Sermons on Preference Driven Church:

Church Conflict Part Deux Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Aug 19, 2008

Exposition of Acts 15:6-21 regarding the resolution of the conflict over circumcision, Gentiles, and law-keeping

Text: Acts 15:6-21, Title: Church Conflict Part Deux, Date/Place: NRBC, 8/17/08, AM A. Opening illustration: -66% say their congregation has been in conflict in the past 2 years; 20% called it “significant” or “major.” B. Background to passage: Last time we looked at a good reason to fight and a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:6-21

Denomination: Baptist

Honorable Duty Within The Church

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 11, 2020

As Peter sought to bring his first letter to a close, he addressed how we are live our Christian lives in regard to the church. By submitting to the will of God, following the spiritual guidance of church leadership, and serving one another, we bring glory to Christ and meet the needs of the church.

Honorable Duty within the Church 1 Peter 5: 1-5 Peter had shared much with the church regarding their Christian lives among the world. They were challenged to build their lives upon Christ, the Corner Stone. Their lives were to be lived in light of their relationship with Christ, abiding faithful, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Was The Early Church The "Golden Age"? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 31, 2018

Christians today tend to romanticize the early church as a Golden Age when passages like this one present a picture of a church with plenty of struggles. What does that mean for how we should view the church today?

- Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-17 and 2:1-10. An Early Church Story: - What we are looking at today is just one story from the early church. 1. There was serious sin in the church. - 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. - We know this from 1 Corinthians 5 and Paul’s extensive instructions to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-17, 2 Corinthians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

"When The Devil Comes To Church”

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on May 28, 2025

How can we keep the devil from creating chaos within the fellowship of God's people?

In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the devil is referred to as the “god of this world” or “the god of this age.” And in John 12:31, he is called the “prince of this world.” In Ephesians 2:2, Paul calls the devil, “the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” The Bible teaches us ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Governance-&-Church-3

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jul 12, 2018

3 of ? Peter pressed the importance of Christian submission as it related to the Church or Body of Christ. But How is that governance addressed thru the Church? Christian governance regarding the CHURCH(Body of Christ) addresses...

‘For The LORD’S SAKE’—1Peter 2:13—3:12 A. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Government—1Peter 2:13-17 B. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Work—1Peter 2:18-25 C. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Marriage—1Peter 3:1-7 Today we will continue our look at the role of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE within the Body of Christ or the CHURCH— D. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Denomination: Baptist

Introducing God's Desire For The Church Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 26, 2013

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is cram packed with powerful theology and practical Christianity. If we allow it to change us the church with grow spiritually and in every other way.

Intro: In light of the confusion about what scripture says and what the church is supposed to be and do this letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians is a great way to end 2013 and begin 2014. In this letter Paul gives clear teaching on how we can get our theology and thinking about the Church right. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of Our Life And The Church.

Contributed by Barnabas Park on May 30, 2025

God is the one who gives our lives purpose. We find that purpose through Jesus Christ by loving God, loving others, and helping people follow Him. We do this both on our own and together as a church, with the help of the Holy Spirit, who helps us become more like Christ.

The Purpose of Our Life and the Purpose of the Church. I. What is our life purpose? If you believe God is the creator of your life, you are not the one who defines your purpose or discovers or creates your purpose. God is the one who defines your purpose. His command reveals His purpose for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 22:37-40, Philippians 1:6

Denomination: Baptist

A Prayer For The New (Church) Year

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 15, 2004

A Prayer for the New (Church) Year

Happy New Year! No, this is not a “Max Webber” greeting. Max (a member at St. Peter), as you know, likes to greet people with “Happy New Year!” no matter what time of year it is just to get a reaction. I, however, am very serious when I say “Happy New Year!” because even though January 1st is a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-11

Denomination: Lutheran

2. Dealing With Division In The Church Series

Contributed by Don Jaques on Jan 24, 2006

All Christians should recognize Jesus Christ is the leader of the church, and do what they can do foster unity in the local church and the worldwide church.

INTRO: A very interesting thing happened last week in the NFL playoff game between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Trailing by 18 points late in the 3rd quarter, Indianapolis faced a 4th and 2 in their own territory. Coach Tony Dungy made the standard decision and sent out the punting squad. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Simple Facts Of Church Life Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 24, 2005

We must get the simple things right. The elementary principles of church life are among the most important principles of church life.

The Simple Facts of Church Life (Romans 16:1-27) Intro 1. What an experience I had last Sunday at the home of Ted and Janie Martin (explain story of flat tire and “lobster” cable clamp 2. Ted Martin and Neil tried not to laugh, but Brett lost it. The rest of the gusy should have, too. It was ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:1-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Complications: The Need For A Meandering Church Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 6, 2008

The church must hold true to the fundamentals of the faith, but she needs to constantly adapt, meander, and reinvent herself.

Complications: The Need for A Meandering Church (Acts 5:12-18) 1. Bernard Goldstein tells this story: One of my pet peeves as a musician in a symphony orchestra is trying to follow the unpredictable beat of famous guest conductors. I didn’t realize how strongly the rest of the musicians felt until ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How To Build A Church (Spiritually) Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 11, 2023

We must remember that building any physical structure is a tool to build the church spiritually. You should know the Bible has a lot to say about building the church spiritually too.

Our church has been thinking a lot about our new building in our new location. Since the month of May three hundred loads of dirt has been delivered to prepare the lot. A foundation has been poured. Volunteers have worked security at the site around the clock. So many of us have given ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-25, Matthew 17:20, Isaiah 56:7

Denomination: Baptist

Paul’s View Of The Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 10, 2022

In this epistle, Paul is writing to the Ephesian Church. In this particular passage he wants to talk to them about the Lord’s church.

As we drive around town, we can see all kinds of shapes and sizes when it comes to church buildings. • The same is true with pastors, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Illus: A new pastor moved into town and went out one Saturday to visit his community. All went well until he came to ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

Curing Church Conflict-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 6, 2014

2 of 3. James revealed the solution to conflict within the local church body. Church conflict can be cured. But how? The cure for church conflict is challenged/hindered by....

CURING CHURCH CONFLICT—II—James 4:1-17 Attention: A man limps into a hospital to have his foot X-rayed, & is asked to wait for the results. Some time later an orderly appears & hands the man a large pill. As he’s handed the pill, a mother with a small child in need of immediate ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

How Could One Solitary Life Have So Much Impact - Christmas Eve

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 24, 2023

Church members and friends can support St. John's By-the-Sea by visiting our website https://www.stjohnsbythesea.com/donate, where a donation can be made by PayPal or credit card, if you prefer that to mailing your donations to the church.

Good Evening, and welcome again to St. John’s Church. And, as you can tell, I love our Christmas Eve Service. The first one at St. John’s was in 1892, 130 years ago. This is only my 5th Christmas here, and I absolutely love how this service paints a picture. It really has a feel to it. As we close ...read more

Denomination: Anglican