FBCD Sermons

FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Meanings of the Cross

9 sermons / Ash Wednesday, and Sundays of Lenten Season & Easter — March 1–April 16 / Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Interim Pastor

“But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
—Romans 3:21-23

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Things Christians Do

9 sermons / January 1–February 26 / Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Interim Pastor

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect."
—Romans 12:1-2

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Jesus and the Meaning of Advent

6 sermons /November 27–December 25 / Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Interim Pastor

“And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David."
—Luke 1:31-32

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The Parable of the Ten Pounds

1 sermon /November 20 / Peter Wischesen, FBCD Ministerial Intern and student at Mercer University McAfee School of Theology

“When he returned, having received royal power, he ordered these slaves, to whom he had given the money, to be summoned so that he might find out what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Lord, your pound has made ten more pounds.’ He said to him, ‘Well done, good slave! Because you have been trustworthy in a very small thing, take charge of ten cities.”
—Luke 19:15-17

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What Does Success Look Like for FBCD: the Five E's

5 sermons /October 16–November 13 / Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Interim Pastor

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
—Psalm 8:3-4

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Rules of Engagement

1 sermon /October 9/ Shelley Woodruff

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
    mortals that you care for them?”
—Psalm 8:3-4

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Our Covenant With Christ and Each Other

1 sermon /October 2/ David Gushee

“Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’"
—Luke 22:19-20

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

What Was Jeremiah Thinking?

1 sermon /September 18 / Matt T. Duvall

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land.’" – Jeremiah 32:15

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Unforgettable Sayings TO Jesus

3 sermons /September 4, 11, and 25 / David Gushee

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed." – Matthew 8:8

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Why the Church (Still) Matters

1 sermon / July 31, 2016 / Keith Pierce

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,"
Acts 2:46

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Summer 2016

3 sermons / June 19-July 3, 2016 / Bob Williamson, David Gushee

“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:13-14

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Church Essentials

4 sermons / May 22-June 12, 2016 / Roger Paynter

“Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him."
Acts 10:34-35

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

Sermon on the Mount

5 sermons / Matthew 5:13-20 /April 10 – May 8, 2016 / Roger Paynter

"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:1-2

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Blessed Are The Other People

1 sermon / Matthew 5:1-12 /April 3, 2016 / Shelley Woodruff

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” — Matthew 5:1-2

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FBC Decatur FBC Decatur

"... and when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on"

1 sermon / Matthew 28 / March 27, 2016 / Roger Paynter

“The angel never says, ‘Jesus raised himself’
… rather, he says, ‘He has been raised.’
If we want a simple definition of God we can say,
‘God is the One who raised Jesus from the dead.’
There’s a major difference in the two.”
— Frederick Buechner

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An Invitation to the Real World

1 sermon / Matthew 26:14-16, 31-56 / March 20, 2016 / Roger Paynter

“Betrayal: To deliver an enemy by treachery; to fail or desert, especially in time of need; to disclose in violation of confidence.” — Dale Bruner

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God On The Hunt

1 sermon / Luke 15:1-10 / March 13, 2016 / Roger Paynter

“Religion is thought to be about what we are to do in order to somehow make connection with God; whether it’s to obey a set of rules or a law or live a certain life. Yet, the Bible continually makes this extremely odd counter-claim, counterintuitive response. God is seeking us, it says. God….who is inconceivably beyond us, moves and probes and reaches for us.” — Roger Paynter

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Love By Layers

1 sermon / Luke 14:1, 7-14 / March 6, 2016 / Roger Paynter

“The Heavenly Banquet Table is that place where we couldn’t possibly guess the seating arrangement if our lives depended on it….and guess what, they do!” — Patrick Willson

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