THE SIN, SIGNS, AND
SEVERITY OF STRIFE

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 6:16–19, Romans 16:17, Titus 3:10–11

LIFE APPLICATION

God hates division in His church, exposes its fleshly source, confronts its destructive signs, and calls every believer to protect unity through humility, truth, and obedient love.

Proverbs 6:16–19 

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THE SIN GOD DESPISES

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him… he that soweth discord among brethren.”

Solomon says discord is sown.

• Repeating the same grievance to multiple people is sowing discord
• Sharing “concerns” without seeking resolution is sowing discord
• Recruiting agreement instead of seeking peace is sowing discord

Am I planting seeds of unity—or weeds of division?

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THE SOURCE THAT DEFINES IT

Galatians 5:19-21

When strife shows up:

• Don’t spiritualize it
• Don’t normalize it
• Diagnose it
• Ask: What fleshly desire is driving this reaction? Control? Recognition? Vindication?

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THE SIGNS THAT DISCLOSE IT

Proverbs 20:3

Proverbs 26:21,

A divisive person:

• Criticizes constantly but contributes rarely.
• Whispers privately instead of speaking biblically.
• Gathers followers rather than seeks faithfulness.
• Magnifies problems instead of pursuing peace.

Application:

• Evaluate speech by its fruit, not its tone: Does this conversation bring clarity or confusion?
• Does it move us toward reconciliation or resentment? Does it honor leadership or undermine it?
• Peaceable wisdom always points toward solutions—not sides.

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Bob Principle:

If Bob has a problem with everybody, then Bob is the problem.

THE SEPARATION GOD DIRECTS

Romans 16:17

Application:

• Not everyone should have the same access
• Not every voice deserves the same platform
• Not every influence should be tolerated indefinitely

Boundaries are not unloving—they are biblical.

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THE STEPS GRACE DEMANDS

Titus 3:10–11

Correction is part of care. Paul outlines a process:

• Confront lovingly
• Confirm seriously
• Correct firmly

Grace does not mean endless patience without repentance.

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THE STANDARD GOD DESIRES

Ephesians 4:1–3; 1 Corinthians 1:10

Application: Unity requires:

• Humility when offended
• Restraint when irritated
• Forgiveness when wounded

Unity is not agreement on everything—it is alignment around Christ.

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Final Application:

• Speak words that heal, not harm
• Address conflict biblically, not emotionally
• Protect unity intentionally, not accidentally

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

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Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.

LYING IN THE LIGHT

SCRIPTURE

Acts 5:1-11

LIFE APPLICATION

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THE PURITY OF THE CHURCH

Acts 4:32–37

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THE PRETENSE OF THE COUPLE

Acts 5:1-10

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THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSEQUENCE

Acts 5:11

Questions:

1). Why did God respond with such severity?

2). Why were two individuals struck dead over a lie?

Illustration: The Sin Unto Death [1]

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1 John 5:16: 16; Amos 4:6

Illustration References:

[1] Dr. Jay Harold Smith, “God’s Three Deadlines Sermon.”  https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/629252056431438 

PRAYING UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS! 

SCRIPTURE

Luke 18:1-8

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THE CHURCH IS TO PRAY PRESSINGLY!

Luke 18:1

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THE CHURCH IS TO PRAY PERSEVERINGLY!

 Luke 18:2

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The prayer that succeeds is the prayer that supplies.

God always answers prayer.

If the request is wrong, God answers “no.”

If the timing is wrong, God answers “slow.”

If we are wrong, God answers “grow.”

But if the request is right, the timing is right,

and we are right, God says, “go!”

(MULTILINE)

THE CHURCH IS TO PRAY PURPOSEFULLY!

Luke 18:6–7 

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Illustration References:

[1] Charles R. Swindoll, Strengthening Your Grip,  p. 254.

[2] Newsweek, “Talking to God,”  January 6, 1992.

[3] Faithlife/Logos Bible Software

[4] Bill Hybels, Too Busy not to Pray, p. 74.

[5](Paraphrased) Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: complete and unabridged in one volume (p. 1889). Peabody: Hendrickson

[6] Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 293). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

 

RESTORING THE PEOPLE – A CHURCH RECONNECTED

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 2:17–20

APPLICATION

When God opens our eyes to the ruins around us, He also calls His people to rise together and rebuild what has been broken.

Ephesians 4:3–4

RECOGNIZING OUR CONDITION

Nehemiah 2:17 

–A Realistic Assessment

–A Ruined Testimony

John 13:35

–A Renewed Awareness

Application: A true reset begins when we acknowledge that something is broken. We cannot repair what we refuse to recognize or accept.

ILLUSTRATION:  Josiah and the Lost Book of the Law [1]

RALLYING THE CALL

Nehemiah 2:18

–A God-Given Motivation

–A Group Commitment

–A Genuine Cooperation

Application: The church moves forward when we cease to be mere spectators and become active participants. God’s work requires both willing hearts and working hands. It is time for the people of God to rise up and rebuild!

ILLUSTRATION The Berlin Airlift (1948–1949) [2]

RESISTING THE CONFLICT

Nehemiah 2:19–20; Ephesians 4:1–6

–The Presence of Opposition

–The Power of Conviction

–The Pursuit of Unity

Application: We cannot effectively rebuild if we are busy resisting one another instead of focusing on resisting the true enemy. A church that prays together remains united, and a united church is victorious together.

ILLUSTRATION  William Wilberforce and the Fight Against the Slave Trade [3]

References:

[1] 2 Kings 22:8–13; 2 Kings 23:1–3 (King James Version)
[2] Roger G. Miller, To Save a City: The Berlin Airlift, 1948–1949
[3] Source / Reference:  Eric Metaxas, Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery

Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.

REVEALING THE PLAN – BACK TO GOD’S BLUEPRINT

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 19:21; Jeremiah 29:11

LIFE APPLICATION

Many plans may fill our minds, but it is God’s sovereign plan—designed for our good and His glory—that ultimately stands and brings us to the future He has promised.

Proverbs 19:21 

Jeremiah 29:11 

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THE PLAN OF GOD IS DIVINE IN ITS DESIGN!

Proverbs 19:21 

–Man’s Designs Are Temporary 

Proverbs 16:9   

–God’s Design Is Timeless

Isaiah 46:10

–God’s Design Is Dependable      

Application: If you desire a life that endures, build it on God’s blueprint. Allow the Word of God to be your measure, rather than the opinions of the world. Let His purpose dictate your priorities this year.

Illustration:  Alexander Fleming and the Accidental Discovery of Penicillin [1].

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THE PLAN OF GOD IS DELIBERATE IN ITS DIRECTION!

Jeremiah 29:11 

–God’s Plan Is Personal      

–God’s Plan Is Peaceful      

Romans 8:28

–God’s Plan Is Purposeful   

Application:  Do not allow yourself to doubt in the dark what God has already designed in the light. The same God who wrote your beginning already knows your end. Remain aligned with His divine direction.

Illustration:  William Carey and the “Failure” That Changed India [2].

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THE PLAN OF GOD IS DEPENDENT ON OUR DEVOTION!

Romans 12:1–2 

–We Must Present Ourselves Fully

–We Must Permit Transformation      

–We Must Prove God’s Will Faithfully     

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Application:  God does not need our advice; instead, He desires our alignment. The more we submit to His will, the clearer His plan becomes for our lives.

Illustration: Hudson Taylor and Radical Dependence on God [3].

Illustration References:

[1] Alexander Fleming, Nobel Lecture, 1945; Kevin Brown, Penicillin Man: Alexander Fleming and the Antibiotic Revolution (Sutton Publishing, 2004).

[2] S. Pearce Carey, William Carey (Macmillan, 1923); Timothy George, Faithful Witness (Christian Focus, 1991).

[3]  Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret (Moody Publishers, 1965).

Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.

 

BLESSINGS OF BEING JUSTIFIED! – Part 4

SCRIPTURE

Romans 5:1-11

LIFE APPLICATION

Because God loved us when we were His enemies and placed His Spirit within us when we were justified, victory in the Christian life is not achieved by our strength but by yielding daily to the Spirit who fills us with God’s overflowing love.

THE PROFOUND LOVE THAT WAS DISPLAYED

Romans 5:6–8

–A Love That Was Not Earned

–A Love That Was Not Delayed.

–A Love That Was Not Denied

THE PROVEN LOVE THAT WAS DEMONSTRATED

Romans 5:8

–God’s Love Is Not Merely Declared

–God’s Love Is Decisively Displayed

THE POURED LOVE THAT WAS DEPOSITED

Romans 5:5

–The Meaning of “Shed Abroad”

–The Ministry of the Spirit Before and After Salvation

THE PERMANENT GIFT THAT WAS DELIVERED

Romans 5:5; Ephesians 1

–The Spirit Is Our Seal

–The Spirit Is Our Earnest

THE POWERFUL PRESENCE THAT WAS DEPOSITED

(At the Moment of Salvation)

–Regeneration

–Indwelling

–Baptism

–Sealing

THE PRESENT CONTROL THAT MUST BE DESIRED

Ephesians 5:18

There is one vital ministry of the Holy Spirit that you must actively seek: the filling. Paul commands, “Be filled with the Spirit.”This directive is not optional; it is a continual process that requires daily intentionality. You do not receive more of the Spirit; rather, the Spirit desires more of you. While He may be a resident within you, He must also assume control and leadership, becoming the President of your life.

THE PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT MAKE IT PLAIN

–The Cow Illustration[i]

–The Drunkard Illustration[ii]

–D. L. Moody’s Glass.[iii]

CONCLUSION: THE PERSONAL APPEAL FOR DEPENDENCE

Illustration References:

[i]U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) dairy management guidelines

[ii]Alcoholics Anonymous (1939), “The Big Book”

[iii]The Life of Dwight L. Moody by W. R. Moody

Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.

 

 

NEW MERCIES FOR A NEW YEAR

SCRIPTURE

Lamentations 3:22–23

LIFE APPLICATION

Because God’s mercies are new every morning, yesterday’s failures do not define this year’s future when we trust His unfailing faithfulness.

THE PRESERVING MERCY OF GOD

Psalm 103:8 

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THE PERPETUAL COMPASSION OF GOD

Isaiah 43:18-19

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THE PERSONAL RENEWAL OF GOD

(MULTILINE)

THE PROVEN FAITHFULNESS OF GOD

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CONCLUSION: STEPPING FORWARD IN MERCY

“They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Disclaimer: All portions of this sermon by Pastor Shane are delivered under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Stories and illustrations drawn from outside sources are cited in the illustration references section, while many illustrations are also shared from Pastor Shane’s own personal experiences.

 

FOR ALL THE PEOPLE (Part 2)

SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:8-18

LIFE APPLICATION

He revealed, we must relay.

(MULTILINE)

LOVE ANNOUNCED

(The witness awakened)

Luke 10:12-14; Luke 10:17-18

–The Announcement that Made Evangelists

–The Audience that Was Perfectly Placed

–The Action that Defines Disciples

He revealed that we must go to the ones nearest us.

He revealed that we must go to the ones at the ends of the earth.

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LOVE APPLIED

Acts 1:8; Luke 2:17

–The Place

— The People 

–The Posture 

1.     Pray Daily by Name

2.     Practice Table Hospitality

3.     Present a Clear Invitation

–The Picture

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LOVE ADVANCED

Acts 1:8; Matthew. 28:18–20

–The Mandate 

–The Means 

1.     Pray

2.     Give

3.     Send

4.     Go

–The Miracles  

–The Movement 

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Disclaimer: All contents of the actual sermon have been derived through prayer and the Holy Spirit of God, including the alliterated points used in the message. The title of this series, “Holy Night,” was derived from Outreach Films and the “Chosen” film series. Outreach Films has granted permission to use the sermon series title, “Holy Night.”  The license for the Holy Night Image for PowerPoint slides, promotion, and media has been provided by Outreach Films.  Eastview has obtained a permit to show illustrations and films from the Chosen’s Holy Night series, including the full feature movie in its services.

 

GREAT JOY

SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:8–15

Life Application

We carry the gift of joy; let us live it out in a world starving for it.

(MULTILINE)

JOY ANNOUNCED

Luke 2:8–12
Luke 2:14

–The Proclamation. (Good News Declared)

–The Proportion. (Great Joy Described)

–The People. (Grace Distributed)

–The Person. (Ground of Joy Disclosed)

–The Peace. (Fruit of Joy Displayed)

(MULTILINE)

JOY ANCHORED

(What Joy Is)

–Calm — Joy as Settled –

–Confidence— Joy as Faith-Fed –

–Celebration— Joy as Cheer

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JOY ACTIVATED

(Living Joy in a Joyless World)

–Worship — Joy Turns Upward (Luke 2:13-14)

–Witness — Joy Spills Outward (Luke 2:17–18, Luke 2:20)

–Works of Mercy — Joy Moves Inward & Around (Luke’s larger theme)

*A Joyful Rule of Life (3 minutes, morning and night):

*A Joyful Meal:

*A Joyful Word:

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Disclaimer: All contents of the actual sermon have been derived through prayer and the Holy Spirit of God, including the alliterated points used in the message. The title of this series, “Holy Night,” was derived from Outreach Films and the “Chosen” film series. Outreach Films has granted permission to use the sermon series title, “Holy Night.”  The license for the Holy Night Image for PowerPoint slides, promotion, and media has been provided by Outreach Films.  Eastview has obtained a permit to show illustrations and films from the Chosen’s Holy Night series, including the full feature movie in its services.

 

 

FOR ALL THE PEOPLE (PART 1)

SCRIPTURE

Luke 2:8–15

LIFE APPLICATON:   Jesus has come to bring us peace within, because He Himself has made peace between us and God.

–The Message of Peace in the Midst of Chaos–

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THE PLIGHT OF THE SHEPHERDS: REJECTED AND REDUCED

–Their Lowly Position

Luke 2:8 

–Their Lingering Pain

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THE PROBLEM OF SIN: RUINED AND REPROACHED

Luke 2:9-15

–The Reality of Sin

Romans 3:23

Romans 3:10

–The Requirement of Sacrifice

Hebrews 10:4 

John 1:29

–The Reflection of the Shepherd

Isaiah 53:5 

Luke 2:8–15.

(MULTILINE)

THE PEACE OF THE SAVIOR: REDEEMED AND RESTORED

Luke 2:14

Ephesians 2:13–17

–Peace Announced to the Unworthy

–Peace Achieved Through the Incarnation

Ephesians 2:14

–Peace Applied to the Wounded

Isaiah 53:5

(MULTILINE)

Disclaimer: All contents of the actual sermon have been derived through prayer and the Holy Spirit of God, including the alliterated points used in the message. The title of this series, “Holy Night,” was derived from Outreach Films and the “Chosen” film series. Outreach Films has granted permission to use the sermon series title, “Holy Night.”  The license for the Holy Night Image for PowerPoint slides, promotion, and media has been provided by Outreach Films.  Eastview has obtained a permit to show illustrations and films from the Chosen’s Holy Night series, including the full feature movie in its services.