Sermons on Avoid Divison:

Handling Bitterness Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 25, 2012

In order avoid becoming bitter in running the race of faith, the author of Hebrews in verses 12–17 gives three exhortations for: 1) Continuance (Hebrews 12:12–13), 2) Diligence (Hebrews 12:14), and for 3) Vigilance (Hebrews 12:15-17).

During extended times of great physical exertion, like a marathon, an athlete must train themselves to overcome the natural physical obstacles. The first thing that happens to a runner when they start to tire is that their arms drop. The position and motion of the arms are extremely important in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:12-17

Denomination: Other

Rules Are Rules Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 1, 2014

The Pharisees of Jesus' day died long ago. But their spirit lives on in congregations across the land. How can we recognize if we have become like the Pharisees, and what did Jesus teach us about what we need to know to avoid becoming like those men?

(Before reading the text I noted that the stories in this section of Mark detailed the conflict between Jesus and a religious group known as the Pharisees… and I emphasized the word "Pharisees" as I read through the text) OPEN: Back in the 1980’s, the Minnesota Twins had this ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Adultery And The Adulterous Woman Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Feb 23, 2015

God’s wisdom reveals the truth and gives us some guidelines to follow in order to avoid the sin of adultery. 1- Store up God’s Word to overcome 2- Following smooth talk leads to trouble 3- Guard the heart for victory over sin

INTRO.- ILL.- There was a teenage boy and his grandfather who went fishing one day. While fishing, the old man starts talking about how times have changed. The young fellow picks up on this and starts talking about sex and sexually transmitted diseases going around. The teen says, "Grandpa, they ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 7:1-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sleep ,sleep Peaceful Sleep Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on May 27, 2021

Proverbs makes a great effort to bring home the idea that there is a "right way" to live, and a wrong one. Every effort must be made to find the right way. Nothing must stop you from doing that. And everything possible must be done to avoid the wrong way.

Sleep ,Sleep Peaceful Sleep Prov. 3:1 -35 A fairy tale often ends with the statement that they lived happily ever after. Proverbs chapter 3 on the other hand, start with happiness and a long life. " My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-35

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sowing Discord

Contributed by James Dina on Aug 7, 2020

Sowing discord among brethren is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. Considering yourself better than others fosters division but considering others better than yourself fosters unity. Watch out for those who cause divisions and avoid them. Love binds us, discord separates us.

SOWING DISCORD “A perverse man sows’ strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28) Brethren are created by God to live in unity (How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:28, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Matthew 5:9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Handwriting On The Wall Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 4, 2021

Belshazzar arrogantly tested the Lord by converting the use of the most holy vessels from God's temple into vessels for the most unholy of purposes--worshiping idols and drunken immorality. He thus discovered a recipe for spiritual disaster. Learn from him how to avoid spiritual disaster!

This morning, we have the privilege of consider the actual historical and Scriptural event that resulted in our proverbial saying, “And I saw the handwriting on the wall.” Obviously, the biblical story has made such an impression on people of our culture that 2600 hundred years later we still use ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:7-8, Proverbs 1:7

Denomination: Bible Church

Success And Failure

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Dec 23, 2025

God allowed the Joshua and the Israelites to be defeated by the people of Ai the first time and then gave them the victory when the next time when they set things right before God. There are some godly principles we need to follow so we can have success and avoid failures in life.

Today’s meditation is based on Joshua 7:4, “So about 3,000 men from the people went up there, but they fled before the men of Ai.” (TLV) When the people of Israel were confronted with the mighty city of Jericho, they trusted God, obeyed His counsel, and thereby experienced an astounding victory. ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:2-3, Joshua 7:4-5, Philippians 4:6, 1 Samuel 14:6, Proverbs 21:31, Genesis 24:7, Joshua 7:7-9, Ecclesiastes 5:2, Joshua 7:10-11, Psalm 139:23-24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Thoughts In 2 Peter - Number Two - 2 Peter Chapter 2 - Part 2 - Learning From False Teachers Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 28, 2025

Here is Part 2. This message, based in 2 Peter 2 examines the traits of false teachers; looks at their working and delusion. For each one there is a CAUTION for us as we see what is to be avoided by us, through how false teachers act. We learn the correct way through their errors.

THOUGHTS IN 2 PETER - NUMBER TWO - 2 PETER CHAPTER 2 - Part 2 - LEARNING FROM FALSE TEACHERS LEARNING FROM FALSE TEACHERS In the last posting we looked at five Traits of False Teachers and drew from that several cautions that can apply to us. In this second posting we conclude this study of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:10, Galatians 5:20, 2 Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10, 2 Peter 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:13, Jude 1:12, 2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14, 2 Peter 2:18, 2 Peter 2:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Onesimus

Contributed by Fran Van Hoven on Jun 29, 2007

The book probably doesn’t turn heads because of the subject matter. It’s about a slave. Actually, it’s about a runaway slave named Onesimus who had stolen something from his master, Philemon and ran away to avoid being caught. The Book of Philemon

Onesimus The book probably doesn’t turn heads because of the subject matter. It’s about a slave. Actually, it’s about a runaway slave named Onesimus who had stolen something from his master, Philemon and ran away to avoid being caught. The Book of Philemon is very interesting. Its probably ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Cut Away The Death Traps

Contributed by Gregg Bitter on Oct 4, 2009

How can we avoid laying death traps for others and for ourselves? Jesus addresses that issue for his disciples and for us. Parts: A. By fighting party pride that looks down on others B. By fighting what draws your heart into sin C. As God’s Word salts you

Text: Mark 9:38-50 Theme: Cut Away the Death Traps A. By fighting party pride that looks down on others B. By fighting what draws your heart into sin C. As God’s Word salts you Season: Pentecost 18b Date: October 4, 2009 Web page: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-50

Denomination: Lutheran

Christians In Conflict Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 3, 2021

Paul knew that strive and quarreling was one of Satan's effective weapons against the church, and, therefore, he did all he could to prevent it. In his letters he is constantly urging Christians to avoid strife. He is seeking always to help them settle their disputes.

Dr. Biederwolf tells a true story about two Christian women that illustrates how Christians can be foolishly divided through controversy. These two women were both active in the church. They planned socials together, and shopped together. Finally, they even planned a trip to Europe together. When ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1

Sermon # 37 - Financial Accountability In Marriage Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Sep 29, 2023

Rev. F. Andrew Dixon If married couples can learn to handle their finances on certain principles based on God’s word, they can avoid conflict because of finances and also stay out of debt. Learn how your finances can be blessed so you can be a blessing to others.

We read in Matthew 22:2, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, who made a marriage for his son..”(Webster) We considered this verse in one of the previous messages, to understand that the kingdom of heaven is likened to a certain king who organized marriage for his son, which implies ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:2, Matthew 18:23, Romans 14:12, 2 Chronicles 1:6-7, Proverbs 21:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

The Cost Of Weak Spiritual Leadership Series

Contributed by Ellick Wu on Aug 14, 2023

From Exodus 32:1-6, we will uncover invaluable lessons about the consequences of weak spiritual leadership. We will glean insights that pierce through the complexities of our present church condition and trends, shedding light on both the pitfalls we must avoid and the pathways we should pursue.

THE COST OF WEAK SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP EXODUS 32:1-6 Scripture reading prior to sermon Ex 33:11-16, 34:6-10 Introduction When I was young, I was taught honesty is the key character for life being a great person and we should model after young George Washington the first President of the United ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Activator - James 2:14-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

How can you have assurance of your salvation? And how can a deceived person avoid having false assurance? James makes the answers clear by giving a clear definition of the one aspect of the gospel that is all too often left vague: exactly what you have to do to be saved.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-19

Character Study Of Rachel Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025

Rachel’s life was filled with love, struggle, and faith. Though she was Jacob’s beloved wife, she faced many difficulties, including barrenness and competition with her sister. Her story reminds us to trust in God’s timing, avoid jealousy, and remain faithful in the midst of challenges.

CHARACTER STUDY OF RACHEL – FAVOURITE WIFE OF JACOB, MOTHER OF JOSEPH AND BENJAMIN By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 29:18-20 "And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:18-20, Genesis 30:1-2, Genesis 31:32-35, Genesis 35:16-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God