I'm a retired Southern Baptist pastor of almost 40 years. My wife Cheryl & I moved to Norman, OK in March of 2025. I share a weekly overview for Sunday School teachers of the weekly Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson, as well as texts of my sermons and other articles.
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Top Posts & Pages
- Romans 8:14-27 Lifeway Explore the Bible lesson overview, "Indwelt," for October 18, 2026
- Romans 7:4-6, 14-25 Lifeway Explore the Bible lesson overview: "Struggle," for 10/11/26
- “Building Your Life On The Rock” (Matthew 7:24-27 sermon)
- Teacher's Overview of Matthew 22:15-22, 34-40, Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson, "Honor" for 5/03/26
- "The Lord Our Provider" (Philippians 4:15-23 sermon)
- "How To Run The Christian Race" (Hebrews 12:1-2 sermon)
- "God's Purpose For Your Life" (I Peter 2:4-5 sermon)
- "Seeking Him First" (Matthew 6:33 sermon)
- Romans 6:1-14, Overview of Lifeway's Explore the Bible lesson, "Freedom," for October 4, 2026.
- “The Narrow Way To Heaven” (Matthew 7:13-14 sermon)
Categories
- "The Disciple's Character" series (Beatitudes Mt. 5:3-12)
- "The Disciplines of Disciples" series
- "This Is My Story" sermon series
- Beatitudes Series 2020 FBCA
- Book of James Sermons: What Real Faith Looks Like
- COVID-19 crisis assorted messages
- Current Events
- Devotions/Bible Studies
- Discipleship
- Discovering FBCA Membership class lessons
- Doctrine/Theology
- Explore the Bible SS lesson overviews
- Explore the Bible Sunday School lessons
- Habakkuk "Find Us Faithful" series messages
- History
- Home & Family Life
- I Peter sermons
- India Mission Trip 2011
- Isaiah 53 sermon series Suffering Servant Glorious King
- John 3:16 sermon series
- Luke 10:38-42 Mary & Martha series
- Luke 2 Christmas series
- Matthew sermons
- Ministry
- missions
- Music
- Philippians sermons
- POTS (dysautonomia) articles
- Psalms studies and messages
- Revelation sermon series
- Reviews
- Sermon Illustrations
- Sermons
- The Model Prayer Series
- The Model Prayer series (FBCA 2020)
- This Week In Paradise (pastors family blog)
- Travel
- Uncategorized
- worship
Author Archives: Shawn Thomas
“How To Build A Life Of Joy” (Philippians 1:3-5 sermon)
Samuel Rutherford was a pastor in Anwoth, Scotland in the 1600’s, when the English government changed, and demanded that all ministers use the government prescribed prayer book, and submit to the rites and ordinances of the Anglican church, instead of … Continue reading
Limited By Our Unbelief
“And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.” (Matthew 13:58) These words were written about the people in Nazareth, Jesus’ home town. Verses 53 and following tell us how the people there questioned Jesus: “Is this … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Uncategorized
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No Difference In “The Wheat & The Tares”?
“But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also.” (Matthew 13:26) The parable of “The Wheat & The Tares” has become one of the most well-known parables in American Christianity, primarily through popular contemporary preaching … Continue reading
The Deceitfulness of Wealth
“And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22) … Continue reading
“What You Really Need, & Where It Comes From” (Philippians 1:2 sermon)
Sometimes what you think you want is not really what you need. I walked into an Asian restaurant the other day and ordered something that I thought was like eggrolls (which I love!), but when I got it, it was … Continue reading
Posted in Philippians sermons, Sermons, Uncategorized
Tagged Deity of Christ, depravity of man, Ephesians 2, grace, needs, peace, Philippians 1:2 sermon, Psalm 15, salvation, salvation by grace, Trinity, Triune God, wants
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Win the Spiritual Battle For Your Loved Ones’ Salvation
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.” (Matthew … Continue reading
The Family of God
“And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said: ‘Behold My mother and My brothers!’” (Matthew 12:49) This passage is just one of many in the New Testament where Jesus turns the traditional values of this world upside-down. Verse … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Uncategorized
Tagged family, family of God, Matthew 12:49
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Why “Turning Over A New Leaf” Is Never Enough
“Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it … Continue reading
The Heart of Our Evangelism Problem
“For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” (Matthew 12:34) Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees, who accused Him in :24 of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub. He turned the focus back on … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Uncategorized
Tagged Acts 4:20, evangelism, heart, Matthew 12:34, witnessing, words
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Will You Pay The Price For Unity?
“Jesus said to them, any kingdom that is divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) Many churches, organizations — and even our nation — need to give heed … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Uncategorized
Tagged Abraham Lincoln, church, kingdom divided, Matthew 12:25, preferences, sacrifice, unity
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