Sermons on Difficult Relationships:

Within, Without Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Dec 11, 2008

Paul and John Mark, a study in maturing relationships. John Mark starts out young and conflicted; he is insecure around the powerful Paul; but Paul grows to accept him and think of him as useful.

The Scripture texts I will be using today are scattered through several chapters in the Book of Acts, plus other locations in the New Testament. And so instead of simply reading passage after passage, let me put together a vignette, a character sketch, in order to make the life of John Mark ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Discipleship Lifestyle - Sacrificial Love Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 20, 2016

As dynamic disciples of Jesus, we have to do what God expects us to do. Even if it’s difficult, even if it goes against what the world says is acceptable, even if it means we have to be different, we need to choose to do what He has commanded us to do.

We are continuing our series on Dynamic Disciples or Dynamic Discipleship and this month our focus has been on The Lifestyle of a Disciple. This morning I want us to consider together what it means for us, as disciples of Jesus, to have a Lifestyle of Love, and specifically I want us to think ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Overcoming A Suicide

Contributed by Dennis Gard on Sep 22, 2024

To the family and all friends, God’s peace truly be with you this day. Today we do one of the most difficult of all things to do – we gather to grieve the passing of <Name>, who was much loved, respected, kind and caring, hardworking. We gather to commend him into God’s care.

I. Introduction: a. Grief is never an easy burden to bear – and never more so than when it comes to us in what we can only regard as an untimely fashion. It causes many questions to arise within us – questions about ourselves and what we might or might not have done to make things different – and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:38-39, Isaiah 54:8-10

Grow!

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 19, 2009

Every Christ follower must be intentional in growing in relationship to others and God. And the church must be intentional about helping you to grow in your faith. That happens primarily through small group Bible Study and Sunday School

Our Strategy: Grow John 13:34-35 In this series, we’ve been looking at our strategy to accomplish our mission of “Connecting diverse communities to a lifestyle devoted to Jesus.” The first step in our strategy is “Celebrate.” We celebrate because worshiping God is the purpose of our life. People ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Denomination: Methodist

The One Critical Need

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Aug 17, 2008

Beware Satan will do whatever he can to destroy the working of God’s grace in your life. We live in a society where our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is under constant attack.

Beware Satan will do whatever he can to destroy the working of God’s grace in your life. We live in a society where our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is under constant attack. Satan is a deceiver and if he cannot tempt you with the temporary pleasures of sin, or convince you are of no ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 10:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Count Your Blessings

Contributed by Dennis Fox on May 16, 2024

Where you focus your thoughts greatly effects how you feel, how you talk to others, and your relationship with God. So where should we focus, our blessings or hardships?

Where you focus your thoughts greatly effects how you feel, how you talk to others, and your relationship with God. So where should we focus, our blessings or hardships? A few weeks back my son came home on leave. It was a wonderful time but it was eye opening as well. My son ended up in the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:19-20, Psalm 55:22, Ephesians 2:4-5

Denomination: Other

Step Nine - Not Saying I'm Sorry? Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jan 8, 2020

Step 9 is making direct amends except when to do so would injure those or others. It’s also the place the writers tell us of the promises come true when one earnestly works the steps of recovery.

I have been thinking about Step nine over the last few days. I really think the writers knew how much humility and courage it takes to do a 9th step amends and it’s the reason, they made sure the other steps of getting right with oneself and then God came before reconciling with others. Step 9 is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Setting Our Priorities Straight

Contributed by Esther Collins on Jan 21, 2022

We live in times when it's a challenge to keep our priorities straight. The Bible gives us great examples of those who were able to choose right, and also enjoy the consequences of their godly choices.

Setting our Priorities Straight Take a moment to write down three things that you consider your topmost priorities in your life. Also write down the number of hours you spend on any given day on these activities that are mentioned – time spent on eating, sleeping, studying, working, with family, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-11, Genesis 25:27-34, Hebrews 12:16-17, 1 John 2:16, Ruth 1:13-18, Matthew 1:5-6, Luke 10:38-42, Matthew 7:22, John 12:1-8, 1 Timothy 6:6, Matthew 12:50, Luke 10:26-28, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 3:22-23, Matthew 10:37, 1 John 2:17  (view more)  (view less)

Everything Begins Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 12, 2021

We are made of humble origins but humanity was also made with unique significance… in the image of God Himself.

We’re in the second week in a new series, where we are tracing out the story of the Bible. We want to see how all the parts of God’s story fit together. And while the Bible is one of the most widely read books in history, it is also one of the most misunderstood. Much of the confusion results from ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 22:1-5, Genesis 2:4-25

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 41 - Set Aside Selfishness Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 1, 2025

Selfishness when left unchecked can become the cause for division and rift in close relationships. Let’s learn some valuable lessons on how to identify selfishness, and the ways to handle it so we become more Christ-like and mature in the way we relate with others.

We read in Ephesians 4:14-15, “Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-15, Philippians 2:4, Genesis 25:27-33, Hebrews 12:17, Genesis 26:34-35, Genesis 27:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Signs God Does Not Want You To Be With Someone Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Aug 12, 2024

In this sermon, we'll explore biblical signs that may indicate God does not want you to be with someone.

As Christians, we seek God's guidance in all aspects of life, including relationships. However, determining whether God wants us to be with someone can be challenging. In this sermon, we'll explore biblical signs that may indicate God does not want you to be with someone. Unequal Yoking ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:14-15, 1 John 2:3-6

Right Person-Right Place-Right Time Which Is God's Divine Appointments Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 2, 2024

Let us delve into some remarkable stories of God's providence and explore the biblical principles behind these events.

In the intricate of life, God weaves together people, places, and times to accomplish His purposes. The Bible is replete with examples of God bringing the right person to the right place at the right time, orchestrating divine appointments that changed the course of history. Let us delve into some ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:14

Go! And Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 5, 2025

We live in a world that constantly tears people down — with criticism, cynicism, and comparison. But in the body of Christ, we are called to something radically different. We are called to build up, not break down. To edify, not to erode. To encourage

Go! And Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT): "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." Introduction: The Power of a Word Well-Spoken We live in a world that constantly tears people down — with criticism, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Romans 15:5, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9, James 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Breaking Free From Secret Curses Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 25, 2025

Secret curses, spoken in malice or ignorance, can have a profound impact on our lives, causing hindrances, afflictions, and stagnation.

As children of God, we are often unaware of the spiritual battles that rage around us. Secret curses, spoken in malice or ignorance, can have a profound impact on our lives, causing hindrances, afflictions, and stagnation. However, as believers, we have the authority to rebuke these curses and seek ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Advancing Through The Challenges Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jul 14, 2022

In today’s text I’m more interested in noting the message to the Philippians that can FUEL THEIR FAITH … Paul’s message is that Christians are Advancing Through The Challenges.

Advancing Through The Challenges Philippians 1:12-20 Introduction American Ninja Warrior is a television show in its 14th season on NBC. People as young as 15 years old from all over America compete on the world’s most difficult obstacle courses. “A top prize of $1 million ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ