Sermons on Billy Joel:

Hope Begins Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

The beginning of an Easter sermon series. There is so much messed up in the world. Why? Hopelessness. The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope!

Intro: On December 17, 1927 a US Submarine was patrolling off the Atlantic Coast when it accidentally collided with a Coast Guard Cutter. The submarine was so severely damaged that it sank and came to rest on the floor of the Atlantic about 100 feet down. A rescue ship was dispatched to the scene ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Dies Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

Hopelessness comes from misunderstanding the cross. There is no beauty in the cross to the carnal man. Once conviction of sin and confession of Jesus as Lord happens there is hope.

Intro: Our world seems hopeless in many ways. Economically, politically, racially, stock market woes, natural disasters. From a purely worldly standpoint there seems to be no reason to hope. The disciples of Jesus felt much the same way. Even though Jesus had told them again and again what ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Waits Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

When Jesus died the disciples had to wait for the promise of the Father. None of us like to wait. If we are willing to wait we will discover hope waits in order to develop us!

Intro: How many of you like to wait? I will just be honest I don’t like it at all. In fact I do everything I can to keep from waiting. I try to calculate in my non-mathematical head which Wal-Mart line will be the quickest and in my hurry I end up choosing the wrong one. I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Reigns Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

Despite the wickedness of our rulers hope reigns. God wants us to trust Him enough that we look to Him for direction in choosing our leaders. He also want us to trust Him when those leaders don't appear to do His will.

Intro: Something has been weighing heavily on me as November quickly approaches like a growing storm. It is often said that this is the most important election of our nation’s history. What we have to do is look at the elections that are upcoming with a fresh and new set of eyes. The ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:2

Denomination: Baptist

Hope Growing Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Apr 10, 2016

Victory in Jesus comes from being crucified with Christ. What does it mean to be crucified with Christ?

Intro: I have a question for you to answer this morning. I don’t want you to answer it out loud. Are you enjoying the Christian life are you enduring it? Jesus made some pretty powerful statements about being saved and following Him as disciples. In the presence of God is fullness of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Baptist

Does Prayer And Faith Complement Each Other? Series

Contributed by Billy Paul on May 12, 2020

Just praying all the time without fleshing out the answers received through prayers would tantamount to being faithless. At the same time, acting without an under girding of trust in God – which is prayer – is also tantamount to being faithless.

Three theologians sat discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby. “Kneeling is definitely best,” claimed one. “No,” another contended, “I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven.” “You're both wrong,” the third insisted, “the ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:6-15, James 2:14-17, Matthew 6:5-15, Isaiah 1:15, Proverbs 28:9, 1 Peter 3:12  (view more)  (view less)

A Christian's Response During Covid19 Series

Contributed by Billy Paul on Apr 15, 2020

"When you are called to pray, don't act; And, when you are called to act, don't pray." At a time when our neighbours are groping in the dark, it is time Christians carry their lamp outside. Yes, with a lot of prayer backup too!

It wouldn’t be an understatement to say my recent video message (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXVol_ke76M) has created some stir within the protestant community in India. It was a short and simple message on how Christians across the globe can be a light in a world which is groping in the dark ...read more

Scripture: James 2:26, Ephesians 2:10

The Influential Mother Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 7, 2019

Jochebed the mother of Moses taught him 2 powerful principles that helped him become a great man of God.

Intro: It’s been said, if God wants to do a great work, He'll choose a man; if He wants to do an extraordinarily great work, He'll choose a woman When you read Hebrews 11:23-29 we see a striking picture of Moses. Moses made some difficult decisions. He chose to be a slave of God instead ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Love Of God's Call Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 7, 2019

Many remember Jonah as a book about Jonah and the big fish. This book is really about the relentless love and pursuit of God.

Intro: What do most people remember about Jonah if you have ever heard the story in VBS or Sunday School? You probably remember that it is a whale of a tale. There would be lots of talk about Jonah and his disobedience and reluctance to go where God tells him to go. The problem with remembering ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Love Of God's Call Part 2 Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 7, 2019

Part 2 this is not about you. This book is about God and His call and pursuit of man. Especially the pouting prophet, Jonah.

Intro: I want to remind you that this whale of a tale called the book of Jonah is not about a great big fish, a great big city or a grumpy old prophet. This book is about a Great big God that is willing to graciously deal with a disobedient, disgruntled, disgusted prophet. In this story of a ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:2-17

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