Sermons on Black Hole:

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

1st Things 1st: "There Is A God" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jun 14, 2005

Understanding that God exists and that he is the one, true God should impact how we live our lives.

First Things First #1 “There is a God” Deuteronomy 6:1-5 Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Sometimes, no matter how much you know (or think you know) it helps to get back to the basics… • For Israel—they were about to embark upon their greatest challenge yet; ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: "God Is A Loving Father" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jun 16, 2005

To invite a more personal relationship with our Creator God by seeing Him also as a loving Father who loves each of his children without end.

Reading: Deuteronomy 32:1-6 I suppose that I’m like a lot of us… I’ve always wanted to please my father, but many times I have felt like I just never could. …that I never could quite live up to his expectations. • My Dad has always loved baseball. Some of the only toys he had as a kid growing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: "God Speaks Through His Word" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 19, 2005

The Bible is God’s introduction of himself to us. If God speaks, don’t you want to listen?

First Things First #5 “God Speaks Through His Word” Hebrews 1:1-4 Have you ever found yourself right in the middle of a problem, a storm of life and just the right Scripture pops into your head… at just the right time to comfort, to encourage, or to strengthen? • I love the account in Matthew of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: The Church Belongs To God Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 20, 2005

The church was planned, built and purchased by God and therefore belongs to Him... not you or I.

Have I ever told you about a church I read about one time? Man they had their problems! • They had had a succession of different preachers who had come through and worked with them… each one with pretty different and very strong personalities. One was pretty well known and respected across the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: "Salvation Is Found In Jesus Alone" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Aug 23, 2005

Do Christians really believe that salvation is found ONLY through Jesus Christ?

There were a lot of things one could believe in in the ancient world… • There were all manner of Greek or Roman ‘gods’ one could worship… just take your pick! Epicureanism was a common philosophy. So was Stoicism. There were all kinds of mystery religions and pagan worship ideas. • There were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

1st Things 1st: "Jesus Is Coming Soon" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Aug 23, 2005

If we believe that Jesus is coming back soon, why don’t we live like it?

With summer winding down and school about to start everybody has been cramming in those last minute vacations… I can remember one summer in particular our family made plans to go to Disneyworld! Now this was a “big deal” for a 10-yr old kid and I remember the anticipation just about as much as I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Great Adventure: "Saddle Up Your Horses" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 12, 2006

When called to go, Abraham obeyed and went. As God calls us into his glorious kingdom, he invites us to a life full of challenge, surprise and adventure!

I have to be honest with you… when I was a kid I had a really wrong-headed idea of what the Christian faith was all about. I thought that being a Christian meant giving up a life of fun & excitement in order to come, sit on a pew and be a good boy. • I’m not sure where that notion came from… maybe ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Great Adventure: "Stand Against The Tide!" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 12, 2006

Noah stood against the culture of his day and was counted faithful. Christians are called to an exciting, challenging and different way of life… not to conform to the world.

We want to continue that excitement this morning as we delve back into our summer series, “The Great Adventure!” The Christian life is supposed to a great and exciting adventure! • Now, we don’t often talk about faith in those terms… • When we truly and honestly give ourselves to God and place our ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:5-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Honors A Contrite Spirit

Contributed by Val Black on Jul 14, 2006

The Lord honors a contrite (broken) spirit more than a "religious" one. Often times traditons & doctrines of men appeal to the flesh but God is searching for a broken spirit to love, honor by His Presence and to renew.

God Honors A Contrite Spirit Luke 7:36-49 Wed. Evening – July 12, 2006 I. Luke 7:36 (KJV) And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat (or food). The word “desired” isn’t used in other translations. Most of them say ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-49

Denomination: Charismatic

The Great Adventure: "Step Up To The Plate!" Series

Contributed by Jim Black on Jul 17, 2006

Moses is given a second chance ‘at bat’ to do a great thing for God, reluctantly steps up to the plate and hits a homer for God! Aim: To challenge Christians to step up to what God is calling them to in the church, in their families and as disciples of C

Last month my son’s ball team went to a Star’s baseball game for “Bat Night.” I tell you, there’s nothing quite like twelve six year-olds running around a ball park swinging their brand new wooden bats! Life can be exciting sometimes… • But that’s okay… the Christian life is supposed to be ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ