Sermons on Thematic Unity:

Division

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 18, 2005

Dissension in the Corinthian church was the first problem addressed by Paul. He introduces the thoughts of this passage with an appeal for unity.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Being much concerned about the rise of denominations in the church, John Wesley tells of a dream he had. In the dream, he was ushered to the gates of Hell. There he asked, “Are there any Presbyterians here?” “Yes!”, came the answer. Then he asked, “Are there any ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Knowledge

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 18, 2005

The true condition of the Corinthian believers was that they were still engrossed with human, earthly wisdom. We can spend a lifetime accumulating human knowledge and still not learn how to have a personal relationship with God.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Knowledge is exploding at such a rate—more than 2000 pages a minute—that even Einstein couldn’t keep up. In fact, if you read 24 hours a day, from age 21 to 70, and retained all you read, you would be one and a half million years behind when you finished. How can it be, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

United We Serve

Contributed by Arlen Payne on Nov 24, 2002

In order for the work of God there much be unity in the church as demonstrated when Ezra and people of Israel rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

United We Serve Ezra 3:1-13 Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7 Intro: Ezra 1:1-4 The People of God had spent many years in captivity because of their sin. God had promised to bring them back to the promised land. King Cyrus, under the direction of the Lord offered send people back to Jerusalem to ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

All For One, And One For All Series

Contributed by Chris Talton on Dec 2, 2002

God has put us into the body of Christ through the Baptism of the Spirit in order that we might mutually benefit and support one another.

October 13, 2002 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 ¡§All for One, and One for all!¡¨ INTRODUCTION One of my son Benjamin¡¦s favorite movies is ¡§The Three Musketeers¡¨. It¡¦s the story of the struggles that a young man named Dar Tanyan goes through in order to fulfill his life¡¦s goal of becoming ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Substitutes For Love Series

Contributed by Chris Talton on Dec 3, 2002

In our attempts to serve God, we use words, spirituality, and offerings. But without love as the motivation for all these, they are useless substitutes for what God desires and what the worlds needs.

November 3, 2002 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ¡§Substitutes for love¡¨ INTRODUCTION This Tuesday is election day. Candidates tell us that we should not be satisfied with the way that things are. There is a better way, and it is their way. - in the world - at the job - in the church - in your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Substance Of Love Series

Contributed by Chris Talton on Dec 3, 2002

Everyone is searching for love. But many people are listening to the wrong definition of love. The only one qualified to define love is God for He is the source of all love.

November 10, 2002 I Corinthians 13:4-7 ¡§The substance of Love¡¨ INTRODUCTION I think that I would be safe in saying that everyone wants to be loved. And in their desire to be loved, they will try almost anything. ¡§A young man was determined to win the affection of a lady who refused to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Credible Christian Church Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Dec 3, 2002

The Credible Christian church will be characterised by unity, humility, gentleness, patience and peace. Our primary task is to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth and our success will depend on our credibility.

If you were here 2 weeks ago you may remember that I posed the question, ’What is the church here for?’ That might sound like a straightforward question at first, but I think you’ll find if you ask a range of people what they think the Church should be doing, you’ll get a range of answers. Now ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Anglican

Make Every Effort Series

Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Dec 12, 2002

Part of a series of sermons on Romans. How important is the unity of the church? Why should we Make Every Effort to keep unity? Can Christians have different opinions and still fellowship with one another?

Make Every Effort Romans 14:1–23 INTRODUCTION Sibling relationships are, at best, sometimes strained. I can remember growing up, the fights my brother and I would get into. I forget what the fights were about, only that we fought. Most of the time, I’m sure, it was just nitpicking things. I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

United In Christ

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 21, 2000

True unity comes only through Christ

United in Christ Philippians 2:1-11 April 12, 1998 Sunrise Service I. Unity in Spirit and Purpose A. Benefits of believers 1. Encouragement: We have encouragement because we are united with christ, our relationship with God is therefore restored and renewed, it is Christ who encourages us to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Church Of God

Bad Ministry

Contributed by Dana Carpenter Jr. on Dec 29, 2000

The Song of Solomon contains much allegory related to the church today -- this sermon deals with condemnation of others.

INTRODUCTION. A. We are going to be examining a scripture from the Song of Solomon, looking at its meaning and its implications for the church today. B. In the Song of Solomon, the Shulamite girl is representative of the Bride of Christ, or in this and several other instances in the ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 5:7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Four Characteristics Of A Godly Church

Contributed by Ernest Canell on Jan 16, 2001

Do you want your church to be like God’s church?

Four Characteristics of a Godly Church READ Acts2:42-47 Ask you what you might think a silly question— Do you want this church to be like God’s church? This question needs to be asked because the church of today is slipping. Did you know that the United States is the third largest unchurched ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: *other

The Problem With Partiality Series

Contributed by Andy Atkins on Jan 27, 2001

God is no respecter of persons, and he expects no less for his church!

The Problem with Partiality James 2:1-13 Are you a fair-minded individual? Do you oppose discrimination? Chances are that most of us alive today would describe ourselves as impartial and fair in most senses. But are we really as fair as we like to think? Suppose that today a cook from the local ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

There Must Be Factions?

Contributed by Chris Thron on Oct 18, 2000

Many doctrinal disputes within the Body of Christ are simply due to different uses of words.

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Cor. 11:18-19, ASV) Controversies over Bible interpretation often cause ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:18-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Holding Us Together? Series

Contributed by Tommy Hames on Oct 18, 2000

A description of what helps hold a group of believers together.

WHAT IS HOLDING US TOGETHER? This is the first of a series of three messages I have entitled, "The Church". Other messages in the series include: #2 - "What Will Keep Us Together", focusing on Colossians 1:9-14. #3 - "What Could Break Us Apart", focusing on Galatians 1:6-10. INTRODUCTION ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

Healthy And Thriving

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Jun 9, 2003

The Scriptures show us examples to emulate and also examples to avoid. Today, we look at an example to avoid in order to be a healthy, thriving church.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: There has been an incredible emphasis in recent years on church health. Many believe that if a local church is healthy and functioning the way it should, natural growth will be the result. The removal of growth-restricting diseases that often plague the body of ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:9-11