Sermons on Jonathan And David:

Samson: Trouble In Timnath Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Apr 12, 2020

Samson may not have known it, but this first encounter, as recorded in Scripture, would lead to a lifetime of problems, heartache, and a lot more. He was about to enter trouble in Timnath.

Introduction: Samson was one of several “miracle” babies, born to women who could not conceive a child except by God’s power. Other women facing that situation included Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, Rachel, Elisabeth, and the Shunammite woman mentioned in 2 Kings 4. The virgin Mary is of course a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus: My Decision To Follow Him Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 11, 2022

Simon Peter made one of the greatest decisions of his life when he decided to leave everything and follow Jesus.

Foreword: Every person who follows Jesus as Lord and Savior has at least one thing in common with every believer: he or she made a decision to follow Him. The Gospels have several incidents where someone did just that. One of my favorites took place in Luke 5, and it was in a very unusual ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus, My Decision For Baptism Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 14, 2022

Philip was doing a great work in Samaria when the Holy Spirit sent him on what seemed a strange mission: go to Gaza, a desert region, and then get into a chariot. He obeyed, an Ethiopian official believed, and followed the Lord in baptism.

Foreword: Full disclosure, I am a Southern Baptist and present this message from that perspective. Water baptism is part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28, Mark 16, e.g.) and is mentioned in connection with belief and with becoming a disciple. It is readily admitted there are others who hold ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus, Even Through Trials And Tests Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 28, 2022

James, the half-brother of the Lord Jesus, knew about trials and tests. His words to believers of his day are just as true for us of these days, too. In a sentence, he'd say "Endure the test and receive a reward".

Full disclosure: this is edited from a message preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO in August 2022 Introduction: Many of us think following Jesus is going to be a walk in the park, so to speak, but that isn’t always true. Certainly, as He promised, He’s there with us, but trials and tests ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon: An Unlikely Hero Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Nov 2, 2022

Gideon didn't have much going for him but he had faith in the LORD. That was enough and God used him in a mighty way--after this first encounter, that is.

(Note: This message is edited from a sermon preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO on October 9. 2022 and is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: Gideon is mentioned here in Judges and he’s also one of those in the “Hebrews Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11. I have to confess, the first ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:11-23

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon: The Two Tests He Had To Pass Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Nov 5, 2022

Gideon had met the Angel of the LORD face to face, one day, and that night, received a message from the LORD. That message contained instructions for two of the most difficult things Gideon would ever be asked to do.

(Note: this message is based on and edited from a sermon preached at First Baptist Church of Chamois, MO on 10-16-2022 but is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: Gideon had just realized he saw the Angel of the LORD and was probably trying to take it all in. He was one of only a few people ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:25-27

Denomination: Baptist

Bethel: Where Jacob Met The Lord

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 16, 2020

Jacob was Isaac's son and Abraham's grandson. He stopped at Bethel, for the night, but some interesting things happened while he was there.

Bethel: where Jacob met the Lord Preface: When you think of Jacob, what comes to mind? Clearly, he was one of the most colorful people in the Bible! Sometimes we think he was a shady character, such as when he “bargained” with Esau for the birthright. I still think there’s a bit of humor in that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Denomination: Baptist

Back To Bethel

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 19, 2020

Jacob had stopped at Bethel on his way to his uncle's property. He didn't have much with him when he got there but he was able to become wealthy. Now it was time to for him to leave--and he stopped again at Bethel.

Back to Bethel Based on a message preached several years ago (not an exact transcription) Preface: Some people I’ve known have talked about “going back to Bethel”, and I really didn’t understand all they were talking about at the time. There are even some songs which mention this. In fact, one of ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Bethel: The Prophet Who Never Came Back Home

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 30, 2020

The prophet who cried out against Jeroboam's pagan altar in Bethel was on his way back home but stopped for a rest. Maybe he shouldn't have done this--he never made it back to his home alive.

Preface In the Old Testament, sometimes the Lord gives us a look at the successes of His prophets, but sometimes we get another view. Some prophets were murdered. like Uriah, who fled to Egypt, but was brought back to Judah and executed (see Jeremiah 26:20-23). Other prophets were more or less ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 13:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

A Veteran’s Day/Thanksgiving Day Message Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Nov 18, 2022

There's only a couple of weeks between Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving Day. This message is an attempt to combine features of each holiday.

(Note: Based on and edited from a message preached November 13, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO. This is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: Veteran’s Day was originally called Armistice Day in honor of the Armistice ending the First World War. This Armistice took place on “the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

A Thanksgiving Meal—in The Springtime! Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Nov 22, 2022

Barley harvest--springtime--may not be the time when people think about Thanksgiving Day meals. During Elisha's day, a pair of miracles made a small meal into a real feast!

(Full disclosure: Sermon Central has accepted two of my different illustrations based on this text. This message is not merely a combination of those illustrations.) Introduction: What do you think of when you’re pondering a Thanksgiving Day meal? For many years, it’s a more or less American ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:38-44, Ruth 3:14-18

Denomination: Baptist

First Sunday In Advent: The Hope Candle Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 1, 2022

Hope. Something everyone needs. This message describes times when hope seemed gone but reminds us that Jesus provides hope!

(Modified from a message preached at FBC Chamois, MO on 11-27-2022; not an exact transcription) Introduction: This is the first Sunday in the Advent season, the four or so Sundays before Christmas Day. Now I understand that some churches believe in using these candles and some don’t; and there is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Fourth Sunday In Advent: Love Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 23, 2022

We sometimes hear a lot about love during Advent and the Christmas season. May we never forget the incredible love God has for us. John 3 isn't usually a Christmas text but what Jesus said there is good for Christmas, too.

(Based on and edited from a message preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO on 12-18-22. This is not an exact transcription.) Introduction: There is no greater expression of love, anywhere, when we think about how Jesus left Heaven to come to this earth, to be born like us, live with us, die ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Jacob-What He Did For Love Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Mar 4, 2022

Jacob was now staying at his uncle Laban's house. Laban offered him a job, and asked him, "What kind of wages would you want from me?" Jacob's reply eventually changed his life forever!

Introduction: Jacob had arrived in Haran, the land of his mother and uncle Laban. He had assisted Rachel, Laban’s daughter, by watering her flock of sheep. Laban then ran out to meet Jacob, and they all returned to Laban’s house. For Jacob, things were about to get interesting. 1 The wages ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:14-30

Denomination: Baptist

Jacob-When He Knew It Was Time To Leave Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Mar 11, 2022

Jacob had lived with and served uncle Laban for twenty years. He soon found out that it was time for him to leave and go back to his home country.

Introduction: Jacob had now lived with and worked for his uncle Laban for 14 years. He had received his rewards, Leah and Rachel plus a servant girl for each and was now the father of at least 12 children (details for these children are found in Genesis 29:31-30:24). He was ready to leave but Laban ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 31:1-21

Denomination: Baptist