Sermons on Habit Formation:

It's Not Time

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 1, 2013

We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint

It's Not Time John 7:1-8, 30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NotTime.html We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Time is like a river made ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Death Of Osama Bin Laden

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 4, 2011

I take no pleasure of anyone going to hell - but God's justice is satisfied, and today UBL's knees bow and his tongue confesses Jesus Christ as Lord! Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Death of Osama bin Laden http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/binLaden.html We rejoiced at the news, as did much of the world. Many sang and danced and partied. Patriotism was renewed and partisanship again went by the wayside much like it did on 9/11. If only we would continue longer in our lessons ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 24:17

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Tree Of Life (Part 2)

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 28, 2022

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the formation of a value system; or rather, a "judgement" system. Living in the tree of life is making decisions from life and liberty, and what stimulates life in both you and others.

This morning’s message is a continuation of last week’s on the tree of life, and I have entitled our sermon, “Living in the Tree of Life” – Part 2. I would like to begin with some food for thought by sharing a real life illustration of a historical figure who walked in the tree of life. George ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:6-13, Revelation 22:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Working With What You Have PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 24, 2025

God values faithful stewardship of whatever we’re given, no matter how small, and calls us to trust Him and courageously use our gifts for His glory.

Some of God’s best work begins with something small. A seed the size of a freckle. A lunch packed by a mom. A shepherd boy with a sling. A widow with two coins. Our Father loves to place grace in small packages and watch courage unwrap them. You may feel your life is “just” a handful of minutes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Topics: Growth, Stewardship, Increase

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

Israel Under Attack Series

Contributed by Stephen Smith on May 24, 2019

An account of how demonic angel-princes came to control the nations of the earth. The story of Yahweh's formation of Israel, its rebellious decline into idol worship, its separation from God and it's ultimate restoration.

Spiritual warfare Israel under attack In our previous messages, we discussed the origins of Satan, the fallen Lucifer, and the war he's been waging on God and on the human race ever since he was summarily ejected from Heaven as a result of his hubris and vaulting ambition. We saw that ...read more

Denomination: Brethren

Love And Sacrifice, Part 4

Contributed by Joey Nelson on Mar 10, 2003

Ray Stedman tells about a boy who was in the army. He was a Christian and had formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he went to sleep. He kept up this practice in the army, but he became an object of mockery and ridicule to the entire barracks.

INTRODUCTION Opening Statement: Ray Stedman tells about a boy who was in the army. He was a Christian and had formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he went to sleep. He kept up this practice in the army, but he became an object of mockery and ridicule to the entire barracks. One night ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

What’s Up With Worship

Contributed by Guy Glass on Mar 5, 2012

DO WE COME TO CHURCH BECAUSE IT’S A HABIT? WE COME BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. THE END RESULT IS THAT THE EVENT IS IMPORTANT, NOT WHAT WE ARE DOING AT THE EVENT. SO, WE SLOWLY AND INCREMENTALLY SLIP INTO A “GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS” KI

WHAT’S UP WITH WORSHIP INTRODUCTION: TRADITIONALLY, EVERY SUNDAY AFTER CHURCH OUR FAMILY OUT TO DINNER. THIS EVENT HAS BECOME HABITUAL; IT IS EXPECTED. IN FACT THERE IS ALMOST A MUTINY IF THERE IS EVEN THE HINT OF NOT GOING OUT. THE PLACE IS NOT IMPORTANT, THE EVENT IS IMPORTANT. SOMETIMES, JUST ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Break Free

Contributed by John Ong on Jan 12, 2016

To make this New Year a successful year, we definitely need to turn all our bad thoughts and habits loose. Before we leap forward to a new start, let’s close the door of the bad practices and perceptions that hold us back.

To make this New Year a successful year, we definitely need to turn all our bad thoughts and habits loose. Before we leap forward to a new start, let’s close the door of the bad practices and perceptions that hold us back. Letting go is an act of power, but with a heart that is ever enduring, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Becoming A Giant Killer

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 10, 2021

All of us face giants of debt, abuse, rejection, troubled children, battle fears, health issues, habits, failure, or depression. They seem impossible to overcome. But David shows us how to trust in God to save us. Jesus, our Champion, won the victory!

BECOMING A GIANT KILLER 1 Sam. 17:2-51 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: You have to know…“HOW TO GET HELP” 1. One day Jacob, a Jew living in Russia, slipped on the wet riverbank and fell into the water. Unfortunately, Jacob couldn’t swim and was in serious danger of drowning. 2. Two Communist ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:2-51

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"all Things New, A New Year Message"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 14, 2022

For many of us, a new year is a time for resolutions and getting rid of bad habits. Today is January the 8th…so far, so good! Someone was writing down New Year resolutions: “Gain weight, save less money, set realistic goals.”

Norman Vincent Peal spent New Year’s Eve in Rome. A friend warned him to stay inside his hotel for his own safety, because people have a habit of throwing old, unwanted things out their windows on New Year’s Eve. He explained, “If you should be walking down the street, you’re likely to have an ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-7

Denomination: Congregational

En Theos [enthusiasm]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

A simple formula for a more exciting, energizing existence...In God = En Theos = Enthusiasm. Several Biblical reasons to be enthused about being ’en Theos’. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

En Theos [Enthusiasm] Ps. 122:1 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Enthusiasm.html Introduction: Webster’s Dictionary says the meaning of enthusiasm / excitement is "to be stirred or thrilled." Some would say they have enthusiasm at times, it depends on what they are doing...what they are ‘into’ at ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1

Denomination: Baptist

How To Gain A Few Pounds Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 13, 2007

The Parable of the Pounds - We are each entrusted with the weighty matter of carrying the gospel. But how well are we bearing the burden God has placed in our pack? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

How to Gain a Few Pounds Luke 19:11-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GainFewPounds.html “I don’t need anyone telling me how to do that…I’ve got it mastered!” The parable of the pounds reminds us of the parable of the talents in Mt. 25, which we’ll study in a couple of weeks. But they are quite ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

Death Of A Conscience

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 18, 2007

Resurrecting that little voice we have laid to rest is not impossible, but succeeding in life without it is! [Story of Herod, the lap dance, and the death of John the Baptist] Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template

Death of a Conscience Matthew 14:1-12 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DeathOfAConscience.html What a tragic story. John the Baptist is murdered by King Herod Antipas in cold blood. Jesus said John was the greatest man born of natural means, and yet he was snuffed out before his time. But worse ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Super Bowls Of God's Wrath Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 1, 2007

7 Vile Vials of Judgment fall on the earth during the Great Tribulation. [The field, the officials, the spectators, the winners and losers on this game day.] Link included to formatted text for this and entire Revelation Series, audios, PowerPoints.

The Super Bowls of Wrath Rev. 16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SuperBowlsWrath.html Tonite, two sides will do battle… (In our text the 2 sides are Good & Evil) There is going to be a Field of Battle: (Valley of Megiddo) There will be a game plan…a plan of attack. An official will be on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 16:1-21

Denomination: Baptist