Sermons on Joseph M Stowell:

Taking Hold Of Contentment

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 28, 2004

Funeral service for Dock Burgess, whose last day of life was a time of acceptance and calm. We can take hold of contentment by learning to receive, by investing in a relationship with God, and ultimately by accepting grace for life eternal.

I am persuaded that the fundamental human problem is anxiety. I’ve watched the way we live for quite a while, and I am convinced that the most basic human issue is that we are anxious. We are fearful and afraid; we are anxious. And it is not just that we are afraid of what others may do to us. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

After The Cicadas

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 15, 2004

In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education: God still sees much to judge in America, and we are laid waste by lingering racism. We must recommit to justice in the nation and in the church.

I am here to announce an invasion. This land has been taken over by an alien army. The invaders are so numerous that all hope of turning them back is gone. It is useless to resist. And not only are they here in massive numbers, these invaders, but also they know no fear. They are perfectly ...read more

Scripture: Amos 2:6-8, Amos 5:24

Denomination: Baptist

Not Yet Perfect

Contributed by Joseph Smith on May 18, 2004

Funeral sermon for Doris Reynolds Parker, veteran teacher, civil rights worker, and mother, whose spirit of determination we can complete if we commit to justice, kindness and a walk with God.

Perfection is difficult to come by! No matter how good something is, it is always possible to find flaws. It is always possible to discover imperfections. When I was in engineering school, I took a class in drafting. My professor’s claim to fame was that he could, without a compass, ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

We Have, They Need: Formula For Life Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 28, 2002

First of a series based on the Johannine letters: our response to overwhelming need is first of all a discovery of who we are; then a commitment to maximum effort; and finally a discovery of where our passion lies. This will energize us.

I invite you today on an imaginary trip. Let’s walk through just one day in a needy world. Just imagine a few hours in a world that asks us for more than we can possibly give: You are awakened early by the phone’s insistent ringing; you hear the voice of a member of your family. He ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-18, 1 John 3:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

On Not Losing What We Have Worked For Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 11, 2002

There is nothing more disappointing than losing something for which we have worked; we are in danger of losing a generation of children if we do not teach forthrightly what Christian values are and if we do not reject intrusive, deceptive messages from th

There is no greater disappointment than working for something for a long time, only to see that work just disappear. You worked hard, but it’s gone. That is truly an awful feeling. A couple of weeks ago, on one of those steamy weekends filled with unpredictable thunderstorms, my wife was ...read more

Scripture: 2 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Salvation Came To His House

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 11, 2002

Zacchaeus faced many problems that we face today. People are trying everything they can to solve them, but they find just a large emptiness! Who could possible solve these problems? Friend, let me introce you to the Salvation that came to His House!

Introduction: Just like many today, Zacchaeus had some problems that he needed someone to help him overcome! A. His position was a problem (vs. 2) It is always hard for the rich to get saved because they do not need anything! (Mat.10:23) B. His elevation was a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Close To The Cross But Far From The Blood

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 13, 2002

Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ!

Introduction: Today, we find many people who are very close to the Cross and to Jesus; however, they are no different than someone who has never heard of the Cross or Jesus. You see, just like those who have never heard, they are not under the Blood of Christ! You may ask, “Why do you have to be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

When To Be Stubborn

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 25, 2002

There are times to be definite, clear, even stubborn: when you know the truth, when you understand your own motives, and when you can turn your stand into good news. Parts of the sermon were drawn from testimonies solicited earlier in the service around

Indelibly etched on my mind is the photograph of one of our members, now deceased. If you go to Frances Flippen’s apartment, you can see a picture of her late husband, John, a military man, in full battle dress, helmet and all, standing with his legs spread apart and his arms folded, and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:14-17, Proverbs 25:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

Too Late

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Aug 25, 2002

The rich man in hell did everything that the poor man did on earth; however he did them simply TOO LATE!

Introduction: As we look at this story in the Bible, we must realize that it is an aweful yet true story. It is aweful because one man had so much suffering in this life and the other man had so much suffering in the next life. It is aweful because one man ended up in hell. We know this story ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Entering The Joy: A Five Talent Man

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 7, 2002

Funeral service for Robert Cecil White, poet, jazz musician, self-professed prodigal.

It’s hard to believe that it was only a few months ago when onto the scene, here at this church, there burst like a blaze of light a small intense man, dressed in a loose-flowing shirt, speaking up frequently. People took to him immediately; he was so open and so outgoing, and we at Takoma ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Windows Blown Out Or Open? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 8, 2002

God’s mercy is available to us, whether we call on Him in disasters only or whether we are constantly in His presence. But how much more ready we would be for disaster if we cultivated His presence. A sermon for the 9/11 anniversary.

(Singing): “Sitting by the window praying, waiting for the break of day; sitting by the window praying, hearing what God might say.” (Repeat) Of all the images which linger, a year later, of the events of last September 11, none is more haunting than the picture of people falling from the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

All Your Diseases

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 12, 2002

Funeral sermon for Melvia Jean Harrison, victim of interstitial lung disease.

“Bless the Lord ... who heals all your diseases.” What an astounding claim! What an extravagant promise! The Lord heals all your diseases. Not some of them, not most of them, but all of them. Do we believe that? Do we think that is true? Then, if the Lord heals all our diseases, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Our Awareness Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Jan 21, 2004

This is the first message in a 5 week series on spiritual warfare. This message focuses on our need to be aware of the reality and enemy of spiritual warfare.

The Battle is the Lord’s Our Awareness Story: There was once a boxer who was getting pummeled in the ring by his opponent. Battered and bruised, in b/w rounds, the boxer tells his trainer, “Throw in the towel, this guy is killing me.” The trainer says, “No he’s not, he’s barely ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Our Arsenal - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Jan 21, 2004

The 3rd message in a series on spiritual warfare focusing on our arsenal for battle.

The Battle is the Lord Our Arsenal – Part 1 Intro: A reporter interviewed a man on his 100th birthday. “What are you most proud of?” The man said, “I don’t have an enemy in the world.” “What a beautiful thought! How inspirational! Tell me how you have achieved such a feat?” The man ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Our Arsenal - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Joseph Rodgers on Jan 21, 2004

The 4th message in a series on spiritual warfare focusing on our arsenal to fight the enemy.

The Battle is the Lord’s Our Arsenal – Part 2 Review: We’ve been examining the reality of spiritual conflict – we’ve become aware of the battle, our adversary in the battle, and today we’ll continue study on our arsenal for the battle. Trans: We’ve looked at the first 3 pieces of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17

Denomination: Baptist