Sermons on Jonathan Barnes:

An Outline Of Acts 7 (Expanded Version)

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 24, 2021

This chapter contains Stephen's reply to the high priest and others who charged and questioned him (see chapter 6). Even though Stephen was martyred for his faith, his testimony still lives on.

Introduction: Acts 7 begins with a question from the High Priest to Stephen, one of the original seven men sometimes called deacons. The rest of the chapter contains Stephen’s review of Israel’s history and his reply to the charge/s against him (see Acts 6) and the response of those who heard him. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline Of Acts 8:1-25

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 4, 2021

The first section of Acts 8 describes briefly the persecution against the Church after Stephen's death and the results of Philip's ministry to a city in Samaria. This outline covers some of what he did there.

Introduction: Acts 8 contains two events in the life of Philip, most likely another one of the original seven men called deacons. This first section relates how believers were “scattered abroad” after the death of Stephen (see Acts 7) and how Philip went to two very different places. Prologue: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline Of Acts 8:26-40

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 9, 2021

Philip had been preaching in Samaria, seeing the Lord do wonderful things. Now he receives a message to go somewhere else. He didn't know why, but God did.

Introduction: One disciple met one man on a deserted road. What happened after the disciple shared the gospel with the other man? The disciple, Philip Text, Acts 8:26, KJV: 26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This!

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 5, 2021

Everyone has times when they think "it can't get any better than this" and "it can't get any worse". Several examples of good things and bad things are examined, plus there's a word of encouragement at the end.

Edited from a sermon preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO Not an exact transcription. Introduction: How many of us can remember a time when we thought, “It doesn’t get any better than this?” I can think of a couple. One such instance happened back in the early 90’s when I was in the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-32

Denomination: Baptist

Jeremiah’s Unusual Purchases: A Linen Waistband Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Oct 11, 2021

It was just a linen "girdle" or waistband which Jeremiah purchased new, at the Lord's command. What happened to that waistband after Jeremiah bought it?

Introduction: Jeremiah was a prophet as well as a priest. During his ministry, God told him to make at least three unusual purchases. The first such purchase was a linen waistband (“girdle” in the KJV) and it served as an object lesson. 1 The command to purchase the waistband (girdle) Text: ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 13:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Paul’s Version Of The Christmas Story Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 15, 2020

Sometimes it isn't easy to explain the Christmas story, or the reason why Jesus was born into this world. For a good number of people in Galatia, they didn't understand so Paul was led to explain it to them.

Introduction: many of us are familiar with the stories of Jesus’ birth, as recorded in Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels. Paul seemed to know the story, too, but he never seemed to say much about it in his messages or his letters. He did explain the story to the Galatian believers, though, and this ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:1-5, Micah 5:2

Denomination: Baptist

People Of The First Christmas-Mary Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 19, 2020

Mary was a young Jewish virgin who received the surprise of her life one day! The angel Gabriel appeared to her and explained that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Messiah! What happened then?

Introduction: the first Christmas was important to many people, three in particular. Besides Baby Jesus Himself, there were Mary, His mother after the flesh; and Joseph, chosen by God to be the foster father of the Son of God (what a challenge!). This message focuses on Mary first, because there is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 1:39-56, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

People Of The First Christmas-Joseph Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 23, 2020

Joseph is really the unsung hero of the Christmas story. He did have a crucial role to play, and best of all, he obeyed God when he was told to do something. Joseph, we salute you!

Introduction: Joseph, the husband of Mary, could be called the unsung hero of the Christmas story. He was a just or righteous man, he obeyed the instructions he received from God, and he also obeyed the command or decree from the Roman emperor when he was told he had to go to Bethlehem, home of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:21-24, Micah 5:2, Hosea 11:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

People Of The First Christmas-The Magi Or Wise Men Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 29, 2020

Even though the Magi or "wise men" have had a Christmas carol or two (or more) written about them, they're only mentioned in one paragraph of Matthew's Gospel. They came from a far distance, worshiped the Christ Child, and then went back home, never to be heard from again.

Introduction: the shepherds of Bethlehem were the only recorded visitors to go see Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus on the night He was born. Sometime later, Matthew recorded that “wise men (KJV)” or magi (several other translations) came to Jerusalem. The purpose of their visit was to worship the One ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-8, Micah 5:2

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham—the Journey Begins Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 1, 2021

Abraham' first appears in Scripture as Abram, son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldees. He received a message from the LORD and obeyed Him. His journey from Ur to Canaan wasn't the end of the journey!

Introduction: One of the most important human figures in the entire Bible is Abraham. We know more of his later years than his early years, but even so, his story is fascinating. He had no written copies of the Scriptures, as far as we know, but he had faith and for him that was enough. These ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham-The First Test Of His Faith Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 4, 2021

Abram had obeyed God and moved his household to the land of Canaan. While there, he experienced the first severe test of his new faith. How did he respond to this challenge?

Introduction: Abram had left Ur of the Chaldees and was now living in the land of Canaan. He had settled, at least for the time being, south of Bethel and Ai. The exact location is not given in the text. When a real problem came, Abram experienced his first significant test of faith. How would he ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham: When He Rescued His Nephew, Lot Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 6, 2021

Lot and Abram, plus their respective households, separated from one another. Lot and his group chose to settle near Sodom. War broke out and Lot was captured. Abram came and rescued him!

Introduction: After Abram and his household were ordered to leave Egypt, they returned to Canaan. Genesis 13 describes how Abram and Lot both realized there wasn’t enough room (and probably food) for both of them to live together. Abram gave Lot the first choice and said that he would go in the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham- No Child, No Problem--Or So They Thought Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 13, 2021

The LORD had promised Abram and Sarai a child. After ten additional years, and no child, they decided to help God out. The results weren't exactly what they expected.

Introduction: Genesis 15 has the story where Abram asked God a question after God had told him, “I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward (Gen. 15:1, paraphrased). Abram’s question was “What will You give me? I’m childless, and the only heir I have is Eliezer of Damascus (Gen 15:2, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 16:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham: Good News And Good Laughs? Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 18, 2021

Abraham saw three Visitors near his tent. How he, Sarah, and the Visitors interacted makes for a very interesting story. One of these Visitors had a special message for Abraham and for Sarah.

Introduction: Genesis 17 describes two events in Abram’s life which took place after Ishamel was born. First, God appeared to him and revealed another of His Names as “the Almighty God” or “El Shaddai”. Then, God established a covenant (firm and binding contract) with Abram, God changed Abram’s ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Abraham: Same Lie, Different Country Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 22, 2021

Abraham and his household moved to another area. What happened when they met this new king looks very similar to something they had tried many years before. It didn't work in this new location, either.

Introduction: After the events of Genesis 19, Abraham left Mamre/Hebron and journeyed southwest towards the Mediterranean Sea. He entered the land of the Philistines and settled at Gerar, between Kadesh and Shur. While there, he told the same lie about Sarah; only to a different king (compare this ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist