Sermons on Common Interests:

Baptism: What Does It Mean?

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Jan 15, 2009

This is 1 of 2 sermons that share some common elements. This one focuses on the Greek behind the word “baptizo” and some of the historical, literature references

Introduction Baptism has become a part of every believer’s life. At some point, we make the plunge, are cleansed from our sins, and take on the name as Christians. But, Christians, as a whole, can not agree on the proper way to baptize and the effect that bestows on us. Tonight, I’d like you to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Getting Dirty For Lent

Contributed by Richard Jumper on Apr 13, 2011

Jesus used something common, dirty, even insulting to transform the world of the blind man and to give him the gift of sight for the first time.

Many of you know the joys of keeping that most unruly, unpredictable, but absolutely crucial-to-life “pet” known as . . . a septic tank. There are some unbendable rules for septic tanks. 1) They will always back up the day your daughter’s wedding reception is being held in ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-12

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Endurance: Who Told You To Stop? Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Oct 26, 2009

Faith is not based upon success or failure. Success and failure have one thing in common, they allow us to become closer to Jesus Christ.

I ran track in High School and my thing was running the sprints, 100, 200, hurdles, relays and such. In my Junior year the School hired a new track coach. At every practice this coach would give a short talk on strategy and tactics for our next track meet. At first, we were all bored to tears with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:13-52

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tis’ The Season

Contributed by Steve Ely on Dec 22, 2008

Painful. Dry. Taxing. Rewarding. Seasons . . . they are common to all of us. These truths will help us negotiate these phases of our life and journey in Christ.

Tis’ The Season I. Introduction It is during this time of the year that I often begin to think about seasons. Deer season, turkey season, basketball season, and yes . . . Christmas season. We often talk about seasons even when we don’t realize it. When we talk about the weather we are actually ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Diving In

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 12, 2008

The alternative to inexhaustible purpose is to stay in the RUT of the familiar and common-place...“The only difference between a rut and a grave is one of dimension.” (anon)

LIFE GOALS VIDEO CLIP... Jesus gives us an invitation to go diving! He invites us to plunge into the deep waters of his inexhaustible purpose! I warn you. Diving has its risks. It is not without dangerous possibilities. That’s why many people choose to play it safe. SAFE is familiar and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

Missed It By That Much Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 20, 2008

One of Maxwell Smart’s common phrases was "I missed it by that much." That was funny on a sitcom, but in the real world - and in the spiritual world - that can be deadly.

OPEN: Video of Maxwell Smart ending in “missed it by that much” Back in the 60’s the spies on TV and in the movies were heroes. Whether it was James Bond, Matt Helm, Napoleon Solo, or the cast from Mission Impossible - they were suave and resourceful, capable of escaping danger and death with ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:10-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wind Driven

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Feb 10, 2013

"Winnowing the chaff" is a common expression that separates grain from chaff. It is also used to remove weevils or other pests from stored grain.

- Headlines – Historic, Behemoth, Monster, Mammoth, Massive Wind driven blizzard dumps over 3’ snow in Northeast Ps. 1:1-3 contrast Ps. 1:4-6 What a contrast of the leafy beauty of the fruit laden tree, and the rootless, fruitless, lifeless chaff - "Winnowing the chaff" is a common ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:4

Denomination: Baptist

From A Stone To The Pieta

Contributed by Daniel J. Little on Sep 11, 2012

Being Sanctified by the word that Jesus delivered to us means being removed from the common life in order to be used in high and holy purposes.

SCRIPTURE READING You can find the Scripture reading in your Bibles in the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John, or on the Scripture Reading insert in your bulletin. These are the words of Jesus. He is praying for His disciples of every age. He is praying for us. John 17:14 I have given them your ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-18

Denomination: *other

How To Find Contentment

Contributed by Jason Jones on Feb 19, 2019

The teaching here is two-fold: contentment versus greed and instructions to the rich. The common bond is the purpose of blessing and contentment with provision for the greedy and for the rich.

A. Opening illustration: Contentment in wedding vows, “for richer or for poorer,” 80% 5.6 billion people live on less than $10/day ($3650/yr), half are less than $2.50/day ($912/yr). US poverty line is over $12K/yr, 4X the global rate, 44 million people. 20% of Troup Co. below poverty line, 13,510 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Is Catholic Series

Contributed by Russell Metcalfe on Apr 1, 2021

When we speak of Catholicity, we speak of that which the One church [Where the WORD is preached, and where the sacraments are administered] has in common

Romans 11:33 - 12:8 Introduction We have said that every orthodox church regards the marks of the church to be four: The church is One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic. When we speak of Catholicity, we speak of that which the One church [Where the WORD is preached, and where the sacraments are ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene

Things Worth Being Thankful For

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jul 3, 2022

Do we really know what matters most in life?

Many times, hospital visits help us to understand what is really important. Do we really know what we need to be thankful for? Do we really know what matters most in life? As Paul writes this letter, he is sharing with us just why it is we need to be thankful. Paul was a very thankful man, 2 ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Barging In

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Dec 10, 2024

A woman of a low class barges into a Pharisee's home to plead for forgiveness from Jesus. He grants her the request. It shows that the common Jews desired the Messiah!

Barging in Luke 7:40-50 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H Koplitz 40 And Jesus answered, and said to him: Simon, I have something to say to thee. He said to him: Say it, Rabbi. Jesus said to him: 41 There were two debtors to a certain creditor; the one owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:40-50

Denomination: United Methodist

A Family Kind Of Place

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Nov 5, 2010

God is keenly interested in children and in family life. God wants the family to be the true laboratory of life, where family members ... regardless of age ... live, learn, love and grow in the Christian graces.

The photo that was flashed across the country told the heartbreaking story of an American tragedy. A weary fireman held the limp, lifeless body of a little child. The little girl was killed in the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Her name was Baylee Almon, and she was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4, 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Denomination: Baptist

Who Do You Say I Am?

Contributed by Amar Chandnani on Dec 9, 2024

Whether you are a believer or not, Christmas affects everyone. Families get together, reunions are common regardless of the ongoing pandemic. People travel far and wide to be with family this season.

Yes! It’s this time of the year again when believers rejoice and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It has often been said that JESUS is the reason for this season. He is the reason that we celebrate Christmas. For decades, the season of Christmas ushers in a spirit of ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Preserving Unity Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 17, 2014

To build a strong church, preserving the unity that is ours in Christ, don't underestimate or overestimate yourselves. Instead, be faithful to serve, focusing on those things we share in common.

A woman was sitting in the waiting room for her first appointment with a new dentist. She noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, she remembered that a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name had been in her high school class so many years ago. “Could this be ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free