Sermons on Pitfalls To Avoid:

Division Over Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 11, 2019

Is conflict always avoidable? Is conflict always a sign of failure? Can good come from conflict? Let’s see how conflict is part of the Gospel message in Luke 12:49-56.

Is conflict always avoidable? Is conflict always a sign of failure? Can good come from conflict? Let’s see how conflict is part of the Gospel message in Luke 12:49-56. Fire & Division Luke 12:49-51 “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! 50 I have a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Live However You Want, And Still End Up With Jesus? (Revelation 14:6-20) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 13, 2023

Ch. 14 gives three pictures, rooted in OT thought, of what God's wrath is like. All are (arguably) symbolic, but all are something to be avoided. An encouragement to be faithful, and endure suffering.

Can you live however you want, once saved? (Revelation 14:1-20) One of the main themes in the book of Revelation that we've seen, especially in the last few weeks, is that the church will suffer on earth. Revelation has described this suffering using a number of different images, and symbols. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:1-20, Jeremiah 51:6-10, Genesis 19:24-29, Isaiah 63:1-6

Don't Join Murderous Gangs (Proverbs 1:8-19) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 6, 2022

Gangs can make you quite the offer: power, wealth, and community. But join, and you'll end up dead. The passage turns into a broader appeal to avoid ill-gotten gains.

Introduction Although my wife Heidi and I have been married for less than 5 years, we’ve moved a lot in that time period. We’ve lived in three states, 3 apartments, and two houses, and we feel a bit like gypsies without a real home. For some people, this frequent moving is a normal part of ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:9-19

The Opportunities We Miss Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 2, 2023

Why did King Herod - and all of Jerusalem - miss the opportunity to go find Jesus in Jerusalem? And how can we avoid "missing" our opportunity find Jesus as well?

We opened by singing the first verse and chorus of “We three kings of Orient are” “We three kings of Orient are, bearing gifts we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. CHORUS: O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Slavery Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2020

Christians are obligated by God's character to free those enmeshed in slavery. Among the enslaved in North America are those participating in the scourge of pornography and prostitution, which Christians must avoid and resist.

“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:23-25

Denomination: Baptist

God's Power Toward Us Who Believe

Contributed by Mike Bryant on Mar 3, 2021

Man has always sought unlimited power. God has given believers just that. What is this power that God has given us, and how do we avoid squandering it?

I) The search for unlimited power has been constant theme of history. A) Politically, we see this in attempts throughout history to rule the world. For example, Alexander the Great ruled Greece at the age of sixteen and soon set out on a conquest that saw him ruling most of the known Western ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 3:20-21, Matthew 19:26, Genesis 18:14, Matthew 13:30-50, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, Matthew 6:19-21, Romans 2:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

6 Steps That Led Peter To Deny Christ And May Lead Us Too

Contributed by Jerry Smith on Nov 26, 2019

What steps led Peter to deny Christ? Can these steps be repeated in the lives of believers? How can we avoid repeating Peter's denial of Christ in our own lives?

We know from the Gospels that Peter was a transparent man. He would ask Jesus the obvious questions, showed his feelings, and even boasted that he would stay with Christ to the end. However, that boasting did not last very long at all: ...she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:66-68, Mark 14:29, Mark 14:37, Mark 14:40-41, Mark 14:31, Mark 14:47, Mark 14:54, Mark 14:71, Mark 14:72  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Sermon 7 - Believer, Beware Series

Contributed by David Owens on Oct 27, 2025

In this sermon's section from Colossians, Paul warns the Colossian Christians to avoid the false teachings of legalism, mysticism and asceticism. Christians from all times need to heed these warnings as well.

Introduction: A. One day a customer was entering a little country store and noticed a sign posted on the door warning, “Danger! Beware of dog!” 1. Inside, the customer noticed a harmless old hound dog asleep on the floor beside the cash register, and asked: “Is that the dog folks are supposed ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Dark Side Of Halloween Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 31, 2025

May this sermon serve as a reminder of God's love and the importance of living a life that honors Him. May we all strive to live in the light of His love and avoid the darkness of the world

Reasons Why Halloween is Demonic 1. Halloween originated from ancient pagan festivals that worshipped false gods. (Deuteronomy 12:30-31, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17) 2. It involves occult practices, divination, and spiritism.(Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Galatians 5:19-21) 3. The holiday promotes fear, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:17, Galatians 6:7-8

(Christmas Sermon) Another Way Home: When Finding Christ Changes Everything

Contributed by Terry Hovey on Dec 27, 2025

They (the Magi) went home, but they didn't go back the same way they came. Physically, yes, they took a different route to avoid Herod. But spiritually, this represents something much deeper.

(Christmas Sermon) Another Way Home: When Finding Christ Changes Everything Good morning, church family! As we gather here the Sunday after Christmas, many of you are probably still feeling the warmth of Christmas morning - the joy of family, the excitement of beautifully wrapped presents, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

06. Persecuted For Christ Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Jul 8, 2025

Today many churches are prone to avoid discussing the truth that faith in Jesus will not always bring sunny days and a care-free life. Quite the contrary. Faith in Jesus will put you at enmity with the world.

Persecuted for Christ Mark 26, 2023 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Matthew 5:5-6 This is a chapter that most people want to skip. Today many churches are prone to avoid discussing the truth that faith in Jesus will not always bring sunny days and a care-free life. Quite the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5-6

Denomination: Brethren

Reconstructing Our Faith In The Bible.

Contributed by Denn Guptill on May 4, 2024

Sometimes, in talking to someone who has walked away from their faith and the church, they will say that their process of deconstruction began when they began to question the bible. This message looks at some ways to avoid that.

This might make you think less of me, but sometimes I google my name. I know, I’m so vain. There is a little bit of truth in that, but it’s also to keep an eye on who’s preaching the messages that I post online and also to track where my books are being mentioned. And yes, I am a little vain; the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Denomination: Wesleyan

Where Is Your Samaria?

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Apr 12, 2007

Who are the people you would rather avoid or bypass altogether? Jesus went to those who were on the fringe of society and made a difference. We can do the same as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

April , 2007 Where is Your Samaria? “and He must needs go through Samaria.” John 4:4 INTRODUCTION: The shortest route from Jerusalem to Galilee was on the high road straight through Samaria, but most people would take the longer way around in order to avoid the Samaritans. A strong rivalry and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

It's All About Me

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jan 8, 2007

A sermon to help us avoid the trap of "It’s all about me." Preached for New Years. (Material taken from Generation Me by Jean Twenge and the Purpose Driven Life by Rich Warren)

Sermon for 1/7/2007 It’s All About Me Introduction: A. It’s all about me! Let’s think about it: B. I take care of my family. Why? Because it’s all about me. I take care of my family so they will take care of me. I do things for my wife so that she will love me. C. I have children that I ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Middle Man

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 30, 2010

Avoid them by any means necessary! They drive up the cost. The dreaded “middle man”! However, there is one “middle man” that you can’t afford to bypass.

“Middle-Man” Text: Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. I. ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17

Denomination: Pentecostal