Contributors
  • Craig West

    Contributing sermons since Dec 9, 2004
Craig's church

First Baptist Church
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
318-325-3126

About Craig
  • Education: I have completed a Masters Degree in Christian Education, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. I am presently pursuing a doctorate through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
  • Experience: I am beginning my 18th year of ministry, having served in several churches as Minister of Music, Education, and now as Pastor.
  • Comment to those looking at my sermons: I hope that you will take the time to express to me any problems you might find in my presentation. I have tried to be honest and open about the Scripture that is being discussed; and I welcome any comments you may have to help me become a better speaker of God’s Word. (My e-mail is CWest@firstmonroe.com)
  • Sermon or series that made a difference: I have finished a series of messages in Ezra, which were extremely fun a nd challenging all at the same time.
  • One of my favorite illustrations: When it comes to our attitude toward God in worship, I have often found Christians to be like the woman in the Lexus TV commercial. On Christmas morning, she finds a full-sized luxury SUV in her living room. The vehicle is topped with a gigantic, picture-perfect red ribbon. Turning to her husband with a look of astonishment on her face, all she can think to ask is, "Where did you get a bow that big?!" She has a fully equipped SUV in her living room, yet she is transfixed by an ornament.
  • Family: I have a beautiful wife, Robin; and we have two children, Hannah (10), and Micah (8 ).
  • What my spouse (really) thinks of my sermons: She thinks that I have finally accepted what God had planned all along.
  • Best advice given to me about preaching: Let God speak through your preparation. If you fail to allow Him to speak, then all you are doing is expelling hot air.
  • Books that have had an impact: "Desiring God" by John Piper is a book that every minister should read once a year (IMHO), "Being the Body" by Chuck Colson, and "Recovering the Scandal of the Cross" by Green & Baker are all books that have impacted me in my ministry.
  • Hobbies: I like to read mystery novels, sci-fi novels, play the guitar, chess, XBox, and wrestle with my kids. When we can find time, Robin and I like to play putt-putt and go to the movies.
  • If I could Preach one more time, I would say...: Be authentic to your belief in your actions. If what you believe doesn't change how you act, what you believe is worthless.
  • What I want on my tombstone: Sausage, pepperoni and extra cheese!
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Newest Sermons

  • What's So Amazing About Grace?

    Contributed on Feb 12, 2007
    based on 5 ratings
     | 4,401 views

    This is a sermon that shows 3 benefits of God’s grace.

    “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” 2 Samuel 9 READ 2 Samuel 9:1—13 GRACE WILL SEEK YOU OUT - David was on the throne of Israel when he asked about Saul’s descendants…Grace begins in the throne room - Like Mephibosheth, before we were aware of grace, it was already seeking us out. - Romans ...read more

  • Three Simple Questions

    Contributed on Dec 11, 2004
    based on 6 ratings
     | 6,318 views

    Peter and Christ after the Resurrection

    AM MESSAGE – 05-02-04 “Three Simple Questions” John 21 INTRO: - Matt.28:10 – Jesus tells the women at the tomb to have the Disciples meet him in Galilee READ JOHN 21:1—8 1. Have you caught any FISH? - (v. 3) Peter literally says, “I going to back to what I know.” The Greek phrase here ...read more

  • A Well-Balanced Diet (Conversations With God, Part 2)

    Contributed on Dec 11, 2004
    based on 6 ratings
     | 3,686 views

    Sermon on prayer utilizing the ACTS model

    “A Well-Balanced Diet” (Conversations with God – Part 2) “Developing spiritual fitness is like developing physical fitness.” Bill Hybels, Too Busy NOT to Pray (Downer’s Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1998), 62. ADORATION - Psalm 8 *** READ THIS PSALM ALOUD *** - Adoration purges ...read more

  • The Rahab In Me!

    Contributed on Dec 10, 2004
    based on 24 ratings
     | 7,316 views

    2nd Sermon in series of Living in Faith (through Joshua)

    “The Rahab in Me!” Joshua 2 Intro: Affirmation w/ Stewart from SNL (I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!) READ JOSHUA 2:1—7 - Jericho: city c. 14 miles West of Jordan River; a bridgehead for all advances West or North into Canaan - “The use of spies was not a ...read more

  • 3 R's Of A Godly Graduate

    Contributed on Dec 10, 2004
    based on 14 ratings
     | 15,764 views

    Characteristics of a Godly Graduate; a Baccalaureate sermon

    Baccalaureate Service – May 2, 2004 2 Timothy 4:6—8 Intro: 3 “R’s” of education --- 3 “R’s” of a Godly graduate (1) READY (v 7) << ILLUS. A. Lincoln – “I think the necessity of being ready has increased.” >> - A Godly grad will be ready for the things that will come (Phil 4:13). ...read more

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