Sermons on Spiritual Formations:

Swing Wide The Gates!

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 3, 2010

The names of the gates of the old city of Jerusalem have rich spiritual meaning, full of powerful truths. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Swing Wide the Gates, pt. 3 Nehemiah 3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SwingWideGates3.html parts 1 & 2 are here: http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SwingWideTheGates.html ----- Quick review of first 6 gates... [slide] 1. The sheep gate. v. 1 Thru this gate they would bring the sacrificial animals to ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-32

Denomination: Baptist

Meet Epaphroditus

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 20, 2015

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Meet Epaphroditus Philippians 2:25-30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Epaphroditus.html Joy comes from living for and serving others, as did Jesus, Paul, and Timothy in this chapter. Now, the example of Epaphroditus. Let me tell you what the name means, in case you are thinking of naming a child. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

Sitting At The Feet Of The Rabbi Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Jul 19, 2022

This sermon focuses on Jesus the Rabbi and four things that made him a great teacher while and earth and how they still make him a good teacher through his Spirit today.

I have a question for you. How many of you can recall a favorite teacher that you have ever had either in elementary school, high school, or college? Easily. What would be some of the character traits? What would be some of the skills? What would be some of the things they would bring to the ...read more

Scripture: John 14:25, John 1:28-38

Denomination: Christian Church

In And Out

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 29, 2015

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In and Out Philippians 2:12-13 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/InOut.html Mark Twain: "Few things are as annoying as a good example." He meant that it can inspire you but not empower you. Seeing someone as a good example can make you want be like them, but in no way does it give you the ability ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

Meet Timothy

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 12, 2015

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Meet Timothy Philippians 2:19-24 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/timothy.html Paul has used this chapter to give human examples of how to have joy. He begins with the example of Jesus. Then he uses himself [drink offering of v. 17] I'm a little intimidated! Maybe the Holy Spirit knew these are ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret To Success - Submission

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 8, 2015

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The Secret of Success: Submission Philippians 2:1-8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SecretSubmission.html Chapter 1 taught us that joy comes from single-mindedness. Paul had a singular goal - getting out the gospel. [1:12] Even if it meant him going to jail, or being criticized [v. 16 - at ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Sacred Service Series

Contributed by David Welch on Jun 11, 2018

This message continues a discussion of the spiritual disciplines. Specifically God calls us all to serve one another.

Chico Alliance Church Pastor David Welch “Sacred Service” Review The discipline of simplicity arises out of the state of contentment. Contentment is a feeling of calm satisfaction. Discontentment is a feeling of agitated dissatisfaction. Discontent in the dry soul, is similar to thirst to the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4, Galatians 5:13-15, Mark 10:42-45

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Do We Still Need Baptism?

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Dec 27, 2016

In this passage Jesus teaches us: 1. The Importance of Baptism 2. The Transformational Nature of Baptism 3. Our Baptismal Identity. This is a message that speaks of the sacredness of Christian baptism.

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 Theme: Baptism Title: Do we still need baptism? Proposition: In this passage Jesus teaches us: 1. The Importance of Baptism 2. The Transformational Nature of Baptism 3. Our Baptismal Identity Grace and peace from God our Father and from Jesus Christ who came ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Nazarene

Not Without The Lord You Don’t.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 10, 2024

The apostle Paul had the ability to look back on his life journey. (We all reminisce, don't we)? I’m sure He remembered, his training, his year of study, the discipline, his attitude toward law breakers, but now Paul is aware of his lack, and his need for spirit leadership.

Not Without the Lord You Don’t. Ephesians 5.18-33 The apostle Paul had the ability to look back on his life journey. (We all reminisce, don't we)? I’m sure He remembered, his training, his year of study, the discipline, his attitude toward law breakers, but ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Life Of Grace And Service PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 17, 2024

Encourages Christians to embrace the joy of giving generously, reflecting Christ's love and service, as a fundamental aspect of their faith.

Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to see all of you gathered here today, ready to receive the nourishing word of our Lord. I trust that you all come with hearts open, ready to be filled with the divine wisdom that only our God can provide. We are gathered here today to talk about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:28, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Topics: Giving, Serving

Lessons From The Pearl

Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 18, 2014

Because of the pearl’s unusual characteristics, they are symbolic of many deep spiritual truths. Two examples might be the formation of the nature of Christ in us or as a symbol of the resurrection body.

LESSONS FROM THE PEARL Matthew 13:45-46 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. JOKE # 1 a. A mechanic accidentally swallowed some brake fluid and really liked the taste. Before he knew it, he had polished off a whole bottle of the stuff. b. His buddy George caught him sneaking a swig the next day. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:45-46

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Supernatural Revelation

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 12, 2014

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Supernatural Revelation John 16:13 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SupernaturalRevelation.html When Billy Graham was a young preacher he got lost in a town in which he had travelled to preach. He was trying to mail some letters, and couldn't find the post office. He rolled down his window and ...read more

Scripture: John 16:13

Denomination: Baptist

Living Like "Wee" People

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Dec 5, 2013

Zacchaeus may have been short in stature, but he was not short on some other important characteristics.

Living Like “Wee” People Luke 19:1-10 In 1978, composer Randy Newman came out with a parody song entitled “Short People.” The song started out making fun of short people because apparently we like to make fun of short people. The song started: Short people got no ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Methodist

Preach - Be Ready!

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Nov 10, 2023

We should always be ready to Proclaim Christ

In the vast tapestry of Pauline epistles, 2 Timothy stands as a poignant letter from the aging apostle to his beloved disciple and fellow laborer, Timothy. Within the pages of this final communication, we find a charge that resonates through the corridors of time and speaks directly to those ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Denomination: Anglican

God's Handiwork

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 13, 2025

You are not a mistake, nor are you ordinary. You are God’s handiwork—crafted with care, designed with purpose, and called to reflect His glory on earth.

GOD'S HANDIWORK By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Supporting Texts: Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:14, Isaiah 64:8, 2 Timothy 1:9, Philippians ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10, Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:14

Denomination: Assembly Of God