Sermons on Jonathan Morris:

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

Bethel: Where The Prophet Was Told To Leave Town!

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 3, 2020

Many things happened at Bethel, including this visit from one of God's true prophets who came face to face with the priest of that city. God's prophet preached--but what happened afterwards?

Introduction: God’s prophets seldom if ever had an easy time of it. Consider Nathan, who had the duty to inform David that what he had done with Bathsheba was sin. David was king and could have said only one word and the result would have been one less prophet! David’s own great-great-grandson Asa ...read more

Scripture: Amos 7:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Back To Bethel, Part 2

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 5, 2020

Jacob had returned to Bethel before he settled Canaan with his family. Many years later, his descendants were carried away captive and foreigners were brought in to settle some of the cities. One of these was Bethel. What happened to this second group of people at Bethel?

Introduction: This is the second message in a two-part series on the theme, “Back to Bethel”. The first message was based on Jacob’s return to Bethel, in Genesis 35, and how he led his family to get right with God. This message displays the other side of that concept, namely, a much different “back ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 17:24-28

Denomination: Baptist

Take A Walk With Jesus Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

What an afternoon! Walking with Jesus! They were ready to give up and walk away, but as they walked with Jesus he led them to understand how good it was to walk WITH Jesus. How about you?

“Walking is good for you.” My doctor regularly reminds me of that during my routine physicals when we talk about exercise. “Walking is good for you.” My wife regularly reminds of that as she asks if I have time to take a walk with her. Both my doctor and my wife are right. Walking is good for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Lutheran

What Would You Do? Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

What would you do if Jesus suddenly appeared standing there in the flesh in front of you? What did Jesus' disciples do? What did they think Jesus might do? Jesus appears to bring peace like only he can.

If Jesus were to suddenly, without warning, appear in church this morning, what would you do? What would you say? We would probably begin with a bit of skepticism. “Is this really Jesus, THE Jesus that we’ve heard so much about?” You might wonder if your eyes were deceiving you, if this was ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Lutheran

John 20:24-31 Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

I just can't believe it! Ever said that? That was a common response by those to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection and it's still a rather common response by many today. Don't be surprised! Be ready!

“I can’t believe it!” Something extraordinary, something unusual, something unexpected happens and we exclaim, “I can’t believe it!” “I can’t believe its snowing…again!” “I can’t believe they actually won the game!” “I can’t believe I passed the test.” “I can’t believe I got the job!” “I ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Lutheran

A Miraculous Catch & Loving Conversation Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

Have you ever had the feeling that someone was about to deliver some bad news? What must have the disciples thought when Jesus showed up to eat breakfast with them? They again saw the heart of their Good Shepherd.

Do you ever have the feeling that someone is about to deliver some bad news to you? Your teenager comes and tells you how great of a parent you are, and you can’t help but wonder, “What did you do? What do you need? How much is this going to cost me?” Your boss calls you into the office, begins ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The End Of The Story? Series

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

Why did Jesus appear to his disciples after his resurrection? It was so much more than just to prove he was alive. It was to prepare his disciples for the time when they would need to let him go. Are you ready to let go?

It’s the first day of school. You watch as children are being dropped off by their parents. You look over at the kindergarten classroom and find parents with children clutched to their legs. More than a few tears are being shed by both children and parents. You hear a parent saying to their ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-4, John 14:25-29

Denomination: Lutheran

The End Of The Story?

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Jun 4, 2019

What happened next? While some people might view Jesus' ascension as the end of the story, we're not left wondering what happened next. Jesus' ascension assures of him giving powerful gifts to his poeple.

What happened next? You get to the end of the movie or the end of the book, and you might be left wondering, “So what happened after they rode off into the sunset? Where did they go the next day? What did their kids grow up to be?” Some of that anticipation might be intentional as the writer or ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:16-23

Denomination: Lutheran

"Lord, I Believe”: A Concerned Father Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jun 2, 2020

His son had a severe problem. The disciples of Jesus couldn't cast out a demon who was living inside a boy. Then Jesus came by and promptly made everything right.

Introduction: Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, had just come down from the Mount of Transfiguration (verses 1-13). This is one of the most wonderful events ever recorded in the Bible: seeing the Lord Jesus Christ “transfigured” before them, and speaking with both Moses and Elijah. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29, John 6:25-27, Luke 10:17, Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Baptist