Sermons on Spiritual Sandpaper:

Facing The Unknown Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 19, 2017

None of us know with certainty what lies ahead after we are gathered to Christ. However, Paul encourages believers to look forward, preparing ourselves for what is surely coming.

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Joy To The World, The Lord Has Come Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 2, 2017

In the account of Christ’s advent in John 1:19-37, we see a 1) Joyful Preparation (John 1:19-28), a 2) Joyful Arrival (John 1:29-34) and a resulting 3) Joyful Response (John 1:35-37).

If you're the type of person who counts down the days until your local radio station starts playing nonstop Christmas music, you might want to brace yourself for some bad news. Apparently listening to Christmas music on loop could have some negative effects on your mental health, according to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-37

Denomination: Other

Immanuel (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 10, 2017

A brief study of Isaiah's prophecy promising the birth of a child known as Immanuel.

“The Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” [1] Signs loom large in the Word of God. I don’t mean to imply that there is a plethora of signs, though there are many signs provided in the Bible, for various reasons; I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What The New Year Holds Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2017

The desperate times in which we live provides some of the greatest opportunities to advance the Faith. Now is the time for the faithful to seize the initiative and push back against the night.

“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” [1] “X-rays will prove to be a hoax!” So said Lord Kelvin, president of the Royal Society, in 1883. “Louis Pasteur’s theory of germs is ridiculous ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Detrimental Competition-8

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jan 31, 2018

8 of 8. John the Baptist pointed out the detriments of competitive ministry. But when is competition detrimental to Christian ministry? A competitive spirit is detrimental to Christian ministry when...

DETRIMENTAL COMPETITION-VIII—John 3:22-36 Christians & the Church indeed have ‘the market’ on truth. We are in competition with false doctrine. But the Church invites grave difficulties upon herself when they become competitors among themselves...i.e., When their competition becomes detrimental ...read more

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Denomination: Baptist

Confidence In An Uncertain World Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2018

The Christian knows intuitively that he/she belongs to God and that the world about them is under the sway of the evil one. The message explores some of the parameters of this knowledge.

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” [1] The New York Stock Exchange hits a new high every week, sometimes even breaking previous trading records several times in a week. Investor exuberance does make some potential traders nervous; they wonder ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

An Admirable Scheme?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Nov 7, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Kings 19: 1 – 37

2 Kings 19: 1 – 37 When all looks hopeless - pray 19 And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. 2 Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 19:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Divine Providence Part 5 - The Only Way To Eradicate Sin Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Nov 13, 2018

Now that a penitent sinner is "in Christ," temptation springs again, and the reformed sinner sins again. How are our sins erased?

DIVINE PROVIDENCE This is Part 5 of an 8-part series that was originally developed for a 13-week adult class, with some of the parts taking more or less than a 45-minute class period. I am starting to post the series on SermonCentral, and plan to post the remaining parts over the next few days as ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:33, Romans 6:1-2, John 10:27, Romans 8:35-39, Romans 8:1, Hebrews 11:19, Revelation 3:5, 2 Chronicles 3:1, Genesis 22:6-14, Revelation 21:27, Revelation 21:9-11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:8, Revelation 20:15, 1 Peter 4:17, James 1:15, Romans 8:33-34, 1 John 1:8, Revelation 17:8, Revelation 13:8, Philippians 4:3, Daniel 12:1, 2 Chronicles 25:1, Revelation 20:11-15, Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, John 8:2-11, Romans 6:23, Galatians 6:7-8, 2 Kings 14:3-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

I Have Come Into The World As Light Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 8, 2018

A study of the impact of Jesus as light in our darkened world.

“Jesus cried out and said, ‘Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge ...read more

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Denomination: Baptist

I Came From The Father Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 15, 2018

Jesus was forthright in declaring that He came from the Father, and that He would return to the Father. Christmas is recognition of this truth, pointing especially to the sacrifice of the Saviour for the sin of mankind.

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father ...read more

Scripture: John 16:25-28

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Was Born Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2018

Jesus' testimony before Pilate spoke of the purpose of His coming. Though we speak of joy and peace in Christ, it is essential that He came to bring salvation. This He has done through presenting His life as a sacrifice. Those who believe are ushered into His Kingdom.

“Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

You’re In A Heap Of Trouble

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 13, 2018

A study in the book of Genesis 31: 1 - 55

Genesis 31: 1 - 55 You’re in a heap of trouble 31 Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” 2 And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Lessons On Jude Part 4 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 27, 2018

They left their own habitation (in heaven). This seems to imply that they had invaded the territory of others, and attempted to seize control of it. They lived in heaven; all bright and glorious, as opposed to the "darkness" to which they now are doomed.

Part 4 (2/27/18) But left their own habitation (in heaven). This seems to imply that they had invaded the territory and responsibility of others, and attempted to seize control of it. They lived in heaven; all bright and glorious, as opposed to the "darkness" to which they now are doomed. Their ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

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 Treatment Of Titus Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 19, 2018

The Galatians were following the false teachers who were Judaizers, because they thought it was necessary for those who aspired to higher perfection to observe the Law of Moses in addition to Christian faith and doctrine.

September 11, 2013 The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians Tom Lowe II. Personal: Defense of Paul’s Apostleship (1:11–2:21) II.B: Independent of Jerusalem Apostles (1:13-2.21) II.B.3: Confirmed by the Jerusalem Apostles (2.1-10) Chapter II.B.3.a: The Treatment of Titus ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist