Sermons on Discerning Behavior:

Buried Under The Oaks Of Shechem

Contributed by Fred Parker on Dec 15, 2007

As we peer into the subdued shadows of our pasts, it is often extremely difficult to discern those indiscriminate things that are disturbing our devotion to God in the present. ___ E. Fred Parker (November 6, 2004)

BURIED UNDER THE OAKS OF SHECHEM Written by Rev Fred Parker November 6, 2004 FOCUS As we peer into the subdued shadows of our pasts, it is often extremely difficult to discern those indiscriminate things that are disturbing our devotion to God in the present. ___ E. Fred Parker (November 6, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:1-4

Denomination: Apostolic

God Does Want Humans To Be One In Mind And Heart Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 13, 2014

Faith gives us a heightened respect for nature so that we "discern in it a grammar written by the hand of God." God's Fatherhood makes it possible for us to live together with one heart and one will.

Thursday of the 11th Week in Course 2014 Lumen Fidei Where did we get the idea that God is our Father? Surely the definitive statement of God’s fatherhood is in this prayer we learned from Jesus, the Son. Still, we didn’t fully know what a father is until Jesus came and established ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:7-15

Denomination: Catholic

Sermon # 2 - Walk With God And Fulfill His Purpose Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Jul 3, 2024

Every believer has been chosen by God to fulfill a specific purpose in and through their lives. Only those who walk with God and discern His will can accomplish that purpose and bring glory to God.

We read in 1 Samuel 2:35, And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever. (ESV) The Lord’s promise to us for the New Year is that God will build ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:35, Genesis 6:14, Genesis 6:9, Genesis 3:8, Luke 24:15, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 4:18-20, Acts 9:1-2, Acts 9:15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

"the Shepherd’s Voice: A Call To Faith And Belonging"

Contributed by Mark Zorn on Sep 16, 2025

We see a picture of Jesus as both the provider of eternal security and the voice we are called to follow. But how do we hear this voice? How do we discern it amid the noise of life?

Introduction Good morning, beloved. Today’s Scripture is a profound reminder of Jesus’ intimate connection with us as our Shepherd. In John 10:22-30, we see a picture of Jesus as both the provider of eternal security and the voice we are called to follow. But how do we hear this voice? How do we ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lover Of Knowledge Or Plain Stupid. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Nov 18, 2021

Wisdom seems hard to obtain. Wisdom is different than having knowledge. Knowledge is defined as having information through experience, reasoning or acquaintance. Whereas wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true.

Lover of knowledge or plain stupid. Prov. 12:1-10 The topic of wisdom comes up over and over again throughout the pages of Scripture. In fact one whole book (Proverbs) is devoted to the topic . Wisdom seems hard to obtain. Wisdom is different than having knowledge. Knowledge is defined as ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Rise Of False Doctrines And Prophets Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 29, 2025

False doctrines and prophets are a sign of the last days. They exploit, deceive, and destroy spiritual lives if unchecked. But God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and the gift of discernment to overcome these dangers.

THE RISE OF FALSE DOCTRINES AND PROPHETS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1 Supporting Texts: Matthew 7:15-23, Galatians 1:6-9, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Acts 17:11, Jude 1:3-4 INTRODUCTION: In these end times, one of the greatest threats to the Church is not persecution from ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Struggling With The Pain Of Faithlessness Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 20, 2009

July 1989. Our sexual behavior matters to God, and He has expressed His will. When we go our own ways, it hurts Him as well as others and ourselves. He can and will redeem even from this most painful sin.

A number of years ago a friend of mine was teaching a group of children the Ten Commandments in Vacation Bible School. In order to teach the Ten Commandments, she says, she was given a set of pictures. Each of the pictures illustrated the bad behavior forbidden by the Commandment; each picture ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Scriptural Aspects Of Identity Series

Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006

This is the fourth sermon in a series of four entitled “Our Identity In Christ” which takes four of the many Scriptural principles underlying the doctrine of our identity in Christ to undergird our belief system and effect behavioral change.

The Greatest Day in my life physically was the day I was born. The Greatest Day in my life spiritually was the day I was born again. The Greatest Decision I ever made physically was the day I chose to walk. The Greatest Decision I ever made spiritually was choosing to walk according to the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

Devoted To Destruction Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on May 5, 2010

In the life of the churches, Paul feared nothing so much as false doctrine, since it is the underlying source of ungodly behavior. His deep concern for the spiritual welfare of the Corinthians believers would be fully as concerning for the church today.

Devoted to Destruction Galatians 1:6-9 Introduction The New Testament speaks of two general categories of people whom God devoted to destruction. The first category is “anyone [who] does not love the Lord.” The second is false teachers, who in Galatians 1:8-9 Paul twice calls ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Making A Name For Ourselves

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jul 10, 2007

It is natural, when living in the flesh, for people to want to make a name for themselves. We want to “stand out” among our peers: academically, socially, behaviorally, athletically, etc. Christianity, however, teaches just the opposite.

Making a Name for Ourselves Theme: Whose name are we trying to promote: ours, or God’s? INTRODUCTION A. It is natural, when living in the flesh, for people to want to make a name for themselves. 1. We want to “stand out” among our peers: academically, socially, behaviorally, athletically, etc. 2. ...read more

Scripture: James 4:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sharing Your Faith Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Mar 4, 2009

Sermon #6 in series entitled "I’m in!" focusing on behaviors active church members will participate in. This one deals with sharing your faith. Borrowed from Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Ky.

Sharing Your Faith I Peter 3:15-16 CHCC: February 8, 2009 INTRODUCTION: SKIT: “I am a Christian and a Saint” The "evangelist" walks up behind a person standing on stage, gets in their face and says, "I am an evangelist! A Christian and a Saint! Are you saved? Are you washed in the blood? ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Can We Improve Relationships @ Home?

Contributed by David Cook on Oct 1, 2012

Peter tells us how we can improve relationships at home: 1 - Wives, Focus on Your Christ-like Behavior; 2 - Husbands, Focus on a Limitless Love; 3 - Everyone, Focus on Being a Blessing

Where do you find it most difficult to live out the Christian life? On the job? On the golf course? Around non believers? During traffic jams? How about at home? What makes it difficult to live like Christ at home? When Amy and I first got married, we had never had a major argument. I’ll never ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Give Up Giving Up Series

Contributed by David Roth on Feb 20, 2015

Ash Wednesday (B). Too often we focus on our outward behavior, our sins. But the root of our problem is not sins, but sin, our sinful nature. Joel urges us to "Turn to God and live."

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “Give up giving up” What are you giving up for Lent? Anything? Some people give up something for lent. Not with the purpose of earning ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-19, Psalm 51:5-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Reacting Or Responding?

Contributed by Jerry Smith on Feb 6, 2014

The disciples ‘reacted’ to the behavior of the Samaritans by wanting to harm them: Bad for bad, tit-for-tat. And is it not true of us today too? But what did Jesus say to His disciples and us today about it?

OPENING > And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christ In The Heart: It's Just That Simple Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jun 6, 2024

You can sit in church your whole life and never let Christ into your heart. You can try very hard to adjust your outward behaviors but never let His love into yourself.

In all this deep discussion of prayer and God’s presence and turning ourselves toward Him, we must always return to the basic, simple understanding of who Jesus Christ is to us. You can sit in church your whole life and never let Christ into your heart. You can try very hard to adjust your outward ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25, Proverbs 9:4-5

Denomination: Salvation Army