Sermons on Jonathan Barnes:

Pride & Prejudice Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

Peter came to a point where he was able to overcome his prejudice. This sermon examines how he came to that point, and shares how we can get there, too.

* "The most segregated house in America is 11:00 on Sunday." * The reality/existence of prejudice in Christianity and the church... * Prejudice in the church takes many forms... * Not a new issue for the church to face: it has existed for almost as long as the church itself * The problem that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

Denomination: Baptist

Real Christians Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 17, 2011

The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. This message takes a look at what a "real," biblical Christian looks like and does.

* Explain how the meanings of many words have changed over time (i.e., spam; cell; wicked; awful; etc.) * How the meaning of "Christian" has changed: today there are many "types" of Christians (i.e., active/inactive; marginal; radical; involved/uninvolved; secret; casual; etc.) * The most ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

Why God Cannot Be Defeated Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 17, 2011

Acts 12 records another attempt of Satan to defeat God and his plan for the church. However, God cannot be defeated. This sermon explains why.

* Concept of being undefeated: a rare occurrence - Only 1 NFL team; 7 NCAA basketball teams; no NBA or MLB teams * Being undefeated symbolizes that no one was able to be better, play harder, or accomplish more * It's practically impossible to always be undefeated: the longer you play, the less ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

What A Biblical Church Looks Like Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 17, 2011

The church in Antioch was filled with "real" Christians and shows us what a biblical church looks like.

* The book of Acts holds up a mirror to our church today so we can get an accurate picture of how well we are functioning as a biblical church. * Many outward things about the church has changed in 2000 years, but what the church is and what we are to do has not...nor will it ever. * Yet a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus, According To Paul Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Aug 4, 2011

This sermon explores the Apostle Paul's understanding of the person of Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION * Paul’s life before Christ and after Christ - from persecuting the church to planting churches - from arresting Christians physically to arresting unbelievers spiritually - from hindering the work of Christ to hindering the work of Satan - from being openly opposed to Christ to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:13-41

Denomination: Baptist

Are You A Spectator Or A Participant? Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Aug 4, 2011

This sermon focuses on whether believers will simply watch others accomplish God's mission or if they will actually take part in accomplishing the mission of God

INTRODUCTION * Difference between a spectator and a participant: - Spectator doesn’t understand all that’s involved in the game = participant does - Spectator doesn’t understand the true goal = participant does - Spectator falsely believes that he can make a different in the game ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:42-52

Denomination: Baptist

The Gospel Or Bust

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Aug 4, 2011

This sermon explains several qualities that are required if a believer is going to have "The Gospel or Bust" attitude

INTRODUCTION * Midwest, 1930s = livelihood of farmers became almost non-existent; many set out on Route 66 for California with the phrase “California or Bust” written on signs attached to trucks * The phase “or bust” has continued to be used by people in different contexts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Energizes Christians!

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Apr 23, 2012

Easter Energizes Christians to courageously proclaim Christ, pray to him and live for him. Unlike today's energy drinks that eventually wear off, discover how Easter provides a continual source of energy for Christians. Based on Acts 12:1-19

Have you noticed the number of so-called “energy drinks” that are on the market these days? Some have some pretty interesting names like, “Full Throttle”, “Red Bull”, “Monster”. Their purpose is rather self-explanatory. They are supposed to be able ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Are You A Horseleach? Series

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on May 26, 2012

Thou shalt not covet

Coveting is the opposite of contentment. Christians should be the most contented people on earth! Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Are you content or are you a ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:17

Call Of Duty

Contributed by Jonathan Howes on Sep 28, 2011

How to be a good soldier of Christ

WHAT ARE YOU FIGHTING FOR? Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 WHAT LASTS FOR ALL ETERNITY? 1. The word of God 2. The souls of men, women ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Raising Kids That Become Champions

Contributed by Jonathan Howes on Sep 28, 2011

Avoid mistakes and learn the three qualities of children who are champions for Jesus.

“So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Law Verses Grace Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This sermon examines Paul's teaching on the law and grace

INTRODUCTION * Text = a clash between those who want to strictly follow what they feel is the Law and those who want to abandon that Law and cling to God’s grace regarding salvation - the Covenant of Circumcision (Gen. 17) and Passover requirements (Ex. 12:48-49) * Some believed that the new ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Job Description Of A Life-Changer Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message we'll examine the characteristics of the person God uses to change the lives of others

INTRODUCTION * Purpose of a job description: describes responsibilities and expected actions of a person in a particular job setting...mostly imperative * A job description often defines a person - “What do you do?” - We do what we do because of who we are * The job description of every ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Change Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

What kind of change occurs in a person's heart when they accept Christ as Savior?

INTRODUCTION * A subject often found in Acts: change - Christ changes the heart and status of a person before God, resulting in... - Christ calling the church and believers to change their culture with the Gospel * Focus is often on outward change because it’s visible: the presence of Christ ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

Three Gifts You Won't Find Under The Tree Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message we get an overview of the gifts that God can give us that we won't find anywhere else in the world.

INTRODUCTION * Introductory message to Christmas series * Explain excitement about gifts on Christmas morning * The best gift-giver is God, but his gifts aren’t found under a tree; we can experience them because of events that took place on the cross and because of the empty tomb * Overview ...read more

Scripture: James 1:17

Denomination: Baptist