Sermons on Outward Focused:

8 Days After Christmas

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 25, 2004

At Jesus’ circumcision we see that already He’s having an incredible impact...truly all things are made new. This New Year’s Message focuses on what Simeon did right in his response to the Messiah’s coming. Very helpful outline. Powerpoint at website.

8 Days After Christmas Luke 2:21-28 PowerPoint for this and all our sermons available at http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Today is the 8th day after Christmas, as it was the 8th in the temple in our text. This is when circumcision would take place, and the naming of the child. Jesus’ name had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

Baptism: Christian Divider Or Fellowship Builder?

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Jan 15, 2009

This is 2 of 2 sermons that share some common elements. This one addresses the idea that many Christian churches add theology rather than focusing on what scripture teaches us. In short, we need to focus more on being one Christian church rather than ge

Introduction Baptism has become a part of every believer’s life. At some point, we make the plunge, we’re cleansed from our sins, and take on the name as a Christian. But, Christians, as a whole, cannot agree on the proper way to baptize and the effect that bestows on us. Tonight, I’d like you ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Delivered From Among The Bricks

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Sep 6, 2009

Labor Day sermon, Calverton Baptist Church: God is able to deliver us from work we do not like and which is focused only on the bottom line. Work faithfully but do not let work consume you. Believe that God is at work even in financially difficult times

We have a love-hate relationship with our jobs. If we do not have jobs, we are anxious, because no job means no income, and no income means trouble, so we want to work. But when we get those jobs, we begin a love-hate relationship. We say that we love our work, but then we want to take as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Widow's Oil

Contributed by Scott Ridout on Jul 2, 2009

This sermon focuses on the story of the Widow’s Oil from 2 Kings 4 and answers the questions: "Why do bad things happen to good people, where is God when they do, and what do we do when it happens to us?" Part of a series entitled "Seven".

We’re in a series called "Seven" learning unforgettable lessons from forgotten lives of the Old Testament. This week we are going to take a look at a woman who is having a very difficult time in her life. In fact I’m not sure things can get worse. If you have a Bible, turn to the passage in 2 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Slave For Christ Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 7, 2012

This is part one of my series focused on slavery and how we should become slaves for Christ. this series was inspired by a book I read by Michael card titled "A Better Freedom." In part one I examine slavery in general and how Christ became a slave to sva

A Slave For Christ Part 1 (Inspired by the book: “A Better Freedom” by Michael Card) Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 20:28; Exodus 21:32 Introduction: As we begin this new year, I want to take you back to a very difficult time in American history – the time of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"One Thing I Do"

Contributed by Emil Boniog on Jan 17, 2012

If we can only do one thing this year, what would that be? May I propose for us to strive to develop a close personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ using the 4-step process of FORGETTING (OR FORGIVING) THE PAST, FOCUSING ON THIS GOAL,

“ONE THING I DO” (V.13) Philippians 3: 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Baptist

Saved For What? Series

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Aug 23, 2011

This series focuses on bringing our attention back to what living for Jesus is all about. This second one answers the question; Saved for What? People are always saying yes I am saved. But what are you saved for? Check out the message. You can view it at

Saved for What? John 12:25-26 MSG "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is, ...read more

Scripture: John 12:25-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"What Is Really Going On"

Contributed by Antwion Yowe on Jul 10, 2011

What Is Really Going On? Jeremiah 7: 30-34 Intro Earlier this week, the eyes and ears of this nation were focused on Orange County, FL, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the Casey Anthony trial. Some of us have closely followed the case since its beg

) I am reminded of a faithless nation that ritually killed their children and the Lord’s judgment upon them. The passage is Jeremiah 7: 30-34.   Body I. “The children of Judah” a. Judah means “praise” i. Judah’s purpose for existence was to give glory and ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:30-34

Denomination: Baptist

David: A Man After God's Heart (3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Dec 20, 2020

The Bible tells us that David was a man after God's heart. What was so special about David and how can we be more like him? In 1 Samuel 24, we discover that David had a focused heart, faithful heart, and forgiving heart.

David: A Man after God’s Heart (3) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 3/6/2016 The Bible is full of ordinary, imperfect people. Noah drank 'til he passed out. Abraham lied about his marriage and slept with the maid. Sarah laughed at God’s promises. Jacob was a con-man. Leah ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:22, 1 Samuel 24:3-19

Denomination: Christian Church

Be In The Now

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 8, 2018

It's easy to get sidetracked and let your mind wander. We get focused on things from the past or what's in the future. This can be especially true as we head into the new year. If we're not careful we'll risk losing out on making the most of the moment.

BE IN THE NOW INTRODUCTION: Be Here Now is a book published in 1971 by Ram Dass on Hindu spirituality and yoga. I've never read the book and don't subscribe to Hinduism but the principle of the phrase itself is a valid one. Be here now communicates the importance of keeping your focus on what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-16, 1 Peter 4:1-3, Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Disappointments: God’s Blessings In Disguise

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Apr 28, 2014

Peter decided to replace Judas as apostle. Matthias "won" & Joseph "lost" when the lots were cast. This must have been an great disappointment to Joseph. This sermon examines if Peter did the right thing, but focuses on how to handle disappointment.

Disappointments: God’s Blessings in Disguise Chuck Sligh TEXT: Just after Jesus ascended into heaven in Acts 1:9-11, we read, beginning in verses 14-26 – “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 15 And in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Lord... Save Me!

Contributed by Russell M Rillie on Aug 19, 2014

We all have been in distress at one time or another. Troubles come to distract us from keeping our eyes on Jesus. This sermon focuses on what happens when we lose our focus and have very little faith. I pray it blesses you.

Lord…Save ME! St. Matthew 14:22-30 By Pastor Russell M. Rillie Wednesday, August 14, 2014 The Midday Session of the 36th Annual International Holy Convocation of Deliverance Temple Restoration Ministries – Bishop R.D. Graves ~ Chief Prelate The Gathering Place, Raleigh, NC Have you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-30

Denomination: Christian Church

God's Not Like Us

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on May 5, 2022

I was watching an American Gospel production and it showed a bible opened to Ps. 50:21 focusing on the words, "you thought I was altogether like you". Thinking God is like us puts human thinking and reasoning into the mind of God. But God is not like us.

GOD'S NOT LIKE US I was watching a trailer for an American Gospel production about how the gospel had become watered down in America and how some churches are conforming to please the masses. At one point it cut to a shot of a bible opened up to Ps. 50:21 focusing on the words, "you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:21, Numbers 23:19, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:6-9, Isaiah 40:13-14, Romans 11:33-36  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Prophecy Of Our Messiah Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Dec 18, 2021

R.C. Sproul once said, “What we celebrate is not so much the birth of a baby, but the incarnation of God Himself.” (Critical concept to remember – not just a birthday celebration!) Today, it is my prayer that we would be focused on this truth and that we’d see this story in a fresh light!

Introduction - “What is Advent?” -- The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival" -- The focus of this season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ -- His birth is his First Advent, his first coming, to a world in great need -- It also reflects on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 7:14, Psalm 132:11-12, Genesis 3:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Childlike Faith

Contributed by Samuel M on Jul 6, 2023

Childlike Faith is a faith where we have more faith than doubts. A child can think and concentrate on only one subject or thought at a time. He focuses solely on one subject, either with faith or doubt. If he needs something, he will have only faith.

Childlike Faith is a faith where we have more faith than doubts. A child can think and concentrate on only one subject or thought at a time. He focuses solely on one subject, either with faith or doubt. If he needs something, he will have only faith. If he has doubt on something, he will be only ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:3