Sermons on Tensions:

Resting For Greatness Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 1, 2024

The Sabbath was on Saturday, and yet we worship on Sunday. Why do we do that, and what lessons from the Jewish Sabbath can we learn as Christians?

Before we get into the heart of the sermon I want to address idea of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was the 7th day of the week and that’s SATURDAY. On the Sabbath, Jews would worship God, spend time with their families. And… essentially, they did little else. The Sabbath was a DAY OF REST. In fact, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28, Colossians 2:11-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Principled People

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Jan 16, 2003

It’s easy to hold to convictions when there is no tension and strife in your life. But how pertinent are your principles, how firm are your convictions, when you are challenged by a man of God to do something that goes against your core beliefs? No; how s

"And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadad the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying,Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever." My heart’s ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Trump? What Is Biden?

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Oct 4, 2020

The presidential election has repeatedly brought division in many countries. It has ruined friendship, family members stop talking with each other because they disagree on which candidate they should vote. Sadly, that also happened at church and created tension among the people of God. What a shame!

What is Trump? What is Biden? (1 Cor 3:3-4) On Friday morning, President Trump announced that he and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19. and was transferred to Walter Reed Military Medical Center. Dr. Jim Denison said, “The year 2020 has been unlike any in living memory, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:3-4, Ephesians 6:11, Daniel 2:21, Ephesians 6:12, 1 Timothy 2:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Am Faithful Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Apr 25, 2021

Although the Psalmist Ethan finds no resolution to the tension between God’s promise and God’s delay in fulfilling His promises in Psalm 89, we know that God DID indeed fulfill His promise to David don’t we? The line of David did not end in the exile.

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. The one promise that I will always ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:29, Isaiah 54:10, John 6:37

Denomination: United Methodist

The Kingdom Will Still Be The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Sep 29, 2024

Even in times of political tension, we can rest assured that God's kingdom is eternal and unshakable. Jesus is Lord over all earthly powers, and our true citizenship lies in His kingdom—a kingdom not defined by political leaders but by humility, servanthood, and ultimate allegiance to God.

#### **Introduction** Video Ill.: Kingdom Minded — The Skit Guys If there is any one thing that brings drama and division to our world, it is politics. It feels like unprecedented times — such division and discord over political views and opinions today. There is so much tension in our ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 145:13, John 18:34-37, Matthew 18:2-5, Matthew 22:16-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sweet Temptation Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Oct 23, 2022

Ah ... free will. The ability to choose/decide for ourselves what is right and good and what isn't. However, as Solomon points out, we also got 'temptation' along with it and he beautifully illustrates the tension of temptation in Proverbs 9 between Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly.

Ah … it’s a familiar story. Eve is strolling through the beautiful Garden of Eden when she is surprised by a talking snake. “Hey, how ya doing?” “Fine.” “What ya doin?” “Oh, Adam and I are just walking around … taking in the beauty of God’s creation.” “Oh, yeah? Lovely. Say, what about ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-6, Romans 7:19, Romans 7:22-24, Psalm 104:24, Psalm 104:27-30, Proverbs 8:1-9, Proverbs 8:23-31, Proverbs 9:13-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Reconcile: Jesus Is The Reconciliation Artist Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Oct 17, 2019

A new relationship becomes possible when we recognize what God has done in Jesus to reconcile us. Conflict leads to reconciliation and back to the cross.

This our second message in our 3 week series entitled “Reconcile.” Jesus once said, the scriptures say an “eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”(Matt 5:38-39) In this simple ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22, Matthew 5:38-39, Genesis 1:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When The Sermon Is Hot Series

Contributed by Alvin Hathaway, Sr. on Mar 16, 2009

When the sermon is hot it talks about one’s sin, it makes known one’s need, and it builds up one’s hope.

Title: “When the Sermon is Hot” Text: Psalms 39:3 Focus: “…then spake I with my tongue…” When the sermon is hot it talks about one’s sin, it makes known one’s need, and it builds up one’s hope. No one is exempt from having to deal with issues in life. I really don’t have a definition for issues, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 39:3

Denomination: Baptist

Etchings Series

Contributed by Allen James on Sep 5, 2010

The second of five messages exploring the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6. Today's message, Etchings, takes a look at the 2nd & 3rd petitions, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

ETCHINGS • Matthew 6:10 • May 22 & 23, 2010 READ MATTHEW 6:9-15. ILLUSTRATION OF ETCH-A-SKETCH… Introduction: Every follower of Christ must WRESTLE with the TENSION between earth and heaven. Jesus reveals that His kingdom and His will must be ETCHED in our hearts. If you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:10

Denomination: Baptist

Preach With No Pants Series

Contributed by John Allen on Sep 21, 2020

How to Prepare an Inductive Sermon Outline

I'll never forget preaching that sermon. Even as I spoke I was thinking, "The only way I could get better attention is if I'd forgotten to wear my pants!" The message wasn't much different from any other sermon. But that Sunday, I was experimenting with a new way of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50, John 3:16

Grace + Truth = Love Series

Contributed by Jeff Poor on Mar 6, 2017

Most of us lean towards grace OR truth. Jesus was full of grace AND truth.

Title: Grace + Truth = Love Text: John 8:1-11? Bottom Line: Most of us lean towards grace OR truth. Jesus was full of grace AND truth. Intro Good Morning Real Life! Last week we kicked off a series called Tension. If you missed last week I would encourage you to hop online or go grab the podcast ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From Anxiety To Acceptance Series

Contributed by Christopher Hill on Feb 2, 2004

Jesus’ experience at Mt Olives demonstrates his voluntary submission to crucifixion and how we are to handle a "No" answer to prayer. He demonstrates his humanity in his grief as he walks the path from Anxiety to Acceptance.

Hope Community Church February 8, 2004 Bro. Chris Hill Contemporary American culture values the independent thinker who can make quick decisions. I have even read in some of my leadership material that a true leader is not somebody who can make a good decision but one can make any decision. In ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Extraordinary Things Can Happen (The Miracle Of Christmas) Series

Contributed by Dwight Gunter Ii on Sep 13, 2001

Part of the Christmas Wonder PowerPak

Introduction… Life is a journey/ an adventure. And as we journey on the road of life we sometimes encounter unexpected curves: · The medical report you didn’t expect · The accident you didn’t see coming · The job being over · Having a baby · Losing a baby · Losing someone without ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: *other

The Journey Of Mary & Joseph Series

Contributed by Dwight Gunter Ii on Dec 20, 2000

How can we deal with the unexpected curves along the journey of life? Mary and Joseph serve as a model for us.

Introduction… Life is a journey/ an adventure. And as we journey on the road of life we sometimes encounter unexpected curves: · The medical report you didn’t expect · The accident you didn’t see coming · The job being over · Having a baby · Losing a baby · Losing someone without ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: *other

Where No Oxen Are The Barn Is Clean Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 15, 2004

#7 in Proverbs and Parables series Matthew 24:45-51 with Proverbs If you want a clean, tidy church just get rid of the people. As God’s servants we are in the people business.

Where no Oxen are the Barn is Clean Proverbs 14-15 SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 24:45-51 INTRODUCTION: You will notice in the parable _________________ read that the good servant did the job of overseeing other servants and making sure everyone was fed and cared for. If you’ve ever cooked for a ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ