Sermons on Jonathan:

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

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

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