Sermons on Black Bead:

All's Well That Ends Well Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

I believe that Abraham’s life closes well; and demonstrates for us a bit of the art of dying well which for a Christian demands living well.

"Ars Moriendi" is Latin for "the art of dying" or "the art of dying well". Specifically it refers to a common visual art practice common in the 16th century. Pictures would be carved into wood and then inked and press printed hundreds of times into books. Few of the books contained many words - ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God Is Faithful Forever To Keep His Promise Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

God’s promises are fulfilled even when we think he has somehow rejected us.

God’s promises are fulfilled even when we think he has somehow rejected us. Way back in chapter 16, Abraham, with the help of Sarah decided to hurry up the process of God fulfilling his promise. After all his promise had been delivered several years ago and nothing was going on. Surely God has ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:12-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Divine Interplay Of Prayer In God's Unfolding Plan 1 Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

This is the first 1/2 of a two part sermon addressing the link between God’s sovereignty to act without us and his requirement that we pray so that he can act.

I think in the last year we’ve learned much about what it means to pray. True enough most of our prayers are for healing and comfort but we certainly have been learning to pray by practicing I think. But praying, by definition is speaking to God, worshiping God, Thanking God, or imploring God to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Divine Interplay Of Prayer In God's Unfolding Plan 2 Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

This is the second 1/2 of a two part sermon addressing the link between God’s sovereignty to act without us and his requirement that we pray so that he can act.

Returning to our study of Genesis tonight, we are in chapter 25 and the story of Esau and Jacob, the story begins with the prayer of Isaac that his wife might bear children and in this setting ends with a tragedy of faithlessness – and an interesting peek into God’s sovereignty working out in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Like Father Like Son Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

My son and My God are both watching me, they both need to see "a long obedience in the same direction."

I want to live a Godly life so that my son will do the same. But when I blow it in my life that same little boy is watching, and learning and that’s a strong incentive for me to be careful in the first place. But most importantly I hope he’s still watching when Daddy repents. Because I know that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blessings So Big The Neighbors Notice Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

God often works in our lives to separate us from the culture so that the people will seek him out in us.

I’d like to give you a scenario. Say you’ve moved into an average neighborhood – neither a rich nor poor one and over time you begin to become quite wealthy. So one day you head out to the car lot and you bring home a new Volvo C70 (completely loaded), and it’s parked in the driveway when you go ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Folly Of Mismatched Mates: Hitching The Holy And The Profane Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

It is firmly against God’s will for a believer to marry an unbeliever. But what are the applications for those of us who are already married?

How many of you; if you discovered your children had begun hanging around with the drinkers, druggers and doers at school would be content to let them continue associating with them? Not a one of us would ratify that arrangement – or at least none of us should. In fact I think it’s safe to say ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:34-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Crooked Answer To A Crosseyed Question Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

The Crooked Answer To A Crosseyed Question How Jacob’s Deception Fullfilled God’s promise of Genesis 25:23 Given in response to Rebeka’s Question of Genesis 25:22

There is nothing more disconcerting than a wormy apple to a hungry eye. Some apples look very good on the outside but when you bite into them you discover it’s full of worms. But others are more obvious in their contents. Sometimes you can look at an apple and see through it’s bruises and ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Precious Promise To Persona Non Grata God's Mercy To The Unworthy Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

God’s promises to Jacob in the desert are types of the promises made to us. Like Jacob God has promised us his PRESENCE, A Permanant PLACE and PROTECTION. We Perfect his promise when we trust him.

You remember the circumstances, Jacob had deceived his father stolen the blessing which was itself a testimony that he had no faith that God would bring about what He had promised: since Jacob (and his mother) didn’t believe God’s word they took things into their own hands and created heartbreak ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Compelled By The Love Of Christ

Contributed by Thomas Black on Jun 4, 2005

What does it take to give up every comfort and to recieve every form of suffering in order to reach ONE for Christ? The Love of Christ must compell you.

Today is Memorial day Sunday. The idea of the holiday surpasses hot-dogs on the grill; it’s an opportunity and a call to reflect on the sacrifice of many thousands of men who have died for the ideals of our country. Some of you served in the military and have given a part of your heart to serving ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:13-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Can We See God?

Contributed by Matt Black on Mar 19, 2001

We need to see God in His majesty, mercy, and mission!

Isaiah 6:1-11 What is it that makes a man who is going one way, on his OWN way, TURN completely around and submit to the authority and Lordship of Christ? What was it that made Abraham leave UR, made Moses leave Egypt, and make Saul of Tarsus preach the Gospel? What was it that made Isaiah say, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Vital Signs Of An Energizing Faith

Contributed by Matt Black on Mar 25, 2001

We have a LIVING FAITH! A living faith cannot be compartmentalized. It screams from the depth of our soul that God is living and Jesus Christ is raised from the dead. It shakes our conscience and demands that we know the God who is alive in our own so

THE VITAL SIGNS OF AN ENERGIZING FAITH! James 1:1-12 INTRODUCTION: What is it that motivates a Christian? What is it that turns a person from darkness to light? From the kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God? Is it not when our eyes are opened and we are given ears to hear and we believe on ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Chasing After... Career Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 22, 2003

We seek meaning for our lives in the very same places the Teacher looked in Ecclesiastes ... and are all ultimately meaningless without God.

American Idols: #1 Work Ecclesiastes 2:17-23 We’re beginning a new series tonight entitled "American Idols." You may be familiar with the popular Fox television show where contestants show off their singing talents and vie to become the next "American Idol." You’d have to have been on another ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:11-23, Ecclesiastes 4:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Chasing After ...fame Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 22, 2003

We chase after meaning in the same idols that the Teacher of Ecclesiastes did. Ultimately he found no satisfaction in acclaim & recognition ...nor will we.

American Idols: Contestant #2- "Star Wannabe" Ecclesiastes 1:11 We are continuing our quest to discover America’s #1 ‘Idol’ tonight! If you were here last week, you’ll remember that we interviewed "Ben A. Workaholic" who is our 1st contestant for the coveted title of "America’s #1 Idol" and he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9, Ecclesiastes 1:11-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Will You Do With Jesus? Turn To Him! Series

Contributed by Jim Black on May 12, 2004

Hearing the good news of Jesus demands a response...will it be to turn to him?

What will you do with Jesus? Turn to Him Acts 3:17-22 Focus: Hearing the good news of Jesus demands a response¡K will it be to turn to him? Function: To call hearers to turn their lives away from sin and back towards Him. Sunday mornings at our house are crazy¡Xas you might imagine! I have to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:17-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ