Sermons on doug nichols: showing 601-615 of 1,983

Humility

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005

Apparently trying to humble the Corinthians, Paul makes a series of contrasts.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: A well-known Christian businessman who was visiting a church was asked to give his testimony. He said, "I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation. I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Denomination: Baptist

Gentleness

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005

Paul asks the Corinthians if they want him to come to them in love, or with the rod.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Sometimes in our zeal to clean up our own lives or the lives of others, we unfortunately use “killer soaps”—condemnation, criticism, nagging, fits of temper. We think we’re doing right, but our harsh, self-righteous treatment is more than they can bear. - (Source ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Divorce

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 25, 2005

In the previous passage it has been clear that the instructions were for cases where both the husband and wife were Christians. Now the apostle speaks of the situation where, after marriage one spouse becomes saved and the other is not. The question is as

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Howard Hendricks was speaking at a conference in Dallas, and asked the question of the audience of 2000, “Do you know someone who is perfect?” He was about to go on, when he noticed a lone hand raised in the back of the auditorium. Hendricks asked, “Are you perfect, or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:10-24

Denomination: Baptist

Stumbling Block

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 25, 2005

Paul answers one of the most controversial subjects that the Corinthians had asked in their letter. "Is it a sin for Christians to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols?" The basic principle involved is, "What is the proper Christian attitude toward

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Charles Spurgeon frequently visited Monaco which had been a gambling resort for years. Spurgeon, of course, was not a gambler, but he enjoyed visiting the grounds of the Casino of Monte Carlo and walking through its lavish gardens. Spurgeon thought the gardens were some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Support

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 25, 2005

In chapter nine Paul deals with those who invoke the principle of Christian liberty. He points out that there are many things that he is free to do but which he abstains from doing for the sake of the Church. He is well aware of Christian freedom, but equ

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn’t a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Adaptability

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 25, 2005

Paul’s greatest interest was to preach the gospel and win men and women to Jesus Christ. He summarizes his guiding principle in the words, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (v. 22). In order to better accomplish his pu

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: For eighteen fruitful years, Dr. H.A. Ironside pastored the Moody Church in Chicago. When he got ready to take the offering, he would often say, "We ask God’s people to give generously. If you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, we do not ask you to give. We have a gift ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Faith

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 13, 2004

The text seems to suggest that the bearers of “Bad News” will always come, but the author of “Good News” is always in control. Jesus hears and ignores what others are saying. He has the last word. He is the author and finisher of our faith.

One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:35-43

Denomination: Baptist

Pressure

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 13, 2004

Do I ever feel like I am in a pressure cooker, or that I am being pulled and pushed in every direction? Well, I can respond like Herod. I can be manipulated by it to the point where I am forced to make decisions contrary to what I know is right. Or I can

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: The Hope College Women’s basketball team had made it to the national playoffs. The final game saw Hope 20 points behind with 10 minutes left to play. The team remained calm and began to narrow the gap. Then with just 5 seconds remaining, a 3 point basket tied the game. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Concern

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 18, 2004

Jesus leaves Capernaum and travels north forty or fifty miles to the borders of Tyre and Sidon which is modern Lebanon. It is here that we see a woman coming to Jesus to ask help for her daughter. She asked Jesus to cast a demon out of her daughter.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Mamie Adams always went to a branch post office in her town because the postal employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year and the lines were particularly long. Someone pointed out that there was no need to wait in line ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

Believe

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 18, 2004

The willful unbelief of the Pharisees disturbed the Lord to the depths of His spirit.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: People refuse to believe that which they don’t want to believe, in spite of evidence. When explorers first went to Australia they found a mammal which laid eggs; spent some time in water, some on land; had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:10-21

Denomination: Baptist

Overcoming Spiritual Blindness

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

How Jesus’ healing of the blind man is a picture of overcoming spiritual blindness.

On November 30, 1991, fierce winds from a freakish dust storm triggered a massive freeway pileup along Interstate 5 near Coalinga, California. At least 14 people died and dozens more were injured as topsoil whipped by 50 mile-per-hour winds reduced visibility to zero. The afternoon holocaust left ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

Temptation

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

Jesus is tempted by Peter

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: The Jews always regarded the greatest days in their history as the days of David; and they dreamed of a day when there would be another king of David’s line, a king who would make them great in righteousness and in power. (Isaiah 9:7; 11:1; Jeremiah 22:4, 23:5; 30:9.) ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-37

Denomination: Baptist

Transfiguration

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

Jesus’ mountaintop experience - the Transfiguration

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Matt. 17:1–2) The transfiguration preceded Jesus’ time ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Blinded

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

The disciples’ refusal to understand Jesus’ Messiahship blinded them to the truth of His death and resurrection.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: On the way down from the mountain top experience, Jesus commands these three disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen "till the Son of Man be risen from the dead" (v.9). It would not really be understood until after the resurrection, which would be proof that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Powerless

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

There is power in prayer

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: This is a very touching scene as you see a father watch his boy being torn apart by evil forces and he begs Jesus for help. Jesus had come down from the mountaintop to find His own chosen followers baffled, helpless and ineffective. The father had gone to the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist