Sermons on Present:

A 'good Enough' Sermon Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 13, 2007

Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican - The church is full of ’good people’ who need to know the difference between self-righteousness and God’s righteousness. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Good Enough Sermon Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican Luke 18:9-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GoodEnough.html You get to write the introduction to this sermon. I need help, and this is just the right crowd to assist me… Honestly, in your own words, write a brief answer to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Glimpse Of The Glorified Christ Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 19, 2007

There are many descriptions of Christ in the OT and the NT, but none like this in his glorified, unveiled presence. Christ the HUMAN One, the HIGH Priest, and the HOLY. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Glimpse of the Glorified Christ Revelation 1:4-20 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GlimpseGlorifiedChrist.html Revelation = Unveiling There are many descriptions of Christ in the OT and the NT, but none like this one today. It’s the only time we see Him in His glorified, unveiled presence. We ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:4-20

Denomination: Baptist

Friendly Fire

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Jun 12, 2007

Gordon McDonald in his book: Restoring Your Spiritual Passion presents 4 destructive spirits leading to friendly fire--attacking our fellow-Christians. This sermon takes a deeper look at two.

“FRIENDLY FIRE!” (Basic outline taken from a chapter in Gordon McDonald’s book: Retoring Your Spiritual Passion) A. FRIENDLY FIRE ILLUSTRATION: Pat Tillman played safety for the Arizona Cardinals for four years and was offered a 3.6 million dollar contract to return in the fall of 2002 when he ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mirror, Mirror

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

Preparation for the Lord’s Supper, or any time--The mirror of God’s Word gives us a truthful glimpse at ourselves. Link included to formatted text, video, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Mirror, Mirror… I Cor. 11:26-31 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/MirrorMirror.html II Cor.13:5—examine yourselves… We find ourselves looking into a mirror quite often. After all, we all have to look at our refection in order to see how to make ourselves look better on the outside. We need to see ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:26-31

Denomination: Baptist

Hosts Of The Holy Ghost Series

Contributed by Bruce Landry on May 25, 2005

We as Christians have the blessed experience of hosting God’s Holy Ghost within us. Since God is present within us, we might remember to walk in a manner that is pleasing and glorifying to HIM.

Hosts of the Holy Ghost Who is HE? What does HE do? Who is HE? But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his [Rom. 8:9]. Who is the Holy Spirit and is HE in your life? We learn that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Once And Future King

Contributed by Scott Lefebvre on Oct 12, 2004

A call to pursue your destiny in God by leaving your past, looking beyond the present, & living for the future. (Props to James Emery White from whom I shamelessly stole the three levels of living.

THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING Have you ever had one of those days where you wanted so bad for it to just be over? Because you knew that tomorrow had to be better. Because there’s just no way that any two days could ever be this bad. Last summer my dad and I flew back to Wisconsin to hook up ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Big Mistake

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on Dec 2, 2005

When Peter took the opportunity presented by the healing of the lame man in the Temple, he minced no words. There is a big mistake we can commit, but we can also turn from it and find forgiveness and rest.

Passage: Acts 3:11-26 Intro: I got an email this week encouraging me to boycott Target stores. They have removed the word “Christmas” from their stores. 1. happening for years. PP “Merry Christmas” fades out, replaced by “Happy Holidays” (what will they do when they discover Holiday is short ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:11-26

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Purpose And Proof Of The Resurrection - Easter Sermon

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 19, 2008

Just like the end of the world is actually only the beginning, this was not the end for Jesus. He Who was is ’the Beginning’ is just getting started! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, and PowerPoint Presentation.

The Purpose and Proof of the Resurrection Matthew 27:50-28:15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PurposeProof.html After 6 hours on the cross Jesus cried aloud, “It is finished!” And then He died. Is this the end of He Who was in the beginning? Will Christianity die out in a short lived puff of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Evidence For Christ's Resurrection

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 22, 2008

The five evidences, or testimonies, for the resurrection of Jesus Christ presented in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 are: 1) the Church; 2) the Scriptures; 3) the Eyewitnesses; 4) a Special Witness, and 6) the Common Message.

The one interesting factor about this time of year is the sudden attention things of faith get. When so many people across this planet meet on one morning to celebrate the most historically verifiable event, it is hard to ignore. Yet every possible explanation about alternative theories in regards ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Denomination: Other

Big Days

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 12, 2007

The church is in for some BIG Days when there’s a CONVERTED MEMBERSHIP, and when CONSTANT MINISTRY and CONTINUAL MULTIPLICATION are taking place. Link included to formatted text, audio & video, and PowerPoint Presentation.

BIG Days Acts 2:41-47 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BIGDays.html Our church has had many ‘big days’ over the years. Special promotions and theme days are a fun way to boost enthusiasm and attendance. We’ve had ‘baby day’, ‘old fashioned day’, ‘pack a pew Sunday’, and ‘Friend Day.’ And lately ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

Thanksgiving, 1456 B.c.

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 16, 2006

Moses led the people of God in remembering things they easily forgot. They didn’t have turkey…but they had eaten quail for decades now! Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation.

Thanksgiving 1,456 B.C. Deuteronomy 2:7 PowerPoint for this and all our sermons available at http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html Several other Thanksgiving sermons can be seen here: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Special.html ----- It may not have been November, and they may not have had a 4 day ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Three R's Of Death

Contributed by David Gant on Dec 31, 2005

This is a funeral service I have used several times, most recently in the situation where I doubted the salvation of the individual, and the family was mixed with believers and unbelivers. It is a way to honor the individual, but still present the gospel

THE “3 R’S OF DEATH” In school, we used to refer to the importance of learning “The 3 R’s” – and of course we meant “Read’n, writ’n, and rithmatic…” As we gather here today – not to mourn the death of Wayne Thompson, but rather to celebrate his life and all it has meant to those that have ...read more

Scripture: John 11:21-44

Denomination: Baptist

Johanan The Rabbi Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Aug 18, 2010

A narrative monolouge reply from a Rabbi who was present at the Temple to hear the words of Jesus spoken in Matthew 23. To highlight why Jesus had an issue with the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees, that he was concerned for their legalism.

Matthew 23, 22/08/2010 Jesus was to address the Pharisees and the Teachers of the Law at the Temple. This occurred during the week preceding the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus mentions seven woes, The Pharisees were a legalistic and separatistic group who strictly, but often hypocritically, kept the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-39

Denomination: Salvation Army

Joy Is Restored Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Dec 17, 2017

Sorrow is but for a time. The power of prayer, memories of God’s past healing and His loving-kindness sustain Israel. God heals the pain of the present in the same manner as He has healed the pain of the past.

Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying: it is keen pleasure, or elation. Joy is more elusive, subtle, and nuanced than happiness. We can manipulate circumstances to our own advantage to obtain what we think will bring happiness, or ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 126:1-6

Denomination: Other

Reluctant Recruits

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jan 1, 2018

Jesus did not present a rosy, unrealistic picture of the Christian life. In Luke 9 we encounter 3 potential recruits. Jesus appraises their resolve, exposes their excuses, and urges them to consider the cost of discipleship

It’s Career Day at the high school and a small crowd is gathered at the Army’s booth. A Recruiter tells the students about field duty in the winter, eating MRE’s, family separations, grueling physical exercise, frequent moves, and the likelihood of war…and pretty soon he’s standing alone. The ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Congregational