Sermons on Billy Graham Crusade:

Introducing God's Desire For The Church Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 26, 2013

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is cram packed with powerful theology and practical Christianity. If we allow it to change us the church with grow spiritually and in every other way.

Intro: In light of the confusion about what scripture says and what the church is supposed to be and do this letter Paul wrote to the Ephesians is a great way to end 2013 and begin 2014. In this letter Paul gives clear teaching on how we can get our theology and thinking about the Church right. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Serving Up Joy Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 16, 2013

God has given us everything to face this life with the joy of His presence and promises. Living in Joy comes no more naturally than not murmuring or grumbling. God offers us joy it is up to us to live in joy and peace.

Intro: At St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico, there is only one door into the sanctuary. Over that door is a hand lettered sign that reads, “Servant’s Entrance.” There isn’t any way in or out of that church except through the servant’s ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Humility Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 7, 2013

Paul reminds us there is one reason to be glad, the grace, mercy, and forgiveness purchased by Jesus Christ. He is also calling us to beware. The devil steals, kills, and tries to destroy joy. Be glad about Jesus beware of the joy stealers.

Intro: Alien cover ups, Kennedy conspiracy, Kardashians, Kanye, Beyoncé and royal babies. What we discover is that our world is full of people with itching ears for something new, something they have never heard before. It amazes me that people seem to come to conferences, classes and revivals ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Peace

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 19, 2013

Paul gives clear instruction to teach us how to be free from worry and wrapped in the blanket of God's peace. If we want wholeness or victory and advance in our spiritual life it begins and is governed by our thought life.

Intro: David Jeremiah gave a list of how not to have joy and peace. In his book on joy he said I guarantee that if you follow these guidelines you will have unhappiness. 1) Make little things bother you: don’t just let them, make them. 2) Lose your perspective of things, and keep it ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Pattern For Powerful Personal Relationships (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 2, 2014

Paul begins this section of scripture with since you have received all that Jesus purchased and assuming you learned of Him by experience you should have a different lifestyle than the lost. Your life should be characterized by hard work and helpful words

Intro: This week we continue the second part of Pattern for Powerful Personal Relationships. We continue to see the pattern that reveals the resurrection life in us. This is the explanation of John 13:35 “by this they will know that you are my disciples.” If we love the Lord Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Fatherhood Of God Displayed In Earthly Daddies

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 12, 2014

God commands us to train our children. We see in this command a blueprint and recipe for changing our families and our city. The Spirit empowers us to love and discipline our children as a loving Father like God.

Intro: A four-year-old boy was eating an apple in the back seat of the car, when he asked, "Daddy, why is my apple turning brown?" "Because," his dad explained, "after you ate the skin off, the meat of the apple came into contact with the air, which caused it to oxidize, thus ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Celebrating Our Independence By Imitating God

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 4, 2014

How should we celebrate our independence from sin? Paul gives us the way in Ephesians 5 as beloved children Imitate God." If this were our focus as churches we would see revival, lives filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and transformation in lives

Intro: This Friday was the Fourth of July. The Fourth celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 and freedom from the cruel rule of the British Empire. It is marked with Bar B Que, fireworks and going to the lake. Paul is calling us to a similar celebration in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Filled Life Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 2, 2014

The Spirit filled life is not simply about spouting Spiritual garbage. It is about allowing the Holy Spirit to control every area of your life. Come and see how that works out practically

Info: Moody was to have a campaign in England. An elderly pastor protested, "Why do we need this 'Mr. Moody'? He's uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he think he has a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?" A younger, wiser pastor rose and responded, "No, but the Holy ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Live Until You Die Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 20, 2013

Paul was in prison and the Philippians were in poverty. How are we to face similar fearful times as followers of Jesus. Paul teaches us the key to this with just a short sentence. "For me to live is Christ."

Intro: Paul was in prison and the Philippians were in poverty. Have you ever wondered how some face fearful times with such faith. Paul is giving clear encouragement to us today. Our faith will overcome fearful times when we discover Jesus doesn’t add to our life He is our life. We as ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Memorial Of A Worthy Walk Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 28, 2013

God is no longer looking for stone memorials that were lifted up in the Old Covenant. He wants living stones as a holy nation of priests lifting up holy lives as a memorial to His greatness.

Intro: A man came to the Baptist Church and asked to see the pastor. “Pastor,” he said, “My dog died and I would like a Christian burial for him.” The Pastor said, “I’m sorry to hear about your dog, but we Baptists don’t do funerals for dogs. You might try ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Together For The Glory Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 3, 2013

Unity in the Body of Christ goes beyond fondness for the people of Christ. It is a supernatural work that results in surrendering our rights for the sake of others. Learn the essentials and the expressions of unity in this message.

Intro: Tonto and the Lone Ranger were riding through a canyon together when all of a sudden both sides were filled with Indian warriors on horses, dressed for battle. The Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and asked, “What are we going to do?” Tonto replied, “What you mean ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Decisions Daddies Make

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 3, 2013

The decisiosn we make define our life and determine our destiny. Genesis three shows us the decisions of two daddies. We see Adams destructive decision and Gods redemptive decision.

Intro: Genesis is a wonderful book of beginnings. It carries some amazing truths. We find out what sport God likes best. In the big inning God created the heavens and the earth so he must like baseball best. We find His favorite state Noah looked out of the Arkansas. Really God is no respecter ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Responsibility Of The Redeemed Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 3, 2013

As followers of Christ acting naturally will lead to falling and failing. Our old nature tends toward rebellion not obedience. Paul is encouraging us to fuflill our responsiblity and cooperate with God to grow and mature in Christ.

Intro: There is a story about a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck. One day she was approached by a man who said to her, "Little girl, don't you know that the cross Jesus died on wasn't beautiful like the one you're wearing? It was an ugly, wooden thing." To which ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Jonah's Song Of Repentance Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 29, 2013

We too often believe the lie that things are meant to destroy us. Whether a violent storm or big fish what we think is meant to destroy us is actually designed by God to develop us.

Intro: Think about this as we look at chapter 2 of Jonah. What did Jonah deserve? He deserved to be a man taco for a big fish. What did he get? God’s mercy. Jonah had already received God’s grace. God did not completely destroy Jonah or the Ship in the violent storm. God as a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Second Chances, Scars And Spiritual Transformation Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 9, 2013

God's great desire is not to bring judgment to people but for people to repent. God's great desires if for believers and non-believers alike to turn to Him.

Intro: In this third chapter of Jonah we see God’s great desire for people to turn toward Him. It doesn’t matter the depth of their sin or the degree of their violence. What we discover in this chapter of Jonah is what John R Stott said, “The Gospel is good news of mercy to ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist