Sermons on Jonathan:

How The World Was Won Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 13, 2011

By studying how the church in Acts won so many souls the church today can learn how to be faithful and fruitful in our mission.

* The primary task of the church must be to carry on the work that Christ began. * His work = Luke 19:10 * Of all the "work" the church does, evangelism (reaching the world with the gospel) is the only duty of the church that cannot be better done in heaven! * The church in Acts understood their ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 13, 2011

The early church’s response to an internal problem teaches the contemporary church some valuable lessons.

* The dramatic growth of the early church: last count (4:4) around 5,000 men (probably around 20,000 total) * Such growth led to a “good” problem: many more needed to be ministered to than there were people to minister * The 12 did not have the ability to both effectively deliver the Word and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The First Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 14, 2011

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, teaches us how we can be prepared to live and die for Christ.

* Our culture’s love of records and stats (i.e., longest hitting streak; first to land on moon; etc.) * Our culture’s love of “firsts” = they set the standard and give an example to everyone who will ever follow them * Stephen’s role as one among those who did something first...the first Christian ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Persecuted Church Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

(Preached on July 4th): This message focuses on the first church-wide persecution in Acts. Attention is given to the implications the Gospel has for believers as members of both God's kingdom and a country.

* The difficulty in approaching a July 4th message: - We sometimes "read" America into Scripture when we shouldn't - Bible doesn't reference America as a country of predict the events of July, 1776 * If we're not careful, we end up using today to exalt a nation instead of Christ - We do not worship ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Is Worthless Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

This sermon examines the worthless faith of Simon. It explains why his faith was worthless and how we can avoid a worthless faith today.

* Popular notion: "As long as you believe something you'll be okay before God." * It is possible to believe in the wrong person or to believe the wrong thing. * When this occurs, faith becomes worthless; when what or who we have faith in is not correct * Examples of worthless faith... - People of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

When God Speaks Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

In this text, Philip gives us an example of how we, as the people of God, should interact with God when he speaks to us today.

* The power of words (use examples of powerful words) * The power of God's words ("God said" is used over 1000 times in Scripture) - Creation: "And God said" -- "and it was so" - Jesus raised the dead when he spoke - Jesus calmed the sea when he spoke - Jesus drove out evil spirits and healed the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40, Acts 8:26-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

The Greatest Story Ever Written

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Oct 14, 2008

Charles Dickens described the parable of the prodigal son as "the greatest story ever written". This sermon takes a fresh look at this familiar story.

1. THE SON’S REQUEST "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me" (v.11) This was a shameful request. He was asking for his inheritance. Only the oldest son had the right to make this request. In effect, he was saying “I wish you were dead”. In Middle Eastern culture, such a son would ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-24