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Contributors
  • Doug Johnston

    Contributing sermons since Jan 1, 2000
Doug's church

First Baptist Church of Redmond
Redmond, Washington 98052
425-885-2735

About Doug
  • Education: Doug completed a B.A. in Pastoral Studies, and followed it with a M.A. in Bible and an M. Div. in seminary. Barbara earned her B.S. in Elementary Education, and after teaching in Christian schools now home schools our family’s children.
  • Experience: I began professional pastoral ministry in September of 1991 in California. My first church there held an ordination council for me in April of 1992. We were active in children’s ministries (Awana), and helped in all areas of church ministry. We were very active in Christian education; our church operated a Christian school using School of Tomorrow’s curriculum. Barbara served one year as principal. We moved to Washington State in the summer of 2000.
  • Comment to those looking at my sermons: I am primarily listing outlines. When I look at someone else’s sermons, I want to see how they develop the passage, and what principles they get from it. Perhaps that’s self-centered, but those are the things I’m trying to list. I look forward to constructive comments.
  • Sermon or series that made a difference: Find people profit from being reminded how much they really do love and value their family, and how much God really loves them. I’ve recently preached sermon series through Romans and the Family. Both were well received.
  • One of my favorite illustrations: The story of "Butch" O’Hare. He was able to be a famous WWII aviator and hero because of his dad. Dad worked for Capone for a time in Chicago, but eventually went state’s evidence and was killed for his effort. O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named for this family. It teaches how the love and influence of a father changed his family, and brought them a great name. God does the same for us.
  • Family: My wife Barbara and I have three great young children, Craig (6), Adam (4) and our newest child and first daughter, Brittany, born in October of 2000. We have family in the Seattle area, and enjoy living in the area.
  • What my parents think of my sermons: They were proud of me getting the chance to speak in my home church. They died before I pastored my first church.
  • What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She enjoys listening to me preach. Good thing, since I hope she’s doing it for a long time. I appreciate her input. A friend told me once the best people to give you criticism are those interested in your success. That puts her opinions at the top of the list.
  • Best advice given to me about preaching: Preach something spiritually important to you from the Bible. If God leads you to feel this is an important topic that matters to people, He’ll fill you with zeal and give you something to say.
  • Books that have had an impact: Great reads for me (Doug) have been The Purpose Drive Church (Warren), The Cross of Christ (Stott), and most things by R. C. Sproul. I’ve also enjoyed reading A.W. Tozer’s works, who I think much of our current pastors neglect. For light reading, I enjoy biographies. I admit to being infatuated with the history of the Kennedy clan, and their possible connection to organized crime.
  • Hobbies: Doug loves sports, but is getting too old (40) and out of shape to do much about it anymore. He likes to play or coach what he can, and reads too much. Barbara loves her children, quilting, playing piano, and cooking. We both like to travel and see new things, ranging from the mountains to window shopping in malls or small towns. And, everyone (including the kids) are enjoying computers. We’re trying to like camping as a family.
  • If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Honor God and the things He values. God values us, His Son Jesus, and people. Jesus’ most memorable stories to me are the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 15), and the Widow and the Unjust Judge (Luke 18). I’d probably preach one of those passages unless I could combine them.
  • Something funny that happened while preaching: I’ve had sick headaches sometimes, and preached anyway. One Sunday evening, I finished my sermon abruptly, prayed, and shot out the side door and made my way outside. I was sicker than I anticipated... God is merciful; no one could tell except my wife.
  • What I want on my tombstone: He loved God and his family - and was forgiven by both of them!
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Newest Sermons

  • Giving Thanks In Difficult Times

    Contributed on Mar 26, 2010
    based on 4 ratings
     | 7,538 views

    Knowing Jesus is enough to give the foundation for us to give thanks in difficult circumstances. The future will bring great difficulties for the people who experience it; knowing Jesus is their only foundation for hope.

    Introduction: We're tempted to just throw things away that don't do what we want. Luke 13:6-9 gives one of Jesus parables, about a fruitles fig tree, that was fertilized to give it another chance, its best chance for growth. If no growth was forthcoming, it then would be destroyed. The ...read more

  • Strange Blessings

    Contributed on Jan 2, 2002
    based on 25 ratings
     | 4,034 views

    Failing to make time for God during strange times might cause us to miss His blessings and instead find frustration instead.

    As we see the birth of Jesus, we see Mary’s immediate assistance coming from her faithful husband and unfailing God in the time of her distress. They had to make time for God; God had made this a unique time for them. We too might miss God’s help if we’re too busy with the details of life to see ...read more

  • The Rest Of Your Life

    Contributed on Jan 2, 2002
    based on 39 ratings
     | 3,740 views

    Simeon and Anna did not live their senior lives without purpose, they dedicated the rest of their lives to praise God and were blessed for it.

    Simeon and Anna were different from the rest of the older people in the place Jesus was circumcised. Their difference made them stand out, if you would have been looking for it. We must praise; it builds all those God uses. I. Eyes Expecting God’s Promise (25-27) A. His faith changed his ...read more

  • Finding God

    Contributed on Jan 2, 2002
    based on 61 ratings
     | 4,054 views

    Jesus’ first independant action, teaching in the Temple at the age of 12, introduces His life-long urgency of helping people find God.

    Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11 “I must be about my Father’s business” -Jesus We must teach others how to find God. I. Through Worship (41-42) A. Habit-forming B. Family oriented C. Centers on praise for God’s ...read more

  • Doing The Impossible

    Contributed on Jan 2, 2002
    based on 40 ratings
     | 4,750 views

    Mary was able to take on the seemingly impossible task God gave her by taking the strength for the task He gave and not relying on herself.

    If CNN were around in 1809, it would have concentrated its evening news stories on Austria. Napoleon was on the move. But, in that same year, Tennyson was born in England Oliver Wendell Holmes was born in Cambridge, MA Edgar Allen Poe was born in Boston Charles Darwin began his ...read more

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Newest Sermon Series

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Newest Sermon Illustrations

  • A Young Couple Began Attending A Midwest Church. ...

    Contributed on Apr 23, 2001
    based on 145 ratings
     | 3,067 views

    A young couple began attending a midwest church. They had been saved ony about 8 months when they announced that they needed prayer; they had experienced several miscarriages and had just discovered they were with child again. The congregation responded; they had the most prayed for baby in the ...read more

  • Hocus Pocus

    Contributed on Mar 14, 2001
    based on 102 ratings
     | 4,563 views

    Hocus Pocus Salvation can be difficult to understand, especially when it’s not clearly explained. During the Middle Ages, the most educated people in European villages was usually the priest. He was a source of information and help, as well as the one holding the keys to heaven. The people ...read more