Sermons on Including:

Cultivating Generosity

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 24, 2003

This sermon explores the benefits of generosity in various areas of our life including the stewardship of our time and money and how we can cultivate a generous spirit.

Cultivating Generosity II Cor. 9:11 6-9-02 Intro: 1. What would you think of a preacher who at offering time stood by the offering plate and carefully examined how much each person was giving? Suppose I stood up here as we were bringing our offerings and took each check—opened it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:11, Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Charismatic

What God Has Done For America - Memorial Day - Independence Day

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

The past, present, and future of this great nation--GOD BIRTHED IT, GOD IS BLESSING IT, & GOD WILL BLAST IT IF NEEDED. Link included to Formatted Text and Powerpoint.

America: Past, Present, and Future Psalms 33:12 Formatted text and PowerPoint for this and hundreds more free sermons using this link... http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/AmericaPastPresentFuture.html We must never forget what God has done in the past for America. We must have our eyes opened to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12, Psalm 33:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Focusing On God Series

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Nov 23, 2004

What a powerful church; what was their secret? They had learned to make focusing on God in praise and thanksgiving a life habit -- they got the "gratitude attitude." *HANDOUT INCLUDED*

FOCUSING ON GOD (3rd in a Purpose Driven Series - "The Way the Church Ought to Be" NOTE: I am indebted to some sermoncentral.com users for some of the illustrations in this sermon. Ac 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Holiness

Transforming Power

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Sep 12, 2004

This is sermon 1 of 6 on based on the kind of church it takes to be an Acts 2:47 church. Many sources were used including several on Sermon Central

Transforming Power Meridian Christian Church is a “2:47” Church - 24/7! What is a 2:47 church 24 hours a day – seven days a week? In the next 6 weeks we are going to have the adventure of a lifetime together as we investigate, study and explore the Bible to learn what it is and what it means! ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

So Much To Remember! - Memorial Day

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 24, 2006

10 Things the Bible tells us to remember and never forget this Memorial Day and everyday. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

So Much to Remember! Exodus 13:3 Formatted text and PowerPoint for this and hundreds more free sermons using this link... http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SoMuchToRemember.html INTRODUCTION: Memorial Day is primarily given to remembering those who have died, whether it be loved ones, friends, or ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 13:3

Denomination: Baptist

Narnia: Life Returns Series

Contributed by Glen Schlecht on Dec 19, 2005

Explore how life returns in Narnia, including Aslan, statues, and creation, and make a direct connection to how Jesus brings us back to life today.

¡§Life Returns¡¨ Eph2:1-10, Matt.11:1-6, 12-18-05, Advent 4, Narnia 4 Children¡¦s message: Well kids, we¡¦re almost there ¡V Christmas is coming next weekend! That also means that we¡¦re on the last part of our story, ¡§The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.¡¨ Watch the screen for the pictures as ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Devilution: God's Tsunami - [the Flood / Noah / Ark / Evolution]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 7, 2005

Evolution Series, part of Dates, Deluge and Dinosaurs. Proofs of the flood, including proofs from Dec. 26, ’04. Powerpoints/notes for entire series at website.

Devilution, Pt. 8—Dates, Deluge, and Dinosaurs God’s Tsunami Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html I. Dates…This was the 1st question, next… II. Deluge...(THE EVIDENCE FOR A GLOBAL FLOOD) • A second question often asked of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

'after Christmas' Gifts

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 8, 2005

The Wise Men and the symbolic significance of their gifts, and how they should change us all this Christmas! Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

‘After Christmas’ Gifts Matthew 2:1-11 PowerPoint for this and all our sermons available at http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html 2 common misconceptions about the wise men that we have come to believe by tradition: -Nowhere does the Bible say there were 3 wise men. Every picture I could find had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Running On Empty

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 26, 2007

Take a moment with this widow and learn SOMETHING about NOTHING...it will mean EVERYTHING to you! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Running on Empty II Kings 4 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/RunningOnEmpty.html Do you clean your plate? At a restaurant, do you feel compelled to suck down your soda before you leave and get the last bit you paid for? Do you scrape out that one ravioli stuck in the can? How about cereal or ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Kingdom Of Christ

Contributed by Jason Smith on Sep 16, 2014

There was a common belief at the time of Jesus that the Messiah's kingdom would be a physical kingdom, and that it would include all of Israel (and no Gentiles). Is this belief true that was believed then and today?

There was a common belief at the time of Jesus that the Messiah's kingdom would be a physical kingdom, and that it would include all of Israel (and no Gentiles). The disciples asked Jesus in Acts 1:6, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" The disciples are showing in ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:36-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Matter Of Interpretation Series

Contributed by David Owens on Nov 5, 2014

In this sermon, we discuss the things we have to contend with that make interpreting the Bible challenging, then we discuss a method for interpretation, including the matter of the silence of Scripture.

Introduction: A. How many of you enjoyed Jay Leno’s “Headlines” segment on the Tonight Show? 1. Let’s begin with some actual headlines collected from local, national, and international newspapers that are rather ambiguous. a. It’s clear what the writer was trying to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When The Enemy Fights Back: Using The Bible Defensively Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 6, 2013

A look at how to use the Bible to defend ourselves against spiritual attacks. I include 8 specific examples of how this can happen in our lives.

HOW CAN THE BIBLE BE USED DEFENSIVELY? Untruths threaten to push us down the wrong path. - Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 6:11; 1 Peter 5:8. - We talked last week about using the Bible offensively – using it to win spiritual victories. - This week we’re going to talk about using the Bible ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

“the Real Out Of Egypt Story” Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Nov 8, 2010

This is a part of the Christmas story that is not included in the Christmas carols. I have never seen a Christmas card that depicts this part of the Christmas story, and yet it very real.

“The Real Out of Egypt Story” Matthew 2:13-23 Last week we examined the story of the Magi as they made the long and dangerous journey following the star to worship the new born ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Beware: Danger Ahead! Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Mar 12, 2012

In his attempt to keep us on the Highway of Wisdom, Solomon warns us of the dangers that lure us to exit, including alcohol abuse, provoking anger, and procrastination.

Beware: Danger Ahead! (Proverbs 20:1-4) 1. An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean, “In return for your unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord will reward you with your choice of infinite wealth, wisdom, or beauty.” “Give me infinite wisdom!” declares the dean, without ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 20:1-4

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Signature Scent

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 7, 2010

A sweet aroma ascends God-ward. Godly living, which includes the proclamation of the gospel, manifests Christ to men, and thus, it brings pleasure and glory to God.

Opening illustration: You can’t see it, hear it, or touch it, but scent is powerful. The smell of things like crayons, petunias, and colognes evoke memories that transport me to the past and bring to mind people and places I might not otherwise recall. Some celebrities have fragrances named after ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational