Sermons on Formation:

Lights Out? Lights On!

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 6, 2006

Ice Storms of 2006: How to be lights of Christmas--My family and I have learned some important lessons this week we would not likely learn if our power was on. Link included to formatted text, PowerPoint Template, and many more Christmas sermons.

Lights Out? Lights On! John 19:26-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/LightsOutLightsOn.html ----- Don’t you love Christmas lights? I do. But we cannot turn on our tree…our generator is just barely able to keep up w/ the furnace and fridge at present. But last night in our dark neighborhood we ...read more

Scripture: John 19:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

What Every Spouse Needs Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 14, 2006

Based on ’His Needs Her Needs’ by Dr. Willard Harley. The top 5 needs of men & women are investigated in an eye-opening way. We compliment one another perfectly when we follow this formula. Link included to formatted text, handouts, & Powerpoint Template

What Every Spouse Needs, Pt. 2 [Desperate Households] Matthew 7:12 This message is for presentation to adults, due to subject matter. Why learn to understand, appreciate, and fulfill one another’s needs? • First, because you have an obligation to do so. Your spouse has made a vow to meet these ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Baptist

I Only Work On Sundays! Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 13, 2009

I have learned that everyone knows what the pastor should be doing except me. That is exactly what Paul was saying to this church in Corinth--and things haven’t changed much after all of these years. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

I Only Work Sundays 1 Corinthians 4:1-21 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/OnlyWorkSundays.html I speak tonite about my favorite person in the world...myself! Go ahead, admit it, you are your own favorite person. You take care of yourself better than anyone else, and spend more time in your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Confusion Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 21, 2009

Babel means ‘confusion.’ It’s where we get the word ‘babble.’ And man w/out God is confused, and only God can help man ’rise up’ and make sense of things. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Confusion Genesis 11:1-9 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Confusion.html Babel means ‘confusion.’ It’s where we get the word ‘babble.’ And man w/out God is confused, and only God can help man ’rise up’ and make sense of things. 1) After the Flood, God commanded man to spread abroad, replenish and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Every Tribe

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 30, 2010

By the end of the world the gospel will go out to all people groups. The gospel has not been preached to every tribe yet, though we are getting very close, and some from every tribe will believe! Link inc. to formatted text, audio/Video, PowerPoint.

Every Tribe Revelation 5:9 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/EveryTribe.html Revelation 5:9 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:9

Denomination: Baptist

Not Ashamed

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 24, 2011

While every wicked thing imaginable is coming out of its closet,it’s time that the people of God came out from underneath the rock, stood on the Rock, and let it be known where they stand. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Not Ashamed Romans 1:16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NotAshamed.html Am I a soldier of the cross, a follower of the Lamb, and shall I fear to own His cause or blush to speak His name? [old hymn] When every vile and wicked thing imaginable is coming out of its closet, I think it’s time ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Denomination: Baptist

22. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl Of Greatest Price – Part 2 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Nov 28, 2025

We cover a lot of ground in this message. Christ is the Merchant who left heaven’s precious glory behind to purchase this priceless Pearl. We look at so many aspects from the formation of the pearl, and Christ and His Church, and confirming scriptures. Lots of points here.

22. The Kingdom Parables – The Sixth – The Pearl of Greatest Price – Part 2 of 4 This most interesting Parable, most misunderstood, is a delight to study because of the deep truth that comes from it. In Part 1 we saw that the Merchant Man is Jesus Christ who gave up all He had (and ALL that was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46, Ephesians 5:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Romans 8:39, Romans 3:9-12, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 55:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Luke 19:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Genesis 2:21-23, Revelation 19:7, Ephesians 5:23, Ephesians 5:25-30, Ephesians 5:32, Matthew 16:18, Revelation 19:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Transfer Of Evil Spirits Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 26, 2025

The Bible warns us about the existence of evil spirits and their ability to influence and afflict humans.

The Bible warns us about the existence of evil spirits and their ability to influence and afflict humans. In various passages, we see examples of how evil spirits can be transferred from one person to another. This transfer can occur through various means, including: Direct demonic influence: Evil ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:7-10, Jeremiah 30:17

Prayer Series

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Feb 25, 2002

Prayer is the primary way that God forms us into mature Christians.

Habits That Lead to Christian Maturity Lent 2002 Prayer The goal in the Christian life is maturity. Although we love little babies, we would be saddened greatly if they did not grow, learn, mature into fully functioning adults. In the same way it is greatly exciting when someone first gives ...read more

Scripture: James 4:3, Isaiah 64:8

Denomination: *other

Rejoice! (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 12, 2019

In Philippians 2, Paul encourages beleivers to expereince joy through solidarity, selflessness, and shining the light of Christ.

Rejoice! Choosing Joy in the Midst of our Mess (2) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 10/11/2015 Have you ever wondered why some people seem to experience deep and authentic joy in their daily lives—even in the toughest times—while others can’t seem to find it no matter how hard ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-18

Denomination: Christian Church

Back To Church Sunday Series

Contributed by Monty Mora on Sep 17, 2014

This message highlights the importance of what church attendance provides for those who attend.

Introduction A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. He wrote, “I’ve gone to church for 30 years now, and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can’t ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Race Of Life: Starting Well Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Jun 14, 2012

A well-lived life requires teamwork, preparation, endurance and focus.

Starting Well—The Race of Life: Introduction Racing, Dale Earnhardt once said, is life. Well, Earnhardt actually had it backward. Life is a race. Racing to work, racing home, racing to some type of sports practice, racing to recreational activities, racing to church. Racing here ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Methodist

The Shield Of Faith Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Feb 5, 2019

Ephesians 6:10-16

GEARING UP FOR WAR - The Shield of Faith October 2, 2022 Ephesians 6:10-16 Introduction: My weird sense of humor always lets me enjoy Gary Larsen’s cartoons…He was the artist of little one scene drawings called, “The Far Side.” And my favorite Far Side cartoon by far was ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Needs Of A New Christian Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Aug 10, 2004

The essential needs of new converts are discussed using this account describing the events that immediately followed the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.

SERIES: “LESSONS FROM THE EARLY CHURCH” TEXT: ACTS 9:19-31 TITLE: “THE NEEDS OF A NEW CHRISTIAN” INTRODUCTION: A. One criticism of the church-at-large is that when we produce new Christians, we “dunk ‘em and drop ‘em” ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God's "Go To" Guidance Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Jul 31, 2014

We need to learn how to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves. Only then can He show us his will and the path our lives should take.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Out of the mouth of babes?” It comes from the truth that sometimes it takes a child to reveal lasting wisdom. For example: · Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” · Michael, 14, said, “When your dad is mad and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Foursquare