Sermons on Worldly Pursuits:

Costly Worship Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Feb 24, 2020

Number 36 in an on-going sermon series from the Gospel of John. In this sermon we look at true worship, and how true worship appears foolishly costly to the worldly minded, but to Christians there is no cost too high.

Costly Worship (John Part 36) Text: John 12:1-8 Well it’s good to see you all this morning. I hope you are excited to be gathered with the Church. Today I’m going to do something I’ve never done as your pastor… and I think I’ve only done one other time in the 21 years I’ve been a pastor… I’m ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8, Matthew 6:21, Mark 14:3-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

No Prison Doors Can Hold Me Down

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 19, 2016

There Are Many Iron Gates, Chains, Darkness, Prisons, death threats, fears, that hinder and imprison believers. Some are Self-righteousness, Pride, Worldly pleasure, The approval of the world, Doubt, Weariness in our labor for Christ, Discouragement.

NO PRISON DOOR CAN HOLD ME DOWN ACTS 12:1-19 1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Charismatic

Queen Esther Sermon Ii: Doing The Right Thing Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jun 24, 2020

In times of turmoil, women of inner strength rise to the challenge of acting upon their moral convictions thereby doing the right thing rather than giving in to the pressures of worldly-minded folks who urge hostile responses.

ESTHER: THE RIGHT THING WHAT GOD’S PEOPLE WITH MORAL CONVICTIONS DO ...read more

Scripture: Esther 2:21-23, Esther 3:1-6

Leave The Old Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 6, 2020

The worldly life is 1) Intellectually futile (Ephesians 4:17), 2) Ignorant of God’s truth (Ephesians 4:18), 3) Spiritually and morally callused (Ephesians 4:19a), and 4) Depraved in mind (Ephesians 4:19b).

Ephesians 4:17-19 [17] Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. [18] They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

Denomination: Other

Living In View Of Eternity (1 Peter 4:7-11) Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Aug 2, 2014

Exposition of 1 Peter 4:7-11

Living in View of Eternity The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taking The Steps We Watch Series

Contributed by Darren Ethier on May 7, 2002

3 of 4 of the series, In Pursuit: The Jesus Walk. It’s fine to watch where you are walking but in walking the Jesus walk we must not be afraid of taking the steps He lays out before us! Remember it is Jesus who is leading!!

TAKING THE STEPS WE WATCH Mark 1:16-38 Read at beginning of service Mark 1:16-38 (NIV) 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:16-38

Denomination: Pentecostal

Too Busy To Work

Contributed by Mark Opperman on May 29, 2013

We can apply this principle of diligence to our spiritual lives, not simply our jobs. If we become lax or idle in our pursuit of God (worship, prayer, service, etc.), we will find ourselves missing God’s will.

Too Busy to Work 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Use Of Wealth Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 28, 2009

The aim of this warning is to awaken all Christians who are tempted to adopt worldly goals & standards rather than God’s goals & standards. The secondary purpose is to assure suffering Christians of the Divine judgment coming upon their oppressors.

JAMES 5:1-6 THE USE OF WEALTH / A Source of Spiritual Numbness [Amos 5:11-27/ Mt. 6:19-21] The last section dealt with arrogant self-centeredness. Arrogant self-centeredness is demonstrated by planning a future without placing God’s will first and it can lead to more dangerous possibilities. ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Wars And Fightings And Some Of The Reasons Why! Series

Contributed by John Wright on Feb 1, 2010

James teaches on things that are responsible for wars and fightings, however the wars and fightings in this passage primarily refer to brethren not getting along with one another, due to worldly and devilish wisdom instead of the wisdom from above being p

INTRODUCTION #17 1. Open your bible to James 4:1&2. 2. This passage reminds us that many people in the church don’t know how to get along with each other and that many don’t know how to get along with their self. 3. Let’s begin our discussion of the things that James sets forth ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Was Just Thinking Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 13, 2019

As James points out, there are two kinds of wisdom: Godly wisdom (from above) and worldly wisdom. True wisdom is a gift from God and what we are doing with it today is not how God intended us to use it.

As many of you have probably heard before, the Greeks had three different words to describe three different kinds of love: “Eros” … where we get our English word “erotic” from. It denotes a sexual sort of love. “Agape” … denotes a spiritual or unconditional type of love … usually used to ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18, 1 Corinthians 1:20-21

Denomination: United Methodist

The Thanksgiving Secret

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 23, 2016

Paul lost all worldly acclaim & possessions, he was beaten and imprisoned. He had a joy that trouble or trials could not shake. How? He says, "I have learned to be content!" That was his secret: content & thankful!

THE THANKSGIVING SECRET Philippians 4:11-13 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: SEA OF GALILEE TOURIST BOAT RIDE 1. A frugal lady was taking a tour of biblical sites. When she got to the Sea of Galilee, she saw a boat with a sign advertising, “TAKE A BOAT RIDE TO THE EXACT PLACE WHERE JESUS WALKED ON ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Do I Bear The Marks?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 21, 2022

The world is loaded with temptations. We are faced every day with both inconspicuous social tensions and open propaganda. We are continually bombarded with worldly enticements. How much do the interests of this world truly have influence on us?

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Galatia. Its purpose was to discredit the Judaizers, the individuals who instructed that the Gentile adherents should comply with the Jewish law to be saved, and to call all Christians to believe and have faith in Christ and the freedom that he brings. ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:14-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christ Crucified — The Heart Of Our Worship

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Mar 21, 2025

When St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he was addressing a church in the middle of a bustling, worldly city — a place full of ideas, arguments, opinions, and ambitions. Sound familiar? And yet Paul doesn’t try to impress them.

When St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, he was addressing a church in the middle of a bustling, worldly city — a place full of ideas, arguments, opinions, and ambitions. Sound familiar? And yet Paul doesn’t try to impress them. He doesn’t appeal to clever arguments or dazzling oratory. Instead, he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2

Denomination: Anglican

Galatians Chapter 6 Series

Contributed by Luther Sexton on May 23, 2022

Verse by Verse Study of Galatians Chapter 6

Galatians Chapter 6: *This may need to be trimmed or summarized. Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (KJV) 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pressing Into His Presence Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Sep 18, 2007

Worship is not merely a response to God, but it is also the pursuit of God. God pursues us, and yet for some odd reason, He seems to be just beyond our grasp when we seek Him. The pressing into His Presence is the choice of our will to worship Him.

Encountering God - Part 2 – Pressing Into His Presence Overview Last week, I laid a foundation for what I believe to be the biblical nature of worship, starting with the fact that God has created mankind to worship Him. That worship arises from a relationship with Him. The bible says in the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1

Denomination: Baptist