Sermons on Billy Joel:

Getting Focused And Going Forward

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 24, 2010

What is the Kingdom of God? It is the place where Jesus is King! This is the main purpose of the Church to be a place where Jesus is King. Jesus Messiah, what a wonderful song. Messiah is the annointed King of Israel. The annointed King is Jesus.

Intro: In the past few weeks we have studied some of the lethal weapons that the devil will direct at us. I have said that these devices or schemes are designed to destroy, divide, distort what God has for us as believers. Jesus offers us life full. The devil offers life fractured. Our ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Praise: Raising Stones Of Remembrance Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 3, 2011

The preists always led the children of Israel in praise of the living Lord. In chapter 4 they lead in praise to His glory. We are called and challenged to set up memorial stones so that children, and others will ask what does this mean in your life.

Intro: It was always the priests who led in Praise to the living God of Israel. In chapter 3 the priests were the first to step foot into the turbulent waters of Jordan. What do the waters of the Jordan represent to the followers of Joshua or Jesus? It is apparent as God commands Joshua and ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Manhood Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 8, 2011

Sermon outline used to speak to men aobut what real manhood is. It begins first with a proper response to God. Responsility has at its root response. Adam responded with disobedience to God and because of that passivity Adams offspring are born dead to

Intro: When do we become men? What is the standard how is it measured? 1 Corinthians 11.7 A man is the glory and image of God. If we are the image and glory of God what does that men to us as men? (Other cultures rites of manhood) We are men when we deal with sin God’s way! I. Our response to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Manhood 2 Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 8, 2011

Second sermon given at Moment of truth to communicate the three fold responsibiltiy we have a men. We are called to reflect the Divine nature as Prophet, Priest, Provider/Protector. We can only fulfill these by having a dynamic union with God in Christ.

Intro: We have an at least three fold responsibility if we are to be biblical men of God. 1 Corinthians 13.11 When I was a child I thought, spoke, and reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put those things aside. If we are to be men then we must look to the standard for men. In the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:11

Denomination: Baptist

Passion: Living Under God's Direction Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 10, 2011

As Children and people of the covnenant we are marked in the Old testament by circumcision in the New by God's Spirit. It will be our passion to follow God's command if we are indeed children of the covenant.

Intro: Warren Wiersbe said something profound. “God’s people must be prepared before they can be trusted with victory.” The conquest of the Promised Land was God’s victory not Joshua’s or Israel’s. It was not the expertise of the Jewish army or emotions of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 5:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Patience: Waiting On The Activity Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 24, 2011

There is constant spiritual conflict. There are spiritual foes that fight with untruth, half-truth, distraction, division, apathy, etc. In the challenge and conflict we face there is a loud and clear voice of God telling us of the ultimate reality. We

Intro: “You are a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome without fighting and suppose you can have the crown without conflict.” These words were spoken by Syrian preacher John Chrysostom (647-407 AD) He was loudly and clearly stating what Paul said hundreds of years ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 6:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Perspective: The Destructive Power Of Sin Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 14, 2011

God never planned for defeat to be the rule of the Christian life. God planned for the Holy Spirit to be the ruling principle of our life. Victory is to be the rule defeat the exception. When sin is ruling in our life God called for us to deal with it.

Intro: What does God want from the people that make up this local body of believers called Immanuel? Does he want new buildings, more children for VBS, more bible study classes, what does He want? First he wants us to get our perspective right about we exist for the purpose of God living in us ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

Positional Thinking: Victory From Defeat Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 14, 2011

The world wants us to think positive. This leads to separation from God and others. God wants us to think positionally. We are seated in Christ Jesus according to His finished work. Joshua and his generals were positive they could take AI. However, t

Intro: An interesting way to begin this morning is to talk about Ai and its meaning. I believe last week I informed you that Ai means heap of stones or heaping ruin. It was first mentioned in Genesis 12.8 and 13.3 in regard to the place that Abraham chose to pitch his tent. We are told that ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 8:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

God Wants Your Heart Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 25, 2012

The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God in the heart of His people. God wants your heart. It is from the heart that the issues of life flow.

Intro: Jesus told a group of people if I force or cast out demons by the power of God then the kingdom of God has come to you. What is the kingdom of God? It is the rule and reign of Jesus Christ over all areas of life. Jesus doesn’t just wish to rule over the fallen angels. He desires ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:6

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Of Faith Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 25, 2012

God desires us to live by faith. The only way to please God is to live by faith. Faith is not a blind leap of faith it is instead a walk in the light.

Intro: What does God want from us? Whether we are successful like the general or a servant like the young girl, or a prophet who shares the Word and will of God in this story God wants us to live a life of faith. Seasons 2 Episode 9 of Bones. Dr (bones) Brennan gives a completely false ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Of Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 25, 2012

That is the basis of thankfulness - to remember that we got here with the help of God, & that He is the provider of every blessing we have.

Intro: Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post. When asked, "Why is that there?" Alex Haley answered, "Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words & think that they are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Denomination: Baptist

Seeking To Live Godly In A Spiritual World Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 25, 2012

Sold Out, two of the most powerful words that can describe our life in Christ. It means we are no longer available to be bought by anything. We are not our own.

Intro: Some of the most terrible words that shoppers can hear on black Friday or any day in this shopping season “Sold Out.” What does that mean? It means it is no longer available to be purchased and unavailable to another buyer. That is exactly what Paul is telling his 1 Corinthians ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Faithfulness Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 2, 2012

Faithfulness has Jesus as it object, obedience as its joy, and eternity as its goal. Faithfulness is the proper response to all of God's gracious giving.

Intro: What is the proper response to the manger which was the doorway for God to be with us? What is the proper response to the cross where God suffered for us? What is the proper response to the ascension where Jesus intercedes for us? What is the proper response to the gift of the Holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10

Denomination: Baptist

Authority Of The Servant King

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 2, 2012

The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the Greatest Servant. This servant has the authority to forgive sin, free people of disease, force demon to flee. Most of us have some type of reistance to authority. Jesus made it clear the real and eternal life is

Intro: Illustration about “God is watching you.” My first thought was an old angry man in the sky pointing His finger at me saying look out I’m going to get you. My second thought was of the heavenly father I know. Jesus is the only one capable of watching over me, you, every ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Will Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 22, 2012

Jesus said His food was to do the will of His Father. It is what moved, motivated and mattered to Jesus. God’s will was what engergized Jesus. If we are filled with His Spirit our desirses should be His. What is the will of God? We will learn for the

Intro: The centerpiece of the gospel is the crusifixion. It stands between life for ourselves and life surrendered to God. If we are to follow Jesus we must be crucified with Him. In this daily crucifixion that Paul talks about our will, emotions, and mind are no longer our own we were bought ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:50

Denomination: Baptist