Sermons on Avoidance:

Why Were The Religious Leaders So Blind About Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 11, 2021

This passage speaks to the ignorant confidence that the religious leaders possessed. How do we avoid their mistake?

WHAT'S THE HEART OF THIS PASSAGE? The religious leaders had all that knowledge and yet they didn’t know God. - John 7:28d – “You do not know Him” - The religious leaders, of course, thought they were the epitome of knowledge and understanding. They loved the status they had among the people. ...read more

Scripture: John 7:25-36

Denomination: Baptist

Balaam Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 20, 2022

In order to avoid the angel, the donkey presses close to one side, crushing Balaam’s foot.

Balaam Balaam (Fast Facts) • Stories about Balaam occur in Numbers 22-24. • He is the son of Beor and a prophet in Pethor near the Euphrates River. • Scholars are not sure of the meaning of his name. • Some think it might mean either “glutton” or “foreigner.” • Others see a compound of “Bel” and ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Desperation For God's Presence

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 25, 2024

To avoid the ruination of our faith, we should follow in the path of the Psalmists and ever be longing for God.

Opening illustration: Play video Introduction: Being desperate for God isn’t about acquiring His presence in our lives—we must already believe that God will always be with us and the Holy Spirit will accompany us everywhere. It’s about knowing He already exists in our lives—this desperate need for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Wise About Alcohol Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jun 10, 2024

Proverbs has a lot to say about the dangers of alcohol abuse and the need for wisdom to avoid the dangers.

Introduction: A. The story is told about a preacher who decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. 1. So, he placed four jars on a table in front of the congregation and put one worm into each jar. a. The first worm was put into a jar of alcohol. b. The second worm ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:29-35, Proverbs 31:4-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Drink With The Prostitute (Revelation 17:1-18) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Oct 1, 2023

A call to avoid compromising with the world for the sake of power, pleasure, or wealth. A no rapture, practical reading of Revelation.

Many of us, at one point or another, have found ourselves desiring a different kind of life. A better life, with nicer stuff. A life with "more." This desire for more tends to run in four directions: (1) Power/fame. At times, we get tired of having no voice, no say, no authority. We ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18

Dealing With Issues Part 3 Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Feb 2, 2024

we can avoid issues within the church if we live our lives according to the Bible.

DEALING WITH ISSUES: PART 3 Text: Acts 15:22-35 Introduction 1. Illustration: “I firmly determined that my mannerisms and speech in public would always reflect the cheerful certainty of victory – that any pessimism and discouragement I might ever feel would be reserved for my pillow... I adopted a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:22-35

Denomination: Methodist

Don’t Test God’s Authority PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 12, 2023

Emphasize the importance of obeying God's authority, respecting earthly laws, and avoiding the temptation to test God.

Good morning, family. Today, we're gonna take a deep dive into a topic that touches every aspect of our lives - obeying God's authority, respecting the law, and steering clear of the temptation to test God. In the words of St. Augustine of Hippo, "Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Topics: Obedience

Divorce & How To Maintain Relationships

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 1, 2002

Jesus gives us insight into the heart of God, revealing how to save relationships that are faltering and how to avoid the trap of divorce. Learn how God truly envisioned marriage and learn about keeping commitments. Also learn how to avoid legalism.

A very recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau states that today in the United States, more people than ever are deciding against the idea of getting married. 4.3 million couples are instead living together without the commitment of a marriage vow. The most often cited reasons? Because failed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:1-12

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Growing Deeper Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 11, 2024

We're at war with Satan, but too often churches ignore the conflict and avoid doing what has to be done to tear down the gates of Hell. What can we do to avoid going AWOL in this great battle for the souls of the lost?

When I went to Israel, I visited a place about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee called Caesarea Philippi. The area lays in the shadow of Mt. Hermon, whose ice caps (when they melt) supply clean fresh springs for the waters of the Jordan River. This abundant water supply made the area fertile ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are We Satisfied With Our Daily Bread? Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Apr 30, 2018

Through the Lord's Prayer we are being called to a life of daily trust - are we satisfied enough to trust all that God provides?

Message Matthew 6:25-34 Are we satisfied? Let me start with a poem. Young Mother Quak went to the fridge to get her children some dinner. But when she got there, the fridge was bare so the children she loved just got thinner. We laugh because it is so silly. We also laugh because – really – ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

What Are Some Of The Ways I Can Avoid Acting, Speaking, Or Reacting Impulsively?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Ask the Lord to help you to hold your tongue and consider carefully how your speech will effect others.

1. Ask the Lord to help you to hold your tongue and consider carefully how your speech will effect others. James wrote, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."(James 1:19) 2. Carefully consider the long-term effects of any impulsive behavior. Solomon wrote, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 27:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Avoiding Spiritual Near-Sightedness That Leads Us To Do Evil In God's Name

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 4, 2011

The chief priests were meticulous in making sure the "blood money" didn't go into the treasury while they were actively working on a murder. What are ways we see the small things while missing the big picture?

Diagnosing Spiritual Near-Sightedness: There is a “spiritual eye condition” that allows people to see small things clearly while being blind to big things. - Matthew 27:6. - References in Matthew to clear “eyes”: Matthew 6:22-23, 7:3-5, 13:15-16. - We are going to go ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 18-An Appeal To Avoid Partiality (James 2:12-13) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 30, 2021

James 2:12-13, KJV

12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. COMMENTARY 12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. "So speak ye, ...read more

Scripture: James 2:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

How The Holy Spirit Steers Us Away From Inappropriate Cultural Leadership Models That Often Trouble The Church

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. The Holy Spirit teaches us to avoid compromising the truth of scripture with counterfeit models of church leadership.

1. The Holy Spirit teaches us to avoid compromising the truth of scripture with counterfeit models of church leadership. Paul wrote, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#5: Traditions Of Men Series

Contributed by Timothy Archer on Jul 20, 2004

#5 of 7 on Worship. This sermon looks at our worship traditions and how to avoid traditions becoming traditionalism.

In Spirit and In Truth A Series on Worship #5: Traditions of Men What if a first-century Christian happened to come into our assembly? What would seem strange to him? • He would be surprised to see that the church owns a building. They didn’t have buildings in the first century. • He would never ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ