Sermons on Doug Nichols:

Big Party Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

A look at the dedication ceremony after the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt. A sermon to remind us that there is a necessary place for joy in the Christian’s life

Nehemiah 12:27-43 Introduction: We’ve been taking this trip through the book of Nehemiah, talking about what we’re supposed to do when life gets big – Big Ideas, Big Leaders, Big Strides, and this morning, Big Party. The whole idea comes from Nehemiah ch12, and the massage ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 12:27-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Ministry Of Encouragement Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

A book sermon from 1 Thessalonians, introducing a series through the book. To show how the ministry of deliberate encouragement is necessary to the vitality of the Body

I Thessalonians Introduction: There’s a lot of discouragement out there. Not too long ago, Hayden Planetarium in New York City issued an invitation to anyone interested in applying to be a part of the crew on the first journey to another planet. 18,000 people applied. The applications ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church That Moves Ahead Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

Tjo show how the Thessalonian Christians exhibited qualities of an encouraging church, emphasizing the need to be aggressively moving ahead in the building of the Kingdom.

I Thessalonians 1 Introduction: I want to begin with 3 stories this morning that each make the same basic point… Story 1- In his book, Masterplanning, Bob Biehl visits behind the scenes at an Arizona circus with a man who trains animals for movies. He’s curious how a 10-ton ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

On Being A Good Encourager Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

To show how we are good encouragers when, from pure motives we deliberately give the message that truly encourages

I Thessalonians 2:1-12 Introduction - Story - Norman Vincent Peale - "Once walking through the twisted little streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong, I came upon a tattoo studio. In the window were displayed samples of the tattoos available. On the chest or arms you could have tattooed an anchor or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Shouldering Up Against Opposition Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

To help the audience realize that true love for one another and a high regard for the word of God are vital for the Church to stand up under opposition

I Thessalonians 2:13-20 Introduction – It’s June 7, 1944, one day after D Day. The beach landings and air strikes were only the beginning. Brig. General Norman “Dutch” Cota, assistant division commander of the 29th, came upon a group of infantry pinned down by some ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Encouragement I Get From You Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

A reminder that the Church is to be a place of mutual encouragement.

I Thessalonians 3:1-13 Introduction: OK, let’s see how we’re doing! Turn to someone near you this morning, and in 30 seconds or less, encourage them in some way. Go! Chances are, many of you struggled to come up with something that quickly. Chances are, many of you felt awkward ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When You’re Ready To Be Useful Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

A study of sanctification and the necessary place it holds in our relationship with Christ.

I Thessalonians 4:1-12 Intro – Somewhere, out there, is a list of things without which I expect I can still make it to heaven. I think you can not be a Cubs fan and still make it into Heaven. I think you’d be OK not understanding the difference between licentiousness, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Brightened By The Future Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

The resurrection of the dead and the return of Jesus are two great reasons we have to be encouraged to face life and death today

1. Text: I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 Introduction: The year was 155 AD. Persecution against Christians had swept across the Roman Empire and arrived at the city of Smyrna. The proconsul there joined in, and ordered the arrest of Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna. He was to be brought to the public ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Maintaining Your Encouragement Output Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Nov 20, 2011

Last in a series through the book. This message is a call for every person to put encouragement as a deliberate act into practice.

I Thessalonians 5:12-28 Joke – Have you heard the story about the guy who wasn’t too bright who got a job painting the lines down the middle of the highway? His first day, he finished 5 miles. Then his output dropped way off. The next day, he only finished 2; the next day, only one. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Nativity Set:: Joseph And Mary Series

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Dec 5, 2011

Is has always been hard to get to Bethlehem for Christmas.

A Charlie Brown Christmas opens with Charlie Brown talking to his best friend Linus. "I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas. I guess I like getting presents, sending ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Nativity Set:: The Shepherds Series

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Dec 13, 2011

The story of the Shepherds reminds us that to find the heart of Christmas we must look beneath the wrapping paper.

The last few embers of the fire are dying out. The air hangs heavy with a silence broken only by the occasional bleat of a lamb. Huddled together for warmth, the shepherds are alone with their thoughts. Each one scanning the horizon. Looking. Perhaps casting a longing eye to the distant lights of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-21

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Christmas War Series

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Nov 8, 2019

There is one face you will never see in a Nativity set. This face was not smiling, not praising, not kneeling, not wondering...it was hating! Around that manger scene, lurking in the shadows was the face of the Dragon, the deceiver, the devil!

Faces around the manger - Mary and Joseph - Shepherds - Angels - Wisemen But there is one face you will never see in a Nativity set This face was not smiling, not praising, not kneeling, not wondering...it was hating! You see Jesus' birth excited more than wonder - it excited evil as ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Will You Be Ready?

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Jan 18, 2019

What if in the next moment - even as my words fall upon your ears - Christ returned with the shout of the archangel and the trumpet blast? "Faithful and true would He find us here, if He should come today?" Would you be ready?

The hymn we have just sung asks a pointed question. A question that I fear too often we dismiss in our daily lives. With all the concerns of living in the present moment - with all of the accompanying joys or frustrations - we fail to give much thought to the final moment. That moment when time, as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Look At The Lord's Supper

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Jan 18, 2019

Paul, in I Corinthians 10:23-34, reminds us that if we would eat and drink this Supper to our benefit, we must be looking in four directions. In communion, we must be looking back, looking ahead, looking within and looking around.

Something special is about to happen this morning. Something miraculous. Paul in chapter 10 of this same letter calls it a "participation in the body and blood of Jesus Christ." We know it as communion. As we take a piece of bread and cup of juice, we will be participating in a mystery. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Blind Bartimaeus

Contributed by Scott Nichols on Jan 18, 2019

Do you think it would take a miracle to get your life back on track again? So did Bartimaeus. But one day he took a chance and all of his dreams came true. The same can happen to you. Let's consider his story.

Have you ever felt as if your life has come to a standstill? As if you have been relegated to the side of the road as the rest of the world passes by? Do you think it would take a miracle to get your life back on track again? So did Bartimaeus. But one day he took a chance and all of his dreams ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed