Sermons on Focused Faith:

The Ugly Duckling Series

Contributed by Larry Thompson on May 29, 2002

The danger of judging one another in our homes and in the family within the Body of Christ.

“Happily Ever After…” – Part Three – Family Sermon Series 2002 The Ugly Duckling – Matthew 7:1-6 Larry L. Thompson (5-26-02) “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Goodness - Fruit Of The Spirit

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 4, 2001

I’m afraid that people just don’t seem to be very committed to the idea of goodness anymore, but goodness is a valuable & important fruit of the Spirit.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX What determines the value of something? A child may think that a quarter is worth more than a dollar bill because the quarter is shiny & pretty, or that a candy bar is worth more than a handful of dollar bills because ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22, Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Thanksgiving - Count Your Blessings!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 5, 2001

That is why a Thanksgiving message like this is so important. We need this reminder. We need it because it forces us to "add it all up" & recognize where all these things we enjoy actually come from.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2016) TEXT: Philippians 4:12-13; 1 Corinthians 4:7 ILL. An elderly lady was well-known for her faith, & for her boldness in talking about it. Each morning she would go out on her front porch ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:7, Philippians 4:12-13, Romans 8:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Who Is Building Your Home? Series

Contributed by Jim Mooney on Jan 6, 2001

Allow God to build your home and then it will stand the storms that come against it.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERIES WHO IS BUILDING YOUR HOME? PSALM 127:1-2 THERE IS A WORD THAT IS USED TO DESCRIBE THE BROKEN AND SHATTERED HOMES OF TODAY. THAT WORD IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. IF YOU LISTEN CLOSELY YOU WILL HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT DYSFUNCTIONAL HOMES OR DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES. THIS LEAVE THE ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Who's Going To Heaven?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 11, 2001

What caused Paul to write, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. . ."?

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX A. "Who’s going to be in heaven?" Have you ever wondered about that? Have you ever wondered whether or not you’ll be in heaven? Just what kind of people do you suppose are going to be there? Now, of course, I’ve ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Understanding The Times

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 11, 2001

The line has been drawn, & the battle is on. But do we realize it? Are we people who understand the times & know what should be done? You see, there are four areas in which this battle is being fought.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Updated & Revised: 2022) TEXT: 1 Chronicles 12:30-32 Acts 17:22-34 A. Tomorrow is officially designated as a holiday celebrated in many communities by a variety of solemn observances. All across the U.S. people will gather in parks ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-24, 1 Chronicles 12:32, 1 Peter 5:8, Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34, Acts 17:30, Hosea 4:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Which Will It Be?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

Everyone of us has the capability of displaying a spirit of generosity & kindness & goodness. There are other moments when we are hateful & hostile & greedy. And in each of us are those 2 diverse natures.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2015) Years ago, when our children were small, I learned a lot about being a parent. But then, as they got older, I began to forget what it was like to have young children around the house. But now, with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, Romans 7:18-25, Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

After The Easter Parade

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

There ought to be a spirit of excitement & joy that permeates the church. He is alive! Jesus Christ has won!

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2015) A. Two Sundays ago was Easter Sunday, a very special day to us as we celebrated once again, as we do each Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus, our Savior & our Lord. But if Easter Sunday is special to us, the world has ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Father's Day - A Baffling Question

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 24, 2001

I’m speaking especially to fathers, for I’m convinced that not until fathers get their act in order will we see a real change for good in our homes & in our society.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX Ephesians 6:4 is a passage of Scripture that probably ought to be read every Father’s Day. It is a passage addressed directly to fathers. Here is what it says. "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Myth Of Self-Importance Series

Contributed by Don Walker on Jan 25, 2001

As healthy family relationships are established, individuals and society grow stronger.

Don’t You Believe It: The Myth of Self-Importance Exodus 20:12 Morning, January 21, 2001 Pastor Don Walker Over the last two weeks we’ve been dealing with the topic of ¡§Don¡¦t You Believe It.¡¨ The basic idea is that our society accepts a number of myths as truth. They have become accepted ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

Wonder.

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Jan 27, 2001

Year C Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 4th, 2001

Year C Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany February 4th, 2001 Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church Web page http://lordofthelake.org By The Rev. Jerry Morrissey, Esq., Pastor E-mail pastor@southshore.com Heavenly Father, thank you for the Wonder of your ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Why, God, Why?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 31, 2001

The crucial question is not, "Why do bad things happen to God’s people?" The crucial question is "What is the purpose of my life?"

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:4; Genesis 50:20; Rev. 15:3-4; Isaiah 43:6-7 ILL. John was 31 years old - a new father, & a dedicated Christian. He seemed to have everything going for him. One day on his way to work his car ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20, Revelation 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:4, Isaiah 43:6-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

My Name Is Noah

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 7, 2001

This is a 1st person re-enactment. It tells the story of the flood from a grandfatherly, though gruff Noah’s perspective.

(delivered in a gruff but loving manner of a dottery old man) My name is Noah, the son of Lamech, who was the son of Methusaleh, and he in turn was the son of Enoch… Now there was a man for you. Enoch. Walked with God he did. They say that one day he and God were out walking and God said: ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Rapture Of The Church (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Eddie Snipes on Oct 23, 2002

The rapture of the church.

The Rapture of the Church Even though many groups deny the rapture, the Bible clearly teaches that there is a rapture of God’s people when Christ returns. I can understand why there is a debate as to when the rapture will occur, but I can’t identify with groups who deny the rapture will happen at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Full Devotion To Christ Is Normal For Every Believer Series

Contributed by Eric Snyder on Oct 25, 2002

Small groups series #1

Full devotion to Christ is normal for every believer 1st of the “Core values of Christian community” series Eric A. Snyder, Minister, Farwell Church of Christ October 6, 2002 A group of friends went deer hunting and paired off in twos for the day. That night one of the hunters returned alone, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ