Sermons on Worthless Effort:

The Temptation To Be Perfect Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Oct 18, 2000

To be perfect as God is perfect, paradoxically, requires us to understand our own weaknesses and failures the way God does, and to love ourselves, despite those weaknesses and failures, the way God does.

It may sound like a contradiction in terms to have a sermon on the temptation to be perfect. After all aren’t temptations about being imperfect. Doesn’t God want us to be perfect just as he’s perfect? But you know, there is such a thing as the temptation to be perfect. All of us are subject to it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Anglican

Redemption, Adoption And Inspiration, Or Slavery! Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 14, 2005

There are two tempting traps that return us to slavery. One is clearly sinful, the other looks and smells religious, but actually is bondage. Paul asks, "Who’s your Mother?" It makes all the difference!

It was April 17, 1957 at 12:05 a.m. in a hospital in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. A baby boy was born to Charles and Betty Nance. He was their first born son. Three years earlier they had a daughter, and five and seven years later they would have two more boys. This is my family. You know, I had no ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Two Men, Two Ways, Two Destinies"

Contributed by Rick Bartosik on Jan 26, 2004

Ultimate success in life is found in getting the roots of our lives deep into the truth of God’s Word and letting it shape our thinking and transform our lives.

“Two Men, Two Ways, Two Destinies” Psalm 1 Dr. Rick Bartosik, Senior Pastor Mililani Community Church January 23, 2004 Today we are beginning a new series of Sunday morning messages on the Psalms. One of the early church fathers, St. Basil, wrote that "they are like a general hospital for souls ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Talents, Money And Judgment

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Mar 29, 2007

Let’s examine three key points to this parable about talents, money and the judgment. 1- God entrusts His property V. 14 2- God requires accountability V. 19 3- God punishes the wicked Vs. 28-30

INTRO.- Talents, money and judgment. Do these sound bad? In the light of this scripture they sound somewhat bad. ILL.- A young Bible college student was witnessing in Atlanta, GA. As he approached one house an elderly gentleman was sitting in his chair on the front porch. He asked, “Are you a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Ezekiel: My Everything Series

Contributed by Alan Mccann on Jun 28, 2004

How Ezekiel reveals that Jesus is my everything

EZEKIEL 161-14 MY EVERYTHING In the TV programme Ally McBeal Barry White sings that wonderful song about someone being his first, his last, his everything. John, in the series, usually dances along quite oblivious to the world around him. This morning I want to share with you from Ezekiel ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:1-14, Ezekiel 16:44-51

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The (Real) Good Shepard Series

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Jul 30, 2009

Obey. Listen to His voice. Go where He sends, do what He says, accept what He gives and trust where He is taking. Even when the road is difficult. Because I know that with the Lord as my Shepherd, my good shepherd, the “Real” Good Shepherd

The (Real) Good Shepherd Zech 11 October 26, 2008 Intro: I want to rewind a little bit in our study of Zechariah, before diving in to chapter 11. In our previous discussion, we’ve talked about how the exiles were returning from slavery and beginning the process of rebuilding their nation – ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 11:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Building Hedges Of Spiritual Protection

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on May 28, 2012

Hedges in biblical times were special barriers/fences placed around grape vineyards.They served many purposes (Keep out insects, bugs, rodents, birds, or thieves from coming in and stealing the harvest).Spiritually, a hedge is God’s wall of protection pro

Building Hedges of Spiritual Protection A Hedges in biblical times were special barriers/fences placed around grape vineyards. 1 They served many purposes (Keep out insects, bugs, rodents, birds, or thieves from coming in and stealing the harvest). a Ezekiel 13.5 “ You have not gone up ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 13:5

Denomination: Baptist

Revitalization Through Reassessment Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Jul 7, 2013

Saul set out to destroy the church and instead found Jesus and himself.

I want to start this week with a list on names. Some of them you may know others you might not know. Jane Fonda- an actor that some consider a traitor. During the Vietnam War, she went to North Vietnam and posed on a Vietnamese anti-aircraft battery as if she was shooting at in-coming American ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:3-18

Denomination: Foursquare

Please Pass The Salt

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Sep 19, 2018

Jesus takes a simple image – no ambiguity - no hidden meanings - nothing out of the ordinary -- just common, everyday salt. Like the parables, Jesus uses a simple, concrete object to teach the people a profound lesson about the Kingdom of Heaven.

TITLE: PLEASE, PASS THE SALT SCRIPTURE: ST. MATTHEW 5:13 Michelle and I enjoy entertaining by preparing meals for our friends and guests. The oven is usually going or the smoker is fired up in the backyard. On Saturday mornings I enjoy cooking breakfast for the family and oftentimes have a few ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

Denomination: Baptist

Going Deeper - Helping With Depression Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 15, 2015

This is an evening companion piece with the sermon on Depression -

Depression - God is Not Silent When People Suffer Depression is Terrifying. It has been called "Dead, but walking". Most people see their world as: +Dark +Heavy +Painful +Numb +Directionless +Desperate Who it affects: As many as 20 - 25 % of the population. At a minimum in the USA ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Nazarene

A Passion To Intercede Series

Contributed by David Welch on Feb 8, 2018

First in a series of Messages from Philippians focusing on Paul's prayer

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS Why study Philippians? Why study Scripture in general? 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for: Doctrine Reproof Correction Instruction in righteousness Ultimate Objective? That the man (person) of God may be adequate, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Being A Doer Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jun 2, 2023

A journey through the practical wisdom of James.

Being and Doing James 1:19-27 August 26, 2001 Has someone ever told you a story and you have absolutely no clue where they’re going with it? One time, I was talking to someone who actually said, “to make a long story, longer...” Ugh! Make it shorter ... please, especially when I don’t know what ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 42 - Rejection To Restoration Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 6, 2025

Rejection is painful, but interestingly those who are rejected by men are the ones whom God joyfully embraces to fulfill His plans and His purposes. The bible is full of examples of such people who though rejected by men were restored and honored by God.

Today’s meditation is taken from Matthew 21:42, Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say? 'The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!' (GNB) There ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:26, Judges 11:1-6, 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 16:6, 1 Samuel 16:8, 1 Samuel 16:10-11, Genesis 37:20, Genesis 42:6, Matthew 21:42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Job's Condemnation

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Apr 13, 2002

Job’s defense of himself and his disturbing questions about God’s justice upset his friends. In their eyes such impious thoughts proved that Job must be numbered with the wicked.

JOB’S CONDEMNATION JOB 22–27 “Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?” (Job 22:5) Job’s defense of himself and his disturbing questions about God’s justice upset his friends. In their eyes such impious thoughts proved that Job must be numbered with the wicked. Overview Eliphaz was ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sanctuary

Contributed by Ronald Fair on May 31, 2002

“The wings of God are broad wings covering up all our needs, our sorrows, our sufferings. There comes a time when we may feel forsaken, but the Lord never leaves us very long at a time. When we cry out ‘Lord, undertake for me’ His answer comes on swift

Sanctuary Scripture: Ps 84 Text PS 84:3 “Yea the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars O Lord of hosts.” Introduction Some time ago, the Moody Monthly carried an article entitled, “Seven Days Behind the Iron Curtain”, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:4

Denomination: Methodist