Sermons on Identify Traps:

Unwritten Contracts Series

Contributed by David Mcclain on Jul 22, 2018

There is a potentially destructive tension when our expectations of our spouse do not match our reality. We reduce the tension when we create more realistic expectations and identify and agree

OPENING SENTENCE: There is a popular commercial series from that has a character named “Captain Obvious.” INTRODUCTION: One of the common themes of the commercials is that the internet pictures and information on the hotel you booked does not always match up to what you really get. I can ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary, Year C: Humility

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Aug 29, 2025

The crucified and resurrected body of Jesus thus represents the ultimate paradox’ and provides the necessity for disability. Jesus became so completely identified in his life and teaching with the lowest place, not only in the Eucharist by being disguised as the poor.

Imagine this situation, if you will: a husband comes home from work on a Friday afternoon, as he drives into the driveway, he sees that there is a rented tent in the back yard. Under the tent are tables and chairs for about forty people. A bandstand and dance floor are assembled in one corner of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14

Denomination: Catholic

What Do You Do When Your Wine Runs Out?

Contributed by Kirk Devine on Jul 6, 2001

Many times in life, we find ourselves trapped and emgulfed in the hustle and bustle of life often "burning the candle at both ends." This message is designed to encourage the believer to trust God to get things back into perspective.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR WINE RUNS OUT? JOHN 2:1-10 I have discovered that when it comes to managing our time, many of us are not good stewards…! Many of us both in and out of the church oftentimes find ourselves burning the candle at both ends… And because we find ourselves not using our time ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When No One Is Looking

Contributed by Don Carpenter on Oct 18, 2000

We know how we out to dress, the tone our voices should take, and all the other Christian trappings that we bring to our public worship, BUT... who are we when no one is looking?

Daniel 1:1-17 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Why Legalism Stinks Series

Contributed by Larry Osborne on Jun 13, 2007

Having a clear understanding of God’s law can help us avoid the trap of legalism. King David, the apostle Paul and Jesus can each give us a healthy perspective on God’s law.

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church Message #5 August 12-13, 2006 Dr. Larry Osborne Why Legalism Stinks 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

How Shall You Escape Hell? Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2006

One of the harshest questions Jesus asked was asked of the Pharisees: "How shall you escape Hell?" As much a byword of legalism as they were, we must be careful we don’t fall into the traps that ensnared them.

OPEN: Down thru the ages, there have been rare occasions when different printings of the Bible have been found to have small errors them · For example in 1653 Christians were upset to find that one Bible which declared: “Know ye not that the UNRIGHTEOUS shall inherit the kingdom of God?” · The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:15-33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

For The Love Of Money?

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jul 29, 2019

Ever wonder at what line a Christian crosses that makes money a trap and sin in their spiritual walk with Jesus? In this sermon I am going to outline a basic truth: putting trust in money and wealth and not God is a sin.

For the Love of Money? 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines money as a “medium of exchange” for goods and/or services. While one could barter to obtain the necessities of life such as food, shelter and clothing for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-19

Denomination: Baptist

Ganging Up On Jesus Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 11, 2012

In this portion of Mark we get a clearer picture of what it means to rely on God for things, and what it means to rely on the government. Here the religious leaders try to trip Jesus up, but they fall right into His trap.

After the episode in the Temple on the previous day, I guess Jesus should have expected the religious leaders of Israel to react. In fact, the Lord is trying to get them to react and eventually figure out a way to arrest and condemn Him. In the end of Chapter 11 and into Chapter 12 we see a series ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Hiking Trail Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 10, 2025

God tells us to seek out the "ancient paths" and walk in it. Why should we want to to do that... and what would it look like if we managed to do it?

A few years ago one of my son’s favorite TV shows was “Man vs. Wild”. It featured a guy named Bear Grylls and it was a sort of reality show where this man would be dropped off in an isolated area carrying a knife, a water bottle, some flint (to start a campfire), a waterproof bag, a multi-purpose ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 6:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Troubled But Not Distressed

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 14, 2003

Too many people fall in to the trap of feeling like they are a victim of their circumstances. John Leo, in the Dec. 8th, 2003 edition of US News and World Report writes: "Expert victimologists estimate that 91.2% of people in North America and Europe now

Troubled but Not Distressed (2 Cor. 4:8-18) Paul reminds us that even though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never without hope. Paul faced all kinds of troubles, hardships and adversity for the sake of the Lord Jesus and His kingdom’s ministries. Regardless of the risks, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Everything Is Failing, But Nothing Has Failed

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 5, 2001

Sermon for Senior Adult Sunday; Joshua’s "retirement speech" identifies his sense of God’s promises kept and focuses on claiming the future for the next generation.

Are you a little tired of all the pious platitudes about failure? You know, the folks who tell you that failure is a good thing because you will grow from failure and you will be a better person? I am a little tired of that. I do not want to grow from failure. I want to be a success. I do not ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 23:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

God's Perfect Gifts For His Children

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Dec 2, 2002

Recognizing that God’s greatest gift is His Son Christ Jesus, this outline identifies five great gifts that God gives us through His Son.

GOD’S PERFECT GIFTS FOR HIS CHILDREN “Every good gift and ever perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17. When we think of God’s gifts to mankind, we first thank Him for His indescribable gift, our ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17

Denomination: Baptist

Just Pluck It!

Contributed by Shane Prewitt on Jan 5, 2002

The purpose of this sermon is to encourage the believer to identify those areas of life that causes them to habitually sin, and then to put into action a plan in order to root out habitual sins.

JUST PLUCK IT!!! Matt 5:29-30 Introduction: “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished” (Proverbs 27:12). I’ve been thinking a lot about the message of verses’ like this in Scripture. A person who is wise, a person who is prudent hides himself from evil, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:29-30, Philippians 4:8

Denomination: Baptist

How You Can Satisfy The Real Thirst Of Your Soul Series

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Aug 27, 2004

Most of us do not realize the real thirst of our soul. In this sermon, Jesus identifies the real thirst of our soul and tells us how to satisfy it.

HOW YOU CAN SATISFY THE REAL THIRST OF YOUR SOUL JOHN 4:7-26 I. WHAT IS THE REAL THIRST OF YOUR SOUL THIS MORNING? It may be to improve your marriage It may be to get married. It may be to have a child It maybe to make good on the SAT It maybe to get accepted into the college of your choice It ...read more

Scripture: John 4:7-26