Sermons on Tension:

Being Good Citizens Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 2, 2004

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” In Philippians 1:27, Paul acknowledged the fact that we are also citizens on earth and must therefore be careful about how we live:

I heard former President Jimmy Carter interviewed on WGN Radio a couple weeks ago. In commenting about the current presidential campaign, he said, “I’ve never seen it so negative and there has never been a sharper divide in our country.” He then said that of the 52 elections he has monitored around ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Authority And Christian Experience

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 16, 2011

The basis for our faith and practise must be the authority of God’s Word, and not our own personal experience. This concept is explored through referring to the instruction Jesus provided to people who had believed Him.

“Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, “You will become ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-41

Denomination: Baptist

Myth: I Don't Need Church Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on May 24, 2013

Myth: I Don't Need Church

Intro Continuing in our series entitled "Myths." Today an idea that may be a little more common and expressed a little more openly... Myth: I Don't Need Church This idea might be expressed in similar ways with a little more subtly and nuance...such as: • I don't need a church to have a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Giant Of Money Problems

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on May 26, 2013

This sermon helps us to understand the difference between standard of living and quality of life and how we need to know this when it comes to money.

The Giant Of Money Problems Calvary 5-18-13 Ecclesiastes 4:1-8 Matthew 6:19-24 I am indebted to Andy Stanley for his sermon on Breathing Room for some of the concepts and ideas in this message. Today is Pentecost Sunday. Let me tell you briefly how Pentecost Sunday came out in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What To Do When Someone's Mad At You Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 19, 2006

God would rather have a broken life than a beautiful lamb. He would rather have a surrendered man or a woman than scads of money. He would rather have us leave and make peace than lift our hands in praise when we’re in conflict with someone.

What to Do When Someone’s Mad at You Matthew 5:23-24 Rev. Brian Bill 11/19/06 I had the honor of hearing the Messiah give an amazing message on the side of a mountain last year near my hometown of Capernaum [show picture]. I was very moved by His words and at the same time was troubled by what He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Weapon Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 11, 2016

On 9-11 our nation needed someone to tell us they understood our fears, our enemy and our future. It needed someone to say they had a plan to deal with our enemy and that together we would overcome. Essentially, that's what Revelation 4 is all about.

OPEN: Fifteen years ago, two of our families went on vacation. They went to NYC and had gone to see the sights and enjoy the pleasures of the city. But their plans were shattered in a moment’s time… along with the plans of millions of Americans across the nation. 19 evil men, with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 4:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Judgment On God's Elect Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 8, 2022

Amos 3:1-15 shows us the significance of four divine calls.

Introduction Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, wrote a book in 2009 titled, Future Tense: Jews, Judaism, and Israel in the Twenty-First Century. In the book, he noted, “When it was hard to be a Jew, people stayed Jewish. When it was easy to be a Jew, people stopped being ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When God Saves His People From Themselves (Joshua 22:1-34) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 29, 2022

Everyone in this story does what's right, and it almost leads to tragedy. God steps in, faithfully, to make sure it ends well.

Most movies that you go to see in theatres share a similar framework. Something bad happens, or has happened, at the start of the movie, that leads to tension and conflict. Eventually, there's a big climactic scene near the end of the movie where everything gets resolved. At this point, the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 22:1-34

Three Scenes In A Fateful Night

Contributed by Gregory Fisher on May 19, 2021

Everyone knows about the angel's visitation to Mary. What about Joseph? Where are the "Joseph Did You Know?" Christmas songs? What were the emotions that Joseph faced when he found Mary pregnant?

Introduction: *Dave Berry—an American Humorist—tells us his favorite Christmas memories as a child was the annual Nativity Pageant at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church "Shepherd was my favorite role because you got to carry a stick. . . Many were the happy rehearsal hours we shepherds ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:16-25

Denomination: Foursquare

"from Every Nation" - The Bible And Race - Pt.2 Series

Contributed by Robert Walderman on Oct 22, 2020

Racism, prejudice, and discrimination are sins that have been around as long as humanity. Those sins have taken the very good and beautiful design of God in all its diversity and corrupts it into something God never intended and makes it something ugly.

Racism, prejudice, and discrimination are sins that have been around as long as humanity. Those sins have taken the very good and beautiful design of God in all its diversity and corrupts it into something God never intended and makes it something ugly. Such sin existed down through history and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Solution To Church Conflict

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 1, 2025

Church unity is not preserved through debates or leadership but through agape love—a voluntary, unconditional, and sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's sacrifice on the cross, calling believers to forgive, serve, and seek reconciliation over division.

Loving God by Loving one Another 1 John 4:7-11 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 What happens when the people who are supposed to love each other the most turn against one another? Have you ever walked into a church and sensed the tension in the air? Maybe it ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-10, Mark 10:45, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:10, Philippians 2:6-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

I Am Faithful Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Aug 16, 2018

We may lose our health … our job … our friends … but we will never lose God. He will never leave us nor forsake us. “I will love with an everlasting love,” He promises (Jeremiah 31:3). “I the Lord do not change,” God promises" in Malachi 3:6.

I make promises all the time … and I always intend on keeping them every time I make them. But you know what? I don’t always keep them … not all of them … try as hard as I might. I’m going to let you down sometimes … disappoint you .. if I haven’t already. I’m gonna break a promise. But guess ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Shine Your Light For Christ Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 3, 2003

Sometimes we need a lesson in Christian conduct. Paul knows that when he writes the Philippians. He wants to give them guidance in their Christian conduct. That is what Paul does and he tells them about living the Christian life.

There was a family who, as many times happens, had trouble getting along with their neighbors. They argued back and forth and finally one of the neighbors was about to go on vacation. They hoped that this might reduce the tension between the two. After one family left on vacation the one still at ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

Living Life In The Face Of Death

Contributed by Nathan Eyland on Jan 23, 2005

A look at life in the face of inevitable death.

While preparing for this sermon I read a number of sermons by some older preachers. One of them commented on the fact that much of what was taboo when he was younger was now brazenly displayed on T-shirts for all to see. However he suggested that something that once was not taboo - death - is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Waiting PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2025

God’s strength never fails; when we are weary, He renews us, teaching us to hope, trust, and find fresh power in His presence.

Some of us walked in today with a brave face and a tired heart. Bills and busyness have been barking at your heels. Sleep has been thin. Relationships feel fragile. The headlines howl. And somewhere deep inside, a whisper rises: “I’m worn down.” If that’s you, friend, you are in good company. The ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:28-31

Topics: Waiting, Patience