Sermons on Jonathan Morris:

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

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

The Purpose Driven God Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

This message looks at how God's purposes will not be thwarted

INTRODUCTION * God’s purpose, plan, will, etc., is mysterious, but important - God has a purpose for each person, a plan for every person’s life - God has a specific desire in what he wants to accomplish in your life * The question is not if God has a plan for our lives, but (1) do I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

An Acts 29 Church Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Oct 19, 2011

The church today is called to be an Acts 29 church. This message reveals what is required to continue the ministry and mission of the church in Acts,

INTRODUCTION * WE are Acts 29: we are living in the unfinished chapter of the church’s ministry * Our journey through Acts saw the church’s beginning, success, and some failures * Acts ends with Paul under house arrest and using that house as a base of operation as he shares the Gospel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Have No Fear, God Is Near

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

This sermon examines the fear that we encounter in life, and how we can overcome it, knowing that God is with us

INTRODUCTION * Fear: the natural feeling of alarm caused by the expectation of imminent danger, pain or disaster * Fear is common and widespread: over 500 documented phobias (and some are pretty funny) - cacophobia: the fear of ugliness - dentophobia: the fear of dentists - gynophobia: the fear of ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Reaches Out To Sinners Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

This message examines the shocking action of Jesus, when he reached out to Zacchaeus. Application is made to today, noting that Jesus still reaches out to sinners today.

INTRODUCTION TO SERIES * The “Most-Shocking” video genre (i.e., Top 20 Most Shocking Boozers and Losers; Most Shocking Fights and Wild Riots; etc.) * A different kind of “most-shocking” action: the life and ministry of Jesus Christ - Christ did things that shocked those who ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Forgives Sinners Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

This message looks at the shocking action of Jesus, in which he offers forgiveness for sins

INTRODUCTION * A Savior’s Most-Shocking Actions series: things Jesus did while on earth that were shocking to those around him at that time - things he did/said went against what many thought - his claims and actions were so shocking they eventually led to his death * Those moments are still ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Dies For The Sins Of The World Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

This sermon looks at the shocking action of Jesus, as he offers his life as the payment for sin

INTRODUCTION * Current series (message 3 of 4): A Savior’s Most-Shocking Actions (things Jesus said and did that his enemies used against him) * Previous actions: (1) Jesus reaches out to sinners [Zacchaeus]; (2) Jesus forgives sinners [paralytic] * Today: the shocking moment in which Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-56

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Rises From The Dead Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

The most-shocking action of Jesus was his resurrection from the dead. This message examines the implications of his resurrection, and the impact he can have in our lives today.

INTRODUCTION * Series, “A Savior’s Most-Shocking Actions” / previous actions: reaches out to sinners; offers forgiveness to sinners; dies for sinners * A dead Savior doesn’t do anyone any good; for Christ’s death to be powerful today, he must do something that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Living Like An Alien

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Nov 1, 2011

Using Judah in the Old Testament as an example, this message explains how God's people are to live as "aliens" in this world while we await the return of Christ and eternity in our true, eternal kingdom.

INTRODUCTION * A hot topic in politics: illegal immigration = “aliens” - a resident born in or belonging to another country - a foreigner; unlike one’s own / strange or difference * We, as God’s people, are aliens in a spiritual sense (not new: the people of God in the OT ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-14

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