Sermons on Sacred Tension:

Process And Providence Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Aug 25, 2024

Joseph's journey gives us incredible insight into the tension between God’s Promise and God’s Process. Understanding this tension will enable us to accept God’s process, so that we can achieve God’s outcome in our character.

Process and Providence: Genesis 37 Good morning! Please open your Bibles to Genesis 37. We are continuing the series we started last week called Meant for Good. We are looking at the life of Joseph in the Old Testament. I pointed out to you last week that this one narrative takes up 25% of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Authority Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 23, 2011

Who has authority for faith and practise? The state? The Word? The message explores the continuing tension between government and church.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Throughout their long history as a people of faith, Baptists have consistently opposed any diminution of the rights of the individual to seek ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Whole World PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Mar 2, 2024

This sermon explores human nature, divine providence, and the tension between them in the context of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Good morning, dear family in Christ. It is a blessing to be gathered here once more in the house of the Lord, united by our shared love for Christ and our desire to draw nearer to Him. Today, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a remarkable passage of scripture. We turn our hearts and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Topics: World, Him

Personal Choice; My Loaded Gun

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Feb 11, 2002

Our rights and responsibilities are like the tension on the trigger of a loaded gun; properly handled they are a blessing -- improperly handled they are dangerous.

February 10, 2002 1Now let¡¦s talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. 2Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn¡¦t really ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Bi Vocational Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Oct 20, 2010

One of our problems in life is that we divide everything into the sacred and secular. We are great at compartmentalizing things: over here is the secular, and over there is the sacred. The reality is that we spend the majority of our hours every day in th

Bi Vocational Luke 5:1-11 On Sunday afternoon, Tommy Grace and I were hanging out and he said, “Tomorrow’s Monday isn’t it?” Yep, I said. “I hate Mondays.” And I said to Tommy, “I was thinking something entirely different:. I can’t wait to get to work ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

Repairing The Altar Of The Lord

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 17, 2022

As you read through the sacred Scriptures, time and time again you read of altars.

Why? These people in the Scriptures understood the significance of altars. For example, after the flood, when Noah came out of the ark, he had a lot of things he had to do, such as: • Build a house for his family to live in • Plant a garden so his family could have food to eat But the Bible ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:30

Denomination: Baptist

The Deceit Of Hidden Truths And Hiding Serious Issues In Marriage. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2024

Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, built on trust, love, and mutual respect.

Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, built on trust, love, and mutual respect. However, when one or both partners hide serious health issues, criminal backgrounds, or mental health struggles, it can lead to a foundation of deceit and destruction. In this article, we'll explore ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:9, Proverbs 12:22, Psalm 101:7

Finding Rest In God

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Aug 3, 2004

In our busy lives, intentional times of rest are sacred and essential for spiritual and emotional health.

From African colonial history comes this interesting tale: In the deep jungles of Africa, a traveler was making a long trip. Native porters had been engaged from a tribe to carry the loads. The first day they marched rapidly and went far. The traveler had high hopes of a speedy journey. But the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It Takes Two Eyes To See God

Contributed by Daniel Lupton on Nov 2, 2009

There is beauty and harmony and power in the tension between Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism and Arminianism are like two eyes giving a fuller perspective.

That was from the award winning movie, SeaBiscuit. [We showed brief Seabiscuit excerpt before sermon] Our jockey could win many races with just one eye, but he couldn’t win the close one, the tough one. One eye still has vision, and because it sees what it sees, it feels like it sees everything. ...read more

Scripture: John 6:37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Visit With Church Leaders Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jun 21, 2025

Acts 21:17-26 shows us how to handle tensions between cultural practices and the gospel’s advance.

Introduction I am currently preaching through the Book of Acts in a sermon series I am calling “Turning the World Upside Down.” Forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, he ascended into heaven. Just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:17-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Running The Race Series

Contributed by Steve Salmon on Oct 9, 2002

This sermon explores the tension between the accomplishments of the faithful and their character and discovers that Jesus fills the gap between righteousness and our character.

Running The Race Hebrews 12:1-12 SICC 9/22/02 CONFLICT INTRODUCTION The image of chapter 11 is a great one. The saints of old cheering us on so that we finish the race. If life is a race, it is a steeplechase not a track meet. Maybe even an extreme steeplechase. There are moving obstructions we ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Already / Not Yet

Contributed by Andy Barnard on Dec 20, 2008

Understanding the tension of the Kingdom of God ‘already’ being here, while at the same time, ‘not yet’ being completely here.

1. Are we living in the last days? If we are, what does the Bible say about the last days? a. Is 2:2-4 2 In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:2-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Question About Servanthood Series

Contributed by Alan Tison on Aug 5, 2006

Jessu continues asking questions of his disciples, this one deals with serving, the open illustration is a great tension building activity

This morning we are going to start our message off a little differently then normal. Since we are talking about servanthood, I thought it would be appropriate to wash one another¡¦s feet. In just a few moments men and women will be coming in with towels and basins, we will start from the outside ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Experience The Spirit In Prayer, Praise And Worship Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 25, 2011

We need to experience the Spirit of the Lord’s presence in our prayer, praise and worship. We need to invite Him to come in these times both individually and corporately through time of worship. When we experience his presence through the seven dimensions

Opening Song for this message: He is Yahweh Series: Experience the Spirit Romans 12:1: 1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. John 4:24: God is Spirit and those who ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Happens On The Mountain... Shouldn't Stay On The Mountain

Contributed by Monty Newton on Feb 21, 2012

God uses mountain top experiences in our lives and the lives of others to prepare us for living in the real world down in the valley.

Title: What Happens On the Mountain… Shouldn't Stay On the Mountain Text: Matthew 17:1-9 Thesis: God uses mountain top experiences to prepare us for living in the valley. Transfiguration Sunday is a day we reflect on perhaps the ultimate of mountain top experiences in which we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational