Sermons on Hymnals:

Everything Changes

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Feb 22, 2007

Humility is the right response to salvation FCF: Mary’s song teaches us how to accept a gift in way that is both grown-up and gracious: namely by putting the focus back on the giver.

Long Branch Baptist Church Halfway, Virginia; est. 1786 Sunday, December 17th, 2006 Enter to Worship Announcements Prelude David Witt Meditation 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 Invocation *Opening Hymn #88 “Joy to the World” Welcome Morning Prayer *Advent Litany [See Right] *Hymn CH#622 – [See ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

Denomination: Baptist

The Name Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 13, 2014

The Titles given Messiah through Isaiah reveal His deity and His character.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [1] “His Name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

The Singer

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 6, 2016

Thinking of worship through examining Jesus' singing of the hymn before His Passion.

“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” [1] Jesus was a singer; on four occasions Scripture informs us that Jesus sang. I cannot help but wonder what songs Jesus sang. Perhaps my training in the sciences compels me to ask such questions; nevertheless, I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:26

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 25 Title: The Way, The Truth And The Life Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 22, 2019

The underlying theme of this psalm is guidance. David’s circumstances are dire, he hardly knows which way to turn, so he turns to God.

May 28, 2014 Tom Lowe Psalm 25 (KJV) Title: The Way, the Truth and the Life A psalm of David. Psalm 25 (KJV) 1 Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Introduction To The Psalms Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Sep 14, 2022

We are not simply to read psalms; we are to be immersed in them so that they profoundly shape how we relate to God. The psalms are the divinely ordained way to learn devotion to our God. (Tim Keller)

Introduction to the Psalms The psalms of the Old Testament are at the heart of the spiritual experiences of Jew and Gentile believer alike. (Shelly) The book of Psalms was a manual and guide for the devotional life of Jewish believers. It came to be used as a hymnal at the temple and synagogue. ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Saving Grace Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 14, 2022

1) Abraham’s justifying faith did not come by his circumcision (Romans 4:9–12); it did 2) not come by his keeping the law (vv. 13–15); but rather 3) it came solely by God’s grace (vv. 16–17).

Romans 4:9-17. 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:9-17

Denomination: Other

The Principles & Ideas Of Deism

Contributed by Frederick Meekins on Nov 8, 2021

One of the perplexities of philosophical and religious research is that it can be easy to misconstrue the personalities and movements one is attempting to study through the prism of one's own respective worldview.

One of the perplexities of philosophical and religious research is that it can be easy to misconstrue the personalities and movements one is attempting to study through the prism of one's own respective worldview. This tendency, if one is not careful to adjust for it, can be compounded when ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Eternal God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 1, 2009

Jesus presented Himself as God, only to be rejected by the theologians. Would we have reacted any differently? John compels us to think seriously about our own response to Jesus, the Living God.

*John 8:48-58* *Jesus, the Great “I Am”: The Eternal God* “The Jews answered [Jesus], ‘Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?’ Jesus answered, ‘I do not have a demon, but I honour my Father, and you dishonour me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-58

Denomination: Baptist

The Boaz Generation Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 16, 2009

1) The Salutation (Ruth 4:11-12) 2) The Son (Ruth 4:13-17) & 3) the Summary (Ruth 4:18-22).

Weddings are a fascinating custom. With my wife owning a flower shop we know all about weddings. Center pieces, corsages, bouquets, and decorations mean a lot of work and expense. With hall rentals, food, drink, tuxedo, gowns, relatives and gifts, a wedding is probably the most elaborate event any ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:11-22

Denomination: Other

Benevolence According To Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2010

In the eyes of the Master our motive for practising benevolence is extremely important.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Worship - Where The Master Reveals His Presence Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 14, 2010

The message explores the revelation of Christ as we worship, encouraging believers to seek His presence.

“The [Samaritan] woman said to [Jesus], ‘Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

What We Learn From Creation's Groanings Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 21, 2017

The sorrow we experience as we witness the devolution of culture creates a longing for Heaven and for Christ.

“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Eleven Essential Qualities Of A Blessed Church (Thessalonican Model)

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 29, 2012

Discover the essential qualities of a church that consistently experiences the best blessings from God.

Essential Qualities of a Blessed Church (The Church of Thessalonica) Discover the essential qualities of a church that consistently experiences the best blessings from God. So many churches are failing to enjoy the best of God’s blessings, benefits and bounty because they fail to meet the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The God Whom We Know

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 10, 2018

What do we know about God? Does what we know influence our response to Him and to others? These are the issues explored in this message.

“We know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” [1] Few portions of the Word are calculated to give the Christian pause as is this one verse. The Living God does not ignore ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:30-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of Godliness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2013

The message of Christ and His work on our behalf is a mystery of God. In fact, Paul speaks of this as "the mystery of godliness."

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” [1] Mysteries are a favourite genre in books, movies and television ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist