Sermons on Washington:

Waiting For Full Joy

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 22, 2010

Delivered 1989, on the 25th anniversary of the reception of the church's first black member. We wait for full joy and unity, which come from embracing all people and from being the agents of redemption for all needs.

Exactly twenty-five years ago, two things happened which were destined to have a profound effect on my life, and I want to share them with you this morning. These two unrelated happenings took place without the people involved in either one being aware of the other one, but, as I have said, both ...read more

Scripture: John 17:6-18

Denomination: Baptist

Stumbling Into A Quantum Leap

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 3, 2008

When we stumble, but repent, God gives us a chance to leap like a deer and rejoice.

The best discoveries are the discoveries made by accident. The things you did not set out to find, but found anyway. The five dollar bill tucked in between the pages of the book you picked up to read. The charming little boutique around the corner from where you really intended to go. The best ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Real Social Security Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Oct 14, 2010

In times of trouble, trust in the Lord; don’t trust in a lie.

Just two summers ago (July, 2008), Newsweek magazine printed a story about the most amazing exploit of tight-rope walker, Philippe Petit. They titled the story Man on Wire¸ and it described Petit’s secret plan in 1974 to extend a steel wire between the two towers of the World Trade Center in New ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Double Your Money

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 4, 2010

We think that we must protect what we have, and do not see those in need as brothers and sisters in disguise. But God puts back in our sacks more than enough when we walk on a mission of mercy and a journey of faith, caring for the hungry and needy.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, Washington, DC, October 16, 1988 (World Hunger Sunday) Somehow, when our whole orientation is consuming and enjoying and entertaining ourselves, we pay no attention to anything beyond today. What we have today we use, and assume that tomorrow will take care of itself. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

In Hot Pursuit Series

Contributed by Tim Hedberg on Jan 15, 2007

God pursues a continuing love relationship with us.

In Hot Pursuit September 24, 2006 Luke 15:1-24 Experiencing God #2 Deb and my oldest son Luke is in Kindergarten this year. So far he has made it through 2 weeks of school just fine and his parents are trying to do the same. This week Kindergartners were allowed to start riding the bus to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ark, Anger, And Assurance

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Nov 24, 2010

We become angry at God because our prayers are self-centered, but when they are not answered we shut down and avoid God. Until we see that the blessing is in the presence of God we will not reap joy.

Takoma Park Baptist Church, September 8, 1991 (this version); preached in slightly different form at Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church, Silver Spring, MD, July 30, 1978; Calvary Hill Baptist Church, Fairfax, VA, August 6, 1978; Forest Heights Baptist Church, Oxon Hill, MD, Sept. 9, 1979; ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

A Biblical Guide To Voting

Contributed by Greg Addison on Oct 22, 2008

How do we as christians approach voting in a post-modern world? Are we mixing politics with spiritual matters to discuss this? See how the Bible guides us to vote and to vote biblically.

A BIBILICAL GUIDE TO VOTING We are facing a monumental event for us as Christians. It is as important an event for us to establish the testimony of Christ as we will see in years. What is that event? Is it the upcoming Fall Festival? Is it the opening of Upward basketball? I am talking about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Value Of Honesty Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Nov 6, 2008

An application of the ninth commandment about lying, demontrating the value of honesty in honoring God, healing relationships, and helping ourselves gain personal credibility.

The Value of Honesty (Exodus 20:16) At midnight, one spring evening in 1987, a terrible thing happened: Seven million American children suddenly disappeared. No, it wasn’t a mass kidnapping or a serial killer. It was the IRS. They had changed a rule for the night of April 15, which for the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Keeping On Keeping On

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 3, 2009

For the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor: in times of turmoil, God is still present, using war to wake up His people. Our temptation is to turn to idolatrous weapons, but He is giving us a chance to use compassion to win hearts and minds.

You will need some background and interpretation in order for you to appreciate the Scripture I’m working from today. Let me first set the stage of history, and then, as we read through, I’ll try to show you the shape of what is being said. The time in which this reading from the 41st chapter of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

What I Learned From Black History Month

Contributed by David Parks on Feb 21, 2012

As I have gone back and studied Black History, some Biblical principles keep pressing into my mind: principles that could have saved mankind so much sin, suffering and sorrow.

LESSONS I HAVE LEARNED FROM BLACK HISTORY MONTH Text: Acts 17: 16–28 Introduction: 1. Isn’t this a wonderful day the Lord has made. A day to – “Rejoice and be glad in it.” 2. Open your Bibles please to Acts 17: 24-28. 3. Read text. “For we are indeed his offspring.” 4. The Title of today’s lesson ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Gone Without Warning

Contributed by Donnie De Loney on Mar 24, 2012

Prophecy concerning the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

What We Believe: A recent Newsweek poll gauges Americans’ opinions on the Book of Revelation and end times: *36% believe the Book of Revelation contains “true prophecy,” while 47% say it is metaphorical. *55% think the faithful will be taken up to heaven in the rapture. *74% of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How Then Shall We Live Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 11, 2011

In this last sermon in the 2 Peter series, we focus on the effort that we must put forth to be ready for the coming of the Lord.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a minister who visited an elderly woman in the nursing home. 1. The young minister said, “At your age you should be thinking about the hereafter!” 2. The older woman said, “Oh, I do all the time. No matter where I am – in my room, down ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Use Your Assets Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Jun 16, 2015

With Jesus at the helm of his life's ship Paul had a bountiful supply of assets for living above his circumstances.

“Living a Joy-full Life; Use Your Assets” Phil. 1:12-30 In Acts chapter 3 John and Peter are about to enter the temple courts when a crippled beggar asks them for money. Peter’s response is fabulous! “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Champions Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Aug 6, 2014

As champions of the cross we are to lift high the cross of Christ.

Champions Of The Cross Text: Philippians 3:15-21 Introduction 1. Illustration: British Pastor and Scholar John Stott, in his book The Cross of Christ, wrote about the centrality of the Cross in the Christian Faith. He wrote, "...the cross transforms everything. It gives us a new worshipping ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:15-21

Denomination: Methodist

The Twelve Apostles

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 8, 2013

The analysis of Jesus choosing the twelve apostles as set forth in Luke 6:12-16 will show us that Jesus uses ordinary people to accomplish his purposes.

Scripture Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He was about thirty years of age when he began his public ministry (Luke 3:23) in 28 AD. His ministry of seeking and saving the lost was primarily a ministry of teaching and healing. As Jesus carried out his itinerant ministry in Israel his ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed