Sermons on Elf On The Shelf:

What Crime Did Jesus Commit? Series

Contributed by Rick Duncan on Mar 9, 2004

We see the context that sets up the reason Jesus was rejected by the Jews. He called for integrity, challenged their authority, claimed to be deity. We then move from the reasons to the purpose - our justification.

Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus asked His followers a question: “Who do you say I am?” It’s still the fundamental question of life. And the answer creates controversy. It’s one reason why Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of the Christ, is so controversial. This is a film that has had the audacity ...read more

Scripture: John 8:57-59

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Worth Living

Contributed by James May on Jun 1, 2003

Only through obedience to the Word of God can we find the love of life and happiness and a life worth living.

A LIFE WORTH LIVING It seems that everyone you talk to all have the same purpose in life – at least when it comes to this life upon the earth. Wrapped up in each of us is the desire to have a better quality of life. Everywhere you look people are consumed by their quest of the elusive “American ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:10-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Rose Colored Glasses Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 15, 2005

The blush of first love wears off quickly for the children of Israel as God brings them some small tests to see how much they will trust Him. How much do you trust God? We also see the keys to spiritual warfare demonstrated.

New love is always interesting. We used to have a saying "you’re looking through rose-colored glasses." It meant that no matter how the other person was in reality, they always looked "rosy" to you because you were in love. Having rose colored glasses is a danger sign for a relationship that needs ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Prisoner Of Bitterness

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

6 things Bitterness will do to your life: DEVASTATE YOU SPIRITUALLY, DESTROY YOU PHYSICALLY, DISCOURAGE YOU EMOTIONALLY, DIVIDE THE FELLOWSHIP, DEFILE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS, DEPRIVE YOU OF A BLESSING. PowerPoint at website.

Prisoner of Bitterness Heb. 12:14-15 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Has someone ever said or done something to you for which you found it difficult to forgive them? Every time their very name is brought up, even if it was ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Consider The Miracle Of The Loaves Series

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Aug 19, 2001

That’s the lesson, don’t ignore problems and don’t take the easy way out, face your problems with God’s help realizing He knows what He is doing.

John 6:1-14 Mark 6:52 "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." Craig Randall drives a garbage truck in Peabody, Massachusetts. In a garbage container one day, he noticed a Wendy’s soft drink cup bearing a contest sticker. Having won a chicken sandwich ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14, Mark 6:52

Denomination: Baptist

Real Followers Are Spirit Led Series

Contributed by Eric Snyder on Mar 8, 2002

Part of a series based on Mike Slaughter’s book

Real Followers are Spirit led, Acts 20:22-24 Eric A. Snyder, Minister, Farwell Church of Christ January 20, 2002 Being a Spirit led follower means carrying a cross not climbing ladders It has been argued that we live in the most prosperous country in the history of the world. As Americans we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:22-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trouble In The Church

Contributed by Douglas Duvall on Dec 3, 2006

What if trouble arises in the Church? It is not what if, but more like when.

Trouble in the Church ACTS 15:1-12 I. Decision 15:1-4 A. Men 15:1 B. Method 15:2 C. Messages 15:3-4 II. Demand 15:5-6 A. Demands 15:5 B. Deliberations 15:6 III. Declaration 15:7-12 A. Choice 15:7 B. Comparison 15:8-9 C. Conversion 15:10-12 Introduction Peter had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Six Hearts (On The Road To Emmaus)

Contributed by Daniel Devilder on Dec 4, 2006

An Encounter with the Risen Lord Strengthens Our Weak Hearts with Simple, Rejuvenating Faith! (the 6 headings in this sermon were heard in a sermon by my mentor Doug Kostowski, Miami, FL. The body of the material is mine)

Short summation of the gospel/crucifixion? Bring up to speed succinctly. And the story grows on by His mercy Certain people stand out to me. People that are unusual. Remarkable. Memorable. People that directly or indirectly shape my outlook on life—maybe some even my life itself. • High ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Destined In Life

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 8, 2008

In this text, in a sense, we see the destiny of every Christian. 1- The destiny of spreading the gospel 2- The destiny of encouraging others 3- The destiny of experiencing trials

INTRO.- What’s your destiny in life? Did you know when you graduated from high school what your destiny was? What you would become? And where you would be now? You may have had an idea you would live in Arkansas, but did you know what you’d do for a living? And if you’d follow the faith in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Greatest Power Is Often Simple Patience Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 15, 2008

Life outside of Christ, Paul says. It’s angry life. Its confrontational politics and caustic talk shows. It’s accusatory e-mails that appear to have been sent from a flamethrower. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with patience.

Opening illustration: This past week I read about a first-grade teacher who was having a difficult day. It had rained that entire day and the children couldn’t go out for recess, so they got more and more restless and hyperactive as the day wore on. The teacher couldn’t wait for the bell to ring ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You Can Make A Difference Series

Contributed by Carl Greene on Jan 29, 2008

Am I qualified? Who could have foreseen lowly fishermen of Galilee had the potential to become fearless apostles, or that simple peasants could leave their net behind to become founders of the church?

A Letter from Jesus to the Church called Mainline: "You know me; I love to make the oldline new. If you will stick with me, I shall give you a future, new wineskins, and all that. I am Lord of Life, not death. I shall move you from cynical decline to life. I still have plans for you. You’ll be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:13

Denomination: Methodist

Introduction To Ephesians

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Jun 22, 2007

Introduction to the book of Ephesians.

1. It’s not often that we get to view the bookends of a church. a. The BEGINNING… how it all started. b. Toward the END… how it all ended up. c. But with the church in Ephesus, we see it’s beauty and strength in the beginning… and it’s weakness at the end. • Acts 18 - Paul spent some time in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thanksgiving, More Than A Date On The Calendar

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Nov 18, 2007

This sermon examines the importance of thanksgiving being a part of a Christian lifestyle.

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a date on our calendar which we celebrate every year. If we are not careful, thanksgiving can become nothing more than a date on the calendar. God expects more! Joke: One Thanksgiving season a family was seated around their table looking at the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Napkin Is Still Folded - Easter

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 4, 2006

The significance of the folded napkin in the Jewish culture makes some powerful points in considering the resurrection. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation.

THE NAPKIN IS STILL FOLDED JOHN 20:1-7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NapkinFolded.html [Please see link above for more info. on this matter. Concept for this sermon originally preached by Dr. Clyde Box. I receive many questions as to the historicity of the "Napkin Legend"...Dr. Box reportedly ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Touching Judas' Feet

Contributed by Larry Breeden on Oct 11, 2006

Humility and service for the Christian has no limitations or choices of who we serve

Touching Judas’ Feet Jn 13:1-20 INTRO: A. Upper Room & Dark Hours of the Lord 1. Less than 24 hrs till He’ll be on the cross 2. Inside Disciples are meeting a. Outside there is grumblings 3. Inside the disciples arguing & fighting over superiority a. Outside there is plotting of ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-20

Denomination: Baptist