Sermons on Gradual:

Hungry For Faith

Contributed by William Nickles on May 4, 2003

An encounter with Christ is essential for true faith to take shape. Our encounter with the world is then empowered by the Christ we meet at the table.

I made the point last week that poor ole doubting Thomas should not be singled out as the only disciple who had doubts about this new “resurrected” reality. Here is the rest of the story – as Paul Harvey would say – to vindicate Thomas. Verse 41 of today’s text clearly makes the point. “While in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:12-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Prodigal Prophet Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Sep 28, 2003

We can be so obsessed with what was going on inside that fish that we can miss seeing the drama inside Jonah.

Jonah, the Prodigal Prophet, ch 1:4-17 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts We last saw Jonah boarding a ship headed for Tarshish. He pays his fare, gets his one-way ticket, and settles down in the hold--thinking he has made it impossible for God’s will to ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:4-17

Denomination: Congregational

Joy In The Shadowlands

Contributed by Kathy Findley on Oct 25, 2003

The premise of this sermon is that even in the midst of life’s sorrow, there is a depth of joy that abides within us.

Advent III – Joy Luke 2:26-55 In the wonderfully reflective book entitled, The Prophet, one can contemplate these words: The woman questioned the one she called Prophet of God, saying: “Speak to us now of Joy and Sorrow”. And he answered: The same well from which you laughter rises was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:26-55

Denomination: Baptist

The Commitment Factor

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 27, 2003

Commitment is the key to a successful marriage. First, commitment to Christ, which leads to commitment to one’s spouse.

The Commitment Factor—Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts It’s been said, “A successful marriage is one in which you fall in love many times…and always with the same person.” (Mignon McLaughlin) However, marriage in America is in trouble--the divorce rate ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-24

Denomination: Congregational

What Is The Fruit Of Anger?

Contributed by Monte Robinson on Sep 4, 2003

Give your congregation the tools they need to spot, control, and overcome anger in their lives.

Introduction: A time when I was very angry... I. Let’s take a look at two types of anger scenarios: A. One type is when we, are being petty 1. These are misunderstandings; someone has a bad tone of voice; someone takes their bad day out on us, someone messes with our pet peeves, or we don’t get ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Transformation In Progress Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Jan 15, 2002

Discipleship, the process of change.

Today we will be continuing with our look at 5 foundational purposes of the church. You will also find that these principles should become foundational purposes of each of our lives. Last week we looked at the purpose of evangelism. Today we will be exploring the purpose of discipleship. You ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Salvation By Grace Alone Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Feb 9, 2002

Introduction to the letter to the Romans

I feel a bit like we’ve just climbed on board a jet going from Melbourne to London, or we’re just setting off to drive from Melbourne to Perth. There’s a long journey before us, but there’ll be lots of exciting things to see on the way; lots of varied scenery. And by the end of our journey I hope ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4

Denomination: Anglican

"Thyatira-Spiritual Purity And Adultery" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 6, 2002

Avoid the pollution of the world--strive for a Christian worldview and lifestyle

"Thyatira-spiritual purity and adultery" Rev 2:18-29 The Letters to the 7 Churches Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Located 40 miles southeast of Pergamum, Thyatira started out as a Greek outpost, founded by a General of Alexander the Great, in order to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Congregational

"Ehud The Assassin" Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 7, 2002

God uses unlikely people for His purpose

“Ehud the Assassin” Judges 3:12-23 -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Although we’re not going to study the brief account of the judge Othniel, I’d like to point out one important fact in verse 10: “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him”. The Holy ...read more

Scripture: Judges 3:12-23

Denomination: Congregational

"Our Refuge" (Nahum) Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 10, 2002

The prophet Nahum delivers a sober message of judgment to Ninevah, but in the middle of his harsh prophecy he offers hope.

“Our Refuge” Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts How do we get ahead in life? According to the Survivor show, we succeed by being ruthless, conniving, deceitful, following a pragmatic, win at all costs, ends-justify-the means mentality. It’s no wonder ...read more

Scripture: Nahum 1:1-15

Denomination: Congregational

"Putting Out A Fleece" (Gideon) Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 21, 2002

Gideon’s asking for a sign has nothing to do with determining God’s will—God already clearly told Gideon what to do. Gideon’s fleece shows his doubt and fear and lack of trust. Gideon didn’t know his own strength.

“Putting out a Fleece” (Gideon) Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts “Actions have consequences.” This could be the motto of our times, and it certainly would apply to the period of the Judges. In both cases we see people living lawlessly, doing whatever ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-40

Denomination: Congregational

Resurrection Power

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 2, 2002

There are more hymns celebrating the cross than the open tomb which might lead some to think Jesus’ death was more important than His resurrection. But, how important is the resurrection to us?

OPEN: Women: are there times when your husbands don’t seem to be paying attention? One man wrote: The ears are a marvelous creation: A piano has 88 keys, but each of your ears has a range of 1500 keys. They are so finely tuned that you can hear the blood running through your vessels. The ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Authentic Love

Contributed by Scotty Killingsworth on Aug 6, 2002

A Christ Followers involvement in the world is to be salt and light. What happens to a culture when the light is dimmed and the salt looses its saltiness?

Authentic Christian love John 13:31-36 Beginning: The church is moment by moment becoming more and more like the world around it. Instead of changing the world we are being changed by the world. We have bought in to a deformed love that has a defective and inauthentic DNA. We have weakened our ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-36

Denomination: Baptist

Anti-Judge Abimelech Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Aug 12, 2002

The faith-response to corrupt leadership

“Anti-judge Abimelech” Judges Chapter 9 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts Politics is often a quest for power, and power can corrupt. We all know of individuals who’ve been seduced by power and do whatever it takes to get to the top. It’s been said that ...read more

Scripture: Judges 9:1-57

Denomination: Congregational

How Soon We Forget

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Feb 21, 2003

God came in a special way during our revival...the tendency is for us to forget about what God did for us (much like the Israelites did)...the best way to avoid that is to be aware of that danger.

Larry C. Brincefield larkayb@earthlink.net Sunday Morning, February 23, 2003 Monthly Theme: Revival Title: "How Soon We Forget" Text: Psalm 106:10-13 Introduction It’s been 1 1/2 years since the World Trade Center & the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. in the weeks and months ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 106:10-13

Denomination: Nazarene