Sermons on Spirtual Formation:

Who Is Jesus Christ To You? Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 4, 2007

It’s the PERENNIAL question, a PERSONAL question, & a PROVIDENTIAL question. A Legend? A Liar? A Lunatic? Or is He LORD?! Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Who is Jesus Christ to You? Matthew 16:13-17 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WhoJesusChrist.html Jesus and the disciples are about 120 miles from Jerusalem in northern Palestine. We’re closing in on the time when He will go to the Holy City and the cross upon which He will die. But before He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

A Chip Off The Old Block Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 10, 2007

Peter was a little stone in the church built on the Rock, and by the Rock! The church’s Foundation, The church’s Function, and Future. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

A Chip off the Old Block Matthew 16:17-20 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ChipOffBlock.html Here we find the first mention of the church in the New Testament, coming from the Greek word  [ecclesia], which means “a called out assembly.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Midnight Death Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Feb 5, 2007

God’s method for developing His Kingdom often runs contrary to society’s views; He loves to exalt the humble and humble the proud, as in the case of Israel’s formation.

The Midnight Death (Exodus 12:29-50) 1. A lot of people think they are self-acclaimed experts. Take this health food advice: Q: I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true? A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it... don’t waste them on exercise. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:29-50

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Spiritual Atm

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 24, 2007

Obedience to God and the blessings which follow it. Obey in our church ATTENDANCE, our TITHE, and our MINISTRY. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

A Spiritual ATM I Samuel 15:22 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ATM.html 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. A growing, soul winning church that’s making a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22

Denomination: Baptist

Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 10, 2007

’Holy Tares’ we could call them...for they are in the church, but not in the body of Christ. The SOWING, the GROWING, and the MOWING [reaping]. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares Matthew 13:24-30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/WheatAndTares.html Will everyone who goes to church go to heaven? Will every member of GBC make it? I would like to think that if the rapture occurred on a Sunday morning during our main service, that the room ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

Just When I Need Him Most Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 17, 2006

The powerful, inspired writings of the Apostle Paul from his prison cell, and how they can help us to be free! Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Template.

Just When I Need Him Most Acts 23:10-11 Can you imagine being jailed for the cause of Christ? What would you be thinking as you sat there? What would be your attitude? We don’t have to wonder how it was for Paul. For the majority of the rest of the book of Acts he was a prisoner, and during ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Pray For The Impossible

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 11, 2010

The book of Nehemiah is about building a work for God, and behind every great work of God there is somewhere a KNEELING figure. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Pray for the Impossible Nehemiah 1:5-11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/PrayForTheImpossible.html A Jew being the cupbearer to Artaxerxes, the Babylonian King, is an impossible thought to ponder. How could this possibly be? It was an impossible situation...but we serve the God of the impossible! ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

When God Became A Man, Pt. 2

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 18, 2012

God created all that is, and if there's a big bang, it's still to come, and it will happen to those who reject their Creator! Link included to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

When God Became a Man, pt. 2 John 1:1-14 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GodBecameManPt2.html Babe Ruth played from 1914-1935. He was the first to hit 60 homers in a season, and a total of 714 in his career. The popularity of baseball increased so much that in 1923 they had to build a new ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Bring Back The Glory - America Descending

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 23, 2010

"As the home goes, so goes the church, and as the church goes, so goes the nation." We need a revival! Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Bring Back the Glory Judges 17-21 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BringBackTheGlory.html Judges 17:6 6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25 25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Discipline Of Confession Series

Contributed by Cameron Bottema on Apr 27, 2014

Three key words will provide the basic structure or format of this message: Agreement, Benefits, and Caution. These will help us remember, and may well serve us as the A-B-C's of Confession.

THE DISCIPLINE OF CONFESSION "He who conceals his sins (the rebellion of his heart against God) will not prosper (advance or flourish) but whoever confesses (openly and willingly owns up to) and forsakes (leaves behind, deserts, and ceases from doing) them will have mercy (the loving, tender ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13

Denomination: Friends

Jehovah - The One And Only Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 9, 2008

1. The Proclamation 2. The Prohibition 3. The Plea. God’s first commandment must be received Submissively, Sincerely, and Scripturally. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

Jehovah: The One and Only Exodus 20:2-3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/JehovahOneAndOnly.html I. A Proclamation. v. 2 “I am the Lord” – a statement of the reality of God. For centuries scientists and philosophers have tried to ‘establish’ the existence of God. But nowhere does the Bible make ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

Learning From A Small Church : Lessons From The Church At Philippi | Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Sep 2, 2024

In this study Dr. Madana Kumar, dives deep into the circumstances that led to the formation of the church at Philippi. The foundations on which the church was founded, and its lasting significance in spreading the gospel across the globe.

Learning from a Small Church : The Church at Philippi This and other studies are available in my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@dr.madanakumarphd2193 I have a fascination for studying small churches. It may be because in His mercy, God has always protected me from being a member of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:2, Philippians 2:3-4, Philippians 2:5-8, Philippians 2:19-22, Philippians 2:25-30, Philippians 1:3-5, Philippians 1:7-8, Philippians 4:10, Philippians 4:18, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 1:6, Philippians 1:27-30, Philippians 2:12-13, Philippians 3:12-14, Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:11-13, Philippians 4:14-18, Philippians 4:19, Acts 16:6-12, Acts 16:14-15, Acts 16:25-34, Acts 16:16-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Spiritual Clutter Bug?

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Feb 14, 2019

This sermon is based on doing some soul cleansing. Excellent to use during Lent or the Spring of the Year.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17 - 32; 2 Chronicles 29:1-19 Title: Spiritual Clutterbug? Theme: Spiritual Cleansing Sermon is based on the need to do some spiritual decluttering. INTRO: Grace and peace from God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I want to talk to you this morning about ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31, 2 Chronicles 29:1-19, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 4:17-32

Denomination: Nazarene

Go! And Trust The God Who Commands The Storm - Habakkuk 3:8-10 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Nov 21, 2025

Storms do not ask permission. They do not knock politely on life’s door. They burst in, they howl, they shake, they terrify. And yet Scripture tells us not only that God is with us in the storm, He commands the storm.

Go! And Trust the God Who Commands the Storm - Habakkuk 3:8-10 INTRODUCTION — “WHEN THE STORM REFUSES TO STOP” Church, have you ever noticed that storms do not ask permission? They do not knock politely on life’s door. They burst in, they howl, they shake, they terrify. Some storms begin with a ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:8-10, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 93:3-4, Psalm 107:29, Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 43:2, Ephesians 1:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Funeral Sermon For Werner K

Contributed by Doug Koehler on Apr 16, 2004

Many young pastors have asked me to share with them ideas on how to create a funeral message. Here is one such example for a family that appreciates the traditional format of worship. Peace be with you.

A funeral sermon for the family and loved ones of Werner K____. February 14, 2004 Grace, mercy and peace to you all from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Dear family, as you know Werner wanted to have the hymn, “Take my life and Let it Be” sung today. He knew that the hymn was in fact a ...read more

Scripture: John 15:5-11

Denomination: Lutheran