Sermons on Common Grace:

Mission: Impossible? Series

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Jul 11, 2002

God uses our trials to transform us

Introduction: Gordon MacDonald, who is a well-known Christian speaker and writer tells this story from his days running track: When I first ran track in prep school, my coach invited me to his home for dinner one night. After the meal, he pulled out a notebook with my name on the front cover. He ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Run The Race!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Dec 20, 2000

Finishing the race is critically important to all of us who would be followers of Jesus. And Hebrews 12:1-3 contains at least 3 pieces of advice that will help each of us faithfully run the race that is before us.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2011) ILL. The 1992 Summer Olympics featured two tremendously heart-rending moments. American sprinter Gail Devers, the clear leader in the 100 meter hurdles, tripped over the last barrier. She agonizingly pulled herself to her knees ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Old Testament Christmas

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Dec 26, 2000

Christmas begins in the OT with the promise of the Messiah.

Christmas really begins in the Old Testament. The promise of a coming Messiah filled the pages of the Hebrew Bible, and the Jews were watching for his coming. It is interesting that the Jews use a different arrangement of the Old Testament books than we do. After the first five books there is a ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

Heavenly Mindedness

Contributed by Eddie Robinson on Jan 2, 2001

You soul has already been saved, try to keep your mind focused on a heavenly mentality, and it is easier to handle life.

Colossians Chapter 3:1-4 1 If ye then be risen in Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Mass Deception Of "Left Behind"

Contributed by Richard David on Jan 3, 2001

An exposition of the dangers of this new theology of a pre-trib rapture. A response to the growing popularity of the "Left Behind" series, even among secular audiences and the danger of deception that its widespread acceptance holds.

As a young Christian, I was raised on “dispensationalism”, a term which comes from the Bible referring to God’s timing and how He works in different ways at different times. We had it all figured out, just like the Jews of Jesus’ day. (But wait, they missed it! Are we?) According to what is known ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 9:25-27, Luke 21:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Palm Sunday - At The Foot Of The Cross

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 3, 2001

Four women loved Jesus so much that they were willing to risk their own lives to be near Him as He hung there upon the cross.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: John 19:25-27; Matthew 27:40-42 A. As you know, today is celebrated throughout the Christian world as "Palm Sunday" in remembrance of that day nearly 2,000 years ago when Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:40-42, John 19:25-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peace - Fruit Of The Spirit

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 4, 2001

It’s time for us to talk about peace: peace with God, peace within ourselves, & peace with one another.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX ILL. If you have had your TV on late at night during the past year you’re probably aware of the fastest growing businesses of 1996 & 97. They have made millionaires many times over of their owners who have saturated ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Goodness - Fruit Of The Spirit

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 4, 2001

I’m afraid that people just don’t seem to be very committed to the idea of goodness anymore, but goodness is a valuable & important fruit of the Spirit.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX What determines the value of something? A child may think that a quarter is worth more than a dollar bill because the quarter is shiny & pretty, or that a candy bar is worth more than a handful of dollar bills because ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22, Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanksgiving - Count Your Blessings!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 5, 2001

That is why a Thanksgiving message like this is so important. We need this reminder. We need it because it forces us to "add it all up" & recognize where all these things we enjoy actually come from.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2016) TEXT: Philippians 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 4:7 ILL. An elderly lady was well-known for her faith, & for her boldness in talking about it. Each morning she would go out on her front porch ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:7, Philippians 4:12-13, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Just Surviving? Series

Contributed by Jeffery Russell on Jan 6, 2001

Its great to survive, but not if that is all we want to do.

Just Surviving? Genesis 9 Jeff Russell Friendship Baptist Church, Langenselbold, Germany The other day I greeted a friend outside the mailroom. I asked, “How is it going?” He said, “We’ll, I’m survivin’.” His statement told me a lot about himself. 1)that he was honest. he wasn’t going to say ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:19-29

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is Building Your Home? Series

Contributed by Jim Mooney on Jan 6, 2001

Allow God to build your home and then it will stand the storms that come against it.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERIES WHO IS BUILDING YOUR HOME? PSALM 127:1-2 THERE IS A WORD THAT IS USED TO DESCRIBE THE BROKEN AND SHATTERED HOMES OF TODAY. THAT WORD IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. IF YOU LISTEN CLOSELY YOU WILL HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT DYSFUNCTIONAL HOMES OR DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES. THIS LEAVE THE ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Understanding The Times

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 11, 2001

The line has been drawn, & the battle is on. But do we realize it? Are we people who understand the times & know what should be done? You see, there are four areas in which this battle is being fought.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Updated & Revised: 2022) TEXT: 1 Chronicles 12:30-32 Acts 17:22-34 A. Tomorrow is officially designated as a holiday celebrated in many communities by a variety of solemn observances. All across the U.S. people will gather in parks ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-24, 1 Chronicles 12:32, 1 Peter 5:8, Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34, Acts 17:30, Hosea 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Sink The Ship Series

Contributed by Bill Prater on Jan 21, 2001

What I hope to convey to you in this message, and what I hope we will all go away from here with, is an understanding of the destructiveness of sin.

NAVIGATING THE NEW YEAR Don’t Sink the Ship When we ended the message last week, we did so with the children of Israel celebrating the Destruction of their Enemy and rejoicing because of the Depth of their Victory. Although they didn’t make much sense to them, the Israelites followed the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Conditional Versus Unconditional Love.

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jan 22, 2001

Year C. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. 1Corinthians 12:31-13:1-13 January 28, 2001

Year C. Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany. 1Corinthians 12:31-13:1-13 January 28, 2001 Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church Web page http://lordofthelake.org By The Rev. Jerry Morrissey, Esq., Pastor E-mail pastor@southshore.com Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus unconditional love. Amen. Title: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

No Doubt

Contributed by Kent Hawkins on Jan 22, 2001

Our faith in God has a sure foundation

NO DOUBT Last Saturday 217 people boarded EgyptAir Flight 990 from New York to Cairo, Egypt. Never arrived, plunging into the sea, all died. They had faith that when they boarded that plane, that several hours later they would be on the ground again in Egypt. It was a whirlwind romance, 3 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-27, Romans 1:20