Sermons on Avoid Sameness:

Home By Another Way

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 8, 2003

An Epiphany sermon - explores the way that we are changed after we meet the baby in the manger, just like the "wise men" were. (also makes reference to the James Taylor song of the same title)

Grace be to you and peace from the One who was and is and is to come. Amen. As the story goes, the Magi in our gospel lesson had seen a star at its rising that they interpreted as announcing the birth of a king. Magi may have been dream-interpreters, astrologers, or astronomers, but not likely ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

What Are Some Temperamental Tendencies We Need To Guard Against?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

We need to learn to be more controlled by the Spirit. Actively guard against specific temptations that may prove harmful – based on your individual faulty tendencies. Let us examine certain behavioral patterns that should be avoided by the four different

"To the weak I became weak, to the strong I became strong. I have become all things to all men so that by all means I might save some." (I Cor. 9:19-21) 1. Have you ever heard of the expression, "One man’s meat is another man’s poison?" What may be fuel for one person may turn out to be dangerous ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:5-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reasons To Fight The Good Fight

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 12, 2001

There are some fights that are worth fighting and others that are better avoided. Many people do not enjoy arguing, fighting or quarreling. Yet, you can tell what a person considers vital by what they are willing to fight for. The apostles found it necess

Reasons to Fight the Good Fight (Acts 15:1-11) 1. Many people do not enjoy arguing, fighting or quarreling. Yet, you can tell what a person considers vital by what they are willing to fight for. The apostles found it necessary to fight the good fight of faith against “false brethren” who wanted to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Everyone Should Know About Hell

Contributed by Gene Haraldsen on Jul 26, 2004

What we believe about Hell is as important as what we believe about Heaven. What we believe about how to avoid Hell through the saving Grace of Jesus’ death and resurrection is as important as all other scriptural teaching.

What Everyone Should Know About Hell Rev. 20:11-15 When it comes to talking about Hell there are many different responses: From Avoidance……………to Fear From Minimizing…………to Over-Emphasizing From Joking about it…………to Christians not caring if others are headed there It’s amazing how some ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Starting From Scratch Series

Contributed by Timothy Darling on Jul 15, 2007

It is helpful to see the events in the Ephesus Church’s life and what we can learn: to do things right, as Ephesus did them right, to pick up pointers as the Apostles gave them advice, and to avoid the mistakes that Ephesus made.

Starting from scratch Ephesus - Year 1 Acts 18.19-27 For 9 sessions it is my intention to trace the Church at Ephesus as it unfolds in the New Testament. From Acts 18 to Revelation 2, we see the first half century of this primal church’s life. As it grows there are valuable lessons to be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:19-27

Denomination: Mennonite

"Though He Slay Me..." By Dr. Winson Butler (Drbutler2@bellsouth.net)

Contributed by Winson Butler on Feb 16, 2005

When you can’t change the direction of the wind...adjust your sails. Job couldn’t avoid the landslide coming his way, he did however do the next best thing. Let’s examine it together!

Introduction What do you do when you look up and everything above you is coming towards you? i.e. an Avalanche of hurt, heartache and horror! Running won’t help! illus. Alaska Bear Encounter "All I’ve got to do is out run you...all I’ve got to do is shoot you in the leg!" Job knew the feeling ...read more

Scripture: Job 13:15

Denomination: Baptist

How Jesus Taught Us To Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Nov 28, 2005

There are times when everyone must learn how to be politely disagree. A person who agrees just to avoid conflicts is a coward. Jesus, however, showed the disciples how to disagree without being so disagreeable in disposition that people would be turned of

Why Jesus Taught That It Was OK To Disagree as Long As One Was Not Disagreeable in Manner John 8:48-8:52 There are times when everyone must learn how to be politely disagree. A person who agrees just to avoid conflicts is a coward. Jesus, however, showed the disciples how to disagree ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Towers Fall . . .

Contributed by Robbie Parsons on Sep 6, 2003

When towers fall, pride is always involved. "I" is in the middle of pride and sin, but the cross of Christ is "I" crossed out. This sermon shows what pride does to us, God’s reaction to pride, and five steps to avoid pride.

INTRO For thousands of years, man has continually tried to proudly pat himself on the back for his knowledge and acheivements. For example, when the Titanic was built, it was billed as the “unsinkable ship,” with one person stating that “God Himself could not sink her,” yet it was just an ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Be Still And Know That God Is God Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 6, 2014

All of us need to take a little more time each day to be still don’t we? We need to avoid getting so caught up in our own agenda that we force God out of the way.

Do you have a list of goals you would like to achieve this year? Can you tell me something that is on that list? We all have lists of things we would like to do this year, this month, this week, maybe you even have something you would like to do today. I have a list of goals, things I would ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Beware Of Pride And Hypocrisy

Contributed by David Mende on Jul 20, 2018

The scribes were guilty of pride and hypocrisy. And there is a 'scribe' within us. We must avoid the sins of pride and hypocrisy and pursue humility and integrity. I would be delighted if you could rate this sermon and give brief feedback.

INTRODUCTION (SECURE ATTENTION) & BACKGROUND OF THE PASSAGE: PRAY before starting the sermon. ILLUSTRATION: {Few of you might recognize this man on the screen. This is Jim Jones, a self-proclaimed prophet who led a cultic church known as the Peoples Temple. He faced several allegations, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45, Luke 14:7-11, Matthew 23:8-12, Mark 12:38-40

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Good Plan That Went Awry – Or Did It? Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 24, 2021

A unanimous apostolic plan that went awry, Jewish rumors, gentile riots, and an apostle getting a ride on Roman soldiers. The purpose of the Christian life is not to avoid problems; indeed, God can sometimes use our problems to further His plans.

A Good Plan That Went Awry – Or Did It? (Acts 21:17-40) 1. The invention of Post-it notes is interesting. What seemed like a failure was turned to a great success: In 1968, scientist Spencer Silver at the 3M company created a very weak adhesive that would peel off when removed from any surface. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Red Delicious Apple Christianity Iii: One Rotten Apple Spoils The Barrel Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 18, 2020

To be mature in the Christian Faith is to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel, to avoid getting caught up in false doctrine, and to exercise your freedom to "let your light so shine" that others may see the Light and glorify God.

ONE ROTTEN APPLE SPOILS THE WHOLE BARREL Based on 2 Peter 2 An old saying but ever so true! It is true that one rotten apple spoils the whole barrel – eventually. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-22

Building Godly Character

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Nov 1, 2025

Our culture often tells us to avoid suffering at any cost, to seek pleasure and ease above all else. Paul declares with the authority of heavenly insight that suffering is not without purpose. In God's kingdom, character is currency.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: There is a story told among the Cherokee Indians… One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Character Study Of Ishmael Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025

Ishmael's story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s timing and avoiding decisions based on impatience. While human efforts can bring temporary success, only God’s promises bring true fulfilment.

CHARACTER STUDY OF ISHMAEL – SON OF ABRAHAM AND HAGAR By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 16:10-12 "The angel of the Lord also said to her, 'I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.' And the angel of the Lord said to her, 'Behold, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:10-12, Genesis 17:18-21, Genesis 21:8-21, Galatians 4:22-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lessons From Biblical Backsliders Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 21, 2025

The Bible provides several examples of people who fell into backsliding, some of whom were restored, while others faced tragic consequences. Studying their lives gives us valuable lessons on how to remain steadfast in faith and avoid their mistakes.

LESSONS FROM BIBLICAL BACKSLIDERS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Judges 16:20 Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15:23, Proverbs 14:14, Jeremiah 3:22, Luke 22:31-32, Revelation 2:4-5 INTRODUCTION Backsliding is a spiritual decline where an individual who once walked closely with God gradually drifts ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:20, 1 Samuel 15:23, Proverbs 14:14, Jeremiah 3:22, Luke 22:31-32, Revelation 2:4-5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God