Sermon Series
  • 1. Parable Of The Sower

    Contributed on Jan 5, 2007
    based on 111 ratings
     | 36,201 views

    75% in this parable didn’t truly get saved. Was the problem the Sower, the Seed, or the Soil? 25% did get saved, and we can see how! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Sower.html Sow what? The Word of God! Sow when? All the time! Sow where? Everywhere…but hopefully on good ground! This parable answers the question, “Why doesn’t everybody get saved?” As tremendous as salvation ...read more

  • 2. Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares

    Contributed on Jan 10, 2007
    based on 196 ratings
     | 76,315 views

    ’Holy Tares’ we could call them...for they are in the church, but not in the body of Christ. The SOWING, the GROWING, and the MOWING [reaping]. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Wheat and the Tares Matthew 13:24-30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WheatAndTares.html Will everyone who goes to church go to heaven? Will every member of GBC make it? I would like to think that if the rapture occurred on a Sunday morning during our main service, that the ...read more

  • 3. Parable Of The Leaven

    Contributed on Jan 11, 2007
    based on 110 ratings
     | 29,861 views

    This ’most misunderstood’ parable is one of the most telling ones for our generation today. The parallels are powerful to consider! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Leaven Matthew 13:33 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Leaven.html Just one verse is all it takes tonite to have a big spiritual spread to feast upon. How many have ever made homemade bread? What do you put in the dough to make it rise? Yeast. And what is the Bible word for ...read more

  • 4. Parable Of The Mustard Seed

    Contributed on Jan 17, 2007
    based on 100 ratings
     | 25,470 views

    Oh the power of the little seed which became the greatest plant...but then comes the aberration into a tree for the devil’s dirty birds! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Mustard Seed Matthew 13:31-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/MustardSeed.html Apostate churches are made up of people who have turned away from the fundamentals of the faith. Constant diligence must be given to keep the church true to the Bible and its teachings. Just as ...read more

  • 5. Parable Of The Hidden Treasure

    Contributed on Jan 18, 2007
    based on 84 ratings
     | 25,601 views

    Nothing can destroy God’s people, Israel--Not killing all male babies, or burning their cities, not gas chambers, and not a nuke from Iran. Israel’s FAVOUR, their FAILURE, and their FUTURE. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:44 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/HiddenTreasure.html There are ten “Kingdom Parables”, and according to vv. 1-2 they were given by the seaside [Galilee]. V. 36 says Jesus sent the multitude away after delivering four of them, and then entered into a ...read more

  • 6. Parable Of The Pearl

    Contributed on Jan 24, 2007
    based on 96 ratings
     | 24,619 views

    The church is God’s Pearl of Great Price. How the pearl was WROUGHT, how it was SOUGHT, and how it was BOUGHT. Link included to formatted text for entire series, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Pearl Matthew 13:45-46 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Pearl.html This parable is going to sound a whole lot like the previous one we just studied on the hidden treasure, but with a great twist and special illustration that I know will be a blessing to you. Common ...read more

  • 7. Parable Of The Drag-Net

    Contributed on Jan 25, 2007
    based on 94 ratings
     | 26,607 views

    We live in the days of ’invitation’, but there is coming a day of ’separation’ as God examines all those pulled up in the net. Link included to entire series with formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Templates.

    Parable of the Drag-Net Matthew 13:47-50 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DragNet.html Of all of Jesus’ parables He has now given to His disciples, I’m sure this is the one they could relate to the best because it uses an illustration from the fishing world, and most of these guys had ...read more

  • 8. Understanding The Kingdom Of Heaven

    Contributed on Feb 21, 2007
    based on 84 ratings
     | 30,691 views

    "The Kingdom" is a mystery to many Christians--Is it physical or spiritual? On earth or elsewhere? Present or Future? The Bible’s answers on some of these questions may surprise you. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Understanding the Kingdom Of Heaven [Prelude to “Parables of Power” Series] Matthew 13:11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/KingdomOfHeaven.html The general "theme" of Jesus’ parables is "the kingdom of heaven" a. Many of the parables start with "The kingdom of heaven is like..." - ...read more

  • 9. Parable Of The Friend At Midnight

    Contributed on Mar 7, 2007
    based on 91 ratings
     | 16,943 views

    Putting persistence in our prayers--When Jesus was asked by His disciples to teach them to pray, He said they need to ask, then seek, and knock until the door opens. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Friend at Midnight Luke 11:1-13 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FriendAtMidnight.html INTRODUCTION 1. In studying the parables of Jesus, we have seen how He used the parabolic method of teaching on different subjects.... a. Mostly on the theme of the kingdom of heaven ...read more

  • 10. Parable Of The Barren Fig Tree

    Contributed on Mar 9, 2007
    based on 154 ratings
     | 39,503 views

    The interpretation is for the lost to repent while there is time...but Jesus makes much application to the saved to bear fruit, for that is why He left us here. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Barren Fig Tree Luke 13:6-9 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BarrenFigTree.html I. THE PARABLE IN ITS ORIGINAL SETTING A. JESUS WAS RESPONDING TO NEWS ABOUT A CALAMITY - Lk 13:1-5 1. He was told of how Pilate (the Roman governor) had... a. Killed some ...read more

  • 11. Parable Of The Great Supper

    Contributed on Mar 14, 2007
    based on 135 ratings
     | 19,032 views

    Jesus’ sense of humor shows up in a big way during some awkward dinner table moments, esp. when He talked about people and the excuses they offer. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint template.

    Parable of the Great Supper Luke 14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GreatSupper.html One of the chief Pharisees has invited Jesus over for dinner, and we’re gonna have some fun tonite! v. 1 “they watched Him” = laid a trap v. 2 this diseased man was deliberately planted so Jesus would heal ...read more

  • 12. It’s Go Time!

    Contributed on Mar 15, 2007
    based on 179 ratings
     | 48,688 views

    The first 2 letters of the GOSPEL are "GO"! Let’s go INVITE them, let’s go INSTRUCT them, let’s go INSPIRE them, and let’s go INVOLVE them. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

    It’s Go Time! Luke 14:16-23 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GoTime.html I thought about titling this message “It’s Time to Go” but I was afraid you’d get up and leave. But one thing is for sure: We have reached a great crossroads as a church…we have come to the STOP sign and paused for the ...read more

  • 13. God’s Lost And Found

    Contributed on Mar 23, 2007
    based on 137 ratings
     | 24,798 views

    3 stories, 1 parable, many great truths! The Lost SHEEP, the Lost SILVER, the Lost SON, and the Lost SIBLING. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

    Parables: God’s Lost and Found Luke 15 [Get formatted text, audio/video, and great PowerPoint now by pasting this link into your browser.] http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LostAndFound.html The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the ...read more

  • 14. Parable Of The Unjust Steward

    Contributed on Mar 28, 2007
    based on 41 ratings
     | 12,906 views

    This man was dishonest, but he was still commended for his shrewd investing and wise prudence in preparing for the future. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Unjust Steward Luke 16:1-15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/UnjustSteward.html Ever made the “march in” at your work? You know, where you get up your nerve and march in and quit? What a feeling when you first walk out—“I’m free!” No longer the slave of that man or this place. ...read more

  • 15. Affluenza [april Fools Message]

    Contributed on Mar 30, 2007
    based on 184 ratings
     | 31,997 views

    The Parable of the Rich Fool. "Affluenza" is the disease, the love of money is the root cause, and this story of Jesus is the cure! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

    Ample Fool’s Day Luke 12:16-21 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/RichFool.html Why is it that when life is going the best and we have the most, that we act the most foolishly? When supplies are ample, or we are celebrating a great victory, or someone praises us—we take such opportunity to show ...read more

  • 16. Parable Of The Unjust Judge

    Contributed on Apr 4, 2007
    based on 45 ratings
     | 10,616 views

    Includes info. on "Jessica’s Law", child predators, lenient judges, and some powerful spiritual lessons Jesus taught about His Father and about prayer. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Unjust Judge Luke 18:1-8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/UnjustJudge.html Bad judges have highlighted the news more than ever the last few months as investigations into rulings doled out to child predators have revealed so many judges exercising extreme lenience that is not ...read more

  • 17. A 'good Enough' Sermon

    Contributed on Apr 13, 2007
    based on 80 ratings
     | 12,751 views

    Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - The church is full of ’good people’ who need to know the difference between self-righteousness and God’s righteousness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

    A Good Enough Sermon Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GoodEnough.html You get to write the introduction to this sermon. I need help, and this is just the right crowd to assist me… Honestly, in your own words, write a brief answer to the ...read more

  • 18. Parable Of The Laborers In The Vineyard

    Contributed on May 15, 2007
    based on 60 ratings
     | 20,217 views

    Is God really fair? Our Lord’s Justice, Faithfulness, Sovereignty, and Judgment all come together as He answers Peter’s questions. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    The Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LaborersInVineyard.html I. THE SETTING A. THE CONVERSATION WITH THE RICH YOUNG RULER - Mt 19:16-22 1. Jesus had been approached by this man with a question concerning eternal life 2. In the course ...read more

  • 19. The Jerusalem 500

    Contributed on May 23, 2007
    based on 48 ratings
     | 3,763 views

    Parable of the 2 Debtors--Good theme for NASCAR or INDY race weekends. One was forgiven 50 denarii and the other 500. Jesus uses this to aid our understanding of sin and forgiveness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and ’Race Style’ PowerPoint Temp

    The Jerusalem 500 Luke 7:41-43 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Jerusalem500.html The Indy 500 was this afternoon [5-27-07], but the biggest race of our life should be the race to the place of forgiveness to be saved! Make no pit stops at good works, baptism, or communion…just trust completely ...read more

  • 20. How To Gain A Few Pounds

    Contributed on Jun 13, 2007
    based on 81 ratings
     | 9,599 views

    The Parable of the Pounds - We are each entrusted with the weighty matter of carrying the gospel. But how well are we bearing the burden God has placed in our pack? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    How to Gain a Few Pounds Luke 19:11-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GainFewPounds.html “I don’t need anyone telling me how to do that…I’ve got it mastered!” The parable of the pounds reminds us of the parable of the talents in Mt. 25, which we’ll study in a couple of weeks. But they are ...read more

  • 21. My Two Sons

    Contributed on Jun 15, 2007
    based on 106 ratings
     | 19,582 views

    The Parable of the 2 Sons - The character quality of giving AND keeping your word, and of genuine repentance to do the right thing. Much needed today! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    My Two Sons Matthew 21:28-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/TwoSons.html This parable begins with Christ’s “What think ye?” and is designed to make us think. Some perish for lack of thought, and many more for wrong thinking. A. What the Father Commanded: “Son, go work today in my ...read more

  • 22. The Wicked Husbandmen

    Contributed on Jun 27, 2007
    based on 41 ratings
     | 9,147 views

    Even wives and ladies can be ’husbandmen’ [vinedressers] in the field in which we are planted. But what do we think of the ’boss’ and how do we treat His Son? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    The Wicked Husbandmen Matthew 21:33-41 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WickedHusbandmen.html 1. The vineyard immediately brings to mind Israel - cf. Isa 5:1-7 2. The landowner who planted the vineyard is God 3. The wicked vinedressers [husbandmen] represent Israel’s leaders - cf. Mt ...read more

  • 23. Parable Of The Wedding Garment

    Contributed on Jul 8, 2007
    based on 54 ratings
     | 11,065 views

    God’s justice in His courts leaves the lost standing naked with no defense -- Provision, invitation, inspection, detection, interrogation, conviction & expulsion. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

    Parable of the Wedding Garment Matthew 22:1-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WeddingGarment.html Yesterday was 7-7-07, and there were more weddings than in the whole month of June they say. Each one wore their best for the occasion. We all should try to wear our Sunday best, though we ...read more