Sermons on Oswald Smith:

What Happens Behind Closed Doors Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

In worship God provides a way for us to deal with the lingering dirt in our lives, and offers us a vision of life’s beauty and possibility.

How many househusbands do we have here? Are there any househusbands? Not housewives … we don’t even say that word in these politically correct times! You know what I mean … how many of us men will admit that we get into the housework routine? Come on, I know about some of you! You have a working ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15

Denomination: Baptist

Pontius Pilate: Stuck In People-Pleasing Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

Pilate was a classic people-pleaser, who found that his behavior produced popularity that masked contempt, pessimism, and powerlessness.

The story has it that during creation, as God was sitting up in heaven turning out all these creatures, some of the angels asked if they could help. It looked like fun, making plants and animals, birds and beasts. And so God, who had just finished fashioning something, said, "All right. Come ahead. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Praise Is Comely

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

The King James Version word "comely" helps us see that praise and worship fit the reality of today’s world, but are attractive to those who need perspective by which to live.

Our members will know that I seldom use the King James Version of the Scriptures, except on certain occasions when the majesty and beauty of its language are desirable. We are a church which is generally committed to contemporary readings of the Bible because they are more accurate and are easier ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 147:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Moles Or Souls? Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

Some of us choose darkness, like moles burrowing into the ground. Our behavior becomes obsessively demonic, for which there are consequences. The Gospel calls us to be what God has made us to be, creatures living in the light, with passion.

Well, now, are you a mole or a soul? I want you to identify yourself, clearly and unequivocally, are you a mole or a soul? I suppose that does require a bit of explanation. A mole is a little creature that lives out its life underground, in the darkness, endlessly burrowing to and fro and making ...read more

Scripture: John 3:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

Were You There? No, But We Are Here

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 21, 2009

To know real and lasting power means admitting that we fail at what we do (repentance), giving over the control of our lives to Christ (faith), and obedience.

The speech choir has asked us a pointed question, "Were you there?" "Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?" They went on, "Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?" And finally, "Were you here when He rose up from the grave?" Were you ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing Through The Darkness Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 22, 2009

This is a time of profound darkness, when many things we have depended on fail. We may be among the curious crowd or the concerned companions, but we will eventually see. Who will be the next converted centurion?

When you are suddenly plunged into darkness, that darkness is profound, and you cannot see anything. But wait a while, let your eyes adjust, and if there is a glimmer of light anywhere, you will begin to see and you will make your way through. The darkness will not be quite as dismal as you first ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:44-49

Denomination: Baptist

Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Holiness

Contributed by Phil Smith on Feb 23, 2009

The pursuit of happiness is a western deception that even takes Christians captive. As followers of Christ, we are in the pursuit of holiness; to glorify God by becoming what he means for us to be. Holiness is the wonderful opportunity of grace.

Ro 8:22-23 - 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (NIV) 1. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Law Of Christ

Contributed by Phil Smith on Feb 23, 2009

Sometimes in all the Christian rhetoric, we forget the simplicity of what following Christ looks like. "Good Works" has been given a bad name because they are viewed as a contrast to faith and grace. However, once you get past the elementary teaching of

The Law of Christ I. Introduction Lately, the ladies of our church have had a couple of opportunities to help some folks. If you are not already aware, some of our ladies are cooking meals for Peter and Theda Kempenar on a regular basis. Also, they supplied a good bunch of sandwiches for Teri ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Caution! God's Favor ... Handle With Care Series

Contributed by Joel Smith on Feb 23, 2009

God’s gifts are ultimately for God’s glory. Use them well.

This week I’ve begun reading a new book by one of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell, titled Outliers: The Story of Success. The premise of the book is simple: no successful person is a self-made man; everyone who gets to the top had a lot advantages, help, and luck. He devotes two chapters to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Available For Liberation

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 8, 2006

To be effective as peacemakers in a warlike time, we must have a healthy self-doubt, we must understand God’s concern for justice, and we must use what is available to us, no matter how small. Reworking for Montgomery Hills Baptist Church of a message do

There is an old saying here in Washington that nothing ever happens in August. Government people head off on vacation to the beaches, to the mountains, or to beautiful downtown Crawford, so there is nobody to make things happen. So, it is said, nothing ever happens in August. Of course that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Bridge That Builds Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Aug 19, 2006

7th sermon in an 8 part series on the Beatitudes. This series challenges us to "Shift" our thinking in what really brings true happiness. (*Rewritten and refreshed in 8/08 - Powerpoint and Video Clips available on request.)

Shift #7 THE BRIDGE BUILDERS MATTHEW 5:9 INTRODUCTION: (:33 intro) Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is one of my all time favorite movies. I wasn’t alone in liking it. The film won four academy awards and was nominated as Best Picture in 1970. It’s ranked as one of the top 150 movies on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9

Denomination: Christian Church

The Dungeon Worth Dying For Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Aug 19, 2006

8th sermon in an 8 part series on the Beatitudes. This series challenges us to "Shift" our thinking in what really brings true happiness. (*Powerpoint and video clips are available on request)

THE DUNGEON WORTH DYING FOR Shift #8 MATTHEW 5:10-12; 1 PETER 4:14-16 INTRODUCTION: For 7 weeks we have looked at the attitudes that Jesus has said will bring true and genuine happiness. I hope these messages have been beneficial and I hope you’ve been trying to put them into practice. To be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian Church

Filled To The Uttermost: An Example For The Believer Series

Contributed by Duane Smith on Aug 20, 2006

This message was developed to help Christians to relaize how much they have in Christ - specifically when filled with the Holy Spirit.

FILLED TO THE UTTER MOST: AN EXAMPLE FOR THE BELIEVER Acts 6:8-7:60 INTRODUCTION: A. In Ephesians 5:18 Paul wrote, be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 1. This verse lets us know that it is possible to be a Christian and not be filled with the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Playing Follow The Leader

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 20, 2006

Leadership and followship demand truth, grace, and sacrifice to be effective. A story-sermon, reworked from one originally done in 1999.

The desire to be “somebody” is deep within all of us. We want to be distinguished, we need to be acknowledged, we must be somebodies, not nobodies. That desire to be “somebody” can lead us to glorious accomplishment, or it can lead to the depths of degradation. It’s all in what motivates us. Do ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7-16

Denomination: Baptist

What Have You Learned?

Contributed by Angela Smith on Aug 23, 2006

A Youth Sunday sermon that reaches out to both the young & the young at heart.

“What have you learned?” As we walk through life it is important that we know & understand that this, this space in time we call life: is actually a place to glean wisdom & understanding. It is a place where experience is an awesome teacher. Parents & adults, we are required to teach our ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

Denomination: Baptist