Sermons on Giving Vs Taking:

Mystery Vs Magic

Contributed by Howard Gunter on May 27, 2018

We just must understand that there is no Magic in the bible, but there sure is plenty of Mystery.

Weekend Message/Devotion May 27, 2018 John 3:1-17 Mystery vs Magic I enjoy a good mystery. As I read or watch a mystery, I find myself engrossed in looking for clues in hopes of solving the mystery for myself prior to it being revealed in the reading or program. In today’s gospel reading, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reputation Vs. Character

Contributed by Wes Gunther on Mar 19, 2019

Christ put off His reputation but never wavered on His character.

Made Himself of no Reputation Philippians 2:7-10 I. We value our Reputation a. We build our reputation through i. Experience ii. Time iii. Rapport iv. Hard work b. Our reputation can be easily lost i. One accusation ii. One indiscretion ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:7

Verses Vs Viruses

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Sep 6, 2020

A Christian perspective on the fear of coronavirus.

Verses vs Viruses Introduction: We are living in a time that the Bible speaks about in great detail and this morning I would like to speak to one aspect of those biblical details that I believe is relevant to the church and Christians everywhere. The issue that I’m talking about is one of the most ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Fire Vs. Peace

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Aug 19, 2022

Fire vs. Peace

Fire vs. Peace   Scripture Luke 12:49-53   Reflection Dear sisters and brothers, How do we feel when we hear the scripture text from today’s gospel reading? It actually disturbs us. We believe that Jesus is synonymous with peace, love, joy, and hope. However, Jesus tells us today that I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Other

The Godly Vs. Ungodly Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Oct 3, 2022

In a comparison between David (who was seeking to do what was right) and his enemies, an ungodly person is generally referring to an unbeliever, but it is possible for a saved person not to be living as a godly person. Let’s notice the difference.

Psalm 1 made a contrast between the godly and the ungodly. Here we see that contrast in a different form. In a comparison between David (who was seeking to do what was right) and his enemies. An ungodly person is generally referring to an unbeliever, but it is possible for a saved person not to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Finding The Faith Of Our Heroes - Part 9: Never Give Up On God! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Oct 21, 2023

Never give up on God because... 1. He can break giant barriers down (vs. 30). 2. He can turn sinners into saints (vs. 31). 3. He can turn us into godly heroes (vs. 32-35a). 4. He gives us strength when we suffer (vs. 35b-38). 5. He promises us a perfect ending (vs. 39-40).

Finding the Faith of Our Heroes Part 9: Never Give Up on God! Hebrews 11:30-40; Joshua 2:1-13; Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 6:1-5 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared October 21, 2023) BACKGROUND: *We have been going through Hebrews 11 to study the faith of our Old Testament heroes. And through them all, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:30-40, Joshua 2:1-13, Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua 6:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Dads That Make A Difference

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jun 21, 2014

God wants to help you be a dad who makes a difference. 1. He will take away your guilt (vs. 4&13). 2. He will give you the goodness you need (vs. 5-10). 3. He will give you the guidance you need (vs. 11-12). 4. He will give you a grateful heart (vs.13 ).

Dads that Make a Difference 1 Thessalonians 2:4-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - June 15, 2014 (Revised and updated from a sermon preached at McClendon Baptist Church June 18, 2006) *To all of the dads here this morning: I hope you have a great Father's Day. We thank God for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:4-13

Denomination: Baptist

Never Give Up Series

Contributed by A. David Hart on Sep 5, 2007

This message is to encourage the church to never give up on the mission. Regardless of the circimstances that may arise, we should hang on to God’s unchanging hand and to take that much needed step to recieve our promised blessing.

NEVER GIVE UP Acts 14:1-7 One thing we have to learn as Christians is, regardless of how hard things get or how disheartening they may become, we must not give up. I’ve discovered in this vocation as a pastor, is that every pat on the back is not for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Take Up Your Cross

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Oct 5, 2012

Trying to do things in our own strength can result in disappointment and frustration. But when we give our burdens to Christ the cross we are carrying is lighter.

Take Up your cross Isaiah 53 Mark 8:27-38 I remember hearing a radio broadcast of Dr. James Dobson. He was retelling a story about his son Ryan who was about three years old at the time. Little Ryan had gotten up early one morning before his Dad and Mom. He managed to climb up onto the kitchen ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Investments: A Good Thing?

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jun 30, 2003

We take a look at bad investments, earthly ones, as compared to good investments, heavenly ones.

Have you been following the entire Martha Stewart thing? It was just a year ago that the allegations surfaced that the Queen of Gracious Living was involved in an insider trading scandal. The prosecutors are saying that Stewart sold 4000 shares of ImClone Systems after finding out that there was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-27

Denomination: Wesleyan

Be A Heavenly Hero

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 1, 2013

1. We need to see with spiritual vision (vs. 8-10). 2. We need to give with generosity (vs. 10-17). 3. We need to take our troubles to God (vs. 18-37).

Be a Heavenly Hero 2 Kings 4:8-37 (Initial reading vs. 8-24) Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - June 23, 2013 *Who is your hero? -- When I was a little boy, one of my heroes was Roy Rogers, "The King of the Cowboys!" He was such a good guy, and what a great horse: Trigger! Roy had ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-37

Denomination: Baptist

How Does Money Affect You?

Contributed by Tim Patrick on Sep 26, 2005

This sermon takes a look at problems associated with handling money and then explains God’s plan for handling money.

How does money affect you? Money is a subject with which all of us struggle. For some it is lack of money. For some it is the desire for money. For some it is wrong use of money. For some it is poor investment of money. A man named stumpy illustrates how money affects people. Stumpy and his wife ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34, Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Great Things God Wants Us To See Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 13, 2019

Those Greeks wanted to see the greatest thing anybody can ever see. They wanted to see Jesus! And God wants us to see some great things in their story: 1. The essential desires (vs. 17-22). 2. The essential deaths (vs. 23-25). 3. The essential devotion (vs. 26).

Great Things God Wants Us to See The Gospel of John John 12:17-26 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - May 24, 2017 (Revised December 13, 2019) BACKGROUND: *Please open your Bibles to John 12:12. Last week, we looked at the Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the first Palm ...read more

Scripture: John 12:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

It Takes A Thief Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 5, 2008

Not only SIMPLE STEALING, but 5 other types of SOPHISTICATED STEALING, as well as the truth about SPIRITUAL STEALING. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

It Takes a Thief Exodus 20:15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/TakesAThief.html The popular TV show is back, where crooks teach us how to protect ourselves from people like them. But the Bible says, we ARE people like them! Synonyms for stealing: Extortion, burglary, defraud, misappropriate, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:15

Denomination: Baptist

Take Advantage

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 31, 2007

Can you believe it? God wants us to take advantage of Him and His Church! Usually when we think of ‘taking advantage’ it’s a bad thing, but not necessarily w/ the Lord. Link included to formatted text, audio & video, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Take Advantage Ecc. 2:24, 3:13, 5:18-19 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/TakeAdvantage.html Can you believe it? God wants to be taken advantage of! Usually when we think of ‘taking advantage’ of someone it’s a bad thing, but not necessarily w/ the Lord. The book of Acts shows God moving among the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist