Sermons on Culture Pressure:

Absolute Surrender

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Apr 17, 2012

At this point, I’m sure that Jesus was feeling the awful pressure of God’s coming judgment on sin. The fleshly side of Jesus surely wanted to run. He wanted another way to be chosen to save man. Yet He was committed to God, He was totally devoted to Hi

READ 1-2. Jesus has just finished praying for Himself, His disciples, and all the future believers. Jesus gives us a picture of His devotion to God in verse 4. After His prayer, He left from where He was and went into an olive grove. His actions seem to be deliberate. He went with purpose, ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Ways To Stay Faithful In A Sifting Sason

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Sep 28, 2020

Jesus told Peter than Satan wanted to sift him like wheat. He would like to defeat us the same way today especially in a pandemic season. Don't let it happen. We do not have to go down under the pressures that come against us.

Ways to Stay Faithful in a Sifting Season By Dr. Marilyn S. Murphree Jesus told Peter, “Satan has desired to sift you like wheat, but I pray that your faith does not fail.” Confidently Peter said, “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’ll be OK,” but Jesus said, “before the rooster crows ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7, Colossians 3:15, Hebrews 11:6

Denomination: Methodist

Overcoming The World

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Dec 5, 2021

If you have faith in Christ, you already have every resource to be an overcomer. God doesn’t allow us to surrender to worldly pressure or to hide ourselves away. But He says that in Christ we can conquer and gain the victory. Who is it that will overcome and persevere? Only the one who believes!

What we do today isn’t very exciting. For we’re just a small church in a big world. We’re reading an old book, and we’re talking about an old story. Yet a Christian has been given different eyes, and we look at things in a different way. Beneath the surface, God helps us to see things as they ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joyful Confidence In The Midst Of Trouble - Psalm 119:143 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 15, 2024

Life is full of trials, pressures, and stress. In those moments, how do we find joy and stability? Psalm 119:143 offers a profound answer: God's Word. This verse teaches us that even in the heaviest of times, joy and strength are found in God's commands.

Joyful Confidence in the Midst of Trouble” Key Verse: “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.” (Psalm 119:143, NLT) Introduction: Transformed by Truth Life is full of trials, pressures, and stress. In those moments, how do we find joy and stability? Psalm 119:143 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:143, John 16:33, Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 10:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Celebrate Jesus Series

Contributed by Bruce B. Miller on Dec 29, 2011

It’s time we reclaimed Christmas and that is what Christmas Conspiracy is all about.

Christmas Conspiracy/Reclaim Christmas Series Celebrate Jesus/Matthew 2 Bruce B. Miller Celebrate Jesus Matthew 2 Even though you may still be eating left-overs, Thanksgiving is over and it is Christmas time. We did not dare go shopping on black Friday? Who here braved the stores on Friday? Who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Living In Babylon: The Right Mindset Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 1, 2022

Pretty much everything in our culture is designed and is conspiring to distract you, impact you, and draw you away from God. You need to be ready. You need to prepare your children. You need to prepare your grandchildren. Prepare by having the right mindset.

FAITH FOR EXILES: LIVING IN BABYLON RIGHT MINDSET DANIEL 3:17-18, ESTHER 4:12-14 INTRODUCTION… Right Mindset (p) There are certain activities and events and things that we do that you absolutely need a particular mindset to do. I happen to think that a fighter pilot needs a certain mindset. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:17-18, Esther 4:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Is Your Willoughby?

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Jan 5, 2018

One of my favorite episodes of The Twilight Zone is "A Stop At Willoughby". It's about a man who is so unhappy with his life that he dreams of little town where life is easy. There are many Christians who are like the story's main character.

When I was growing up one of my favorite programs was The Twilight Zone. I have been accused of, from time to time, still living in the Twilight Zone! That’s okay. One of my favorite episodes is “A Stop at Willoughby”. The story is about a guy named Gart Williams. Now in my best Rod Sterling ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 10:19-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Core 52 Week 11 - The Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 19, 2020

How we handle threats? People tend toward two very different responses to a threat. Our current cultural focus is on the threat of COVID-19. Some want to completely downplay it and ignore it and others are running around with their hair on fire. What is the Christian response to this current event?

You can hear the sermon on my podcast https://pastorlanny.buzzsprout.com/ Intro: • How we handle threats - rather like my paternal grandfather contrasted to my mother during thunderstorms. o Growing up in SW Oklahoma - “tornado alley” in the 60’s. No early warning, no radar on phones. Sirens went ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Homosexuality Series

Contributed by Chris Edmondson on May 28, 2007

A Biblical and logical look at arguments against Hmosexulaity and how the Christian should respond to those who choose this sinful lifestyle.

Homosexuality Hot Potatoes that Make People HOT!!, Part 2 It goes without saying that this is not the easiest topic to talk about. For most people, just hearing the word homosexual makes them very uncomfortable. Not only is this an uncomfortable issue, but is also highly emotionally charged. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Denomination: Baptist

Reasons For Remaining Single

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 10, 2007

People should consider singleness because of: 1) the Pressure of the system (vv. 25–27); 2) the Problems of the flesh (v. 28); 3) the Passing of the world (vv. 29–31); 4) the Preoccupations of marriage (32–35); 5) the Promises of betrothed (vv. 36–38) and 6) The Permanency of Marriage (vv. 39–40)

1 Corinthians 7:25–40. “Reasons for Remaining Single” Ajax Alliance Church. Sunday July 9th, 2023. 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. [25] Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. [26]I think that in view of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Denomination: Other

The Family Pleasing To God Series

Contributed by Phillip Day on Jan 31, 2007

To have a spiritually healthy church, Paul recognizes the need to address family issues. Even in today’s culture that gives a warped family view, these are the principles that will guide your family into a relationship with God that will strengthen not o

The Family Pleasing to God Colossians 3:18-21 I. Wives (v. 18; Titus 2:3-5) a. Love the husband and children b. Homemakers c. Submissive to the husband’s leadership (Ephesians 5:22, 24; 1 Peter 3:1-6) II. Husbands (v. 19; Ephesians 5:23, 25-33) a. Love the wife (1 Peter 3:7) b. Lead ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

Bowing To The Great Idol Of Self

Contributed by Mark Adams on Jan 13, 2007

The OT has a lot of interesting stories about idolatry, but is that really just a problem of the past? This sermon addresses the very real problem that our culture has in worshiping our own desires above all else.

To the reader: What inspired this sermon was a quote I read in R.C. Ortlund’s book, When God Comes To Church, p. 194. "Self is the great idol standing at the center of our conceptual world, to which all bow low. We even have a duty-to-self ethic, as if self-denial were harmful, immoral, and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Guardians At The Gate Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 13, 2007

I began with a true story of a young girl rescued and brought to know Jesus. Father’s are to be guardians at the gate of their home, protecting their children from the sin and immorality of the culture, teaching the word of God and demonstrating love and

In Jesus Holy Name June 17, 2007 Text: Deuteronomy 11:1, 4:9 Father’s Day “Guardians at the Gate ” Story: “Father of the Year Essay” Merced County by Halley I think my step-dad is “father of the Year” because of our unique story. Let me explain. Long before I was born, my mother ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Abuse Of Power - That Ain't Right Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 31, 2005

Halloween is a fun time that permeates our culture.... and it also has its dark and sinister side. Yet even Halloween’s dark side pales compared to an even worse threat of the occult in our nation.

OPEN: Tomorrow is October 31st. It is best known as the day of Halloween, but it also the day on which other significant events have taken place. · In 1938 Orson Welles broadcast his famous “War of the Worlds” that caused much of the United States to become panicked by the possibility that Mars ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:9-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Restorative Justice #5: Abigail, The Peacemaker Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 22, 2001

In a culture that said women had no power, Abigail successfully leads a peace delegation and stops a war between the two most powerful men in the region. We, too, must use our power to make peace.

Restorative Justice #5: Abigail, The Peacemaker 1 Samuel 25:2-44 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence October 21, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant We displayed a transparency that said: USE YOUR POWER TO MAKE PEACE 1. Beware of anger. 2. Act with holy boldness. 3. Humble yourself. 4. Be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26, 1 Samuel 25:2-44

Denomination: Methodist