Sermons on Text:

Does Tradition Hinder Us?

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Nov 13, 2007

This world changes daily, and so do our churches. But people resist change, opting for tradition instead. We forget that Jesus was all about change. This message explores the "why" of change. Audio & text will be placed at - www.sermonlist.com

It was just a few years ago when you would go to a restaurant and if there was a waiting list, you would be called by name when they had an empty table. Have you been to Outback recently? They give you a pager and when it is you turn, they page you. When they dial your pager, an electronic ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

Denomination: *other

America: Leader Or Follower?

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Jun 23, 2008

America has always been the leader in the world because it has always followed God. Is it still the leader, and does that have anything to do with how much it still follows God? Text, audio & communion message at www.sermonlist.com

America has enjoyed an abundance never before known among nations. And make no mistake; the things we have had were blessings ... blessings from our Heavenly Father. They did not come by man’s hands, nor did they “just happen that way. Since this coming Friday is Independence Day, I think it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Denomination: *other

The Life Of A Drifter

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Jul 21, 2008

This message talks about how we are spiritual drifters and how we can correct that. Communion message, audio & text will be at: www.sermonlist.com - - & your church prayer chain can utilize www.atimeofprayer.com

There was an old man who was very sick. There was nothing more the doctors could do, so they went him home so he could spend his last few days with his family near his bedside. He awoke the next morning to the smell of newly baked chocolate chip cookies. Oh, how that reminded him of his ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4

Denomination: *other

Both Sides Of Authority Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Sep 24, 2007

Working harmoniously alongside church leaders has its challenges and raises a lot of questions. Fortunately, God does not leave us in the dark! The text before us raises and answers a number of questions about the interaction of church leaders to the c

Both Sides of Authority (I Thessalonians 5:12-13) 1. It is tough to be in leadership. 2. A “lame duck” President met with his successor in the Oval Office. Near the end of the orientation, he presented the incoming leader three numbered envelopes, with specific instructions to open them, in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Have Decided... Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 12, 2007

Jesus didn’t put the demands of being a disciple in fine print at the bottom of the contract...but IN BOLD TYPE! The cross PRESENTED, the cross REJECTED, the cross ACCEPTED. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint Presentation.

I Have Decided... Matthew 16:21-27 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/IHaveDecided.html This chapter zeroes in on 2 big things Jesus wants to teach His disciples: • Who He is = His Person [last week] • Why He came = His Work [this week] The Lord has spent nearly 3 years with these guys and now it’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

Happy Are Those Who Mourn Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 21, 2011

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving.

Happy are those who mourn. Today’s text is one of the great contradictions of the Bible. Even if we don’t use happy for the word blessed, there still seems to be little correlation between being blessed and grieving. When you lose a person you love, do you feel blessed? Does it comfort ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Jesus Is Calling

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 2, 2011

This particular text is normally examined when we are going through difficult times, but can you imagine it from Jesus’ point of view and how much He desires to give us rest? (Ref: Matthew 11:25-30)

Jesus is Calling Matthew 11:25-30 * This sermon was inspired by one originally preached by C.H. Spurgeon. Introduction - This particular text is often preached regarding sorrows and how joy comes - I’ve sought out this verse out before as well to seek strength from issues - Tonight, we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Distraction

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 16, 2010

Nehemiah saw right thru the devil's attempt at distraction and compromise. He said, the valley of Ono? O No! Aren't you glad he said no no to Ono? Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Distraction Nehemiah 6:1-4 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Distraction.html So far the devil has tried to use these tools to keep them from rebuilding the wall: Ridicule-we will be laughed at but we shouldn't back up or back down. Discouragement-We sometimes get tired IN the work, but never OF the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Fear

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 30, 2010

The devil is the sinister minister of fear. It's the opposite of faith, which is what pleases God. Fear Degrades our Lord, Destroys our Lives, and Delights our Enemy. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Fear Nehemiah 6:9-19 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Fear.html In chapter 6 it's the devil's last ditch effort to stop the good work on the wall. We have seen him use distraction and slander, and now fear - [worry, anxiety, nervousness.] Twice in our passage we see 'afraid' and also 'fear.' The ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:9-19

Denomination: Baptist

Arabian Nights

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 11, 2010

Paul trained in the desert of Arabia. It was a long night in his life. He now tells about those Arabian Nights and how they helped make him who he is. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Arabian Nights Galatians 1:11-24 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ArabianNights.html Where did you go to seminary? Or Bible college? This question is asked often of those in ministry. What they really mean, usually, is, "What camp are you in?" Paul trained in the desert of Arabia, and I'm sure ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-20

Denomination: Baptist

Swing Wide The Gates!

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 29, 2010

The names of the gates of the old city of Jerusalem have rich spiritual meaning, full of powerful truths that will take us 3 sermons to cover. Parts 1 & 2 are here. Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Swing Wide the Gates Nehemiah 3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/SwingWideTheGates.html The walls of Jerusalem stood for something. They were more than just protection. They stood for the glory of God. Unbelievers of that day looked at the broken down walls and would mock believers. The ruins of ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-32

Denomination: Baptist

Justified Freely

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 6, 2011

Ask me why I love my wife and I'll have laundry list of reasons she's lovable. But Jesus loved me while I was yet a sinner. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

Justified Freely Romans 3:24 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/JustifiedFreely.html Justified = just as if I'd never sinned A one time event that happens at the moment of salvation. Sanctified = an ongoing process of growing in the Lord. Righteousness breaks down along the above lines... Imputed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:24-31

Denomination: Baptist

When The Pastor Makes A Hard Decision

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 14, 2010

Pastors have a difficult job in many ways, contrary to the 'He only works on Sundays' mindset many in the church have. Spiritual stress is unlike stress of any other kind. Link inc. to formatted text, audio, PowerPoint.

When the Pastor Makes a Hard Decision 2 Corinthians 7 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/HardDecision.html Pastors have a difficult job in many ways, contrary to the 'He only works on Sundays' mindset many in the church have. For one thing, spiritual stress is unlike stress of any other kind, and it ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Invitation Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 10, 2006

2 Men, 2 Foundations, 2 Houses, & 1 Storm. We must heed Jesus’ teachings, not just hear them...that is wise and not foolish. Link included to free MS Word formatted text & PowerPoint downloads.

The Invitation Matthew 7:13-29 Today we preach sermons 13 & 14 from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount… and we finish talking about the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher who ever lived. Joke--The preacher was shaking hands with the members of his congregation after a service when ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-29

Denomination: Baptist

Bones, Bodies, And A Big Breath - [halloween]

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Oct 26, 2005

’Dem Bones-Imagine the scene Ezekiel saw as the scattered dry bones on this old battlefield surf the desert in search of each other. New life in Christ and the future restoration of Israel. Link included to text file, handout, and PowerPoint.

“Bones, Bodies, and a Big Breath” Ezek. 37:1-14 Read vv. 1-10 This passage of scripture is the basis for the old negro-spiritual, “’dem Bones.” Sing: ‘dem bones, ‘dem bones, ‘dem, dry bones toe-foot-ankle-knee-thigh-hip-back-shoulder-neck-head (backward?) INTERPRETATION: Not about ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Baptist