Sermons on Common Ground:

A Firewall Against Deception

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Aug 19, 2005

In this Internet savvy generation the term “firewall” is not only common vernacular but also an essential component for the proper functioning of your personal computer. To ignore a firewall’s value, is to put yourself at risk of losing all that is dear

In this Internet savvy generation the term “firewall” is not only common vernacular but also an essential component for the proper functioning of your personal computer. To ignore a firewall’s value, is to put yourself at risk of losing all that is dear to you on your hard drive. Literally, hours ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

With Whom Are We At War?

Contributed by Eloy Gonzalez on Sep 26, 2009

Ordinary Proper 21: Divisions among Christians are not new. Unfortunately, they are all too common - even among the same church members. But we are called to be one because of the price paid to make us one - the Cross!

At one time, we had a large aquarium. It was fun to keep it up and to learn about the different sorts of tropical fish that we kept. One of my very favorite fish was the Betta Splendens. Sometimes they are called bettas or they are called Siamese Fighting Fish. There is a picture of a betta on ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-41

Denomination: Lutheran

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Receive And Give Forgiveness

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 16, 2006

In a world where retaliation is common, believers are called to be different. We are to pray for our persecutors, forgive them, and minister to them. Jesus’ principles for His followers are challenging, but with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Receive and Give Forgiveness by Paul Fritz Ephesians 1:7-1:18 Let the Holy Spirit Help You Give and Receive Forgiveness (Eph. 1:7-18) Illustration: Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. . --Ephesians 4:32 During the war in Kosovo in 1999, three ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:7-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Returns To Home Of Mary And Martha Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 24, 2018

As the pilgrims came to Jerusalem for the Passover, there was a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm over the ministry of Christ. Popular opinion among the common people was in His favor. However, the leaders made it clear that anyone who saw Christ---

Bethany (41) Returns to Home of Mary and Martha John 11:55-12:1 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of The New Testament - Part 6 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 14, 2018

Part 6 - While still in its infancy, the church began to experience serious problems. Problems in the church from inside and outside sources seem to be a common element that plagues Christians in every age. What is the solution?

This 13-part series of classes has been many years in the making. About 25 years ago I began in earnest to examine the features, character and characteristics of the church as it existed in its earliest years. As I sometimes do, I kept my notes all along the way, and this series of classes is to a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, 1 Corinthians 11:1-17, James 5:1-8, James 4:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Galatians 3:1-5, Galatians 1:6-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-58, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Galatians 2:11-21, Acts 6:1-6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 14:1-4, 2 Peter 2:1-22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Universal Sin Problem For Humanity Series

Contributed by Robert Simmons on Jan 1, 2014

PAUL HAS SHOWN THE RELIGIOUS AND THE HEATHEN ARE ALL BOUND BY SIN IN ROMANS 1 & 2. IN ROMANS 3, HE GOES ON TO SHOW HOW ALL OF HUMANITY SHARES A COMMON PROBLEM OF OUR SINFUL NATURE & STATE

Romans 3: Universal Sinfulness of Mankind 1. What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? a. Paul is going to address the benefit of the law and truth in our sinful lives. 2. Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. a. Psalms ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:1-31

Denomination: Church Of God

Doing The Holy Hug Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 4, 2013

The "holy kiss" was a common way to show love and acceptance in the early church. What was that "kiss" intended to accomplish for God and how can we (who often don’t do that) accomplish the same goals?

OPEN: For the next 4 weeks, we’re going to be looking at what the Bible says about kissing (pause). You know, the Bible is just FULL of kissing. There are stories where sons kiss their fathers. Friends kissing friends/ brothers kissing brothers. People kissing false idols. Kissing between a woman ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Whatever Love Means

Contributed by Andrew Warriner on Apr 9, 2013

It is the most recognised word in any language, it is the subject used most commonly in literature, both fiction and non- fiction, it is the most common central theme for lyricists in secular and religious song writing alike and is responsible for selling

On the 24th February 1981, our country and indeed the world was captivated by the official announcement of the engagement of our future king, Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer. When asked by journalists “Were they in love?” they both replied “yes”, actually if I remember ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40

Denomination: Salvation Army

Manipulation By Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 26, 2016

Manipulation is a dishonest method to control others, get our way, or make others think an idea was theirs; it stands in contrast to making honest straightforward requests. Manipulation by guilt is perhaps the most common form of manipulation.

Manipulation by Guilt Vs. Straightforward Requests (topical) 1. A lot of persuasion — even in church — can be based upon emotion and a lack of logic. “Pastor Smith was winding up his sermon about the dangers of alcohol and the need for temperance. He shouted, 'If I had all the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lazarus And The Rich Man

Contributed by Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Aug 2, 2012

It has become common practice to see as the whole meaning of this story that the rich should help the poor... But this particular story especially, if one allows oneself to be affected fully by its original meaning, is a very concrete proclamation of the

One cannot understand and preach the gospel concretely enough. A real evangelical sermon must be like holding a pretty red apple in front of a child or a glass of cool water in front of a thirsty person and then asking: do you want it? We should be able to talk about matters of our faith in such a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

A Deeper Look: Verses 3-4 Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 11, 2014

Jude told the believers in this letter that his desire was to write to them about their 'common' salvation, which is in Christ, but that there was a MUCH more pressing matter that he felt compelled to address! A heresy was 'afoot' that he desired to quell

Sermon Brief Date Written: July 08, 2014 Date Preached: July 09, 2014 Where Preached: OPBC (Wed - PM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Deeper Look: Key Verses Sermon Title: Verse 3-4 Sermon Text: Jude 1:3-4 [ESV] Introduction: 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Rest And Work Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jun 6, 2022

The word rest is forgotten by modern world. Work culture has overtaken everyone. Many have the Work-alcoholic spirit. I am busy, I was busy and I will be busy are the common words used in these days.

Rest and Work Genesis 2:1-3 Greetings: Introduction: The word rest is forgotten by modern world. Work culture has overtaken everyone. Many have the Work-alcoholic spirit. I am busy, I was busy and I will be busy are the common words used in these days. But God was concerned about rest. Rest to our ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3

Denomination: Methodist

The Sin Of Complaining/Grumbling Series

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Jul 5, 2022

Complaining is so common these days. People like to complain about everything. Did you realize that complaining is directed at God, who has control over our circumstances? That is why complaining can be a serious sin.

Illustration: A man walked into a hardware store and asked for a chain saw advertised to cut six trees in an hour. He returned the next day, fussing and complaining, "This chainsaw is defective. It would only cut one tree, and it took ALL DAY!" The salesman said, "Let me look at ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 14:1-4, Numbers 13:31-33, Numbers 14:36-37, James 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 10:10, Philippians 2:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

True Love Reigns Sermon Iv: In His Service, Love Bears Burdens Freely Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 25, 2020

To truly love others is to reduce theological knowledge to its lowest common denominator by bearing one another's burdens and so fulfill "the law of Christ" - the one that matters most.

IN HIS SERVICE, LOVE BEARS BURDENS FREELY “In His Service” is how some of us in Christian ministry sign letters and communications intended for church members and non-members alike . . . how we who are called by His Name are expected by ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10

Getting The Sabbath Right Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Jan 29, 2021

Practicing the Sabbath religiously is still something that is common in certain faith families, but I think mostly we ignore the idea. Getting the Sabbath right is essential for our mental, spiritual, and physical well being.

Getting the Sabbath Right     Luke 6:1-11 Introduction As a young Christian I was taught that all of the Ten Commands had been repeated and taught by Jesus - except one. Keeping the Sabbath day holy. When I preached out in the country during my Bible college days I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ