Sermons on Messy Relationships:

Identity In Christ PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 15, 2025

God gives us a new identity in Christ, freeing us from old labels and shame, and calling us beloved, forgiven, and truly new.

There’s a name tag on the table for every one of us. Maybe it’s not paper and ink, maybe it’s old memories and new mistakes, report cards and résumés, whispers and headlines. Labels stick. Some feel like tattoos. Others like Post-its that refuse to peel away. Have you noticed how fast the world ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Topics: Identity, Relationship, Jesus

God's Plan For Spiritual Misfits Series

Contributed by David Selleck on Oct 26, 2006

Second in a series of messages from Michael Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality" God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People.

Template Oct 8, 2006 Messy Spirituality Series 2 Felt Need: What is God’s plan for my life, why is this so difficult to figure out? Desired Results: Persons would hear the Good News of God’s grace and know that they are loved and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Message: God’s plan for Spiritual ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Methodist

Jabez Finish Strong Series

Contributed by Rodney Coe on Feb 10, 2015

Evil wants to get us. If we have a shaky start or messy middle, God wants us to finish strong.

“Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, ‘Because I bore him in pain.’ And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Broken: How God Uses Defective People

Contributed by John Beukema on May 1, 2013

The Bible is filled with stories of fractured lives and messy situations. From these we can learn truths about how God works.

Bob Dylan wrote a song called “Everything is broken.” Here are some of the lyrics. Broken bottles broken plates Broken switches broken gates Broken dishes broken parts Streets are filled with broken hearts Broken words never meant to be spoken Everything is broken. He’s right. ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1-25

Denomination: Brethren

Rooted In Him

Contributed by Christian Cheong on May 19, 2014

Relationship with God is your most important relationship. Spiritual growth is God's will for your life. Go deep is the way to grow strong. There is no short cut to cultivating a relationship.

WHY ARE WE DOING WHAT WE ARE DOING? Why should I take on this discipleship thing? Why can’t I just sit back and simply cruise into heaven? • We’re made to have fellowship with God. Adam and Eve walks in the Garden with Him. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God In Three Persons-Blessed Trinity

Contributed by Craig Condon on Jun 13, 2015

God is Father, Son and Spirit, co-equals united in mutual love and divine essence. When we remember this, we can understand what Jesus meant when he said that he and the Father and the Spirit are one.

The minister gave his Sunday morning service, as usual, but this particular Sunday, it was considerably longer than normal. Later, at the door, shaking hands with parishioners as they moved out, one man said, "Your sermon, Pastor, was simply wonderful - so invigorating and inspiring and ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Anglican

Portrait Of A Peacemaker - James 3:17-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This message shows how several of the elements of human wisdom have been dressed up and have found their way into the church. We must beware of those. The message also gives insights into how to convert incidents of conflict into peace in the church and restore broken relationships.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Introduction God will call us His children, if and only if… How ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18

The Difficulty Of Love Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon explores the challenges of loving in a broken world, emphasizing the need to focus on Jesus and intentionally love God and others, despite the difficulties.

Welcome back church! We’re a few weeks into our series, Loving God; Loving People, and I imagine today’s message is going to resonate with a lot of us as it’s all about the difficulty of love. We all have these stories, and the truth is, we’re hard to love as well. None of us are easy to love, all ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-3, James 4:7-10, Galatians 5:16-26

Topics: Broken Relationships, Divine Love, Redemption

Sermon Series: Love God Love People

Love Is More Than A Theory Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon introduction explores the concept of love as an action rather than a theory, encouraging followers to emulate Jesus' love for broken and messy individuals.

We’ve all had theories. Here are a few of mine that I’d like to share with you as we get going; Before I was married, I had theories about how to have an amazing marriage. I thought my spouse would be blessed to be with such an enlightened husband. Before I pastored, I thought I knew how to handle ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:35-40, Proverbs 14:4

Topics: Active Love, Grace And Truth, Brokenness

Sermon Series: Love Has A Name

When Nitty Gritty Becomes Brother Nit And Sister Grit. #5 Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Stratton on Aug 20, 2002

This sermon is based upon Mike Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality" and is designed to convince seekers that God wants their Nitty and Gritty lives.

June 15 & 16, 2002 Romans 8:1-4 “When Nitty Gritty Becomes Brother Nitty or Sister Gritty” I believe that I have proven to you over the last four weeks that you don’t have to be some spiritual titan to be following God. I also believe that I have proven that all persons, regardless of their ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Nitty Gritty...meet Who I Have Become #4 Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Stratton on Aug 20, 2002

This series is based on Mike Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality and is designed to convince seekers that God wants their Nitty and Gritty lives.

June 8 & 9, 2002 Matthew 10: 18-36 “Nitty Gritty …Meet Who I Have Become!” There is a wonderful story contained in Robert Fulghum’s book entitled “Uh-oh”. The story is about a young elementary school student named Norman. Norman’s teacher announced that the school play for the years was going ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:18-36

Denomination: Baptist

Nitty Gritty...meet Jesus #1 Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Stratton on Aug 20, 2002

This series is based upon Mike Yaconelli’s book "Messy Spirituality" and is designed to cnvince seekers that God wants their Nitty Gritty lives

May 18 and 19, 2002 Romans 3:10 “Nitty Gritty…Meet Jesus” Keith Miller wrote the following, “Our churches are filled with people who outwardly look contented and at peace but inwardly are crying out for someone to love them…just as they are- confused, frustrated, often frightened, guilty and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:10

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Levites Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Sep 28, 2015

The conclusion highlighted the corruption and sinfulness of life without God and without His Word. We need to cling on to the compass and map of life - God and His Word.

Israel’s attempts at trying to do life on their own have failed miserably. • Man’s attempts at doing “what is right in their own eyes” would never succeed, we are lost, like sheep gone astray. • They could not even maintain a decent life. With each account of ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Marriage And Divorce Series

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Mar 15, 2024

The bible is clear about what marriage should look like and the hurts of divorce

Marriage and Divorce Mark 10:1-12 Good morning everyone, glad to have you join us in person or by internet. We have been in a series called relationships. We are in the third week and the first week established our foundational relationship that must be in the Lord Jesus. If you do not have ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Nazarene

Hurting People

Contributed by Isaac Butterworth on Apr 23, 2015

Whether you have been hurt or have hurt someone else, you seek reconciliation for the glory of God.

In Paul’s brief correspondence with the Philippians, as he drew his letter to a close, he mentioned an issue of some importance in his mind. There were two women in the church – dear women, women who had “labored side by side” with Paul in the gospel, women “whose ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed