Sermons on Billy Joel:

Character Trait: Fellowship: Cultivating Life In Common Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jan 20, 2013

Fellowship with believers is not an option. It is in real relationships and connection with other believers that we are built up, encouraged, enriched to grow in relationship to fellows believers and representing Jesus Christ.

Intro: In Paul’s and Peter’s letters we are called living stones and a Holy Tabernacle where the Holy Spirit lives. If you remember from last week the proper and stable construction of that place for the Holy Spirit to live doesn’t happen by accident. Jesus desired then and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Peace Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 14, 2012

There is a great misunderstanding of true peace. Peace is not the absence of problems. It is instead God's power to live through and above those problems. God gives us wholeness when He indwells believers with His Holy Spirit.

Intro: A therapist told their patient the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what they start. So far today, they finished 2 bags of chips and a chocolate cake. They said, “I feel better already.” There are lots of people giving advice and writing books about peace today. ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of The Lord Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 17, 2012

There is a misunderstanding of joy. Joy is not giddy or goofy Christians. Instead Joy is the pleasure of the presence of God in your life. The world may work against but if God is for you the Joy of the Lord is your strength! Explains what is needed f

Intro: Joy is not syrupy or sappy, sentimental or seasonal. Joy is not happiness, because happiness depends on what happens to you. Joy is also not the absence of sorrow. Psalm 16:11 “You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal ...read more

Scripture: John 15:11

Denomination: Baptist

Selfcontrol: The Discipline Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 25, 2012

We are told that we are more than victorius through Christ. If that is so then why do so many Christ followers seem to have defeat and not victory. Because the only place victory comes before work is in the dictionary. A forgotten or ignored fruit of t

Intro: Have you ever looked for victory in your spiritual life but had it vanish like a mist of fog? Are you searching for what it means to be more than a conqueror but feel conquered most of the time? Do you sing victory in Jesus and really don’t believe that it’s possible. If you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

The Church And Its Purpose: Make Disciples Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Oct 14, 2012

Our purpose as a body of believers is not missions. As John Piper said our purpose is worship. We are commanded to make disciples by Jesus. Disciplees should be followers, learners, worshippers.

Intro: There is a call for a moral revival and change in congress and the white house that people believe would turn the nation of the United States around. Don’t get me wrong please I believe we are to be Salt and light. Salt slows down the decay of things and light reveals things. As ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

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

Correction For A Corrupt Church Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 26, 2012

Paul teaches the Corinthians and us that our position in Christ should have a practical impact on our daily lifestyle.

Intro: The culture of the Corinthians – sexual immorality and cultural diversity. The context (occasion of the letter) – The immoral conduct of the Corinthians was reflective of the culture instead of Christ. (Our culture and context isn’t much different) 1) Paul wanted to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Life With The Father Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 27, 2012

What is the real evidence that we live with the Father? What is the real evidence that we have spiritual eyes that God has revealed Himself to? Is it hands raised in the sanctuary, a hymn sung in quartet harmony, a chorus completed on Sunday morning? N

Intro: What is the real evidence that we live with the Father? What is the real evidence that we have spiritual eyes that God has revealed Himself to? Is it hands raised in the sanctuary, a hymn sung in quartet harmony, a chorus completed on Sunday morning? No. It is obedience to God’s ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Learning To Be A Godly Woman In An Ungodly World

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Jul 29, 2012

It is not easy but it is essential today that moms are Godly. Whether stay at home or working women it is necessary that we understand God's way of thinking about the family.

Intro: Tony Campolo says that his wife is a brilliant woman. She has a PHD & is capable of pursuing a very profitable career. But she elected to stay home with her children when they were young. Her decision didn’t bother her at all except when other women would ask, “What do you ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:3

Denomination: Baptist

The Cure For The Common Church Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 8, 2012

Don't try to hide the fact you have quarrels and fights. Deal with the fact that there is divisions and disagreement. Divisions distract us. Learn the principles that can be the cure for the common church.

Intro: What is it that causes fights and quarrels or division? We see division in families, marriages, teams, governments, and of course churches? Why? Listen to what James the brother of Jesus has to say. James 4.1-3 “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren’t they caused ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Cross God's Power To Live Wisely Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 15, 2012

Wisdom is the God given ability to apply God's truth to our daily living in obedience. If we are truly wise we will live Godly lives

Intro: Remember what we have learned about the Corinthians. They were arrogant and prideful. They tucked their thumbs under their suspenders and bragged about things they had no control over. Who baptized them, what their gifts were. We must always remember that as Paul said in 1 Corinthians ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Denomination: Baptist

Wisdoms Work: Maturity Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Aug 22, 2012

Paul gives a roadmap to maturity. God's desire and goal that is revealed throughout the New Testament is maturity. Maturity is likeness to Jesus Christ. We as the church need to ask is wisdom working are we becoming more like Jesus.

Intro: What signs are the Corinthians showing? Division, arrogance, an extreme focus on what they can do? They are immature believers. Paul desires that they will grow and mature. God also wants us to grow and mature and the way that happens is God’s wisdom and the working of His Holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Favor Of God Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on Sep 3, 2012

God gives us grace to forgive our sins. But how many of us miss out on His favor for daily living because we ignore His promises and principles revealed in the Bible. We need to see God clearly and apply His truths daily.

Intro: I remember my brother in law Curtis coming up with the best app of all time. There was a bug on the wall and he grabbed his phone and said “I got an app for that,” and proceeded to smash the bug with his phone. With the introduction of the I Phone, I Pad and all the smart phones and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist