In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 65

Giving Thanks In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Mar 26, 2010

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

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Strange Blessings Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

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

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Rest Of Your Life Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

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

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Baptist

Finding God Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

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 help and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Baptist

Doing The Impossible Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

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 life Lincoln was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:28-55

Denomination: Baptist

The End Of An Era Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

David’s death brought the end to a unique time of history; have we lived in such a way to make an impact in history for God that will be remembered?

For David, After he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was laid unto his fathers... From Acts 13:36 Every person has a purpose for living, every one of us. The tragedy of all tragedies is that we should live and die and never found that purpose, that special ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Big Enough To Forgive Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

David discovered that sometimes personal offenses are best forgiven, not paid back by holding grudges, getting angry, or giving paybacks.

When David met Shemei the first time (2 Samuel 16:5-8), Shemei: +Kicked him when he was down. +Threw rocks at him, +Yelled at him, +Said God was judging the King, +Probably reminded David who Shemei’s dad was The second time they met (2 Samuel 19:22-23), 1. David kept his focus on God clear 2. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Sheltering Tree Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

God’s face in crisis often is seen in the face of friends He sends to help us, or in our face as He directs us to help others.

2 Samuel 15; 17; 19 When the chips are down, it’s amazing how god sends us a sheltering tree. I. "I’m With You” (15:18-21) Ittai the Gittite A few will remain and be counted on no matter what II. “I’ll Do Whatever You Wish” (15:23-28) Zadok and Abiathar the Priests They were willing to give up ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sailing Through The Storm Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

David was able to sail through the storm arriving in the aftermath of his sin with Bathsheba because he didn’t fight it, he went with it so it could fulfill its divine purpose.

9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

How Can We Make It Right? Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

Psalm 51 shows us steps to peace we gain when we come clean and make things right after we sin.

What are some of the most important things in life? How can you live if you don’t have them? Psalm 51:10-15 gives us guidelines for making things right after we sin, making things right in our world even if we don’t have all the things we think we should have. I. Settling Conflicts (10) A. With ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

When God Seems Unreal Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

If we choose to live as if God is not real in our lives, we may commit sins we too will regret for life.

Introduction: David was a man who loved God, a man after God’s own heart. He sinned, and it was intensified because of who he was and how he mishandled it. But it was just sin, an act of disobedience he came later to regret with bitter tears. And unless we take heed (1 Corinthians 10:12) to his ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When God Says "No” Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Jan 2, 2002

When God tells us "no" to one of our requests, it does not mean He does not care for us, it usually means He has something else for us

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 2 Samuel ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

"I Played The Fool, " Saul's Epitaph Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 19, 2001

Instead of being like King Saul, whose life ended with disappointment, we can be like King David, whose life was characterized by hope, even when death was near.

J Sidlow Baxter’s book, Mark These Men, tells us he thinks a man plays the fool when he: Neglects his godly friends; Goes on enterprises for God before God sends him; Disobeys God; Tries to cover disobedience with religious sounding excuses; Allows jealousy or hatred to master him; Knowingly ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6, 1 Samuel 31:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

In And Out Of Depression Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 12, 2001

Just as David went into a "funk" of depression while he waited for God, we too need to watch out for periods of depression as we wait for God to work in our lives.

What can make us fall into “the pits?” -Taking the wrong viewpoint “David said in his heart…” -Pessimism “I shall now perish…” -Defeatist thinking “There is nothing better for me…” What happened to Israel’s future king? +He lost his own identity and became displaced “Make this fellow ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be Better Than Your Neighbor Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Oct 12, 2001

If we truly think we’re better than another, we must demonstrate it by controlling ourselves, not controlling our neighbor.

“If you ever want to test the (1) of a person, ask him (or her) what you should do when your enemy is vulnerable. Unless they are men or women of God, they’ll tell you to (2) every time.” -Chuck Swindoll (1) = carnality (2) = strike I A Subtle Temptation (1-4) A. When we really want to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Denomination: Baptist