Sermons on Seasons Of Testings:

Sermon On The Challenges Of Life

Contributed by William Meakin on Nov 22, 2021

Amongst the many interpretations, the challenges of life have been defined as "The situation of being faced with something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person's ability."

Roy T. Bennett, the author of “The Light in the Heart” once remarked: “Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow. The challenge of life is intended to make you better, not bitter.” James 1:2-4 reminds us: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10, Isaiah 41:13, Philippians 4:13

When You Run Ahead Of God’s Plan Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 26, 2022

There was great initial acclaim for King Saul. His kingship was dramatically renewed at Gilgal. Now we come abruptly to the end of King Saul’s glory days. As a result of Saul failing the test the dynasty will pass from his family.

If you have ever been in a situation where you must totally wait on and trust God, then you know how hard that can be. King Saul found himself in one of those situations where he must trust God. This will be a test of his character as king of Israel. He is Israel’s first king ending the period of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:12-14, 1 Samuel 13:1-15, 1 Samuel 14:1-52

Denomination: Baptist

Two Paths, Two Destinies Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 25, 2025

The Christian life demands that we endure God's tests to receive the crown of life, while simultaneously taking full responsibility for the internal temptations that, if unchecked, arise from our own desires and lead to spiritual death.

Introduction: The Finish Line Many of us know the feeling of a great test. Perhaps it was a final exam in university that determined your grade for the entire semester. Maybe it was a major project or presentation at work, with your career on the line. Or maybe it was a physical challenge, like ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

What Can We Gain From This Time? Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 24, 2021

What Can We Gain From This Time? Series: Rerouting: Navigating a Changing World August 23, 2020 – Brad Bailey

What Can We Gain From This Time? Series: Rerouting: Navigating a Changing World August 23, 2020 – Brad Bailey Intro Well...good morning to each of you who have joined our gathering this morning... and welcome to each of you who may be watching at a later time. We’re continuing our weekly series ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Serving Your Way Into Destiny Connections Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 11, 2025

Service is not a sign of weakness; it is a divine key to greatness. Many people are waiting for divine helpers to locate them, yet they are unwilling to serve. Joseph’s story teaches us that serving in every season of life—whether in the palace or in the prison—positions us for destiny connections.

SERVING YOUR WAY INTO DESTINY CONNECTIONS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 40:6-8 "And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad. And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:6-8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Let's Go Christmas Shopping

Contributed by Jon Earls on Feb 13, 2003

UPDATED: For 2007. One thing that can’t be avoided during the Christmas season is the shopping. Here are some practical pointer’s to help out with your shopping. (This sermon ties in the Salvation message with shopping)

A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he badly wanted. “I’ve been good for six months now,” he wrote. But after a moment’s reflection he crossed out “six months” and wrote “three.” After a pause that was crossed out and he put “two weeks.” There was another pause and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:15, James 1:17

Denomination: Holiness

The Power Of Giving

Contributed by Doug Morrell on Apr 12, 2005

Whether good seed or bad, in season or out, to overcome problems, reach your destiny and potential, become fruitful, to be renewed in mind, body and spirit, we must follow God’s seedtime and harvest principle.

We excuse ourselves from the great privilege, honor and duty of seeding into the Kingdom of God when we assign to others that which is clearly our responsibility. God founded the principle of seedtime and harvest: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Believing In Jesus Series

Contributed by Alex Perednia on Feb 7, 2005

Advent-- a time to prepare for the coming of Christ into our world and lives-- points us to the Christmas miracle! "Christmas for millions is just the holiday season. Are we losing the sense of marvel at the Christmas miracle? Why, this is the most stu

All over our nation, there is unmistakeable evidence that that there are those who want to bar Christ from Christmas. That’s right, there are mant elites in our nation’s political and educational systems that want to remove our right to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you don’t believe me, then ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

What If Jesus Had Never Been Born

Contributed by John Hamby on Dec 17, 2007

A different twist on the Christmas season, examining what this world would be like if Jesus had never been born. Based on D. James Kennedy’s book - "What If Jesus Had Never Been Born."

“What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?” Most of you have seen the poem called “One Solitary Life” which reads “One Solitary Life” “He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

What Are You Looking For? Peace? Series

Contributed by Jay Winters on Dec 27, 2007

A sermon for the first day of Advent, a church season that looks forward to the coming of Christ in Christmas and in the Resurrection. The next three Sundays are going to be following along the "what are you looking for?" theme and will all be taken from

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who gives us true peace. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, So…I guess there’s supposed to be a tree there (pointing to the place where it traditionally stands) pretty soon. Some of you were probably ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Heart Attack Lent Series

Contributed by Jay Winters on Oct 16, 2006

Viewing the Holiness of God caused Isaiah to exclaim the heart-attack language of "Woe is me!" and does the same to us, the season of Lent is a time in the Christian year to examine ourselves and have a heart attack experience as well.

Goal: That we might be so stricken to the heart that we are shocked into realizing our place before a Holy God. Malady: We’re building up with complacency. Means: Christ came to us, became heartache for us, and In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit – the HOLY Three ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Resolutions For The New Year

Contributed by J. Martin on Jan 13, 2007

Resolutions are quite popular during this season. Everyone is working on them though not many really understand what they mean. According to the dictionary, a resolution is “the process of reaching a firm decision about something; to deal with [somethin

Resolutions are quite popular during this season. Everyone is working on them though not many really understand what they mean. According to the dictionary, a resolution is “the process of reaching a firm decision about something; to deal with [something] successfully; to make [something] clear ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Star Trek [christmas]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 11, 2005

The Wise Men were the true originals. This focuses on the real STAR of Christmas, Jesus, and how we can reflect that light to others this season and always. Link included to formatted text version and PowerPoint Template.

Star Trek Matthew 2:1-2, 9-10 PowerPoint for this and all our sermons available at http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The True Meaning Of Christmas

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Dec 10, 2010

To so many, the mystery of this event brings a magic to their celebration like none other. Let’s unwrap the greatest Christmas gift ever given and discover the REAL REASON for the SEASON... Why was Jesus Born?

I think that we both would agree that Christmas is more than the cards and gifts, more than the trees and lights, more than family and food. There is a much deeper meaning, a much more fulfilling notion than that of a fat, bearded man on a sleigh. It is the birth of the Christ child: the true ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Snapshots In An Autumn Album

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 15, 2009

Contrasting Koheleth and Paul in the later season of their lives: one blames the young, the other gathers them; one mourns broken things, the other invests in ideas; one is anxious, the other trusts God for every need.

This past weekend, as a part of our brief getaway, my wife and I spent two nights in an old farmhouse. The farmhouse dated from 1704 and was partly furnished with antiques. Now my wife loves antiques; I guess that’s why she puts up with me. So we took the tour of the house, especially the parlor ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist