Sermons on Growing In Grace:

How To Handle A Sanballat

Contributed by Brady Cook on Jan 6, 2022

Usually, when we talk about Nehemiah, we focus on the wall. But what about the conditions he built it in -- namely, discouragement? - How are you supposed to focus on doing God's Work when others are trying to constantly tear you down?

https://hillsidechurchofchrist.com/how-to-handle-sanballat-and-tobiah/ Usually, when we have a sermon from Nehemiah 4, we fixate on a single verse: “The wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Neh. 4:6) We then dissect this verse and what it means to have ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Greatest Sacrifice Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 15, 2021

The reason that the sacrifice of Jesus was the greatest ever is because it is the only sacrifice that ever worked. All the animal sacrifices just pointed to the need for blood to be shed and life paid for cleansing from sin.

One of my favorite poets is William L. Stidger, and I want to begin this message with one of his poems- I SAW GOD WASH THE WORLD I saw God wash the world last night With his sweet showers on high, And then, when morning came, I saw Him hang it out to dry. He washed each tiny blade of grass And ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-3

Our Excelling Example Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

We look to Christ as our example, and He teaches us a positive type of humility that says I have ability and blessings which I will use, not for self-glorification, but for the edification of others.

You cannot imitate what you do not know. Any parrot who learns to swear does not reveal its own character, but rather that of its owner and example. To copy or imitate by definition implies an original to go by. It is the original that determines the nature of the copy. This concept is ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

The Search For A Queen (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Mar 17, 2021

As chapter two of Esther continues, we see more of the sovereignty of God revealed. Although it appeared His people had been forsaken, God had a plan and would use Esther to help bring about its fulfillment. Sovereignty is an attribute that brings peace and comfort to believers.

The Search for a Queen (Part 2) Esther 2: 10-18 We have learned that due to her refusal to accommodate the king’s ridiculous demands, Vashti had been removed from her position as queen. After some time had passed, the king’s advisors developed a plan to locate and crown a new queen. The plan ...read more

Scripture: Esther 2:10-18

Denomination: Baptist

Positive Attributes Of Love Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 17, 2021

Love does not just patiently put up with people. It also positively puts out for people. In other words, it is not enough to just turn the other cheek. You must also walk the extra mile.

The theme of love has been associated with the Lord's Supper down through the centuries. The early Christians had what came to be known as an Agape feast before they partook of the Lord's Supper. This was a time in which they ate a full meal together in an atmosphere of Christian ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Advance Through Arrest Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 28, 2021

Jesus indicates that one of the key ways of getting the Gospel spread would be through the courts. The persecution would lead to opportunities to defend the Gospel before high officials and leaders in high places.

There is a difference between sin and error. It I say 2+2=5 I am in error, but I am not sinning. That is, if my motive is to come to a right answer I am not sinning. If my human fallibility leads me to a wrong answer it is not sin. If I say 2+2=5 in order to confuse a young person so that they ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13

Law And Gospel Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 29, 2021

A knife is good for cutting your meat, but bad for cleaning your eyes and ears. Every good thing can be used in a way that is improper, and then it become harmful and dangerous, and so it is with the law.

There is mystery enough in life without us adding unnecessary mysteries of our own making. For example, like the woman who evicted a man from her boarding house, and when she was asked why she did it she said, "Something mysterious is going on when a man hangs his hat over the key hole every ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:7

A Title Of Honor Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 30, 2021

This is the greatest and highest title available to those in the kingdom of God. That is why you will find the Apostles proud to declare themselves to be servants of God.

In the old days when people traveled in coaches the driver would charge three fares. The first class, second class, and third class. All passengers were placed in the same coach and those who paid the first class fare would often complain that there was no difference, and that they receive no ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1

The Oil Of Peace Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 30, 2021

Peace is the lubricant that keeps a good thing going. It keeps us in flight, and protects us from the heat of frustration, and the wear and tare of worry and tension that can cause us to lose altitude, and even crash.

Years ago a visitor returning from Dublin told of how he put MacDuncan, the village fool, to the test. He poured the contents of his purse out on the ground, and told him to take any coin he wished. MacDuncan's eyes lit up, and the people of the village gathered around for another ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:2

The Supreme Virtue Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 31, 2021

Paul made it clear in I Cor. 13 that he could have all gifts and powers that anyone could ever hope to have, but if he lacked love he would be nothing. Peter agrees with Paul, and that is why he puts love at the top.

Pitiram Sorokin in his book The Ways And Power Of Love tells of how in 1918 he was hunted down by the Communist Government of Russia. He was imprisoned and condemned to death. Everyday he expected to be shot as he witnessed the shootings of his friends and fellow prisoners. For 4 years he ...read more

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

In answer to the question: There seem to be a lot of different ideas about how a person can be sure to be allowed into Heaven. I have a lot of family members who tried different approaches. Are they in Heaven or not?

Question to be asked: There seem to be a lot of different ideas about how a person can be sure to be allowed into Heaven. I have a lot of family members who tried different approaches. Are they in Heaven or not? Intro: I’m going to guess that the main reason for this question is that someone ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why, O God, Why!

Contributed by Wilson Oshorakpor on Mar 31, 2021

Sometimes it seems God is so far away from us. His silence picks our conscience and in despair we cry: Why, O God, Why.

TEXT: PSALMS 22:1, 42:5 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble (Psalm 10:1). My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? ... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1, Psalm 42:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

When You Have Real Hope Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

Book sermon from 1 Peter. Introducing a series through the book

I Peter (*1:3) Introduction: A man in Levelland, TX got his lost dog back after he put this ad in the paper: "Lost or strayed, Chihuahua dog answering to the name of Chico. Brilliant dog, acutely aware of national and world politics - he shakes all the time." September 10th was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Friday Tragedy? Easter Triumph!”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Mar 31, 2021

If the body of Jesus had decayed into dust within the borrowed tomb, we would not be singing the songs of Easter. They thought It was a tragic end to the “One” who had raised the dead. Tears told the sadness in their hearts. Resurrection shatters the grip of fear.

In Jesus Holy Name April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday Redeemer Text: Mark 16:6,7a “Friday Tragedy? Easter Triumph!” He is risen! He is risen indeed! Philip Yancy wrote: “Christianity has two great symbols to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:6-8, John 20:30-31

Denomination: Lutheran

The Glory Of Heaven Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 8, 2021

The glory of God is so great that no created source of light is necessary. Neither sun nor moon are needed, for there will never be a night. There can be no darkness in the presence of God.

Try to picture in your mind a cake of ice one and a half mile square. Just imagine a total square mile of ice, and half of the next mile, and then imagine that enormous block rising into the sky, not just to the height of an ice cube, not even to the height of the Empire State Building, but ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:22-27