Sermons on Social Tension:

Sardis: Socially Active But Spiritually Dead

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 3, 2020

Sardis was the fifth church Jesus addressed in the Revelation. While the letter was shorter than the others, this one was the most severe. Apparently, Sardis has assimilated into the culture - with little difference known between the church and the world.

Sardis: Socially Active but Spiritually Dead Revelation 3: 1-6 As we continue to examine the churches to whom John sent letters, we come to the fifth – the church at Sardis. Of the seven, the message to Sardis was the most severe. They were content to rely on prior works and a reputation from the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Social Outcast Who Saved Society Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 3, 2021

Today’s sermon is about snobby brothers, a son rejected by his family and community but ironically asked to lead those who rejected him, a nation on the brink of war, fake news, and a foolish father who messes up his daughter’s life. Here is how it happened.

The Social Outcast Who Saved Society (Judges 10¬:6-11:40) 1. One definition of the word irony is, “a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result.” • It is ironic, for example, that the most shop-lifted book is the ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Thinking With The Church And Jesus, Not With Social Media Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Nov 6, 2021

Perverse patterns of thought and will can even mess up your brain chemistry.

On those times when we open the newspaper or click on the news and immediately are confronted with the evil of the world, we may reflect on how apparent the doctrine of original sin is. We don’t even need special revelation to realize that the tendency of the world is toward selfish behavior and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7, Luke 17:1-6, Psalm 139:1-10

Denomination: Catholic

Social Justice Is The Love Of Jesus In Action

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Mar 1, 2025

serving Jesus is an act of social justice

Micah 6:6-8 At General Convention 79, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry kicked off the campaign “Becoming the Beloved Community”, The Episcopal Church participation in the larger interreligious ‘Jesus Movement’. There will be a churchwide focus on what we can do to become the ‘beloved community’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-2, Job 31:28, Job 31:23, Micah 6:6-8

Denomination: Episcopal

The Call For Social Justice - The Role Of The Church

Contributed by Ivy Drafor Amenyah on Aug 8, 2024

The church has a role in preparing men and women, as well as children to speak against social injustice and increase our witness

Advocacy is at the core of the implementation of the Accra Confession which calls upon Reformed Christians around the world to engage injustices in the world as an integral part of their churches' witness and mission. Everyone has a voice but some voices are stronger and can support weaker ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18, Psalm 12:5, Proverbs 31:8-9, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 59:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations - Part 3 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 17, 2024

What does a minister do when he arrives at a church and many are unsaved and in leadership positions? Bringing the world’s methods into the church will cause tension. The controversial matter of women in leadership roles looked at. There must be good elders in support.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 3 We have been looking into areas where tensions and church conflict may arise. So far we have examined a number of these and today we continue with more, so let’s ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:3, Hebrews 13:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations – Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 14, 2024

Every church at one time has tensions in it, but what causes them and importantly, how can we deal with them? I have chosen a number of problem areas gathered from my experience in churches and we examine them. I hope they are of some help.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – AS I UNDERSTAND IT OVER 65 YEARS – PART 1 [A]. INTRODUCTION This coverage will apply not only to the church fellowship of believers, but also to any committee, business meeting, or ministry operating in or by a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:2-3, Galatians 5:16-19, James 4:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:1-8, Titus 1:5-9, Titus 2:3-5, Revelation 18:4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Magnanimity Of God’s Love

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 4, 2024

As we gather this Christmas Sunday, there is a tension in the air, one that is often masked by the lights, the decorations, and the festive songs. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas—the gifts, the food, the joy. But do we ever stop to reflect on the true weight of this season?

The Magnanimity of God’s Love December 22, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Psalm 24:3-10 John 1:14, 3:16 Introduction: The Tension of Christmas As we gather this Christmas Sunday, there is a tension in the air, one that is often masked by the lights, the decorations, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 24:3-10, John 1:14, John 3:16

Denomination: Brethren

"do Not Be Offended."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on May 15, 2025

Choosing not to take offense when wronged demonstrates strength and patience. Practicing this mindset enhances our emotional well-being and strengthens our relationships. By fostering self-control, compassion, and mindfulness, we can cultivate a culture of love and harmony within the body of Christ.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Matthew 18:7) “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes.” (Matthew 11:6) “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:6, Proverbs 19:11, Colossians 3:12-13, Matthew 18:7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Dealing With Tensions And Conflicts In Churches And Church Organisations - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 16, 2024

Our study continues with a few serious matters. The place of PRIDE and GOSSIP is opened up, plus some thoughts on MONEY; and the way some like to dominate others. They all cause tensions in churches. Faithful, honest preaching is vital to reduce potential conflicts.

DEALING WITH TENSIONS AND CONFLICTS IN CHURCHES AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS – PRACTICAL EXAMINATION AND SUGGESTIONS – PART 2 Last time we began a list of issues that I have seen over my lifetime that can cause tensions and conflicts in the church. In this second message we continue that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1, Ephesians 4:3, Luke 11:42-44, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, James 1:5, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 12:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Decisions For The Poor

Contributed by Daniel Keeran on Dec 30, 2016

Scriptures teaching one's responsibility to the poor.

In recent decades, a number of benevolent organizations and non-religious efforts, have made extensive appeals for contributions from the public. Undoubtedly, we will see more presentations of this kind as world population increases and as the gap widens between rich and poor nations. Every ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Personal Price Tag Of Being A Social Climber Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 24, 2015

If you desire to be among the prestigious members of society, you have to pay a steeper price than meets the eye; to climb socially, you may have to drop spiritually. Yet there are a few other reasons to question social climbing.

The Personal Price Tag of Being A Social Climber (Proverbs 23:1-8) 1. In her book, The Overspent American, Harvard professor Juliet Schor informs us most people are concerned about social status, but they live in denial. 2. She claims they rationalize to themselves they need a new car because ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Social Justice, Civil Disobedience, Unity, And The Bible

Contributed by Jody Marsh on Aug 15, 2020

There is no shortage of issues dividing our country and our church today. Should we, as Christians get involved in these issues? If so, which ones? And to what extent should we get involved?

Social Justice, Civil Disobedience, Unity, and the Bible Great Power Point slides are available. Email jaykaymarsh@yahoo.com. There is no shortage of issues dividing our country and our church today. Here is a list. Feel free to add to it: gun control, abortion, vaccines, climate change, drug ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:17, Romans 13:1, 1 Corinthians 9:22

Denomination: Adventist

The Church Is Not A Social Club, But A Sacred Community Of Believers. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 26, 2024

The Christian faith, once rooted in Scripture and tradition, is facing a crisis in modern churches

As I stepped into the church, I couldn't help but feel like I was entering a clubhouse rather than a sacred space. The atmosphere was lively, but it lacked the reverence and awe that comes with being in God's presence. This experience got me thinking – have we lost sight of the true purpose ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39

Ignoring Those On The Edges Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 14, 2020

An overview of how central it is to our Christian faith to care for those on the edges of society.

LOOKING OUT FOR #1: Sometimes we let an “I got mine!” attitude come into our spiritual lives. - Our society in general has a lot of the “I got mine!” mentality. Everyone looking out for themselves. - That can easily creep over into a spiritual attitude that is simply focused on “me and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Baptist