Sermons on Abstain:

Hosea’s Risky Love, Part 2

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Aug 1, 2022

In the days the past, the clarion call and mission of the black church was two-fold: it served as a beacon of hope for the lost-soul seeking grace and mercy, but it also functioned as an oasis for all issues affecting the community. BMCR is That for the United Methodist Church

Hosea 11:1-5, 9-11 11:1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 11:2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. 11:3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-5, Hosea 11:9-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Disciples Overcome Differences Together Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on May 13, 2021

Churches are composed of people from every perspective, heritage, and history. The diversity of people in each church leads to conflicting views on everything.

Acts of Discipleship Disciples Overcome Differences Acts 15:1-18 Introduction Dr. Debra Dupree wrote, “Anytime two people come together, there are likely to be differences in their beliefs, expectations, attitudes, concerns, hopes, and values.” In every group of people that we have been a part ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Are We To Do When God Does Nothing?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jan 11, 2023

This is a story about one of two men that did not die. Enoch had walked with God and was taken so that he did not see death, Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind.

In the preceding chapter, Elijah has a contest with evil prophets. In this chapter, Elijah flees for his life. In verses 1-4: Jezebel was maddened with regards to the passing of her prophets since they had told her what she wanted to hear, forecasting her future glory and power. Their ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When Staying Awake Is In Vain Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Feb 14, 2023

What is it that you believe in—your core belief system—that gives your life meaning and purpose and drives you to see it through?

WHEN STAYING AWAKE IS IN VAIN Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel, February 14, 2023 “They who build the home labor in vain; he who keeps the city awake at night does it in vain unless the Lord builds it.” (Psalm 127:1) INTRODUCTION. There is no way to wait on God and not notice ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Are We To Do When God Does Nothing?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Oct 19, 2022

This is a story about one of the two men that did not die. Enoch had walked with God and was taken so that he did not see death, and Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind.

In the preceding chapter, Elijah has a contest with evil prophets. In this chapter, Elijah flees for his life. In verses 1-4: Jezebel was maddened with regard to the passing of her prophets since they had told her what she wanted to hear, forecasting her future glory and power. Their occupation ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Is The Will Of God?

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Sometimes we can skip over the biggest issues within the faith, and end up entirely missing the point of what we do everyday. This time we ask the question: What is the will of God?

Sometimes we can skip over the biggest issues within the faith, and end up entirely missing the point of what we do everyday. This time we ask the question: What is the will of God? It's a theme often repeated within the scriptures. The will of God comes up again and again. What does God ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:24, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:3, John 6:40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Power Of The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Nov 10, 2023

In the brief record of Luke made about the Holy Spirit’s activities in the Antioch church we find out about the power of the Holy Spirit.

One of the most fascinating stories in the Bible is Ezekiel’s account of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Ezekiel says the hand of the Lord is upon him and the Lord sets Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones. The Lord told Ezekiel to preach to the dry bones and tell them God says, “I will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:20-21, Acts 13:4, Acts 15:28, Acts 11:24, Acts 11:28, Acts 13:2, Acts 13:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Fifteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A- The Sower

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 18, 2023

Even in the fruit-bearing hearers of the word there are gradations.

I saw a neighbor working in his front yard wearing a funny T-Shirt that said, “Sorry I Can't My Plants Need Me.” In today’s parable from Matthew, chapter 13, the seed is the Word of God (verse 20), and the ground is our hearts (verse 19). It all depends on what kind of soil a person is because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Catholic

Walking With God In An Age Of Apostasy Series

Contributed by Matt Skiles on Jul 4, 2023

In the last days people will fall away from faith, be seduced by false spirits, listen to doctrines of devils--they will be deceived.

1 Timothy 4:1-3-Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:10, John 6:66, Hebrews 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:15, Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 4:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Overcoming Your Weaknesses

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 5, 2025

In Christ, weakness is an opportunity for the strength and grace of God to be revealed. God does not abandon us because of our weaknesses—He equips us to overcome them.

OVERCOMING YOUR WEAKNESSES By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV) “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Is There Such A Thing As A Christian Duty?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Jun 16, 2025

Christian duty is more than being a Sunday School teacher, a church musician, deacon, or pastor.

Is There Such a Thing as a Christian Duty? Luke 17:7-10 What does the word “duty” mean? The online dictionary states that duty is a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility or a task or action that someone is required to perform. So, as a Christian, what is our duty? Do we have a duty within ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:7-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Marriage Or Fornication

Contributed by Phillip Smith on Jun 19, 2024

Practical Guidelines For Righteousness In The Assembly Of God, Guidelines against fornication by marriage to a spouse.

As we continue our study of Practical Guidelines For Righteousness In The Assembly Of God, The Church, we notice the predominant sins found within. They are the very sins the body of Christ vowed to abstain from. (1 Cor. 5:1; 1 Cor. 6:9-10) Yet, they are the very sins committed by worldly persons; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 6:11-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep Yourself Pure

Contributed by Bill Whittaker on Nov 23, 2004

Our personal purity reflects the character of God.

Keep Yourself Pure Genesis 3:1-13 1 Timothy 4:12; 5:22b We are constantly surrounded with concern for purity and assume its presence so much it is often taken for granted. We go to the refrigerator or the faucet and get a drink of water, without questioning its purity. In so many countries where ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Samson And The American Story

Contributed by Chris Mason on Sep 18, 2001

I don’t know if you realize it or not, but the life of Samson parallels that of the United States. The events of last week once again demonstrate the need for us to be obedient unto death.

Samson And The American Story Intro. The events of Tuesday morning are events that will be with me the rest of my life. The pain in peoples eyes. The not knowing where their loved ones were or what happened to them. The un imaginable destruction and loss of live. The questions like why did ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Prepare For Impact Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 8, 2006

Moving from being a tagalong Christian to one who makes an impact is a simple process to understand.

Prepare for Impact (I Peter 1:13-16) 1. Have you heard of the new scientific theory? "When a cat is dropped, it always lands on its feet, and when toast is dropped, it always lands buttered side down. Therefore, if a slice of toast is strapped to a cat’s back, buttered side up, and the animal is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible