Sermons on Wrong Focus:

Wisdom That Wins Outsiders

Contributed by Anitha Jabastion on Sep 30, 2025

Someone once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s a sobering thought. The way we speak, work, and react when we are wronged often becomes the first sermon unbelievers hear.

Introduction Someone once said, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” That’s a sobering thought. The way we speak, work, and react when we are wronged often becomes the first sermon unbelievers hear. That is why Paul urges, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 25:11, Colossians 4:5-6

Three Crosses, Three Responses

Contributed by Dean Morgan on May 5, 2008

Today I want to speak to you about the three crosses. Most of the time we only focus on the one cross and rightly so, because it is the cross that represents redemption, but we need to remember that there were three crosses.

Today I want to speak to you about the three crosses. Most of the time we only focus on the one cross and rightly so, because it is the cross that represents redemption, but we need to remember that there were three crosses. I want to remind you that there were three men hanging on crosses that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Pentecostal

Isaiah Saw The Cross Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 16, 2018

A Christmas Sermon that points to the cross. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it the main focus of God's message of salvation. But the cross is not a comforting symbol, so why would God use it as the symbol of our faith?

OPEN: I once read about an evening chapel service at Christian summer camp. The preacher was forcefully telling the 4th & 5th graders how Jesus had been betrayed, arrested, beaten and ultimately died on the cross. His message was so powerful, that a hushed silence fell across the young ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Listen

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Dec 28, 2021

The medical professional will tell us to listen to our bodies because it will let us know if something isn’t right that’s the reason, we do self-examinations. The auto mechanic will tell you to listen to your automobile because certain sounds will indicate something is wrong.

Listen By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - As we come towards the end of 2021 and looking forward, to 2022 people are looking for things to be better in the coming year. We long to be able to have what we call normal back. We pray that the Covid pandemic will finally end, that there ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:8, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17, Revelation 2:29, Revelation 3:6, Revelation 3:13, Revelation 3:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Apostolic

A Woman, A Well, And A Water-Pot

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Feb 2, 2018

As we examine this event is Jesus' life and ministry [John 4:1-42] we will learn that he comes to break down social barriers (cultural, racial, traditional) and to turn our focus from the temporary to the eternal.

We’re in the middle of our Summer Series entitled: “LIVE-LIKE-THAT” and through this series of messages we’re challenging each of us to begin living as Jesus lived and loving as Jesus loved. Jesus demonstrated the importance of loving God with all of His being and here at Gateway that’s our ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

One Is The Loveliest Number

Contributed by David Roth on Mar 2, 2015

Proper 18 (a) By nature we focus on ourselves, trying to be the greatest, to be Number One. But that leads to separation and loneliness. Christ has redeemed us, that we may be united with the Father and with each other. Therefore we live in love.

J. J. May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen. “One is the loveliest number” Our gospel reading today is in three parts. It opens with the disciples asking Jesus, yet again, who will be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Stole Christmas?

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Dec 11, 2006

We need to put our focus on Jesus at this time of year, and to help others do the same; by sharing the Lord with them; by loving them; and by actually leading them to Christ just as someone else led us to Christ.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It is a time that we look forward to with joy in our hearts and eagerly anticipate what is about to happen. And, it was meant for us to feel that way. But, in the last few years, something terrible has happened. Somebody has stolen Christmas! Not only ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: *other

The Myths Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Jan 13, 2014

This is the second in a series of 4 messages designed to help create a new focus on Purpose/Vision/Mission. Thanks to the writings of Dr. Gene Mimms, Dr. Rick Warren, & Dr. Thom Rainer for the 'extra' readings to complete this series.

“The MYTHS” Purpose living for a New Year - #2 of 4 Jerry Watts MATT 16:13-19 • Shortly after I became your pastor I took a trip to Saddleback for 2 conferences in one week. One conference was “Preaching for Life-Change” and the other was “The Purpose-Driven ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Baptist

A Second Horrible Day For Job Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 9, 2017

When we see God at work, sometimes no words are necessary. Sometimes, there is nothing we need to do but focus on God’s grace. Our best choice is to sit silently, and rely on what God has said to us.

A second horrible day for Job Job Sermon Series, Part 3 Introduction (Job Slide) - The book of Job is going to be a very challenging study for us - Most people think this is about a man named Job who had a rough life - However, we can easily fail to focus on the main character … God - Job ...read more

Scripture: Job 2:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I'm Not Going To Miss You Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Jun 30, 2022

This sermon continues to focus on Solomon's melancholy view of life and his conclusion to: "Remember God in the days of your youth" because there will come a point where you will no longer remember or enjoy very little.

The passage we will be looking at today is kind of a lengthy one. It is Ecclesiastes 11:7 going all the way down to Ecclesiastes 12:8. This particular chunk of passage is actually considered probably the last words that Solomon wrote at least in this book. Even though there are words that ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21

Denomination: Christian Church

Finishing Strong Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Nov 25, 2010

We are called to finish the race, and it takes endurance. We need to be (1) prepared for the struggles that will come, and (2) focus our attention on Jesus. Ministry flows out of a love relationship with Christ. Our vision of Him will enable us to fini

[Some of the thoughts in this sermon are taken from Max Lucado’s book Just Like Jesus.] Let’s learn about endurance today. We want to finish strong, not just starting well. I don’t always finish what I start. Chances are I am not alone. • We have unfinished tasks lying around - like a book ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Bouncing Back (Part Three)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jun 6, 2021

In parts one and two we looked at Joseph and Paul. People like Job, Jesus, Joseph and Paul suffered hardships but they didn't do anything wrong. But what about when our suffering is our fault? How can we bounce back?

BOUNCING BACK (part three) In parts one and two we looked at Joseph and Paul. People like Job, Jesus, Joseph and Paul suffered hardships but they didn't do anything wrong to bring it upon themselves. Their sufferings weren't because they had sinned yet they bounced back anyway. But what ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24, John 21:7, John 21:15-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Timothy: The Real Deal Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 21, 2020

This exposition of Philippians 2:19-24 focuses on the qualities of godly leadership exemplified in Timothy. His mindset and proven character are Paul's focus. Statistics on the impact of Covid-19 on the American church are also examined.

Our text today is in Philippians 2:19-24. But before we go there, I want to process our current situation in America with you. I’ll begin with a couple of hypothetical situations as a backdrop for what I want to share with you. What would you say if I told you that the Federal government has shut ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-40, 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Proverbs 4:23, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 1 Timothy 3:6, Matthew 13:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Matthew 10:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

In A World Gone Mad, Where Is God?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 28, 2019

When we cry out "It's not fair," we are forgetting that God has fixed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness. Followers of the Christ must look to Him to make right the wrong that now permeates the world.

“[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” [1] Sexually frustrated men driving vans on city sidewalks intent on killing innocent and helpless women, out-of-control ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:31

Denomination: Baptist

An Invitation To Worship Series

Contributed by Todd Leupold on Jan 16, 2008

Part 1 in series about living lives of worship. Focus of this opening message is a powerful reminder that God has invited us to live and participate in Him - it is up to us to how we may respond and what that may mean.

INVITATION TO A LIFE OF WORSHIP Part 1 in series, “LifeSongs*: Lives of Worship” Rev. Todd G. Leupold Perth Bible Church Sunday January 13, 2008 AM * Title inspired by the name of the song and album by “Casting Crowns.” Overall series inspired and, to some degree adapted, from the writings of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:11-27

Denomination: Baptist