Sermons on Billy Joel:

Surviving Storms

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 3, 2005

What can we learn from Paul’s expreience with the storm and his shipwreck. That God is still in Control.

Intro: Christ may still the storms in our lives or He may simply give us the courage to face them and follow Him through them. Whether it be natural or other disasters what we must remember is that God is sovereign. God is all power-full and is in control. He has never and will never loose ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Marching On Toward Its Destiny

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 3, 2005

God had a vision for the Church when He created it. Jesus said in Acts 1.8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Many toda

Intro: God had a vision for the Church when He created it. Jesus said in Acts 1.8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Many today will talk about the spirit moving ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: Baptist

Service: The Great Difference Maker

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 10, 2005

All churches have problems, but when we serve together in the unity, and power of the Holy Spirit there is no problem that will overcome or distract us from our main purpose. Taking the Gospel to all the world.

Intro: A rather pompous-looking deacon was working hard to impress upon a class of boys the importance of living the Christian life. “Why do people call me a Christian?” the man asked. After a moment’s pause, one of the boys said, “Maybe it’s because they don’t know you.” The answer I believe the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen: A Man Of Godly Character

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 17, 2005

In the story of Stephen we see that when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit of God we can confront and confound our culture. It is by the same character that Stephen lived an abundant overcoming life that we too can live a life of peace, power, and purp

Intro: In the story of Stephen we see that when we are empowered by the Holy Spirit of God we can confront and confound our culture. It is by the same character that Stephen lived and abundant overcoming life that we too can life a life of peace, power, and purpose. Stephen is the hinge in the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Our God Of Above And Beyond

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 25, 2005

When we expect great things from God and are prepared to be part of His kingdom work of seeking and saving that which is lost. He will do things beyond our imagination to enable and propel us for His Glory.

Intro: Writing Ephesians probably from a place of house arrest Paul is trying to encourage the Christians in Ephesus to love God and love one another. The reason is that the love of God and love of the brethren will unify the body of Christ. In this letter we see that the first prayer for the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:10-21

Denomination: Baptist

Truth About Idol's: Tearing Down Americas False Idols

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 28, 2005

Idolatry is not just bowing down or offering sacrifices to a false God. It is anything that takes your trust and or loyalty away from the true living God. Idolary is at oppostion and inconsittent with Jesus, Idolatry is participation with demons, Idolatr

Intro: When we think about Idol worship in America I would think that most people think of Native American Totem poles, Buddhists, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greeks and Romans. Idolatry is not limited to simply bowing down before graven images, or burning incense or offering gifts to a physical ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Condition, The Cure, & The Crowd

Contributed by Billy Short on Sep 29, 2005

The greatest need of the church is revival. Are we willing to press through the crowd and place our selves at the feet of Jesus to receive it.

ƒ²ƒâƒßƒßƒÛƒØƒÙƒÜƒÜƒnƒ²ƒÑƒàƒäƒÙƒãƒäƒnƒ³ƒØƒåƒâƒÓƒØ ¡§The Condition, the Cure, the Crowd¡¨ Mark 5:24-34 Pastor Billy T. Short - October 2, 2005 Exciting day for us. Prayers have been answered. We needed a Spanish ministry. God has answered that prayer by bringing New Dawning Baptist Church to merge ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:24-34

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Center Of Your Universe

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 1, 2005

Our society says that we should focus on our self. Reaching our highest potential, getting all we can out of life. Paul however tells us that life should be Son centered. 3 types of people with 3 different Goals only one fufills lifes purpose centering

Intro: Something about Copernicus and goals. Aristotle and Ptolemy among others (including the RCC) adhered to the Earth centered model of our galaxy However when someone gets comfortable there is always called in (it seems) an agent of change. Along comes Copernicus he was not willing to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:9

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen: Giving His Life And Death For Christ Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 1, 2005

Stephens character was shown by Dr Luke in Acts 6. In Acts 7 we see that character lived out as he lives for Christ and because of his witness becomes the first to die for Christ.

Intro: Last week we learned about the character of a Godly man. We learned about Stephen. Stephen was the first martyr for Christ and what an example to follow! Stephen was not only the first martyr for Christ, but many Scholars and preachers also credit him with being the first Christian ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

Principles For Applying Our Freedom For God's Glory

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 2, 2005

We are created to give God glory. In the perfect law of liberty our ability to choose to give glory to God and honor Him or reject Him. A simple look at how we can use our liberty for His glory.

Intro: How many can remember Patrick Henry’s words? “Give me Liberty or Give me death.” There is much tied up in His words. Most often we think of liberty as something that allows us to choose to do the things we want. But we will find in the passage tonight liberty is also given to us so that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33

Denomination: Baptist

Looking Death In The Eye

Contributed by Billy Short on Oct 6, 2005

We will all face death. How do we prepare for it.

ƒ²ƒâƒßƒßƒÛƒØƒÙƒÜƒÜƒnƒ²ƒÑƒàƒäƒÙƒãƒäƒnƒ³ƒØƒåƒâƒÓƒØ ¡§Looking Death in the Eye¡¨ Hebrew 9:27 Billy T. Short, Pastor ¡V October 9, 2005 Christopher Short was 2 months old when it happened to him. Kevin Lott was 7 years old, riding a bike with his sister in the yard when it happened to him. Mike Black, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Moving Forward With Its Mission

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 10, 2005

When a church is on mission for Christ there are three things the devil wants to do to its members and its body. Embarass, Imprison, and Embalm you. But God will do three things if we are on Mission for Him. Encourage, Empower, and Enrich our lives.

Intro: When a church has seen no one “won” or witnessed to the Lord Jesus Christ it will be left alone by the devil. However, if the church is not fulfilling its mission of sharing its faith with the lost the Lord Jesus Christ will correct it. Whether it is financial difficulty, terrible ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

False Faith/Counterfeit Christianity

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 15, 2005

Simon the sorcerer is an illustration of Counterfeit Christianity or false faith. It begins with a false self perception, and foolish pride. Trying to show folks that the rituals we use in the church do not save, instead it is the life changing presence

Intro: Online Encyclopedia, Wikipedia this to say about Counterfits “Today the finest counterfeit banknotes are claimed to be U.S. dollar bills produced in North Korea, which are used to finance the North Korean government, among other uses. The fake North Korean copies are called Superdollars ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

Philip Following Divine Direction In The Desert

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 23, 2005

God desires to direct His people through His Holy spirit living in us. In Philip you can see a person determined to follow the direction of God no matter where the direction would lead.

Intro: We see in our passage today that God greatly desires to direct His church by way of the Holy Spirit. You might ask, how does God direct and guide through His Holy Spirit living in us? God speaks, guides and directs His people in so many different ways. Imagine the many different ways ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To Be A Christian

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jun 10, 2009

What does it really mean to be a Christian? Is it fancy buildings and great music? Or is there something more, deeper, better? Here is 3 of the most basic truths of what it means to be a Christ follower.

Intro: Vince Lombardi Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1959-1967. What was it that Lombardi did to spur his team on to greatness? He got back to basics. What is the famous quote from Vince Lombardi? “This is a football.” From the condition of churches around the United States and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:26

Denomination: Baptist