Sermons on Proof Text:

An Unusual Conversion

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 19, 2007

In our text, let’s take a look at Saul, the kind of man he was and how he came to accept Christ. Saul was: 1- A mean man 2- A humbled man 3- A new man 4- A preaching man

INTRO.- Did ever have a conversion experience? That is, being converted from the Cubs to the Cardinals? Or from Ford to Chevrolet? Or from McDonald’s to Burger King? Etc. ILL.- After moving here over four years ago, I started visiting Brother Elmer Schilly, who at that time was in the nursing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Both Sides Of Authority Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 24, 2007

Working harmoniously alongside church leaders has its challenges and raises a lot of questions. Fortunately, God does not leave us in the dark! The text before us raises and answers a number of questions about the interaction of church leaders to the c

Both Sides of Authority (I Thessalonians 5:12-13) 1. It is tough to be in leadership. 2. A “lame duck” President met with his successor in the Oval Office. Near the end of the orientation, he presented the incoming leader three numbered envelopes, with specific instructions to open them, in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Have Decided... Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 12, 2007

Jesus didn’t put the demands of being a disciple in fine print at the bottom of the contract...but IN BOLD TYPE! The cross PRESENTED, the cross REJECTED, the cross ACCEPTED. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint Presentation.

I Have Decided... Matthew 16:21-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/IHaveDecided.html This chapter zeroes in on 2 big things Jesus wants to teach His disciples: • Who He is = His Person [last week] • Why He came = His Work [this week] The Lord has spent nearly 3 years with these guys and now it’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

Bones, Bodies, And A Big Breath - [halloween]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 26, 2005

’Dem Bones-Imagine the scene Ezekiel saw as the scattered dry bones on this old battlefield surf the desert in search of each other. New life in Christ and the future restoration of Israel. Link included to text file, handout, and PowerPoint.

“Bones, Bodies, and a Big Breath” Ezek. 37:1-14 Read vv. 1-10 This passage of scripture is the basis for the old negro-spiritual, “’dem Bones.” Sing: ‘dem bones, ‘dem bones, ‘dem, dry bones toe-foot-ankle-knee-thigh-hip-back-shoulder-neck-head (backward?) INTERPRETATION: Not about ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Wrapping Up Loosed Ends Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 23, 2006

Our text from the second half of Acts 1 tells about an important prayer meeting. As it turns out it is a history-making prayer meeting. But there is a chilling ABSENCE at this meeting. Why did the talented, priveledged Judas disqualify himself. The proc

Wrapping Up Lose Ends Series: Book of Acts #7 Acts 1:12-26[1] 12-4-05 Intro We will begin this morning with a clip from the movie “Crimes & Misdemeanors.” To cover sins of adultery and extortion, Judah Rosenthal has had his mistress murdered. In this scene he sits down beside Cliff Stern, a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-26

Denomination: Charismatic

Dad's Sacred Duty [father's Day]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 31, 2006

The best thing we can do for our children is to love our wives. 3 ways to love the mother of your children, and thus love your children. Link included to formatted text and more Father’s Day Sermons.

Dad’s Sacred Duty Eph. 5:25-32 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/HusbandsSacredDuty.html The best thing we can do for our children is to love our wives! A picture, an illustration is drawn to help us understand…as Christ loved the church…everything Christ is to the church I am to be to Kimberly…and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Gospel Of Jesus: Before There Was Time Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 1, 2006

First in series looks at Christ in eternity past. 7 Attributes Jesus possessed long before coming to the Earth, and He still has these qualities today and forever! Link included to free formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Jesus: Before There Was Time http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BeforeThereWasTime.html Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. God wants our church to focus more on Jesus…I know this to be a fact! Christ is the One we should lift up in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Angels Among Us Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 10, 2006

Twelve Biblical Facts about Angels that help us to be more aware of the unseen spirit world around us, and the even greater power of the ONE who created them! Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Angels Among Us Last time: 4 reasons why the world is enamored with angels: • Spirit of hopelessness—people are looking for answers and for something to fill their empty spirit. • Spirit of selfishness—Christians are called to be servants, but our society would rather be served than to serve. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:11

Denomination: Baptist

Identity Crisis

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Nov 4, 2006

There is no wonder there is an Identity Crisis in the local church today. In our text for examination, we find the disciples of Christ were also locked into an Identity Crisis some 2,000 years ago. In our modern culture there is more and more confusion

Dr. Wayne A. Lawson The Word Ministries, Inc. of Oklahoma City Preached on Monday October 9, 2006 Opening night of Revival Tabernacle of Praise Ardmore Oklahoma SCRIPTURE: ST. MATTHEW 16:13-16 13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Wicked Husbandmen Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 27, 2007

Even wives and ladies can be ’husbandmen’ [vinedressers] in the field in which we are planted. But what do we think of the ’boss’ and how do we treat His Son? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

The Wicked Husbandmen Matthew 21:33-41 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WickedHusbandmen.html 1. The vineyard immediately brings to mind Israel - cf. Isa 5:1-7 2. The landowner who planted the vineyard is God 3. The wicked vinedressers [husbandmen] represent Israel’s leaders - cf. Mt 21:45 4. The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-41

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Is Calling

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 2, 2011

This particular text is normally examined when we are going through difficult times, but can you imagine it from Jesus’ point of view and how much He desires to give us rest? (Ref: Matthew 11:25-30)

Jesus is Calling Matthew 11:25-30 * This sermon was inspired by one originally preached by C.H. Spurgeon. Introduction - This particular text is often preached regarding sorrows and how joy comes - I’ve sought out this verse out before as well to seek strength from issues - Tonight, we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Happy Are Those Who Mourn Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 21, 2011

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving.

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving. When you lose a person you love, do you feel blessed? Does it comfort ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

When God Laughs

Contributed by Kenneth Tankersley on Jun 13, 2009

JESUS, GOD THE SON, IS OFTEN REFERRED TO IN SCRIPTURE AS A MAN OF SORROW, ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF** YET GOD SAYS IN OUR TEXT; HE WILL LAUGH AT THE CALAMITY OF THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO BE THE ENEMY OF GOD AND REBEL AGAINST HIS WORD AND HIS WILL.

WHEN GOD LAUGHS TEXT: PSALM 37: VS. 10--13 INTRODUCTION: JESUS, GOD THE SON, IS OFTEN REFERRED TO IN SCRIPTURE AS A MAN OF SORROW, ACQUAINTED WITH GRIEF** YET GOD SAYS IN OUR TEXT; HE WILL LAUGH AT THE CALAMITY OF THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO BE THE ENEMY OF GOD AND REBEL AGAINST HIS WORD AND HIS ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Commended Church

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 26, 2009

Of all 7 churches of Asia Minor, here’s the one we want to emulate -- Philadelphia: 1. Highly commended 2. Deeply challenged 3. Greatly compensated - Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

READING SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL PHILADELPHIA, the Commended Church Revelation 3:7-13   http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Philadelphia.html Yazoo, MS…in the 1930’s…the Great Depression.  People didn’t have extra money / children especially had no extra money for candy / people would go to general store and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Arabian Nights

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 11, 2010

Paul trained in the desert of Arabia. It was a long night in his life. He now tells about those Arabian Nights and how they helped make him who he is. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Arabian Nights Galatians 1:11-24 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ArabianNights.html Where did you go to seminary? Or Bible college? This question is asked often of those in ministry. What they really mean, usually, is, "What camp are you in?" Paul trained in the desert of Arabia, and I'm sure ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-20

Denomination: Baptist