Sermons on Spirtual Formation:

Good Words For Bad Days Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 18, 2009

Bad words may be the first to come to mind when times are hard. But our text has some encouraging good words, particularly right now. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Good Words for Bad Days II Thessalonians 1 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/BadDays.html Bad words may be the first to come to mind when times are hard and things come crashing down on you. But our text has some encouragingly good words God wants to remind us of, particularly right now. Have you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

It's Not Time

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 1, 2013

We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint

It's Not Time John 7:1-8, 30 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/NotTime.html We look at time from a mathematical perspective. We divide time into measurements of seconds, minutes, hours, and days. But there's another way of looking at time. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Time is like a river made ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Living In The Tree Of Life (Part 2)

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 28, 2022

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil is the formation of a value system; or rather, a "judgement" system. Living in the tree of life is making decisions from life and liberty, and what stimulates life in both you and others.

This morning’s message is a continuation of last week’s on the tree of life, and I have entitled our sermon, “Living in the Tree of Life” – Part 2. I would like to begin with some food for thought by sharing a real life illustration of a historical figure who walked in the tree of life. George ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:6-13, Revelation 22:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Harry Potter Or The Stone?

Contributed by Don Hawks on Aug 26, 2002

This outline is based on a sermon by Sermon Central Contributor William Groover on Harry Potter. I have added video clip suggestions and presented the message in more of a "life-changing" format, with Biblical passages to reinforce each point.

Harry Potter or the Stone? (Don’t Be a Muggle!) [Expanded powerpoint available based on this outline: don_hawks@hotmail.com] Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-5, Psalm 37:4

Denomination: Methodist

Hell: The Literal View Vs. Non-Literal Views

Contributed by Donn Heinrich on Feb 11, 2002

This sermon is based on a study of several books by authors who hold to a variety of views on the doctrine of Hell. Please note that the format of this website does not enable me to include footnotes where they were originally placed in the sermon. Howe

In contemporary Christianity, many questions have arisen as to the reality of hell. While the Bible teaches a literal view of an eternal hell, there has been a widespread embrace of anything but a literal view. There has been much speculation about what the Bible actually teaches about nature and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Revelation 21:8

Denomination: Baptist

Seven Wonders Of The Word Of God

Contributed by Howard Mcglamery on Jan 19, 2003

The Wonder of it’s Inspiration, The Wonder of it’s Formation, The Wonder of it’s Preservation, The Wonder of it’s Design, The Wonder of It’s Power, The Wonder of its Message, and The Wonder of it’s Promises.

Seven Wonders Of The Word Of God Ps 19:7-14 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:7-14, 1 Peter 1:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

En Theos [enthusiasm]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 6, 2004

A simple formula for a more exciting, energizing existence...In God = En Theos = Enthusiasm. Several Biblical reasons to be enthused about being ’en Theos’. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

En Theos [Enthusiasm] Ps. 122:1 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Enthusiasm.html Introduction: Webster’s Dictionary says the meaning of enthusiasm / excitement is "to be stirred or thrilled." Some would say they have enthusiasm at times, it depends on what they are doing...what they are ‘into’ at ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 122:1

Denomination: Baptist

Kindness Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Jul 15, 2005

The Fruit of The Spirit (Part 7) KINDNESS willtake action, take a risk, pay the price, put others first, finish what it starts, and give the glory to God . [Find sermon in Word format at www.praiseag.org]

KINDNESS The Fruit of The Spirit (Part 7) Galatians 5:22-23 • Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV) [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. INTRODUCTION: Tony Campolo tells about ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Gospel Of Jesus: Life Swap Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 16, 2006

Baptism of Christ--The carpenter trades in His woodworking tools and becomes a rebuilder of human hearts, as He carves out a way of escape for hell bound mankind. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation.

The Gospel of Jesus – Life Swap Matthew 3:13-17 In our first 2 messages in this new series we’ve looked at Jesus ‘Before There Was Time’ and ‘BC to AD’ [Jesus in the OT]. Of course, at Christmas each year we look into His birth and this year we studied His childhood with a children’s sermon: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

911: When Buildings Fall & Waters Rise - Storms - Tragedy - 9/11 - 9-11

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 7, 2005

In Case of Emergency--Have FAITH, not FEAR; PRAY, don’t PANIC; BELIEVE, don’t BLAME; RESPOND, don’t RUN. Link included to free formatted text version, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

911: When Buildings Fall & Waters Rise Matthew 14:22-33 ----- Link at bottom... ----- We all know where we were and what we were doing 4 years ago today. We remember how we felt because to some degree we have felt that way ever since, and events like Katrina and anniversaries such as this one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 12, 2006

The Lord’s model prayer shows us that prayer is just Talking to Him, prayer is Asking, and prayer is Praising. It must begin and end with Him! A free download link is included to formatted text and PowerPoint Template.

The Greatest Prayer Ever Prayed Matthew 6:8-13 The sermon on the mount is the greatest sermon ever preached, preached by the greatest preacher who ever lived. And within is this wonderful model of prayer. It’s a misnomer to call this The Lord’s Prayer…it’s actually the disciples prayer and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

Who Owns You? [the Sermon On The 'amount'] Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jul 20, 2006

Do you own your possessions or do they own you? "Things" can take a toll on: The Heart-AFFECTIONS, The mind-PERCEPTIONS, The will-DIRECTIONS. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

Who Owns You? Matthew 6:19-24 We can divide life into 2 broad categories: the spiritual, and the material. But the Lord Jesus never made that distinction. Matter of fact, He often taught that our attitude toward the material is a mark of your true spirituality. v. 21 ‘Where your treasure ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Let Go Of The Vine

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 15, 2007

You don’t have to be Tarzan to learn to hold on to the Vine. Practical outline on abiding in Christ and how to ’branch out’ and bear fruit for the Father, our Husbandman. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint.

Don’t Let Go of the Vine John 15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DontLetGo.html Sometimes it may seem we are spinning our wheels and going nowhere. What are we supposed to do then? We live in an age where we feel we must always be busy and be doing something. We are restless [and young!] and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

How To Gain A Few Pounds Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 13, 2007

The Parable of the Pounds - We are each entrusted with the weighty matter of carrying the gospel. But how well are we bearing the burden God has placed in our pack? Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

How to Gain a Few Pounds Luke 19:11-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GainFewPounds.html “I don’t need anyone telling me how to do that…I’ve got it mastered!” The parable of the pounds reminds us of the parable of the talents in Mt. 25, which we’ll study in a couple of weeks. But they are quite ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

Denomination: Baptist

Holiness - A Life Apart Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on May 14, 2007

Know this - the formation of true holiness is a foundational part of preparing to prosper, of living in a way to enjoy God’s blessings. The Word says, “Without holiness, no one will see (that is, know and live close to) the Lord!”

“God loves to bless His children!” That is the declaration of the Bible, a promise that we can live by. In this series of messages, my aim has been to teach how we position ourselves to stand in the flow of God’s blessing, to live in a way that is prosperous, not so much in financial terms, but in ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God