Sermons on Optimist:

A "Lot" Of Trouble - Sodom And Gomorrah

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 15, 2005

Lot was WEAK in his DEVOTIONS, WORLDLY in his DESIRES, WRONG in his DECISIONS, and thus, WRECKED in his DEMISE. This tracks the COURSE OF THE MAN, the CURSE OF THE SOCIETY, and the CURE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN. Link included to formatted text and Powerpoint

A Lot of Trouble Gen. 13:5-13; 18:17-32; 19:1-11, 24-28 Powerpoint for this and hundreds more free sermons at our website: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html A. The Course of the man—Lot (Abraham’s nephew) There came a time when they had to separate. (this place ain’t big enough for the both ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Useful To The Master Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Oct 6, 2011

How to make ourselves useful to the Master. 1- We must be cleansed from sin 2- We must pursue righteousness 3- We must avoid stupidity

INTRO.- ILL.- A director was screen testing Sylvestor Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger for a new film about classic composers. Not having figured out who to give which part to, he asked Sly who he would like to be. Stallone said, "I like Mozart. I want to be Mozart" So the Director said, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Go!" Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Apr 21, 2012

How’s the nerves? Jesus was sending his disciples out into the world to bring the good news. "The kingdom of heaven is near!" Resources were limited but Jesus had a plan!

Mentoring 5 “Go!” Before Easter we were looking at a series on mentoring and we had discussed all sorts of stuff about apprentices, walking along side newer people to the faith, helping people to grow in the faith and the like. In the gospels we get read an account of Jesus sending out the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Servant Of God Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Mar 5, 2004

Moses, Pt. 15 of 15

THE SERVANT OF GOD (DEUTERONOMY 34) A friend sent me an e-mail with the subject “God’s resume.” The cover letter reads: To Whom It May Concern, I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I created the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Danger Of Feeding Dogs And Pigs

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Aug 8, 2005

Discerning how to recognize and respond to people who treat the gospel and its messengers with disdain or contempt.

The Danger of Feeding Dogs and Pigs Matthew 7:6 August 7, 2005 Introduction Have you ever come across a verse or passage in Scripture that when you look at it, it just kinda makes you scratch your head and go, "Huh?" It’s okay, you can be honest. Well, our passage today is one of those for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:6

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Servant Of God Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 19, 2007

Moses, Pt. 14 (Final)

THE SERVANT OF GOD (DEUTERONOMY 34) A friend sent me an e-mail with the subject “God’s resume.” The cover letter reads: To Whom It May Concern, I heard you were considering a new manager in your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I created the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Finding Joy In Serving Christ Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Dec 9, 2007

Last words are usually sad, but Paul’s last words, although serious, have an attitude of joy. The key to living for Christ with joy, is knowing how to die for Christ. In our text today, Paul is showing us how to die by giving us his view of death

Finding Joy in Serving Christ II Timothy 4:6-7 Purpose: To explain why Paul had been so successful in serving Christ. Aim: I want the listener to think more about being with Christ than they do about the hardships of serving Christ. INTRODUCTION: The key to living for Christ with joy, is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Look Who's Here

Contributed by David Moore on Mar 21, 2008

This sermon presents the fact that Christ’s presence is always with us even when we are suffering, sorrowing, sad, stranded or selfish.

Look Who’s Here! Aim: To show how the Risen Lord is there in times of our need. Text: John 21:1-19 Introduction: Two weeks have passed by since the resurrection. Jesus has appeared unto His disciple twice, and now they have been sitting around waiting for something to happen and nothings ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Almost Drowned By Life’s Distractions

Contributed by Spencer Miller on Apr 27, 2013

One of the worst and most serious of all life’s distractions is our fears which may momentarily cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus.

"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." INTRODUCTION Here’s a scenario I would like for you to consider, you just left the doctor’s office and was given a list of foods to avoid and then you go to a family dinner only to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:30

Denomination: Baptist

How To Let God Change You

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jun 7, 2013

Practical ways to let God's transformation and change take place in your life.

How to Let God Change You “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 Intro: Do you know ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Death Row Series

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Dec 8, 2011

We have two lines before us, that of Cain and that of Seth.

Intro: 1. Frank Sinatra theme song was "My Way" and that is the story of mankind. Because Adam and Eve sang "I did it My Way" instead of "Have Thine own way" in the garden - death is now a certainty for all mankind. As Harry Houdini the famous escape artist, said before his last ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Greatest Power Is Often Simple Patience Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 15, 2008

Life outside of Christ, Paul says. It’s angry life. Its confrontational politics and caustic talk shows. It’s accusatory e-mails that appear to have been sent from a flamethrower. As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with patience.

Opening illustration: This past week I read about a first-grade teacher who was having a difficult day. It had rained that entire day and the children couldn’t go out for recess, so they got more and more restless and hyperactive as the day wore on. The teacher couldn’t wait for the bell to ring ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Opportunities Right In Front Of You

Contributed by Dr. George Calhoun on Oct 24, 2008

If you want to understand the Lord’s will, be wise by looking for the opportunities He sets before you, especially in difficult circumstances.

“Opportunities Right in Front of You” Luke 9:10-17 When NASA began the launch of astronauts into space, they found out that the pens wouldn’t work at zero gravity (Ink won’t flow down to the writing surface). In order to solve this problem, they hired Andersen Consulting. It took them one decade ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Coup De Moi Series

Contributed by Joel Smith on Jul 13, 2009

If you want to know if you’ve truly been born again answer the question: "Who is your spiritual daddy?"

I guess it’s a sign of the times in which we live, but a couple of years ago I saw a billboard on I-85 in Charlotte that said, “Who’s the daddy?” There was a picture of a baby and an ad for a genetic testing lab beneath the picture. It’s sad that young folks are so promiscuous they have to have a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Growing A Beautiful Mind Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Feb 10, 2009

We need a new way of thinking. We need a new mind. We need to put away the pattern of this world and be renewed in our thinking to see life how God sees it.

GROWING A BEAUTIFUL MIND Do these words sound familiar to you? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom 12:2). You have heard ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Mennonite