Sermons on Ancestral Links:

The Gospel Of Jesus: Go Fish [fishing / Fishers Of Men] Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 31, 2006

Jesus’ analogy of fishing helps us understand our job as His disciples. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

The Gospel of Jesus – Go Fish Matthew 4:12-25 Jesus must have liked fish and fishing, for He spoke of it often…he ate fish several times in the Bible, He called these fishermen to be His disciples, and when it came time to feed a bunch of people, like a true child of God He chose very wisely…fish! ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25, Matthew 4:12-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Napkin Is Still Folded - Easter

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 4, 2006

The significance of the folded napkin in the Jewish culture makes some powerful points in considering the resurrection. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation.

THE NAPKIN IS STILL FOLDED JOHN 20:1-7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NapkinFolded.html [Please see link above for more info. on this matter. Concept for this sermon originally preached by Dr. Clyde Box. I receive many questions as to the historicity of the "Napkin Legend"...Dr. Box reportedly ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Church Full Of Deacons Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 5, 2006

Study of 3 levels of "diakonos" = deacons / servants in the Scriptures. Can be used for ordination. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Church Full of Deacons Acts 6:1-6 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ChurchFullOfDeacons.html It’s a shame that if I were to ask what are the two offices in the church, somebody would say, "I know, Jerry’s and Jeremy’s." The real answer is Pastor and Deacon. Some don’t know who their deacons are. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus, The Perfect Child [after Christmas Sermon] Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 5, 2006

Jesus grew in wisdom [MENTALLY], in stature [PHYSICALLY], and in favor with God [SPIRITUALLY] and with man [SOCIALLY]. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Template.

Jesus, The Perfect Child Luke 2:40-52 Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. There is a statement about His body, soul, and Spirit. Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:40-52

Denomination: Baptist

Cell Phones Vs. Jesus

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Aug 25, 2007

Sermon based on an email I received about the attention we give our cell phones versus the Bible. I linked it to Jesus instead.

Cell Phone vs. Jesus Scripture: John 15:5; 14:13-14; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:18 Introduction: I have received some interesting emails and phone calls recently pertaining to some things that Christians have been involved in. The message this morning was inspired by several of those ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Is Worthy To Open The Book?

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 23, 2011

It's the title deed to the earth, and the devil, the god of this world, is currently in possession of it, but not for long! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

WHO IS WORTHY TO OPEN THE BOOK? REV. 5 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WhoIsWorthy.html Rev. 5 tells us of a scroll in heaven which is sealed w/ 7 seals. There is no way we could over-emphasize the importance of this scroll. The fact that it was sealed 7 times speaks to its importance, for in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Call Your First Witness

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 2, 2012

Jesus is God, and I can prove it. I call to the stand John the Baptist! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Call Your First Witness John 1 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FirstWitness.html A witness is to tell the truth that he knows. He testifies before God and everyone the truth. Jesus is God, and I can prove it. I call to the stand John the Baptist! John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus. Their ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Paradox PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 24, 2023

This sermon emphasizes the inseparable link between faith and action, urging believers to live out their faith by serving others as a reflection of Christ's love. Key

Welcome, beloved friends, to this sacred space where we gather in unity, in love, and in anticipation of the word of God that is as refreshing as the morning dew, and as nourishing as the bread of life. We are here today, not by coincidence, but by divine appointment. So, let us open our hearts and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Topics: Christ, King, Sunday

What God Has Done For America - Memorial Day - Independence Day

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

The past, present, and future of this great nation--GOD BIRTHED IT, GOD IS BLESSING IT, & GOD WILL BLAST IT IF NEEDED. Link included to Formatted Text and Powerpoint.

America: Past, Present, and Future Psalms 33:12 Formatted text and PowerPoint for this and hundreds more free sermons using this link... http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/AmericaPastPresentFuture.html We must never forget what God has done in the past for America. We must have our eyes opened to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12, Psalm 33:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Why Should We Be Thankful?

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 16, 2005

3 Scriptural reasons in this 10 min. devotional sets the stage for a testimony service for Thanksgiving and praises. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Template.

WHY SHOULD WE BE THANKFUL Psalm 100 Ps 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalms 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chr 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

When Jesus Says ’come’, You’d Better Go

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 2, 2006

7 Invitations Christ has extended to people...and the offer is still good today! Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Template.

WHEN JESUS SAYS “COME” YOU’D BETTER GO! Mark 1:17-18 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WhenJesusSaysCome.html When I was very young my dad taught me that when he or my mom said, “Come, ” I’d better go. And if the command was to jump…well, you know the rest! [how high?] In the Word of God the word ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Few Good Men [father's Day]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 16, 2005

They have learned to LEAN, learned to LEAD, and learned to LOVE. Men’s "funnies" included. Link included to Formatted Text Version, Handout, and Powerpoint Presentation.

A Few Good Men Ezekiel 22:30 www.gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FewGoodMen.html Ezekiel 22:30 "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Prerequisites to being a Good Father: Being a ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:30

Denomination: Baptist

Running On Empty

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 26, 2007

Take a moment with this widow and learn SOMETHING about NOTHING...it will mean EVERYTHING to you! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Running on Empty II Kings 4 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/RunningOnEmpty.html Do you clean your plate? At a restaurant, do you feel compelled to suck down your soda before you leave and get the last bit you paid for? Do you scrape out that one ravioli stuck in the can? How about cereal or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

So Much To Remember! - Memorial Day

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 24, 2006

10 Things the Bible tells us to remember and never forget this Memorial Day and everyday. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

So Much to Remember! Exodus 13:3 Formatted text and PowerPoint for this and hundreds more free sermons using this link... http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SoMuchToRemember.html INTRODUCTION: Memorial Day is primarily given to remembering those who have died, whether it be loved ones, friends, or ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 13:3

Denomination: Baptist

Desperate Households - Building A Family Fortress Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 1, 2005

The 5 "C’s" of Marriage and Family: Commitment, Communion, Communication, Coping Skills, and Consecration. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Desperate Households: Building a Family Fortress Josh. 24:15 A strong family must be a fortress, and not just a façade. Here’s some things strong families have in common: 1. Strong sense of Commitment Seems obvious, right? But over the last decade, I’ve counseled w/ dozens of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Baptist