Sermons on Embracing Diversity:

When Unity Becomes Toxic

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Jun 9, 2019

The stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost teach us to: 1. Guard against prideful uniformity. 2. Cherish diversity as God's gift, and 3. Look to Christ as the source of our unity

Genesis 11:1-9 When Unity Becomes Toxic We tend to think of unity as a good thing. Military units aspire for unity. People in public office wish for it. Marriages hope for it. Churches aspire for it. Yet, sometimes supposed unity masks for uniformity, and can quickly slip into pride and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 1:28, Revelation 7:9, 1 Peter 4:8, Acts 2:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Music In Worship Series

Contributed by Stephen Schwambach on Jun 18, 2007

This is a tour-de-force of the changes in music styles down through the ages that helps the congregation embrace musical changes in worship.

THE POWER OF MUSIC IN WORSHIP BTCC 10/15/06 Prelude Welcome to our August series on Life-Change! • Two weeks ago: “Life-changing Words” o Last week: “Life-changing Events” • Today: “Life-changing Music” IMAG: MUSIC TESTIMONIES VIDEO Prayer • Thank You for the gift of music! o Please help ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 150:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The One And Only!

Contributed by Klaus Mehrl on May 23, 2005

A sermon preached on Trinity Sunday. Deals with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s refusal to bow to the golden image, but to worship the true God.

In the 3rd chapter of Daniel we’re told, "King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then he sent messages to the princes, prefects, governors, advisers, counselors, judges, magistrates, and all the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:5-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Outsiders Made Insiders Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on May 18, 2014

In God's Kingdom there are no outcasts, no outsiders...and gentiles don't have to convert to Judaism to be added to the church. Paul reveals the extent of Christ's embrace.

Introduction: What do the following have in common?...Fraternity & Sorority members, Partners in a law firm, Navy Seals, Congressmen, tenured Professors, licensed electricians, and certified healthcare professionals? They are insiders. Have you ever wanted to be an insider? One thing Jesus made ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10

Denomination: Congregational

Journey To Jerusalem Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 4, 2010

In the Journey to Jerusalem, we can see: 1)The Determination Executed (Luke 9:51-53), 2) The Discipleship Error (Luke 9:54-56), and finally: 3) The Diversion Excuse (Luke 9:57-62)

The Journey of the Sri Lankan’s aboard the MV Sun Sea, now that they are being processed in Canada, continues to be an eventful one. Whether it is because they are of a particular ethnic group, a possible terrorists threat or seen a free-loaders, they have faced much public rejection and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Other

Be The Church Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Aug 5, 2019

Lessons from the church at Antioch

Acts 11b - The Church at Antioch - 4/23/17 Turn with me this morning to Acts chapter 11. We are going to pick up today with where we left off three weeks ago. We took the last two weeks to focus on Palm Sunday and Easter, but today we are back in the book of Acts. Remember that Acts is a ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Valuing One Another Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Oct 5, 2024

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul teaches the diversity of gifts in the Body of Christ. In verses 1-11, we discussed WHAT the gifts are. Now we begin talking about HOW the gifts are to function.

Intro In our study of 1 Corinthian 12, we have discussed the nine gifts of the Spirit listed by Paul in the first part of that chapter. Our study has focused on understanding what these gifts are. Using Paul’s terms in the first eleven verses, we see that these activities are called gifts because ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 1 Corinthians 15:10, 1 Peter 4:8, Romans 12:1-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Functioning Church PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 25, 2023

The main point of this sermon is to recognize and embrace the unique gifts given by the Holy Spirit to each member of the Church, in order to function well as a divine organism and enjoy the benefits of a healthy, vibrant community.

Good morning, church family! I am so excited to share with you all today about the gifts that our amazing God has given to us, His Church. We'll be diving into 1 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Now, I know that we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Topics: Church Function

The Problem With Karma

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jul 11, 2021

I read about a recent survey titled, The top 10 most seductive, unbiblical ideas embraced by American adults. Karma was one of them. It said 33% of those with a biblical worldview embraced this concept. That's a problem.

THE PROBLEM WITH KARMA I read an article about a recent survey authored by George Barna, conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University titled, The top 10 most seductive, unbiblical ideas embraced by American adults. Included in this list are some things I've seen ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:7, Job 1:1, Job 11:13-17, John 9:1-3, Acts 28:1-6, Luke 13:1-5, Titus 3:3-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Which Will It Be?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

Everyone of us has the capability of displaying a spirit of generosity & kindness & goodness. There are other moments when we are hateful & hostile & greedy. And in each of us are those 2 diverse natures.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2015) Years ago, when our children were small, I learned a lot about being a parent. But then, as they got older, I began to forget what it was like to have young children around the house. But now, with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, Romans 7:18-25, Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fighting The Good Fight Series

Contributed by Bob Hunter on Dec 14, 2004

ATTENTION: MEN ONLY!!! This message written for a men’s audience will challenge men to finish what they have started and not allow the diversionary tactics of the enemy to prevail. Old Testament characters are used to illustrate spiritual diversion and

Message: FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT & FINISHING THE RACE MEN’S RETREAT 2004 PASTOR BOB INTRO: Men are in spiritual crisis these days. Women are more active in Church than ever. Where have all the men gone? Why are Men Missing In Action? M.M.I.A. Let’s face the facts men, we’ve dropped ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Denomination: Holiness

Relationships: The Beauty Of The Church

Contributed by Matthew Morine on Sep 4, 2007

Ever wonder why you bother with church. You know the big reason--heaven, but if you are like more you like some practical reasons. The diversity of relationships make the church a beautiful place to be.

RELATIONSHIPS: THE BEAUTY OF CHURCH THEME: THE VARIETY OF RELATIONSHIPS MAKES THE CHURCH BEAUTIFUL. TEXT: 1 Cor. 12:14-18 I am a member of the local Rotary Club. I enjoy going to the club meetings on Tuesday at Bradley’s. The people are great and the food is good too. It is a nice break to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus, The Friend Of Sinners

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Jan 1, 2021

Loneliness is one of the plagues of our time. With so many things to do, so many diversions-- movies, videos, sports, television, night clubs, amusements, the job, etc.--people still find themselves alone.

Loneliness is one of the plagues of our time. With so many things to do, so many diversions-- movies, videos, sports, television, night clubs, amusements, the job, etc.--people still find themselves alone. Along with loneliness, there is a famine of friends. Someone has said, “Friendship doubles ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Transformative Power Of Words: Speaking Life And Blessings Series

Contributed by Benjamin Beckley on Aug 1, 2023

In a world filled with diverse communication channels, we often underestimate the profound influence of the words we speak. As Christians, we are called to be mindful of the impact our words can have on our lives and the lives of others.

In a world filled with diverse communication channels, we often underestimate the profound influence of the words we speak. As Christians, we are called to be mindful of the impact our words can have on our lives and the lives of others. The Bible emphasizes this truth in Proverbs 18:21, stating, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 18:20, Genesis 1:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Does Love Motivate You To Do?

Contributed by Anthony Hodge on Jan 10, 2003

As person’s embrace this verse of scripture, individuals are being challenged to emulate what was done on their behalf.

What does love motivate you to do (John 3:16) It could be said that John 3:16 is one of the most quoted and recognizable verses of scripture in the Bible. It can be seen on bulletin boards while traveling on the highway. It is displayed on signs at athletic events. It is seen in a number of ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Methodist