Sermons on Lake Avenue Church:

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations – Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 14, 2024

Every church at one time has tensions in it, but what causes them and importantly, how can we deal with them? I have chosen a number of problem areas gathered from my experience in churches and we examine them. I hope they are of some help.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – AS I UNDERSTAND IT OVER 65 YEARS – PART 1 [A]. INTRODUCTION This coverage will apply not only to the church fellowship of believers, but also to any committee, business meeting, or ministry operating in or by a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-3, Galatians 5:16-19, James 4:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:1-8, Titus 1:5-9, Titus 2:3-5, Revelation 18:4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 16, 2024

Our study continues with a few serious matters. The place of PRIDE and GOSSIP is opened up, plus some thoughts on MONEY; and the way some like to dominate others. They all cause tensions in churches. Faithful, honest preaching is vital to reduce potential conflicts.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 2 Last time we began a list of issues that I have seen over my lifetime that can cause tensions and conflicts in the church. In this second message we continue that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1, Ephesians 4:3, Luke 11:42-44, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, James 1:5, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 12:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations - Part 3 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 17, 2024

What does a minister do when he arrives at a church and many are unsaved and in leadership positions? Bringing the world’s methods into the church will cause tension. The controversial matter of women in leadership roles looked at. There must be good elders in support.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 3 We have been looking into areas where tensions and church conflict may arise. So far we have examined a number of these and today we continue with more, so let’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:3, Hebrews 13:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Seven Churches Of Revelation: Sardis: A Church On Its Deathbed (2025)

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 16, 2025

The seven churches of Revelation: Sardis: A Church on Its Deathbed - Revelation chapter 3 verses 1-6 - sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: • Address (vs 1a). • Attribute (vs 1b). • Accusation (vs 1c). • Advice (vs 2-3). • Assurance (vs 4-5). SERMON BODY Ill: • Many members of the royal family have had the same name, • And so, they had to be distinguished by numbers, • e.g. Charles I, II or III. • But even this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Brethren

The Difference Christ Makes - 1 Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Nov 21, 2002

After spending 4 chapters to show us we all are sinners and that faith is the only avenue of salvation Paul begins to show us the possibilities of a genuine Christian life.

The Difference Christ Makes ROMANS 5:1-5 • Chapter 5 is a new beginning: 1) Chapters 1-3 demonstrate that sin is an issue that every man, woman, and child must deal with. ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT. 2) Chapter 4 Paul shows us that dealing with this problem is only possible through one ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Corinthians: Church Matters (4)

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 7, 2019

We can learn a lot from the Corinthians' mistakes. In chapter 7, Paul discusses three types of marriages: successful marriages, struggling marriages, and second marriages!

Church Matters: Correcting the Corinthians (4) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 11/30/2014 For the past few weeks we’ve explored the book of 1st Corinthians. If we’ve learned nothing else, we’ve learned this—the Corinthians were a mess. The church in Corinth was plagued with ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-27

Denomination: Christian Church

Lessons From A Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 14, 2014

The Church at Smyrna was a suffering church. They had experienced past afflictions and were going to encounter sever trials so they are encouraged to endure. A suffering church needs to look to their Lord and look to their future.

Lessons from a Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Kind Of Church God Builds

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Oct 16, 2025

Today I want to talk to you about church planting, because all churches are NOT GOD PLANTED! HOW DOES GOD PLANT A CHURCH?

Illus: CHURCH PLANTING is something like what a farmer does; • He plants the seed, • Cultivates the seed, • Fertilizes the seed • And then patiently waits for it to grow. Church planters basically do the same thing. They have to plant the seed (Gospel), cultivate the seed, fertilize the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Great White Throne Judgment Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 31, 2018

Satan has persuaded mankind for centuries that there is no future punishment, no final accounting before God. That lie is now fully exposed.

Tom Lowe 12/9/17 Book of Revelation Commentary Topic # V: VISIONS OF THE FUTURE AND BEYOND (20:1-22:5) Lesson: V.C: THE FINAL JUDGMENT (20:11-15) Scripture (Rev. 20:11-15, KJV) 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Poor Little Rich Church Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Jun 22, 2011

The amazing riches in a church with nothing but all that Jesus wants for them.

Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Tim 3:12 1 Pet 4:12 Jn 16:33 The second Church that received a letter from Jesus by the hand of John was Smyrna. In this letter there is not one word of ...read more

What Are We Made Of? Part 1: The Source Of Our Strength Series

Contributed by Stephen Collins on Aug 10, 2009

A vision-casting 4 part series on our core values as a church.

What Are We Made Of? The DNA of Millville Avenue † Key Thought † Key Scripture: Colossians 1:15-29 Icebreaker: Today, I want to lay a foundation for what we’re going to talk about for the next 3 weeks. Intro: The desire of God’s heart is that in everything Jesus Christ might have the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:15-29, Colossians 1:15-29

Denomination: Church Of God

Tempted

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 10, 2002

As WE CONSIDER THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, WE SHOULD FIRST NOTE THE PURPOSE OF HIS TEMPTATION, SECOND THE AVENUES OF TEMPTATION, AND THIRD THE RESULTS OF HIS TEMPTATION.

Tempted Luke 4:1-15 INTRODUCTION: TEMPTATION IS A SLEEPLESS UNWEARYING ENEMY. THOUSANDS OS SEEMINGLY STRONG MEN AND WOMEN HAVE BEEN WRECKED ON THE HILLS OF WHAT THEY CONSIDERED TO BE IMPROBABLE IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TEMPTATION. NO PERSON WHO HAS EVER LIVED HAS BEEN OR IS IMMUNE FROM TEMPTATION ? NOT ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Deception Of Lying Spirits Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Aug 30, 2024

The Bible provides numerous examples of lying spirits and their tactics, serving as a warning to believers and non-believers alike.

Lying spirits, also referred to as deceiving spirits or false prophets, have been a part of human history for centuries. These malevolent entities have the ability to deceive and manipulate individuals, leading them away from truth and righteousness. The Bible provides numerous examples of lying ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 22:22-23, Proverbs 26:28, 1 Kings 18:20-40, Acts 16:16-18

Some Aspects Of The Church From Its Beginning - The Church’s Elevation, Elation And Rapture - Part 5 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 11, 2023

The Church has a fantastic elation coming to it. When all believers are caught up to be with the Lord, great will be the joy. This will be the first time ALL the Church is together. The Rapture is the gathering of the Bride, Christ's redeemed Bride.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH FROM ITS BEGINNING - THE CHURCH’S ELEVATION, ELATION AND RAPTURE - PART 5 [1]. THE CHURCH’S ELATION/RAPTURE - INTRODUCTION Like baptism, sadly the general church teaching has missed the boat on this issue as well. Earlier in these studies I raised the matter of the ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:13, John 14:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 1:19, Revelation 22:20, 1 Peter 1:10-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Follow Jesus--Not Your Feelings Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2006

Are you a little proud you attend church? Do you feel a little superior to those folks who sleep in or are out on the lake? There is no room for spiritual pride in grace, because in grace, it’s all about boasting in God not in our goodness.

INTRODUCTION If you were around in 1975 you might remember the one-hit wonder “Feelings,” by Morris Albert “Feelings, nothing more than feelings; / Trying to forget my feelings of love; / Feelings, whoa, whoa, whoa feelings…” This is the sappiest song I’ve ever heard. It was never was one of my ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:18-19

Denomination: Baptist