Sermons on Formation:

When Things Go Wrong

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

Although we know we can have joy in trials and God works all together for good…sometimes we don’t see it. Some days faith wanes, and we wonder where God is. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

When Things Go Wrong Matthew 11:2-11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WhenThingsGoWrong.html It is a blessing to be a Christian, but this world is under a curse. Things go wrong. Plans fail. The outcome of our goals sometimes isn’t what we had hoped. Tragedy strikes. Death takes its toll. Pain ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Baptist

When You've Lost Your Cutting Edge

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 4, 2007

We are quick to ‘fly off the handle’. But God has a way of sharpening dull Christians…and good things ‘surface’ when we return to where we lost our cutting edge and reclaim it! Link included to formatted text, audio & video, & PowerPoint Presentation.

When You’ve Lost Your Cutting Edge II Kings 6:1-7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/CuttingEdge.html We are so quick to ‘fly off the handle’ these days. But God has a way of sharpening dull Christians…and good things will ‘surface’ if we will return to where we lost our cutting edge and reach out ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

They Turned It Right Side Up - Troublemakers - World Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 25, 2005

Christians are accused of turning this world upside down...but it’s the other way around. Those who think the world would be better off without us will one day get their wish! Link included to Formatted Text version and some great visuals in PowerPoint.

They Turned it Right Side Up! Acts 17:1-6 A man was shoveling snow in his driveway when 2 boys came along w/ shovels and said, “Hey Mister, can we shovel your driveway…only $2!?” He said, “can’t you see I’m doing that?” “Yes sir, that’s why we asked…we get most of our business from people who ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

How Big Is Your God? Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 11, 2008

We must not only worship the right God, but we must worship Him in the right way. Accept no substitutes. Don’t try to reduce God to a material object. Don’t try to localize the One Who is infinite! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

How Big is Your God? Exodus 20:4-6 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/HowBigYourGod.html One day a little girl was drawing a picture, and even skipped recess because she was so focused upon it. Her teacher asked what she was doing and she said she was drawing a picture of God. “Oh honey, you can’t ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Consenting Adultery Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 1, 2008

Don’t just roll over on this one and say w/ the masses, “Just be safe.” Or, “If you can’t be good, then be careful!” There is no sex safer than sex within God’s plan, marriage! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

Consenting Adultery Exodus 20:14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ConsentingAdultery.html The 1631 edition of the KJV had a misprint. Some would call it minor...just one little word accidentally missed by the typesetter. He left out the word ‘not’ in our text today, reading “Thou shalt commit ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:14

Denomination: Baptist

Rahab's Rehab Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 15, 2008

From call girl to convert-This was much more than a rehabilitation. She wasn’t reformed or conformed-she was transformed! An added benefit: she became part of the line of Christ-a Greeeaaat G’ma of the Messiah! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, P’pt.

Rahab’s Rehab Joshua 2:1-21; Hebrews 11.31 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Rahab.html God rewards faith with His salvation...even in the guiltiest sinner. This woman went from being a call girl to being converted by just believing. And she went from ‘zero’ to ‘hero’ in nothing flat! Truly this ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Only Name

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2010

Brit Hume of Fox News got it right: No one says "What in Allah's name is going on?" No one texts "OMB" for "Oh My Buddha." Because only Jesus' name has the power and punch behind it to matter. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

The Only Name Acts 4:12 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/OnlyName.html Acts 4:12 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus. It's the only name people take in vain. The only name people swear by. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

Reaching Your Full Potential Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 6, 2008

There are 3 people sitting in your seat right now. [not a fat joke!] 1-The person you are today. 2-The person you could be for evil. 3-The complete person you could be for God. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, Powerpoint.

Reaching Your Full Potential Joshua 17:12-18 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ReachingFullPotential.html There are 3 people sitting in your seat right now. [not a fat joke!] There’s the person you are today. Then there’s the person you could be for evil. And then there is the complete person you ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 17:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Proper Response To God's Word Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jun 30, 2001

OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD IS THE PATHWAY TO BLESSING

BIG IDEA: OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD IS THE PATHWAY TO BLESSING INTRODUCTION: Each of these 8-verse stanzas is focused around a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet = an acrostic format. This is the ALEPH stanza with each verse beginning with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This stanza is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Building Up The Body

Contributed by Eddie Peros on Oct 18, 2000

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 1<sum><sum>‰As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 1<sum><sum>‰As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of ...read more

Racing Is Life

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Aug 9, 2016

The Bible uses many sports related images. In this classic text, the writer to the Hebrews explores the image of a race to reflect upon the nature of a disciple's life.

I am a sports fan, and the big news for me most recently is that the New Orleans Saints opened training camp on July 28th, about ten days ago, and they’re first pre-season game is only a mere thirteen days away. Not only that, but I know the local high schools are gearing up for the new ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Methodist

Valuable Lessons From Geese

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 31, 2022

We can learn from many things in life. I am satisfied that God put a lot of things on earth just to teach us some of the valuable lessons we need to learn.

Illus: Dr. Odell Belger’s wife is a cat lover. They have a big beautiful white cat that has taught them a lot of things about cats. • Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods; cats have never forgotten this • In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats • Every cat owner knows, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With Issues Part 3 Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Feb 2, 2024

we can avoid issues within the church if we live our lives according to the Bible.

DEALING WITH ISSUES: PART 3 Text: Acts 15:22-35 Introduction 1. Illustration: “I firmly determined that my mannerisms and speech in public would always reflect the cheerful certainty of victory – that any pessimism and discouragement I might ever feel would be reserved for my pillow... I adopted a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:22-35

Denomination: Methodist

Vanities, Poverty And Destitution Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 22, 2018

We must find in our heart the vast chasm, the infinite need that only Infinite Goodness and Truth and Beauty can fill.

Thursday of the 24th Week in Course 2018 St. Vincent de Paul The book we call Ecclesiastes is often referred to as Qoheleth, for the Hebrew name of the author, here called “the Preacher.” The first words form one of the major themes of theology, that all things human are perishable, that even what ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, Psalm 90:3-17, Luke 9:7-9

Denomination: Catholic

Ordinary Day Breakthroughs

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 3, 2019

Sermon thesis: The LORD uses our ordinary days to develop our character, our faith and our spiritual strength so that we may be able to reflect His glory and live an Abundant Life here on this Good Earth. How we handle ordinary days can lead to extra-ordinary days!

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10; Jeremiah 18:1-4 Title: Ordinary Day Breakthroughs Sermon thesis: The LORD uses our ordinary days to develop our character, our faith and our spiritual strength so that we may be able to reflect His glory and live an Abundant Life here on this Good Earth. INTRO: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10, Jeremiah 18:1-4

Denomination: Nazarene