Sermons on Rapid Decline:

Go To Jesus! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 10, 2022

1. Go to Jesus when you are desperate (vs. 21-22). 2. Go to Jesus with great determination (vs. 22-26). 3. Go to Jesus with humble devotion (vs. 25). 4. Go to Jesus with deep faith (vs. 26-28).

Go to Jesus! The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 15:21-28 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared August 10, 2022; Revised May 12, 2023)) MESSAGE: *One of the great hymns from the 1700s calls us to Jesus Christ with these words: "Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Following Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Mar 3, 2025

While all of us come to faith from a variety of different circumstances, the calling of Simon helps us to see that there are some commonalities among all conversions

When you and I come to faith in Jesus Christ, we do so from a variety of different circumstances. Some are younger (I was 5). Some are older - I know a woman who was in her late 80s when she came to faith. Some have lived simple lives, others have lived rather rambunctiously. Some have come ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Avoid Being A Disciple Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 20, 2025

As Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem, he makes some statements that reveal just how costly discipleship is.

The Internet is full of information on how people can do certain things: How to repair a specific broken belt on a lawn mower How to balance a budget How to cook a dish How to pay for college There is also a ton of information on how to avoid certain things: How to avoid debt How to avoid phishing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35, Luke 12:15, Luke 9:23-25, Matthew 5:13, Luke 6:35, Mark 6:46, Acts 8:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Backstabbers

Contributed by Scott Maze on Aug 12, 2025

Jesus didn’t treat Judas any differently than He did the other Twelve. Shakespeare cannot have Jesus say, “Et tu, Judas,” because Jesus knew what was coming. And even though Jesus knew what was coming, He didn’t treat Judas any differently than He did any other disciple over those three years.

Find John 13 with me, if you will. Many of you recognize the phrase “Et Tu, Brute?” immediately. It’s Latin for “You too, Brutus?” It’s a quote from Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, where the Roman dictator speaks to his friend Marcus Junius Brutus. Caesar recognizes Brutus as one of his ...read more

Scripture: John 13:21-38

Denomination: Baptist

Beware Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 25, 2025

In His encounter with Pharisees and Scribes, Jesus discusses the characteristics of hypocrisy. To His disciples He notes the promises of hypocrisy with a stern warning. And yet, in the gospel, we find great hope for hypocrites.

It seems like nearly every month (maybe even more frequently if we look hard enough), we receive news about some Christian leader who fails morally, gets caught, and is removed from ministry. Whether it’s pastors, professors, performers, or politicians - failure happens. We see hypocrisy ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Galatians 5:1, James 5:16, Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4, Proverbs 10:9, Revelation 20:11-14, Hosea 6:6, Psalm 32:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Way Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 28, 2025

In Proverbs 8:17-21, in order to find The Way of Wisdom, in three ways we must 1) Pursue Purposefully (Proverbs 8:17-18), 2) Prioritize Priceless Treasures (Proverbs 8:19) and 3) Pledge to Walk Righteously (Proverbs 8:20-21).

Proverbs 8:17-21. 17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. 20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 8:17-21

Denomination: Other

Walking In The Spirit Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Dec 17, 2023

Believers are commanded to walk in the Spirit, but what does that mean? This message explores how the human spirit is to operate in relationship to the believer's soul. With instruction from Galatians 5 the difference between walking in the Spirit versus the flesh is examined.

Intro We are investigating the function or operation of the human spirit in relationship to God and the person’s soul. In Proverbs 20:27 we are told: “The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart.” i What is this saying about the human spirit? It is the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-23, Proverbs 20:27, John 1:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Corinthians 6:17, Hebrews 12:14, Luke 6:43-44, Matthew 16:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

The Christian Religion According To Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Dec 22, 2025

Jesus helps us to see that His followers should be marked by humility, faith, and devotion.

What is a good Christian like? Is it someone who doesn’t as the saying goes “drink or smoke or cuss or chew or date/marry people who do”? Is it someone who faithfully attends church? Is it someone who waits until marriage to engage in sexual activity? Is it someone who is morally upright? Is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-30, Romans 7:21-24, Proverbs 22:6, Genesis 15:6, Colossians 3:5, Exodus 20:1-17, Luke 16:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Accountable Stewardship Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jan 12, 2026

In the parable of the minas, Jesus uses recent events to prompt His followers to be faithful stewards.

Introduction Herod ruled over Judea in the decades leading up to the birth of Christ. He was the same ruler (Mt. 2) ruler who killed hundreds of babies in response to the visit of the magi. As he was nearing the end of his life, he divided his kingdom between a couple of his sons. Around 4BC, he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27, Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8, John 14:15-17, Romans 11:36, Acts 17:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, Revelation 2:10, James 1:12, 2 Timothy 4:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Wants To Build A New Life For You! Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 4, 2024

How does Jesus build our new life? 1. He saves us from our sins (vs. 11-18). 2. He becomes the foundation for our life (vs. 19-20). 3. He shapes us to fit well in His spiritual temple (vs. 21). 4. He starts to live in us through the Holy Spirit (vs. 21-22).

Jesus Wants to Build a New Life for You! Ephesians 2:11-22 Sermon by Rick Crandall Series: The Book of Ephesians (Prepared April 4, 2024) BACKGROUND: *Today we will finish chapter 2 in Paul's letter to the Christians in Ephesus. J. Vernon McGee gave this background: "Around the year 60 ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Desperate Times Make Us Desperate For Him Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Apr 13, 2024

There are only two kinds of people in the world – those who believe in miracles and those who don’t. If you doubt God, then you will doubt the miraculous. But if you believe in God, then you will believe in the miraculous.

As the summer heat finally relents here in North Texas, we are looking at the life of Elisha. Elisha shows us how to remain faithful during challenging times. There is a lot to like about Elisha during the super challenging times he lived. Elisha was a godly man in a time when so many people just ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7, 2 Kings 4:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

Here's A Man Who Needs No Introduction Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 1, 2024

To take somebody else’s off was considered absolutely degrading. If you had servants, one of the rules was you could never make a Jewish servant take your sandals off. That would be too degrading to make a fellow countryman do.

We celebrate celebrities. Whether it is rock stars, actors, or actresses, or athletes. Our culture loves celebrities. They are celebrated because of their unique talents and skills. The Gospel of John introduces us to the celebrity of the universe – Jesus Christ. Because there is nobody but nobody ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11, John 1:29-34

Denomination: Baptist

Eavesdropping On Heaven's Situation Room Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 24, 2024

God isn’t lonely at all! The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit envelope one another in a mind-blowing love. Heaven isn’t brighter even by scintilla when I arrive there by His grace one day. How could heaven improve when God is there?

On May 1, 2011, President Obama, his staff, and military brass watched the raid on Osama bin Laden’s Pakistan compound in the Situation Room. The famous Situation Room is not one room but is actually several conference rooms and offices.1 Its abbreviated name is the Sit Room, and it has just ...read more

Scripture: John 5:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

Content With God's Good Gifts Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 12, 2024

Many of the trials that we face come from outside of us. Some of those trials come from within as temptations. James urges us to be content in our station, because our station and the trials that accompany it are good gifts from God.

In 2016, Rosario Butterfield was speaking at university. After her talk, she met a young woman who was struggling. To Rosario and this lady went to visit the campus chaplain, who was also a counselor over the course of their conversation they found out that this young woman had been listening to a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Ephesians 1:13, James 1:9-18, Luke 10:20, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 6:24, Psalm 16:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist