties and the obstacles you face in the pursuit of your purpose and destiny, then follow God’s plan for your life.

Due to the brevity of time we have together this morning, I am unable to explain this text in an unreserved and methodical way for you to receive the richness of its essence. However, I will not rob you this morning of our text central campaign or preface of Israel’s first conquest of Jericho. For ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tour Of A Greenhouse

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jan 24, 2003

In pursuit of a vision of discipleship, this sermon explores the picture of the church like a greenhouse: growing, nurturing, and transplanting. Concluding with a call to examine the soil of our soul.

Becoming a Greenhouse pt 2: Tour of a Greenhouse Matt. 13:1-9; 18-23 The Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1-9; 18-23): “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

What Do I Still Lack? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 8, 2008

The young man raising this question with Jesus lacked historical memory, lacked self-awareness, and lacked a vision for one compelling pursuit. For Maundy Thursday

I: Remember The third of our ultimate questions sounds almost like a throwaway. Like a sarcastic castoff. “What do I still lack?” The young man had already asked the most sweeping question possible, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” As you may remember if you were here two ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Song Of Zechariah

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Dec 26, 2013

The song of Zechariah reveals that saying “yes” to God’s pursuit, promises and purposes brings God’s peace

In 1963 Andy Williams released his first Christmas album which contained a song that has become one of the top ten holiday songs of all time – “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. So it’s not surprising that the song has been recorded by nearly 20 other artists ranging ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:67-79

Denomination: Baptist

The Paradox Of Pursuing Knowledge About God And Experiencing Him

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Jun 8, 2019

The danger of intellectual pursuit without an intimate experiential knowledge of God is that the heart can be come cold and brittle like a stone, making knowledge an idol.

I remember as a young Born-Again Christian, just starting my spiritual journey that I would walk in and through the presence of God effortlessly. I lived and breathed the supernatural. Signs and Wonders were everywhere! The anointing was powerful! Then I went to Bible School and was told those ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26-27, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, John 16:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 24:11, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 John 4:1, Proverbs 3:5-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love: The Most Excellent Way

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Jan 11, 2017

It is reasonable to conclude than that of all the ambitions that can arise from faith in Christ, the most excellent is the pursuit of love that is patterned after God himself

LOVE: THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY Study Text: 1 Corinthians 13: 1- 13 Introduction: - It is reasonable to conclude than that of all the ambitions that can arise from faith in Christ, the most excellent is the pursuit of love that is patterned after God himself. - A pattern that we see most clearly in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

You Were Made For This PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 9, 2024

This sermon explores our purposeful pursuit of God, the power to overcome through Christ, and our potential when actively participating in God's work. Key

Good morning, my dear friends. As we gather here today, we are united in our desire to seek God's wisdom and to understand His will for our lives. We find ourselves on the threshold of another day, another opportunity to grow in our faith and to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, Jesus Christ. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 25:14-30

Topics: God's Purpose, Working Through Us

A Double Portion PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 9, 2024

This sermon explores Elisha's passionate pursuit of God's Spirit, encouraging us to live out our faith actively and be transformed by engaging with God's Word.

Welcome, dear friends, to this blessed gathering where we seek to draw nearer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we gather here today, let us acknowledge the divine presence that binds us together, the Holy Spirit that stirs within us, and the Word of God that guides us on our path. We stand ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:9-15

Topics: Heart After God, Greater Than Anything

The Abc's Of God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 22, 2023

This sermon encourages believers to deepen their understanding of God beyond basic teachings, fostering spiritual growth and maturity through relentless pursuit of knowing God.

Good morning, dear family of faith. The air in this sanctuary is thick with the sweet aroma of fellowship, the sacred bond that binds us together as we gather in the name of our Lord. Our hearts are eager, our souls are thirsty, and our spirits are ready to be filled with the Word of God. In the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1

Topics: Basics In God, Never Change

Rejoice Not! PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 15, 2025

God calls us to turn from empty pursuits and return to Him, the true source of joy, healing, and restoration through honest prayer and repentance.

Friends, would you take a deep breath and settle your heart for a moment? Picture a field at sunset. The stalks are golden, the air is warm, and the farmer stands at the edge of the rows with calloused hands and a quiet hope. He longs for a good harvest, a full barn, a happy table. We understand ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 9:1-17

Topics: Lost Joy, Spiritual Drought

The Importance Of Love

Contributed by Jody Brock on Jan 26, 2007

Paul stated that love is greater than faith and hope. He explained the uselessness of gifts, knowledge, faith, benevolence, and sacrifices without the first fruit of the spirit, which is love. This sermon examines the importance of love according to Paul

The Importance of Love 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 INTRO: Paul stated that love is greater that faith and hope. He explained the uselessness of gifts, knowledge, faith, benevolence, and sacrifices without the first fruit, which is love (Galatians 5:12). It is said that Paul in this chapter “rises on ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Knowing The Power Of The Resurrection

Contributed by Allan Quak on Jan 2, 2006

It is so easy to put the hope of our salvation onto our achievements as believers. Paul not only shows us the uselessness of such an exercise, he also points us to the only source of our hope which is the resurrection of Jesus.

Philippians 3:1-11 Knowing The Power of the Resurrection Scripture Readings:- Romans 6:1-14. Philippians 3:1-11. Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, I want you to recall for a moment the transformations which took place in the lives of various people who witnessed the resurrection of our Lord ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist