| Sermons... |
These sermons are delivered at New Hope Baptist Church in Romulus, Alabama (unless otherwise noted). I've placed these sermons here for my non-resident members (or anyone else interested in some sermons). Some sermons are in HTML format, some are in PDF. Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures are from the English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. These sermons are not for profit; I'm not selling them, and you can't either. If they help you, please let me know. Feel free to share them if you think they're worth it. You should know that I rarely preach exactly from manuscript; things come to me as I go. (Most ministers will empathize.)
I rely heavily on Dr. Allen Ross' Old Testament studies for my Old Testament sermons. Dr. Ross is an Old Testament professor at Beeson Divinity school. You can find Dr. Ross' site at www.christianleadershipcenter.org. If the sermon text is from the Old Testament, you can rest assured I've visited his site.
For some time now, I used the Book of Common Prayer Lectionary for my sermon texts. Since each Sunday contains 4 passages, I usually used the Gospel on Sunday morning; use the Psalm or Old Testament reading as additional scripture; and used the Epistle as my sermon text on Sunday night. I occasionally modified this and used the Old Testament or Epistle reading on Sunday morning. Beginning with 11 February, I am using the Revised Common Lectionary.
I use the Lectionary because it forces the minister to approach the entirety of Scripture. Almost every passage is covered at some point during a 3-year period.
Note: The first Epiphany sermons come from Genesis in preparation for our Winter Bible Study, Abraham: A Life of Blessing.
I follow the Church calendar, primarily because it helps tie us to other Christians who do the same. Actually, most Christians in the world follow the same calendar you'll find here. Our time is the LORD's, not our own and not the world's.
Other Sermons and Studies:
Reformation: From Rome's Fall to Luther's Stand a presentation for Reformation Day 2007.
Moses: Obedience and Redemption Our current Wednesday night Bible study lecture notes.
Revelation: The Glorious Hope Delivered during Pentecost 2007.
Our Daily Bread. Scripture reading: Psalm 78:1-25. Sermon text: Luke 22:14-30. This is the sermon for Maundy Thursday 2006.
Thy Kingdom Come. Scripture reading: Joel 2:1-17. Sermon text: Matthew 6:5-13. This is my second sermon on the Lord's Prayer, preached Ash Wednesday 2007.
Reaching Higher. Scripture reading: Jeremiah 1:1-10. Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-20. Given events in the SBC, the topic of glossalalia needs addressing.
My Redeemer Lives. Sermon text: Job 19:25. This is an ordination sermon.
The Cost of Salvation. Sermon text: Mark 10:17-27 (the story of the young ruler).
Mighty Works, Mighty Wind. Scripture reading: John 14:8-17. Sermon text: Acts 2:1-11. This is a Pentecost sermon.
Psalm 51: Relationship Restored I preached this sermon in Preaching class on Friday after Ash Wednesday.
No Shortcuts I preached this sermon at Beeson's weekly Communion service 03 March 2004. Students typically deliver the homily for this service.
Too Blessed to Worry Preached at the Community Thanksgiving Service in Romulus, 2003.
Building on God's Foundation Based on a sermon I wrote for Preaching class.
Summation of the Trinity In 2003, I preached a series on the Trinity. This was the last sermon of the series.
Thinking about Mary. Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-16. Sermon text: Luke 1: 26-38. From Advent, Year B.
The Cross Holds a King This is a poem, not a sermon.
The Choice of Eternity. Scripture reading: Amos 6:1-7. Sermon text: Luke 16:19-31. Note: this will be a very uncomfortable sermon for most readers, but it's time someone made the choice of life plain to everyone.
Here's how to get to New Hope from Tuscaloosa:
- Take 20/59 South to exit 63 (the Fosters exit, just across the Warrior River). Turn right at the top of the exit. You will see a gas station and the Fosters post office.
- At the 4-way stop, go "straight" onto Gainesville Road. This is a typical Southern road, so be careful driving on it. You will pass Myrtlewood Elementary School and the Fosters Fire Department.
- Go to the end of Gainesville Road (about 5 miles). You will see the Romulus Volunteer Fire Department on your right. Please stop at the stop sign; lots of people don't, costing our firefighters an evening of work. (They had rather practice than actually have to work on a wreck.)
- Turn left onto Romulus Road.
- The church is on the left, about a quarter-mile from Gainesville Road.
Service Times:
Sunday morning: Sunday School at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m.
Sunday night: worship at 6 p.m.
Wednesday night: Fellowship supper at 6:30 p.m. (potluck usually), prayer service at 7:15 p.m. Please notify me by 5 p.m. Wednesday of any prayer requests you'd like listed on the prayer sheet.
Epiphany
Note: Epiphany sermons will come from Genesis beginning with the Second Sunday. This is in preparation for our Winter Bible Study on Abraham, 4 February.
Epiphany Sunday, 7 January a.m.: Coming to the King. Scripture reading: Isaiah 60:1-9. Sermon text: Matthew 2:1-12. These passages are from the Epiphany readings.
7 January p.m.: The Mystery of the Gospel. Sermon text: Ephesians 3:1-13. This passage is from the Epiphany readings.
14 January a.m.: And God Said... Scripture reading: Psalm 33:1-9. Sermon text: Genesis 1:1-31.
14 January p.m.: Perfect Place, Perfect Help. Sermon text: Genesis 2:15-26.
21 January a.m.: Trouble in the Garden. Scripture reading: Romans 1:18-32. Sermon text: Genesis 3:1-24. For more information about this passage, you can read this paper I wrote on the topic while in seminary (.pdf format).
21 January p.m.: A Strange Occasion for Grace. Sermon text: Genesis 4:1-16.
28 January a.m.: Grace in the Worst. Scripture reading: Genesis 6:1-18. Sermon text: Genesis 8:13-22.
28 January p.m.: What Did You Say? Sermon text: Genesis 11:1-9.
4 February: Winter Bible Study: Abraham: A Life of Blessing. What does Abraham's life say to us about the meaning of God's blessings in our lives?
11 February a.m.: Reaching Higher. Scripture reading: Jeremiah 1:1-10. Sermon text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-20.
11 February p.m.: Looking for a Blessing? Sermon text: Jeremiah 17:5-10.
18 February a.m.: Gazing at His Face. Scripture reading: Exodus 34:29-35. Sermon text: Luke 9:28-36.
18 February p.m.: Lifting the Veil. Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2.
Lent
Ash Wednesday, 21 February: We will join with Romulus Methodist Church in an Ash Wednesday commemoration beginning at 7 p.m. Sermon: Thy Kingdom Come. Scripture reading: Joel 2:1-17. Sermon text: Matthew 6:5-13.
25 February a.m.: The Kingdom Comes to You. Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11. Sermon text: Romans 10:5-13.
25 February p.m.: "It Is Written." Sermon text: Luke 4:1-13.
4 March a.m.: What Does the Kingdom Mean? Scripture reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1. Sermon text: Matthew 8:1-13.
4 March p.m.: Whom Shall I Fear? Sermon text: Psalm 27.
11 March a.m.: The Worst Sinner. Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Sermon text: Luke 13:1-9.
11 March p.m.: The LORD Hears. Sermon text: Psalm 28. This isn't from the RCL readings, but we're studying Exodus on Wednesday nights. New Hope will study Exodus 3 then.
18 March a.m.: Reconciled to God. Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. Sermon text: Psalm 32.
18 March p.m.: Coming Home. Sermon text: Luke 15:11-32.
25 March a.m.: The Power of the Resurrection. Scripture reading: Isaiah 43:16-21. Sermon text: Philippians 3:4-14.
25 March p.m.: Sacrificing the Future. Sermon text: John 12:1-8.
Holy Week
1 April a.m. (Palm Sunday): The Kingdom Is Here. Scripture reading: Luke 19:28-40. Sermon text: Philippians 2:5-11.
1 April p.m.: Deliverance in Distress. Sermon text: Psalm 31:9-16.
5 April, Maundy Thursday: If You Knew You Were Dying Tomorrow.... Scripture reading: John 13:1-15. Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. We will meet with Romulus Methodist Church at 7 p.m. at the Methodist church. We will celebrate Holy Communion in this service.
6 April, Good Friday: Rev. Paul Peeples will deliver the sermon at New Hope at 7 p.m.
Easter
8 April, Easter Sunday: God's Amazing Grace. Sermon text: Acts 10:34-43. Sorry, this sermon didn't happen; I was sick in bed.
15 April a.m.: Everything with Breath, Praise the LORD! Scripture reading: John 20:19-31. Sermon text: Psalm 150.
15 April p.m.: The Alpha and Omega. Sermon text: Revelation 1:1-8.
22 April a.m.: Let's Change the World. Scripture reading: Psalm 30. Sermon text: Acts 9:1-20.
22 April p.m.: Do You Love Me? Sermon text: John 21:1-19.
29 April a.m.: One Lord, One God. Scripture reading: Psalm 100. Sermon text: John 10:22-30.
6 May: I'll be on vacation. The Rev. Clay Hahn will minister to the congregation.
13 May: Stand and Walk. Scripture reading: Psalm 67. Sermon text: John 5:1-9.
20 May a.m.: What Must I Do? Scripture reading: Psalm 97. Sermon text: Acts 16:16-34.
20 May p.m.: Let's Come Together. Sermon text: John 17:20-26.
Pentecost
27 May, Pentecost Sunday (Memorial Day, U.S.): Unity of the Spirit. Scripture reading: Romans 8:14-17. Sermon text: Acts 2:1-21.
3 June a.m., Trinity Sunday: This will also be Gideon Sunday. A local Gideon will tell us about the ministries of one of Christianity's best mission organizations.
3 June p.m.: The Truth about the Trinity. Sermon text: John 16:12-15.
10 June: Homecoming. The Rev. Gary Bonner will minister to the congregation.
Note: Beginning this Sunday, I'm preaching a sermon series on the book of Revelation. I will post other materials on this series as we progress through the book.
17 June: Revealing the Father's Love. Scripture reading: Revelation. Sermon text: Revelation.
24 June a.m.: Here He Comes! Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 1:9-20.
24 June p.m.: Listening to the Voice. Sermon text: 1 Kings 19:1-15.
1 July a.m.: Faithful unto Death. Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7. Sermon text: Revelation 2:8-11.
1 July p.m.: My Portion and My Cup. Sermon text: Psalm 16.
8 July a.m.: Ruby Ray of Bustamonte Mission Outreach will tell the congregation about mission work in Bustamonte, Mexico.
8 July p.m.: Sending the Seventy. Sermon text: Luke 10:1-20.
15 July a.m.: Hold Fast. Scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17. Sermon text: Revelation 2:18-29. We will celebrate Baptism and Holy Communion in this service.
15 July p.m.: Rescued from Darkness. Sermon text: Colossians 1:1-14.
22 July a.m.: Rev. Marc Merritt of the Alabama State Board of Missions will minister to New Hope in this service.
22 July p.m.: Choosing the Best. Sermon text: Luke 10:38-42.
29 July: I'll be on vacation. The Rev. Clay Hahn will minister to the congregation in my absence.
5 August a.m.: Cold or Hot? Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6. Sermon text: Revelation 3:7-22.
5 August p.m.: No service due to the funeral of a church member and dear saint of God. Eternal rest grant her, O Lord.
12 August a.m.: Oh, What Worship! Scripture reading: Psalm 150. Sermon text: Revelation 4.
12 August p.m.: Come, Let Us Reason. Sermon text: Isaiah 1:10-20.
19 August a.m.: Worship the Lamb! Scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-5. Sermon text: Revelation 5:6-14.
19 August p.m.: Restore Us. Sermon text: Psalm 80.
26 August a.m.: The Day Has Come. Scripture reading: Revelation 6:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 6:9-17.
26 August p.m.: Called before Birth. Sermon text: Jeremiah 1:1-10.
2 September: Sealed and Saved. Scripture reading: Revelation 7:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 7:9-17.
9 September a.m.: Justice Comes to Earth. Scripture reading: Revelation 8:1-5. Sermon text: Revelation 8:6-13.
9 September p.m.: The Potter's House. Sermon text: Jeremiah 18:1-11.
16 September a.m.: Chaos Unleashed. Scripture reading: Revelation 9:1-12. Sermon text: Revelation 9:13-21.
16 September p.m.: Where are the Wise? Sermon text: Psalm 14.
23 September a.m.: The Mystery Fulfilled. Scripture reading: Revelation 10. Sermon text: Revelation 11.
23 September p.m.: Higher than the Nations. Sermon text: Psalm 113.
30 September: War in Heaven! Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-6. Sermon text: Revelation 12:7-17.
7 October a.m.: The Worst Choice of the World. Scripture reading: Revelation 13:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 13:9-18.
7 October p.m.: Increasing our Faith. Sermon text: Luke 17:5-10.
14 October a.m.: Singing a New Song. Scripture reading: Revelation 14:1-7. Sermon text: Revelation 14:8-20.
14 October p.m.: Ten Lepers, One Grateful Worshiper. Sermon text: Luke 17:11-19.
21 October a.m.: The Wrath Outpoured. Scripture reading: Revelation 15. Sermon text: Revelation 16.
21 October p.m.: Faithful to His People. Sermon text: 2 Timothy 2:8-15.
28 October a.m.: The Fall of the Faithless One. Scripture reading: Revelation 17:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 17:9-18.
28 October p.m.: (Reformation Day reading): By Grace through Faith. Sermon text: Romans 3:19-28.
4 November a.m.: The Fall of Babylon. Scripture reading: Revelation 18:1-10. Sermon text: Revelation 18:11-24.
4 November p.m.: For all the Saints (All Saints reading). Sermon text: Luke 6:20-36.
11 November a.m.: The Return of the King. Scripture reading: Revelation 19:1-10. Sermon text: Revelation 19:11-21.
11 November p.m.: Reality of the Resurrection. Sermon text: Luke 20:27-38.
18 November a.m.: The Final Judgment. Scripture reading: Revelation 20:1-6. Sermon text: Revelation 20:7-15.
18 November p.m.: Busy for God. Sermon text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
20 November: Joint Thanksgiving service with Romulus Methodist Church. Thankful for the Bread of Life. Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11. Sermon text: John 6:22-35.
25 November a.m., Sunday of Christ the King: The Glorious Wedding. Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8. Sermon text: Revelation 21:9-27.
25 November p.m.: Our Refuge, Strength, and Lord. Sermon text: Psalm 46.
2 December a.m., First Sunday of Advent: "I Come Quickly." Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-11. Sermon text: Revelation 22:12-21. This will conclude the series on the Revelation of St. John.
2 December p.m.: Raising up a Savior. Sermon text: Luke 1:68-79.
9 December a.m.: Second Sunday of Advent: Peace on Earth. Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-10. Sermon text: Romans 15:1-13.
9 December p.m.: Prepare the Way of the LORD. Sermon text: Matthew 3:1-12.
16 December a.m., Third Sunday of Advent: Magnificat! Scripture reading: Isaiah 35:1-10. Sermon text: Luke 1:46-55.
16 December p.m.: Festival of Carols and Lessons.
23 December a.m., Fourth Sunday of Advent: The Birth of the King. Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7. Sermon text: Luke 2:1-20. We will celebrate Christmas Communion on this day.
23 December p.m.: Christmas musical presented by the New Hope choir: The Love of God.
Christmas
30 December a.m.: Called by a New Name. Scripture reading: Psalm 147. Sermon text: Isaiah 61:10-62:3.