Sermons on Jonathan:

Before Optimus Prime... Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

This message looks at the lessons we can learn from the conversion of Saul.

* "Transformers" = "more than meets the eye" * Concept of transformation: a complete change; to change into another form (inward and outward) which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct * 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18 * The man who wrote more about ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be A Servant Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

Peter's example in this text reveals to us some qualities of who a servant is and what a servant does.

* Concept of serving others and God is woven throughout Scripture * Why serving others/God is important: - It's commanded (Gal. 5:13) - Service to God is linked to worship (Matt. 4:10) - When we serve others, we are actually serving God (Matt. 25:40) - When we serve others, we follow Jesus' example ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:32-43

Denomination: Baptist

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

Burma Cyclone

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on May 19, 2008

A sermon preached in the aftermath of the terrible cyclone which struck Burma on Friday 2 May 2008.

INTRODUCTION Cyclone Nargis has claimed 80,000 lives. The final death toll is expected to be over 100,000. Two to three million are homeless. It is the worst disaster in Burma’s history, comparable with the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. One eyewitness described Burma as a “war zone”. Scripture doesn’t ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:18-22

Pray For Your Enemies Series

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on May 20, 2008

This message looks at Jesus’ first teaching on prayer. It is part of His great Sermon on the Mount.

TEXT “Pray for them which despitefully use you”. INTRODUCTION We will have enemies as we take our stand for Jesus. How should we respond? We should pray for them. Pray for those who have a spite against you. Pray for those who harass you. To do this is not natural, it is supernatural. Only with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:44

Smiling At The Storm

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 8, 2008

A message preached with the purpose of encouraging those believers who are gripped by fear.

1. CHRIST WAS ABOARD "Let us pass over unto the other side...he was in the ship" Don’t be afraid – "Fear not" occurs 197 times in scripture Trust when you are afraid – Psalm 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee". John Newton’s hymn - "With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm". ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

The Blood That Changed The Calendar

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 8, 2008

A sermon about the blood of the Passover lamb.

The blood of the lamb changed the calendar - Exodus 12:2 "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you". 1. THE BLOOD SHED "And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-13

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