Sermons on Useless Pursuits:

Pure In Heart: Defined Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 10, 2023

In this sixth beatitude, we must understand the standard Jesus is setting with the with the phrase "pure in heart.". If we set the standard too low, we fail to enter into the fullness of the blessing. If we set it too high we forsake the pursuit as futile.

Intro We are studying the Beatitudes with an interest in how to position ourselves for revival. What attitudes of heart are conducive to experiencing more of God’s grace and participating in what he is doing. The Beatitudes provide insight for participating in the kingdom of God because this is the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 5:21-28, Psalm 51:6-7, 1 John 1:7-9, Psalm 66:18, Matthew 6:1-24, 2 Corinthians 7:1, Jeremiah 17:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

A Demand For Holiness - A Holiness Expressed In Genuine Love Responding To The Gospel

Contributed by Robert Tarasiak on Sep 9, 2023

"Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded austerities; it consists in thinking as God thinks, and willing as God wills." John Brown, Nineteenth-century Scottish theologian, quoted in J. Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, p. 51.

1 Peter Series Part 6 Sub Series: A Demand for Holiness (1:13 – 2:3) Title: “A holiness expressed in genuine love responding to the gospel” Text: 1 Peter 1:22-25 INTRO: WHAT DOES HOLINESS LOOK LIKE? "Holiness does not consist in mystic speculations, enthusiastic fervours, or uncommanded ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Spiritual Life Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Jul 12, 2023

Spiritual life means nurturing our connection with the divine and finding meaning in our existence beyond material possessions and worldly pursuits. It involves practicing the idea that our purpose extends beyond the physical realm and embracing the idea that a higher power is guiding us.

SPIRITUAL LIFE Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 12, 2023 "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5 INTRODUCTION The significance of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Making Long-Term Investments

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jul 31, 2016

We are really good at accumulating stuff. But how often do our possessions begin to possess us? Jesus warns us about the dangers of greed and calls us to be more than our net worth, challenging us to invest rather in godly pursuits.

Luke 12:13-21 Making Long-term Investments Wow! Today’s passage is a little shocking for those of us who enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in this greatest nation on God’s green earth. By world’s standards, we are the richest of the rich. We may not be one ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

Unfinished Business Series

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Mar 25, 2018

In one word in the Greek, "Tetelestai!", Jesus proclaimed that his mission was finished. His death covered all our sins, and the pursuit of his mission to the end motivates us to pursue our God-given mission as we accept his forgiveness from the cross.

Unfinished Business Seven Last Words from the Cross Part 6 * John 19:28, 30 It must be spring! In the last couple of weekends, I cut the grass twice, weeded, helped prepare a gravel and stone walkway, gathered up dead branches, and pruned the shrubs. It felt good to tackle some things, but it ...read more

Scripture: John 19:28-30, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

Beside Still Waters Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 2, 2024

We live in a world that constantly craves more. The truth is, peace and satisfaction can’t be found in worldly pursuits, but Psalm 23 reminds us that the Lord is our Shepherd, and in Him, we find the rest, peace, and satisfaction our souls long for.

Beside Still Waters Psalm 23:2b Introduction: Illust: Article – “Baby Boomers – Then and Now Then: Getting out to a new, hip joint. Now: Getting a new hip joint. Then: Acid Rock Now: Acid Reflux Then: Being called into the principle’s office. Now: Storming into the principle’s office. Then: ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:2

Denomination: Baptist

#my Black Christian History: Roots Of Faith Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 3, 2024

“My Black Christian History: Before the Chains,” let us remember that the Black church’s history didn’t begin during the civil rights movement. Black history’s roots are a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of God.

Sermon Series Title: " My Black Christian History: Before the Chains" “My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith.” ”After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; Your reward [for obedience] shall be very great.” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Don’t Deprive Yourself Freedom—but What If The Fullest Is The End Of You?

Contributed by Mduduzi Msongelwa Ncube on Jun 25, 2025

"Enjoy your life while it lasts." It's a common refrain among friends, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness and freedom. However, this led me to ponder deeply: What if our definition of "living life to the fullest" is misguided?

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9 "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth... but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." This verse acknowledges the joy of youth but also serves as a solemn reminder ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:9

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Answer Is! Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 15, 2010

A study of chapter 14 verses 1 through 23

Ezekiel 14: 1 – 23 ‘The answer is!’ “1 Now some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 14:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Moving Forward

Contributed by C.a. Mccracken on Apr 5, 2005

One man said this..."If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always be what we’ve always been." This message deals with taking the next step forward in pursuit of God’s plan for our lives.

Gen 26:12-13 12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him. 13 And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: If we look closely at our scripture we will notice that Isaac became great because of God’s ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:12-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Faces: Samson Part 2 Series

Contributed by John Braland on Apr 3, 2007

Samson was reckless. He became arrogant in his self pursuits always assuming that God would bless him because he was special. He virtually abandoned his spiritual life over the course of 20 years then was shocked that God was gone. In the end, he lost

Last week we learned that Samson was special. Even before he was born God had put a call on his life and all Samson had to do was walk into his calling. His calling was clear, God wanted to use Samson to move the Israelites out of their complacency because they were losing their identity. They ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Satan’s Subtle Specious Synthetic Syllogisms

Contributed by Jim Mccutchen on Aug 22, 2010

Satan is subtle in his attempt to detour your walk with Jesus. His strategy is relentless. He is in pursuit of you. The evil one will make several attemts to take you down. He is your enemy and you need to be aware of his schemes to get you to hell. In

SATAN’S SUBTLE SPECIOUS SYNTHETIC SYLLOGISMS INTRO: A WORD ABOUT SATAN: EPHESIANS 6:10-12 “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8

Denomination: Christian Church

Live Free Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Nov 11, 2019

The theme for this stewardship emphasis is "Live Courageously." This week's topic is "Live Free." What do I own, and what owns me? Sometimes the things we possess can end up dominating our thoughts and pursuits.

November 10, 2019 Stewardship Week Two Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Luke 19:1-10; Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-13 Live Free Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Athletic wear and gear have become extremely aerodynamic and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10, Hebrews 12:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Women Of Faith Sermon I: Rahab: Courageous Faith Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 24, 2020

When any of us gets caught up in worldly pursuits that have devastating effects on one's own life as well as the lives of others, God's amazing grace and providential care provides a way of salvation - if we only trust Him.

RAHAB: COURAGEOUS FAITH The LORD our God – omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent – is at it again: this time working in and through the lives of certain women who love and trust God - to bring about good in their own lives and in ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-14

How To Walk In The Spirit (Pt. 1) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jan 17, 2024

Two key principles for walking in the Spirit are discussed. One concerns goals and disciplining the thought life. The other concerns identifying with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Intro How do we walk in the Spirit? That is the question we will explore in this message. To walk in the Spirit requires intentional decisions on a daily basis. In our previous message, we examined the latter part of Galatians 5. There Paul gave instruction on the difference between walking in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-13, Revelation 3:6, Galatians 5:25, Colossians 3:1-2, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:1-13, Hebrews 5:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic