Sermons on Billy Joel:

Family Matters; Don't Miss It Mom Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 11, 2009

Motherhood boils down to a series of opportunities. Mom don’t miss the opportunities God has given you.

Intro: The mother of three notorious kids was asked, “If you had to do it all over again would you have children? Sure,” she said, “but not the same ones.” Admit it there are days when all moms feel this way. However, at the end of the day if you had to do it all over you would have the same ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Voice Of Christmas

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 3, 2013

There are so many sounds and voices that bombard us during the thanksgiving and Christmas season. We need to make time to hear the voice of Christmas over the noise of daily life.

Intro: There are so many things we hear at this time of year. Good sayings like “Merry Christmas,” Good songs like “Silent Night,” “I’m Dreaming of a white Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” “Jesus is born today,” Then you come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

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

Building The City Of God In The City Of Man Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Nov 18, 2011

Nehemiah is often used to encouarge congregations to build a building. What Nehemiah did was encourage the remnant to rebuild the people and the walls of the city.

Intro: Nehemiah has always been used by pastors/teachers to encourage church congregations to build new facilities and buildings. I believe that a major portion of what is going on in Nehemiah is missed if we focus on building physically and miss out on building spiritually. Jesus said in ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Worship Of Work Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 11, 2011

When our work is done unto Christ it becomes worship. Our entire lives are worship so our lives should characterize God's glory with our excellence.

Intro: The world often disregards the church today. They do the same that Sanballat and Tobiah did here in Nehemiah they say if God loves you so much why are you such a mess. Our church answer is we are forgiven not perfect. The world often disregards us because we focus so much on what is wrong ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer And Planning Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Dec 11, 2011

When God burdens us in our prayer life he is preparing us to do something about that burden in someone elses life. When our prayers connect with God's plans great things happen.

Intro: Tomas A Edison “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed up in overalls and looks like work.” I agree with Mark Driscoll pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle Washington. “We need far less people criticizing and writing books about what is wrong with ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

I'm Going All In: An Issue Of The Heart Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 20, 2015

Going All in starts with loving God and moves to loving our neighbor. You cannot become a child of God without becoming part of His family. There is a responsibility for us to work together with the other living stones to be the temple of the Holy Spiri

Intro: We just sang, “All to Jesus I surrender” All (some) to Jesus I surrender, All(some) to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily(every other daily) live. I surrender all (some), I surrender all (some). All (some) to Thee, my blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

I'm All In: It's An Issue Of The Head Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Feb 22, 2015

What is ingrained in your head? Whatever is ingrained in your head is what comes out when you face struggles, fears, frustrations. Come and learn how to love God with all your mind!

Intro: In the middle of a wedding ceremony, a jewelry store manager exchanged rings with his soon-to-be spouse. As he slipped the ring onto his bride’s finger, he said, “With this ring—we guarantee a full refund if the customer is not completely satisfied.” His sales ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

I'm Going All In: An Issue Of The Hands Part 1 Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Mar 2, 2015

If we are to be all in for Jesus, His Kingdom and His church then we have to be hands on. As the gospel is engraved in your heart, it is ingrained in your head and should be expressed with your hands.

Intro: We know the power of snow. Snowflakes are all uniquely made and beautiful frozen water. Snowflakes that don’t stick together don’t stay around very long. When they do their unique properties allow them to become an avalanche, a blizzard, a snowman and a snow covered landscape ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-40

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection: It’s Reality And Our Response

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 14, 2015

The resurrection shows us the overwhelming grace of God and the overwhelming humaneness of man. The disciples were afraid and confused after the death of Jesus. Look deep in the tomb and see the reality of the resurrection and the response it requires

Intro: I heard about a church organist who overslept one Easter morning. She said, "The service was scheduled for 6:30. At 6:31, the minister called to see if I was coming. Since I live near the church, I was at the organ by 6:45. Then, a year later on Easter morning my phone rang at 5:45. When I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Testimony Of A Pagan King Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 20, 2015

There is a great lesson to learn and live in this 4th chapter of Daniel. It is repeated at least 3 times. Heaven Rules! God is able to humble the proud. God gives warnings to offer grace but we must humble ourselves under His Rule.

Intro: Welcome back to Daniel. We are looking forward to the end. I pray that you are excited to someday see Jesus return in the clouds for His church. Some things to remember as we continue our study of Daniel. Daniel answers many questions for us about the past and the future. However, ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 4:1-37, Daniel 4:28-37

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

Strategy: Learning God’s Way To Win Spiritual Warfare Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 8, 2014

We are at War! When we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are commissioned to stand in a battle. Victory only comes when we know who and how we face the battle.

Intro: Video intro from sermon Spice – Spiritual Warfare What are the three biggest mistakes you can make in warfare? 1) Not knowing you enemies strategy 2) Not having a strategy of your own 3) Not knowing you are at war. Paul has told us about riches of being in God’s family and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

Denomination: Baptist