Sermons on Commonality:

Up A Tree And Out On A Limb

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 22, 2010

Dramatic monologue, as if Zacchaeus were telling his story. His life was "up a tree", in trouble. He went "out on a limb" to receive the welcome and the salvation offered by Jesus.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC October 30, 1988 Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree, the savior for to see.” Oh ... good morning, good morning. Almost didn't see you there. In fact, I've missed a lot of things, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Bookkeeping Nightmare

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Oct 27, 2010

Forgiveness is an act of understanding how much God has forgiven us; of the heart, making a changed spirit possible; and of the will, opening up all that God wants to do in us.

First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg, MD, October 4, 1979; Cresthill Baptist Church, Bowie, MD, June 8, 1980; Calverton Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD, May 16, 1982; Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC November 24, 1985 Back in my early teen years I was a Monopoly freak. Not an ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:23-35

Denomination: Baptist

Wise Enough To Seek Him Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Nov 2, 2010

Matthew now introduces us to a fascinating part of the story of the birth of Jesus by introducing a group of mysterious travelers who have come seeking Jesus. There are three things in this story that proved that they really were “Wise men."

“Wise Enough to Seek Him” Matthew 2: 1-12 For many of us the joy and anticipation of the season has been reduced to figuring out what we can afford to give our loved ones. It is from the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Double Your Money

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 4, 2010

We think that we must protect what we have, and do not see those in need as brothers and sisters in disguise. But God puts back in our sacks more than enough when we walk on a mission of mercy and a journey of faith, caring for the hungry and needy.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC, October 16, 1988 (World Hunger Sunday) Somehow, when our whole orientation is consuming and enjoying and entertaining ourselves, we pay no attention to anything beyond today. What we have today we use, and assume that tomorrow will take care of itself. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

“the Real Out Of Egypt Story” Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Nov 8, 2010

This is a part of the Christmas story that is not included in the Christmas carols. I have never seen a Christmas card that depicts this part of the Christmas story, and yet it very real.

“The Real Out of Egypt Story” Matthew 2:13-23 Last week we examined the story of the Magi as they made the long and dangerous journey following the star to worship the new born ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

A Living Hope Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 8, 2010

This is an introductory sermon to a series on First Peter. In this sermon, we get reacquainted with the man who wrote it, the people to whom he sent it, and the particular situation that prompted him to write it.

Introduction: A. Maybe you’ve heard the statement: “Where there’s life, there’s hope!” 1. Like most sayings, it has an element of truth, but no guarantee of certainty. 2. It is not the fact of life and determines hope, rather it is the faith of life that determines ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Sweet Talker

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Nov 15, 2010

These proverbs lead us to reflect on the most powerful weapon in the world, more powerful than military weapons, than money, than any authority. It is the power of the tongue. Nothing has more power to do good or to do harm.

Introduction This morning our proverbs lead us to reflect on the most powerful weapon in the world, more powerful than military weapons, than money, than any authority. It is the power of the tongue. Nothing has more power to do good or to do harm. Text 20 Whoever gives thought to the word ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:20-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Leadership That Matters Series

Contributed by Mark Armstrong on Nov 21, 2010

Talk 2 in a series from Titus. The importance and characteristics of church elders.

Mark McCrindle is social researcher from the University of NSW who is interested in the changing face of our country. Recently he sampled 5,000 people for their views on leadership (report 16 September 2010). Who is the leader you most admire in history? Winston Churchill was on top with 8.2% of ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How God Moves People

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 22, 2010

God’s missionary plan in action. (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

How GOD MOVES PEOPLE Reading: Acts 13 chapter 13 verses 1-12: Ill: The Guide to Estate Agent Clichés • “Would suit D-I-Y enthusiast” – MEANS - Would suit demolition • “Bijou property” – MEANS - Microscopic • “Convenient for motorway access” – MEANS - Triple-glazing a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Denomination: Brethren

Defined…shaped…equipped

Contributed by Bob Joyce on Nov 24, 2010

The church is defined, shaped and equipped with the gifts necessary to help the church to grow.

When your favorite athletic team takes the floor or the field, all the players are dressed alike. But, no one considers this a liability. And it isn't. Their being dressed alike is one indication that they are a team and that they have a common purpose. However, if you look closely, you will see a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Who Is Not A Ghost!

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 29, 2010

Questions concerning the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit who is not a ghost: Reading: chapter Ill: • In the first column rank each person in order of importance to society. • In the second column rank each person in order of their importance to God. • One, two, three etc. ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

The Man Who Should Never Have Been Born

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 29, 2010

Judas (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: John chapter 17 verses 12: Ill: • On this day in 1605: • Thirteen young men planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament. • Among them was Britain's most notorious traitor, • A man called Guy Fawkes. • They rented a house next to Parliament;, dug a ...read more

Scripture: John 17:12

Denomination: Brethren

Glory In Confession Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Nov 30, 2010

Glory in Confession (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request - email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

Reading: Matthew chapter 16 verses 15-23. (1), Background: (A), Geographically: Jesus is in what we might call a safe place: • Jesus and his disciples are in the region of Caesarea Philippi. • Caesarea Philippi lies about twenty-five miles Northeast of the Sea of Galilee. • This region ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:15-23

Denomination: Brethren

Experiencing Christmas

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Dec 9, 2010

We cannot separate the true meaning of Christmas from a personal experience with the Living God.

Experiencing Christmas Text: John 1:1,14-18 Introduction 1. Illustration: Typical of last minute Christmas shoppers, a mother was running furiously from store to store. Suddenly she became aware that the pudgy little hand of her three year old son was no longer clutched in hers. In a panic she ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Methodist

Emergency Planning

Contributed by Richard Down on Jan 7, 2011

Emergency planning means getting ready for when things go wrong. This sermon considers how well we are prepared for things to go wrong in our Christian lives and how God can lift us back up when we fall.

Many years ago when I was rather younger and fitter than I am now I was a member of a local Rescue Team. Our remit was partly Mountain Rescue but since the mountains in our area were rather made up of hills and moors this was not the dramatic role you might expect. We tended to get calls to assist ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-17

Denomination: Christian Church