Sermons on Christian Encouragement:

Another Day, Another Millennium

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 4, 2003

If the Lord were to ask what we have done with the last millennium, we would have to report that we never learned peace instead of war or love instead of hate. Our agenda for the new millennium needs to be justice, peace, and mission.

Here it comes again, the end of another year! How soon it gets here after Christmas! Isn’t it astonishing? Don’t you wish they could throw in another week or two before the end of the year? We need to get over the rush of Christmas before we have to face the year’s end? I know the Post Office ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12, 1 Peter 3:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

A New Beginning

Contributed by Thomas Dibble on May 13, 2003

We have all made mistakes in our walk with God. None of us are perfect. This sermon will help those who desire a new beginning in the Lord.

A New Beginning JOHN 8:1-11 1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Our Sovereign God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 13, 2003

The word “sovereign” is both a noun and verb. As a verb it means, “to rule,” and as a noun it means “king” or “absolute ruler.” To say that God is sovereign is to say that God is in charge of the entire universe all the time.

Our Sovereign God I came across a couple of children’s prayers this week. Johnny had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. He emerged a couple minutes later and informed his mother that he had thought things over and had even said a little prayer. The mother was very happy and said, “If ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:34-37

Denomination: Baptist

Consequences Or Freedom Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 15, 2003

Jesus gave Barabbas the chance not just for a shortened sentence, but for a rebuilt life. When we break the law, we will face consequences; but our experiences can become the basis for redemption from what has happened to us.

Let’s play Jeopardy this morning. I’ll be Alex, you can be the contestants. The category is institutions. The answer is: The following people all spent time in this kind of institution: the prophet Jeremiah; Al Capone; the apostle Paul; Marion Barry; Bugsy Siegel; Nelson Mandela; John Dillinger; ...read more

Scripture: John 18:38-40

Denomination: Baptist

The Praisefest In Jerusalem

Contributed by Abraham Shanklin on May 19, 2003

Without Christ we are just ordinary people, ordinary creation, who don’t experience the extraordinary hand of a living God. Without Christ we are without joy, peace, wisdom, self-control, patience, and the strength to live the life it was meant to be.

The PraiseFest in Jerusalem Scripture References: Luke 19:35 – 40; Matthew 21:8 –11; Mark 11:8 - 10 Introduction The donkey awakened, his mind still savoring the afterglow of the most exciting day of his life. Never before had he felt such a rush of pleasure and pride. He walked into town and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:35-40, Matthew 21:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

But Nails Hurt! Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 24, 2003

Nails were distributed to the congregation, so that they could test: if you wish to endure, you have to endure some pounding. Holes may be punched in you, too. But if you persist, ultimately you will be built up.

If you really want to grow, it’s going to cost you. If you truly expect to be built up, there will be some pain involved. No growth ever takes place without pain. That’s a law of life. That’s not negotiable. No pain, no gain. No hurt, no growth. No rough edges, no building up. If you truly ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Dead Man Walking

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 26, 2003

There is a kind of death in family life today. Jesus offers unconditional compassion, used His authority to give life, and gives us as gifts to one another.

One sweltering afternoon, on the dirty streets of a dangerous section of New Orleans, a man approached a woman with some papers in his hand. He asked Helen if she would agree to write letters to a man on death row at Angola prison. Helen agreed, rather absent-mindedly. She was used to people ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

God Of Mercy Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on May 27, 2003

God is so merciful, he draws us back even when we run away.

God Stories – Attributes of God The God of Mercy – Jonah May 25, 2003 Last week – the God of Justice – we are thankful that he is the God of Justice, that he does not let evil deeds go unpunished, but we are also thankful that he is a merciful God because we find it easy to say with the ...read more

Denomination: *other

Up In The Air Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jun 4, 2003

Spiritual indecision leads to sickness and ultimately to death. We are scared of taking risks. Black history shows us, however, that without accepting risk there is no progress.

You should be a fly on the wall around our house on Friday evenings. You see, Friday evenings are our night for ourselves. We try not to take on church things on Fridays, and unless you are at the point of death, you can wait for your pastoral call until Saturday morning. The pastor and his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Value Of Rest

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jul 14, 2002

Rest is important. Here are four reasons why.

By and large, Americans don’t value rest and relaxation. On the contrary, we’ve made a virtue of unceasing labor; we brag about how busy we are, as if the hectic pace of our lives is proof that we’re important and significant. We feel guilty when we’re not working, and we’re suspicious of anyone ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

We Have, They Need: Formula For Life Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 28, 2002

First of a series based on the Johannine letters: our response to overwhelming need is first of all a discovery of who we are; then a commitment to maximum effort; and finally a discovery of where our passion lies. This will energize us.

I invite you today on an imaginary trip. Let’s walk through just one day in a needy world. Just imagine a few hours in a world that asks us for more than we can possibly give: You are awakened early by the phone’s insistent ringing; you hear the voice of a member of your family. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-18, 1 John 3:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

Arguments To Consider

Contributed by James Groce on Aug 2, 2002

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Arguments to consider when studying Partial Preterism The booklet promotes the theory that all (or most) of the events prophesied in the New Testament (including those in Revelation) were fulfilled in the past, specifically in 70 AD. The idea is that with the Roman siege of Jerusalem and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Wearing A Quitter's Saddle?

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 5, 2002

It is easy to be hurt and offended and desire to quit. We cannot afford to quit.

WEARING A SADDLE OF QUITTING? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: Colossians 4:17 Archippus, "Take heed to your ministry .... that you finish it Proverbs 24 :10 IF THOU FAINT IN THE DAY OF ADVERSITY, YOUR STRENGTH IS SMALL. 2 Cor. 4: 16 For which cause we faint not; though our ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:17, Proverbs 24:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

4 Keys To A Successful Marriage

Contributed by Larry Sarver on Aug 15, 2002

A topical message on what is needed to make a marriage work.

Title: 4 Keys to a Successful Marriage July 21, 2002 Email: pastorsarver@yahoo.com <mailto:pastorsarver@yahoo.com> Website: www.newlifeinchrist.info <http://www.newlifeinchrist.info> Introduction: Welcome to New Life in Christ. Every Sunday is special as we gather to worship the Lord, but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

Contributed by Michael Reeves on Sep 2, 2002

A sermon that looks at the three groups of people who were against Jesus at His trial.

Introduction: Probably most of the adults here have at one time or another been called up for jury duty, and many here have probably served on a jury once or several times. I found it quite interesting yet very sobering the one time so far that I served on a jury. When you listen to testimony you ...read more

Scripture: John 19:6-7

Denomination: Baptist