Sermons on Jonathan Morris:

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

The Gift Of The Spirit Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message focuses on the gift of the Holy Spirit

INTRODUCTION * “Gifts You Won’t Find Under the Tree” series = these gifts are unique because of their source; take away God and you have no opportunity to receive the gifts * Today: the gift of the Holy Spirit - To understand the gift of the Spirit we must first understand the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:13

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Satisfaction Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message examines the gift of satisfaction that God gives his children

INTRODUCTION * “Gifts You Won’t Find Under the Tree” series * Rolling Stones hit, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” * Satisfaction is something that all desire, but few really achieve * From a Christianity Today article written by Carolyn Arends (Dec. 2010): ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Gift Of Salvation Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message looks at the greatest gift Christ can give us: salvation

INTRODUCTION * “Gifts You Won’t Find Under the Tree* * The gift of salvation is unique because of its source: God himself * Salvation is the greatest of all gifts: it is the greatest theme in Scripture (both OT and NT) * Salvation is referred to as a gift for many reasons: our text ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What God Does With Pain Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message the "stages" of experiencing pain are examined, with the goal of God using our pain to point others to him

INTRODUCTION * God’s sovereignty: he is in control of all; clearest demonstration of God’s sovereignty is making good come out of bad * How God demonstrated this in Scripture: - Joseph’s life (innocence - sold into servitude - rises in power in Egypt - incident with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's European Tour Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message looks at the lessons we can learn from Paul's teaching as he traveled throughout Europe with the Gospel message

INTRODUCTION * Progression in the book of Acts: - started with a group of men, given a challenge by Christ to take the message of Christ to all the world - these and faithful to share that message, as were those they shared it with; a successive chain of evangelism - the growth/flourish of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Getting To Know God Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This sermon focuses on how Paul revealed God's heart and desire at Athens

INTRODUCTION * To know God biblically means to know him as the Bible reveals him, not as we imagine him or as someone portrays him * The importance of knowing God biblically: Proverbs 9:10 = knowing God helps us understand life better than if we do not know him biblically * The paradox of knowing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Baptist

Moving To Commitment Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message a contrast is drawn between involvement and commitment. Special attention is given to the need for commitment to be a part of God's plan.

INTRODUCTION * Difference between involvement and commitment - involvement = to include as a condition; to engage or employ; to include - commitment = to give in trust; to pledge oneself to a position; to bind or obligate - involvement is partial; commitment is total - involvement means I take part ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:18-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Original X-Games Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message explores the extreme and radical commitment required of believers to accomplish God's will

INTRODUCTION * X-Games / Extreme Sports: term for certain activities perceived as having a high level of inherent danger and that are counter-cultural (give examples...) * The need for “extreme” with the Gospel - high level of danger involved: both for the carrier and the receiver ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-41

Denomination: Baptist

How To Leave A Legacy Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

In this message the example of Paul is used to show us how we can leave a legacy of faith to those who come behind us

INTRODUCTION * Think of the people who’ve made a lasting impact on your life (i.e., grandparent, teacher, close friend, etc.) * Why we remember them: they made a significant impression upon us and did something that changed our lives - they left a legacy * We’re always thankful for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

Courageous Commitment Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 13, 2011

This message focuses on the need for believers to have courageous commitment as they follow God in this world

INTRODUCTION * Those God has used to accomplish his will and extend his mission are people who had courageous commitment - commitment = completely dedicated to the task at hand - courageous = complete the task regardless of the threat they experience * Some examples of courageous commitment: - ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do With Your Words Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

This message examines the power that our words can have

INTRODUCTION * Over 600,000 words in the English language: average person uses 20,000 * The power of words... - “A word from the mouth is like a stone from a sling.” (African proverb) - “A word once uttered can never be recalled.” (Horace, Italian poet) - “Colors fade, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When Your Back Is Against The Wall Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

This message looks at several instances when Paul's back was against the wall, noting what he did to push through the adversity to continue God's mission for his life

INTRODUCTION * Paul has faced opposition from the moment he placed faith in Christ (at first from believers who were skeptical, then from unbelievers) * Agabus’ prediction (21:10-11); Paul’s response (21:13) * Paul understood what it meant to have his “back against the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Handle The Storm Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

Using the physical and literal storm Paul faced on his way to Rome, this message gives insight into how we can handle the "storms of life" that come our way

INTRODUCTION * Paul, the main figure in the past 14 chapters of Acts, has faced much adversity, but has realized all that God has done for him during that time * One of Satan’s goals from the beginning of the church has been to oppose it in such a way as to try to stop it (Acts 1 = the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-44

Denomination: Baptist