Sermon Central
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It Seems To Me That It Is Accurate To Say Our ...
Contributed by Ed Sasnett on May 27, 2010 (message contributor)
It seems to me that it is accurate to say our generation is in a relationship crisis. We have the highest divorce rate in the Western hemisphere, more couples live together than are married, absentee fathers or mothers are common, abortions that number into the hundreds of thousands year-after-year, and in 2005 Southern Baptist churches dismissed over 1300 staff members. That number does not include those who were pressured to resign. For ten years the top five reasons given for vacating the pulpit or firing another staff member has to do with relationship issues: control issues, poor people skills, resistance to change, leadership style is too strong, or the church was already in conflict when the pastor arrived. You might have thought the most common reason had to do with sexual misconduct or ethical issues, but 2005 was the first time that sexual misconduct was listed in the top ten (number nine) and ethical issues made the top 20 (number eleven). The biggest problem in our churches is not division over doctrine or morality but relationships (LifeWay survey). We don’t know how to get along or we aren’t willing to work at it.
We’ve grown up in a culture that has taught us that we are to be served rather than serve. We would rather be the head than the feet. When we remember Christ we remember he said that he came to serve and not be served, and he sacrificed for us when we least deserved it. Our God wrapped a towel around his waist and washed the filth from the feet of his disciples.
The next time you dislike someone or something in this church, bring it to the cross. Does it really diminish Jesus Christ or the cross or is it a matter of personal preference? Does it really distract from the cross or is it just an inconvenience to you and your agenda? If a church or family would live this way the joy, peace, and unity would significantly increase. Peace and unity in the church takes effort.
Related Sermon Illustrations
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It Is The Japanese Who Have Created The Best ...
Contributed by Steve Rutherford on Aug 18, 2005
It is the Japanese who have created the best swords in the world. To create these fine weapons, ancient Japanese sword makers had to create a sword that was hard enough to retain a sharp edge, but at the same time soft enough not to be brittle. Sword makers who made swords by making the steel hard ...read more
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Do All The Good You Can", In Other Words, Help ...
Contributed by Scott Bradford on Jan 11, 2007
"Do all the good you can", In other words, help thy neighbor. I just got off the phone with our daughter in law to see how she’s feeling with the radiation treatments. She’s tired now and feels sore but her skin is not burned. She told me about our grandson Patrick who is nine years old and ...read more
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A Lot Of People Think They Are Self-Acclaimed ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 5, 2007
A lot of people think they are self-acclaimed experts. Take this health food advice: Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it... don’t waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. ...read more
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In Spite Of The Fun And Laughter, 13 Yr. Old ... PRO
Contributed by John Gerald on Sep 11, 2004
In spite of the fun and laughter, 13 yr. old Frank Wilson was not happy. It was true, he had received all the presents he wanted, and he enjoyed the traditional Christmas Eve reunions with relatives for the purpose of exchanging gifts and good wishes..........but Frank was not happy because this ...read more
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Reformed Pastor Michael Horton, In His Book, "A ... PRO
Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 30, 2004
Reformed Pastor Michael Horton, in his book, "A Better Way: Rediscovering the Drama of God-Centered Worship writes: We are repeatedly told these days that music is the most important thing we do in worship. In fact, "worship" usually means singing or enjoying the singing of others. "Let’s ...read more
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