Sermons on Formation:

The Pain That Produces Peace: God’s Loving Discipline In The Life Of A Disciple Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 19, 2026

We live in a comfort-driven culture. Everything in the 21st century whispers, “Avoid pain. Escape discomfort. Protect your preferences.” Yet Scripture speaks a very different language. The Bible tells us that pain, in the hands of a loving Father, is not pointless—it is productive.

The Pain That Produces Peace: God’s Loving Discipline in the Life of a Disciple Introduction: When It Hurts Let me begin with a simple, honest truth: following Jesus is glorious—but it is not always easy. We live in a comfort-driven culture. Everything in the 21st century whispers, “Avoid pain. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:11, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 12:6, Proverbs 3:11-12, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5, John 15:1-2, Psalm 119:67, Romans 8:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Serious About God? Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Mar 15, 2024

The final message in a series asking how serious we are about God

Are you Serious? (Final) 1 Peter 1:14-15 March 17, 2024 A few weeks ago I learned something really cool about geese that I want to share with you. We’ve seen geese when they fly south. They’re often in what kind of a formation? It’s called a - - - - V formation. That’s so they can ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16, Mark 12:30-31

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus As The Whiz Of God Series

Contributed by Dr. Michael Eaton on Jul 29, 2017

This is Chapter 4 of John On the Run: A Survey of the Bible New Testament Book of John. Pick up a copy of this book at https://www.amazon.com/John-Run-Survey-Bible-Testament-ebook/dp/B01MXR29PB/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 .

Introduction At the time of this writing, I serve God at what would be considered a small church in a small town. The members have heard me say a time or two, “I do not serve at a mega church but I do serve a mega God!” I have seen God do many, many, tremendous things for me and my family right ...read more

Scripture: John 6:11-20

Denomination: Baptist

21. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl Of Greatest Price – Part 1 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 27, 2025

The Parable of the Pearl of Greatest Price is one of the most misunderstood of all parables. The conventional thinking is challenged because there is only one true interpretation for this parable. Some very lovely truths come out about the Lord and the Church, the Bride for whom He gave all.

21. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl of Greatest Price – Part 1 of 4 We are working through the Kingdom Parables of Matthew 13, seven of them, and today we start the sixth one, which is about a pearl of the greatest value and perfection. In this study we look at the Parable itself, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46, 1 Samuel 16:11-12, Ephesians 2:13-16, Ephesians 5:27-29, Romans 3:10-12, Isaiah 55:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gathering & Scattering

Contributed by Joey Nelson on May 4, 2006

The church has many purposes or functions. These purposes hang on a two-fold mission: the Gathering of the Community for Worship, Instruction, Fellowship and Evangelism Training and the Scattering of the Community in order to fulfill both our cultural a

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: I read the story of the little girl who was asked to describe the parts of a man. She said, "Man has three parts: the brainium, the chester, and the abominable cavity. The brainium holds the brain, the chester holds the heart, and the abominable cavity holds the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

You Can Learn A Lot From A Goose

Contributed by Virgil Watson on Dec 2, 2006

If you have heard the familiar phrase; "That one’s like a goose...he wakes up in a new world everyday"...and realize that the reference is made to one that seems to be "out of step", so to speak, with the majority of society...it might interest you to fin

YOU CAN LEARN A LOT FROM A GOOSE I. EPHESIANS 4:1/ "I therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called". PRAYER Verses 2 and 3 go on to state: 2)"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Pity Party - Prodigal Son / Brother

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 28, 2004

It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly - Very "Phunny" opening poem, then the CURSE, CAUSE, AND CURE of Self Pity. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Pity Party Luke 15:25-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PityParty.html It’s a sad tune because the only instrument in the band is your own drum which you are beating on incessantly. It’s not fun to listen to and no one taps their foot. But you are certain it makes you feel better to beat it out ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

God Of The Roller Coasters

Contributed by Robert Fox on Jan 26, 2006

Uses Elijah’s mountaintop experience on Carmel followed by his pity-fest in the desert to talk about the highs and lows of life. You can’t live on the mountaintop. Fortunately, our God is God of the valleys also. Student Ministry PowerPoint format.

[Living in the Valleys] Slide Graphic - photo of tall mountain and deep dark valley Slide Text - Elijah came to a juniper tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life” (1 Kings 19:4) I love mission trips! I had such a good time on this ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Jerusalem 500 Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 23, 2007

Parable of the 2 Debtors--Good theme for NASCAR or INDY race weekends. One was forgiven 50 denarii and the other 500. Jesus uses this to aid our understanding of sin and forgiveness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and ’Race Style’ PowerPoint Temp

The Jerusalem 500 Luke 7:41-43 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Jerusalem500.html The Indy 500 was this afternoon [5-27-07], but the biggest race of our life should be the race to the place of forgiveness to be saved! Make no pit stops at good works, baptism, or communion…just trust completely in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:41-43

Denomination: Baptist

Wrapping Things Up

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 16, 2009

When it comes to giving many Christians stop...at nothing! 6 Guidelines for Giving God’s tithe on God’s day that God’s work might be done in God’s way. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Wrapping Things Up 1 Corinthians 16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WrappingThingsUp.html I. THE ORDER OF THE OFFERING. (1-3) GUIDELINES: 1. PRIORITY ASPECT - 1ST DAY OF THE WEEK (SUNDAY) Bring God’s tithe into God’s house on God’s day that God’s work might be done in God’s way. This is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

If You're Saved And You Know It Say Amen!

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 14, 2011

Everyone has faith in something. There is a counterfeit kind of faith. Even the demons believe in God but aren't saved. The evolutionist has more faith than we do! Let's learn true faith. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

If You're Saved and You Know it Say Amen! Romans 3:28 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SayAmen.html Here's the final conclusion on how we are justified...by faith! What is saving faith? We need to investigate because there is a counterfeit kind of faith. Everyone has faith in something. The ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:28

Denomination: Baptist

Save Me, I'm Drowning! - Debt

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 8, 2010

God threw His Son into the waters of sin to save us from drowning. Now, what can He do for us who are drowning in debt and financial bondage? Here's the steps to freedom! Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Save Me, I'm Drowning! Nehemiah 5:1-19 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Drowning.html If you saw someone drowning and God said the only way to save them was to throw in your child, would you do it? I wouldn't. But that's exactly what God did in order to save our souls. We were going under, ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Unmasking The Hypocrite Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 16, 2008

Jesus did something no one else had done...He stood up to the religious bullies that were leading people astray. There’s much we can learn about hypocrisy here. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

Unmasking the Hypocrite Matthew 23:1-39 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/UnmaskingHypocrite.html This is Jesus’ last public message before He dies on the cross. It is stunning...a scathing denunciation of false religion and hypocrisy. Let’s set the scene: Jesus is speaking to 3 groups of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Baptist

The Beginning Of Labor Pains Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 18, 2008

We are already feeling the ’birth pangs’ Jesus said would proceed the end times. This world’s contractions are close together, the earth is dilated to 10 & could deliver at any time! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint Presentation.

The Beginning of Labor Pains End of the World Matthew 24:1-8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LaborPains.html Today thru next Sunday, 1/27/08, is Sanctity of Human Life Week, and as always, our church is extremely active year round in promoting life and opposing the atrocity of abortion, which is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Parable Of The Hidden Treasure Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 18, 2007

Nothing can destroy God’s people, Israel--Not killing all male babies, or burning their cities, not gas chambers, and not a nuke from Iran. Israel’s FAVOUR, their FAILURE, and their FUTURE. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Parable of the Hidden Treasure Matthew 13:44 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/HiddenTreasure.html There are ten “Kingdom Parables”, and according to vv. 1-2 they were given by the seaside [Galilee]. V. 36 says Jesus sent the multitude away after delivering four of them, and then entered into a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:44

Denomination: Baptist