Sermons on Spirtual Formation:

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

Ordinary Day Breakthroughs

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on May 3, 2019

Sermon thesis: The LORD uses our ordinary days to develop our character, our faith and our spiritual strength so that we may be able to reflect His glory and live an Abundant Life here on this Good Earth. How we handle ordinary days can lead to extra-ordinary days!

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10; Jeremiah 18:1-4 Title: Ordinary Day Breakthroughs Sermon thesis: The LORD uses our ordinary days to develop our character, our faith and our spiritual strength so that we may be able to reflect His glory and live an Abundant Life here on this Good Earth. INTRO: ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-10, Jeremiah 18:1-4

Denomination: Nazarene

Go! And Guard Your Heart’s Devotion - Colossians 3:1–4 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 31, 2025

We live in an age of distraction. The enemy doesn’t always need to destroy your faith—he only needs to divide your focus.

Go! And Guard Your Heart’s Devotion - Colossians 3:1–4 Introduction: “Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ.” – Oswald Chambers “Our attention is one of the most precious things we have. What we give it to shapes our souls.” – John Piper Church, we live in an age of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4, Matthew 6:24, Romans 12:2, Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Walking On Water - Extraordinary Steps Of Faith

Contributed by Robert Fox on Jan 8, 2006

We are all rowing through life comfortably ensconced in our own little boat, but Jesus has sent us into the storm and asks us to have extraordinary faith in Him. Student ministry PowerPoint format.

[Walking on the Water – Extraordinary Steps of Faith] Slide Graphic – Jesus looking at Peter, who is wearing an inner-tube with a duck head {Note - drop me an email if you would like any or all of the original graphics. Go to the box at the top of this page and click on "Contact"} Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

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

Parable Of The Sower Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 5, 2007

75% in this parable didn’t truly get saved. Was the problem the Sower, the Seed, or the Soil? 25% did get saved, and we can see how! Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Template.

Parable of the Sower Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Sower.html Sow what? The Word of God! Sow when? All the time! Sow where? Everywhere…but hopefully on good ground! This parable answers the question, “Why doesn’t everybody get saved?” As tremendous as salvation is, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Dad Hears From Jesus' Father

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Dec 15, 2006

Joseph’s DILEMMA, Joseph’s DREAM, & Joseph’s DECISION. An earthly dad meets the Heavenly Father and is forever changed. Link included to formatted text and PowerPoint Presentation, + many more Christmas Sermons.

Jesus’ Dad Hears From Jesus’ Father Matthew 1:18-25 ----- http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html ----- Matthew presents the birth of Christ from the vantage point of His earthly dad (Joseph was not the father). God was the Father who planted His sinless seed into the virgin womb of Mary, who was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

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

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

Five Firsts

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jan 4, 2007

New Year message from the Book of Beginnings showing the first mention of Satan, Sin, the Saviour, the death Sentence, and the first Sacrifice...all in the same passage. Link included to formatted text, audio, and PowerPoint Presentation.

FIVE FIRSTS Genesis 3:1-15 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/FiveFirsts.html This is the first Sunday service of 2007. As we begin a new year many of us are trying to make a new start in different areas…from our waistlines to our finances, to how we spend our time. We’re right at the beginning and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Super Bowls Of God's Wrath Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Feb 1, 2007

7 Vile Vials of Judgment fall on the earth during the Great Tribulation. [The field, the officials, the spectators, the winners and losers on this game day.] Link included to formatted text for this and entire Revelation Series, audios, PowerPoints.

The Super Bowls of Wrath Rev. 16 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SuperBowlsWrath.html Tonite, two sides will do battle… (In our text the 2 sides are Good & Evil) There is going to be a Field of Battle: (Valley of Megiddo) There will be a game plan…a plan of attack. An official will be on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 16:1-21

Denomination: Baptist