Sermons on Conscience Formation:

En Theos [enthusiasm]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

A simple formula for a more exciting, energizing existence...In God = En Theos = Enthusiasm. Several Biblical reasons to be enthused about being ’en Theos’. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

En Theos [Enthusiasm] Ps. 122:1 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Enthusiasm.html Introduction: Webster’s Dictionary says the meaning of enthusiasm / excitement is "to be stirred or thrilled." Some would say they have enthusiasm at times, it depends on what they are doing...what they are ‘into’ at ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1

Denomination: Baptist

Five Firsts

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 4, 2007

New Year message from the Book of Beginnings showing the first mention of Satan, Sin, the Saviour, the death Sentence, and the first Sacrifice...all in the same passage. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

FIVE FIRSTS Genesis 3:1-15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FiveFirsts.html This is the first Sunday service of 2007. As we begin a new year many of us are trying to make a new start in different areas…from our waistlines to our finances, to how we spend our time. We’re right at the beginning and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Parable Of The Sower Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 5, 2007

75% in this parable didn’t truly get saved. Was the problem the Sower, the Seed, or the Soil? 25% did get saved, and we can see how! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Sower.html Sow what? The Word of God! Sow when? All the time! Sow where? Everywhere…but hopefully on good ground! This parable answers the question, “Why doesn’t everybody get saved?” As tremendous as salvation is, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Super Bowls Of God's Wrath Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 1, 2007

7 Vile Vials of Judgment fall on the earth during the Great Tribulation. [The field, the officials, the spectators, the winners and losers on this game day.] Link included to formatted text for this and entire Revelation Series, audios, PowerPoints.

The Super Bowls of Wrath Rev. 16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SuperBowlsWrath.html Tonite, two sides will do battle… (In our text the 2 sides are Good & Evil) There is going to be a Field of Battle: (Valley of Megiddo) There will be a game plan…a plan of attack. An official will be on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 16:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Holiness - A Life Apart Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on May 14, 2007

Know this - the formation of true holiness is a foundational part of preparing to prosper, of living in a way to enjoy God’s blessings. The Word says, “Without holiness, no one will see (that is, know and live close to) the Lord!”

“God loves to bless His children!” That is the declaration of the Bible, a promise that we can live by. In this series of messages, my aim has been to teach how we position ourselves to stand in the flow of God’s blessing, to live in a way that is prosperous, not so much in financial terms, but in ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Gain A Few Pounds Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 13, 2007

The Parable of the Pounds - We are each entrusted with the weighty matter of carrying the gospel. But how well are we bearing the burden God has placed in our pack? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

How to Gain a Few Pounds Luke 19:11-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GainFewPounds.html “I don’t need anyone telling me how to do that…I’ve got it mastered!” The parable of the pounds reminds us of the parable of the talents in Mt. 25, which we’ll study in a couple of weeks. But they are quite ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Dad Hears From Jesus' Father

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 15, 2006

Joseph’s DILEMMA, Joseph’s DREAM, & Joseph’s DECISION. An earthly dad meets the Heavenly Father and is forever changed. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation, + many more Christmas Sermons.

Jesus’ Dad Hears From Jesus’ Father Matthew 1:18-25 ----- http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html ----- Matthew presents the birth of Christ from the vantage point of His earthly dad (Joseph was not the father). God was the Father who planted His sinless seed into the virgin womb of Mary, who was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Let Go Of The Vine

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 15, 2007

You don’t have to be Tarzan to learn to hold on to the Vine. Practical outline on abiding in Christ and how to ’branch out’ and bear fruit for the Father, our Husbandman. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

Don’t Let Go of the Vine John 15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DontLetGo.html Sometimes it may seem we are spinning our wheels and going nowhere. What are we supposed to do then? We live in an age where we feel we must always be busy and be doing something. We are restless [and young!] and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond The Veil: The Mercy Seat Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 26, 2008

Capping off the Ark of the Covenant is a solid slab of gold with cherubim, of inestimable value. Even more beautiful than its artistry is what happens upon it. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Beyond the Veil: The Mercy Seat Exodus 25:17-22 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BeyondVeilMercySeat.html [scroll thru pics] Every box needs a lid...but this is no ordinary box...and atop it is much more than a ‘lid’. As a matter of fact, no furnishing in history has had a final, finishing touch ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 25:17-22, Exodus 25:8-22

Denomination: Baptist

Claiming Our Canaan Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 11, 2008

Most said, we have absolutely no chance of possessing this Promised Land. But where they saw only giants, the ’minority report’ of Joshua and Caleb saw God! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

Claiming Our Canaan Joshua 1:1-13 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ClaimingOurCanaan.html We’ve come “Out of Africa” now into the wilderness. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a picture of our salvation. We were slaves, in bondage to sin, the toughest master you’ll ever serve. Sin takes us ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

That I May Dwell Among Them Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 4, 2008

The Tabernacle is a wonderful picture book, full of object lessons...a graphic, vivid experience of God’s presence with man! The MEANS, the MATERIALS, the MEN, and the MEETING. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

That I May Dwell Among Them Exodus 25:1-9 Special ’fly by’ video, PowerPoint, & 3D Tabernacle links can be found for free at: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DwellAmongThem.html In Genesis 1 & 2 we read about God’s creation. And right in the middle of that account, the Bible refers to God creating ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 25:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Altar Of Incense Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 19, 2008

How do you smell to God? This altar inside the Tabernacle proper is beautifully contrasted to the brazen altar out in the courtyard. The symbolic aromas in the air cannot be ignored. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Altar of Incense ‘How Do You Smell?’ Exodus 30:1-10 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/AltarOfIncense.html It has been a wonderful study of the Tabernacle so far, and the best is yet to come as we enter the Holy of Holies next time. But as of now, we have looked at the first 5 articles of ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 30:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Ideal Discipleship Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 11, 2009

Win ’em, wet ’em, & wean ’em. That last step is the big one of discipleship - "Teaching them to observe all things..." Often forsaken, but so important! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

The Ideal Discipleship I Thessalonians 3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/IdealDiscipleship.html Chapter 2 had a nursing mother, and a teaching father doing spiritual parenting of these new believers. It leads perfectly into this chapter about grounding new believers. v. 2 “to establish you” v. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Bringing America Back To God

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 17, 2009

The parallels of America and Israel are staggering - both denied the Lord, defied the law, and defiled the land. Is God about to judge us like He did them? Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Bringing America Back to God Judges 1-2 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BringingAmericaBack.html This book records the history of the nation of Israel for 305 years after the death of Joshua. Israel declined, backslid, and got away from God. And in this new study we will see many frightening ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Vision

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 14, 2010

It is what causes leaders to rise to the top of the bucket like cream. It is what separates leaders from followers, and separates mediocre leaders from great ones. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Vision Nehemiah 2:17 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Vision.html It is the #1 distinguishing mark of a leader. It is what causes leaders to rise to the top of the bucket like cream. It is what separates leaders from followers, and separates mediocre leaders from great ones. Leaders understand ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:17

Denomination: Baptist