Sermons on Refusing To Be Divisive:

The Death Of A King And The Cost Of Disobedience (1 Samuel 31:1-13)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Sep 26, 2024

Saul, the first king of Israel, had been a good and godly man at the beginning of his reign, but his rejection of God's plans for his life and his refusal to walk with the LORD brought about his inevitable downfall and demise.

1 Samuel 31 records the death of King Saul and his three sons, including the man who was David's dearest friend, Prince Jonathan. When David heard of Saul's death at the hand of Israel's bitter enemy, the Philistines, there was no joy in his soul nor sense of relief from having been ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 31:1-13, 2 Samuel 1:17-27, Ezekiel 33:11, Hebrews 9:27, 2 Samuel 14:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Christ's Preaching: To Spirits In Prison

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Oct 9, 2018

To establish that Peter’s discussion of this great event occurred when Noah was building the Ark; during 120 years which culminated by the flood. It was Christ’s Spirit in Noah, that preached to the disobedient people refusing to obtain safety in the Ark; where Noah and his house was saved by God.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Christ Preached: Through Righteous Noah 2. Christ Preached: To the Disobedient 3. Christ Preached: To the Spirits in Prison Remarks. 1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme: “Christ's Preaching: to spirits in prison.” This theme has encouraged many ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22, 2 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 11:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The First Missionary Journey (Part 2) Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Jul 20, 2002

This sermon demonstrates the great commitment that the apostle Paul had to the great commission and the great commandment and calls all of us to that that same commitment.

The First Missionary Journey (Part 2) Acts 14 July 21, 2002 Intro: A. [NO SCAR? By Amy Carmichael] Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28, 2 Timothy 3:10-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Separation To Reconciliation Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on May 26, 2007

Just what does it take to end all the hostility? To see “peace on earth”? Or, as Rodney King infamously insinuated, when will we all be able to “just get along”? How do we achieve unity amidst division and diversity? Thanks be to God, these very

THE SUPREME MYSTERY – THE BODY OF CHRIST ACT I: Foundations Of A Supreme Mystery – Identification 5. FROM SEPARATION – TO RECONCILIATION (Eph. 2:11-22) Introduction: My visits to the Berlin Wall and its downfall. The Christmas season is upon is and we will once again hear the world ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

God Pours Out His Spirit

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 19, 2018

On Pentecost, God reversed the process of division and confusion around the tower of Babel, as he poured out his Spirit. The Spirit gave the disciples words of praise and proclamation to speak in languages that all could understand. How does that Spirit work today in our lives and churches?

[Sermon preached on Pentecost (Whit Sunday) / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] Last Tuesday in our Bible study group, we studied the story about the first Christian Pentecost from Acts 2. It was a refreshing experience to hear someone read some verses in Chinese. Most of us could not understand them, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

United In His Love

Contributed by Ned Bartlebaugh on Sep 30, 2017

The Church can overcome any division, conflict, or challenge when we: 1. Humbly submit ourselves to God 2. Be rooted and established in his love 3. Allow God's overabundance of love to empower us to see and love others as he sees and loves them.

INTRODUCTION It has been an interesting month. Just in the last month we have had multiple natural disasters and other national and world related issues/events: Earthquake – hit Mexico City Hurricane Harvey – Hit Texas Hurricane Irma – Hit Florida Hurricane Maria – Hit Puerto Rico Escalating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Limitless Love Of God

Contributed by Jack Perkins, D.min., Ladc, Csac, Cclc on Jun 7, 2022

How should we respond to those who have radical beliefs and lifestyles contrary to our beliefs? The temptation is to counter their viciousness and label them as an enemy. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us a model for the attitude that we are to have when faced with divisive social issues.

If not careful, as we study the Bible, we will pick and choose passages that support certain points of view or principles to which we cling. Yet those who first heard what has become known as the Sermon on the Mount had no idea what Jesus was about to say. They understood the moralism of their day, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48, Romans 12:20, 1 Corinthians 13:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon # 41 - Set Aside Selfishness Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Aug 1, 2025

Selfishness when left unchecked can become the cause for division and rift in close relationships. Let’s learn some valuable lessons on how to identify selfishness, and the ways to handle it so we become more Christ-like and mature in the way we relate with others.

We read in Ephesians 4:14-15, “Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent. Instead, by speaking the truth in a spirit of love, we must grow up in every way ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-15, Philippians 2:4, Genesis 25:27-33, Hebrews 12:17, Genesis 26:34-35, Genesis 27:1-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

How Much Is The Fare To Tarshish? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 6, 2003

Jonah refused to go to Tarshish because emotionally he felt unwelcome and theologically he thought he could escape God’s oversight. He paid hidden costs, in vain: the loss of a vessel, the loss of joy, human wreckage, reckoning with eternity.

When I travel, I don’t want to spend too much money on the travel itself. I’d rather spend my money on whatever there is to buy where I’m going. I don’t want to hand much over to the airline or the railroad. I want to travel cheap. But I sometimes miss an important fact – that when I try to ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Church As A Prophet Of God

Contributed by William Baeta on Jul 5, 2003

“I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘thus says the Lord God.’ As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse – for they are a rebellious house – yet they will know that a prophet has been among them” Ez. 2:4-5.

Theme: The Church as a prophet of God Text: Ez. 2:1-5; 2 Cor. 12:2-10; Mark 6:1-6 We have been watching and listening to what has been going on at the National Reconciliation Committee meetings and I believe God is using this forum to speak to us as Ghanaians. As Ghanaians the allegations coming ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-6, Exodus 2:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Velcro Effect Series

Contributed by Darren Ethier on May 21, 2002

Part 1 of 4 of the series, Ruth: A Woman of Faith. uth "clung" to Naomi and refused to return to her "old life". This steadfastness to Naomi, Naomi’s people, and most importantly Naomi’s God serves as a challenge to Christians today. Are you experienci

THE VELCRO EFFECT Ruth: A Story of God’s Faithfulness Ruth Chapter 1 READ AT BEGINNING OF SERVICE: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. INTRODUCTION For the ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23, Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Justification Only Comes From God

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

The Bible says in Romans 3:10 “As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; …” Up to this point in his letter to the Roman Church … Paul has been building God’s case against those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Christ.

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army The Bible says in Romans 3:10 “As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one; …” Up to this point in his letter to the Roman Church … Paul has been building God’s case against those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Christ. He also has ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Missing The Party

Contributed by Gerald Albers on Oct 1, 2008

I would like us to study the parable of the prodigal son considering our own relationship with God, centering our lives on Jesus, and having intimacy with the Father. Oftentimes, our anger and refusal to "join the party," as it were, causes us to miss muc

MISSING THE PARTY Luke 15:25-32 ________________________________________ On New Year’s Day 1963, USC played Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. The Wisconsin quarterback, Ron VanderKelen, was one of the all-time great college quarterbacks. I was fourteen years old at the time, and our family was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Potter's Hands

Contributed by John Browning on Sep 9, 2007

I’m always amazed of the plan God has for our lives. It also amazes me that when I fail or refuse to follow the plan that instead of pitching us out and starting over he reforms us in the image he sees fit.

The Potter’s Hand By: Pastor JC Browning Jeremiah 18: 1 – 11 In this world of constant struggle it is often times of trial and temptation when we ask father where are you? Last week I spoke of the temptations we face. This week I’m going to start with a conversation between God and ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Ones Calling

Contributed by Christopher Nerreau on Mar 17, 2009

Everyone has a divine vocation, Jesus said -“Many are called but few are chosen.” Those who are rejected are so not because they do not have a call from God but because they refuse to accept it. The goal of my sermon today is to help you understand and

TITLE : FINDING ONES CALLING (Adapted from a paper written by Fr. Thomas Hopko) TEXT: St. Matthew 22:14 INTRODUCTION: • Have you ever got up in the morning and while you were brushing your teeth asked yourself this question – “Why on earth am I here?”Ever thought, I know God has something for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:14

Denomination: Orthodox