Sermons on Jonathan:

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

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

Doing The Impossible Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 6, 2011

This sermon explains how the disciples (and the church today) were able to do a seemingly impossible task: taking the Gospel to the world

* Assignment from Acts 1:8 is impossible in Acts 1 because the disciples have no spiritual power to help them * Explain Holy Spirit’s role, pre-Acts 2 (came upon isolated individuals or small groups for a specific purpose or on a special occasion) * Disciples know the facts about Jesus but lack the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Divine Dynamite Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 7, 2011

This is a sermon on the power of God (divine dynamite) and what it can do

* Dynamite = power // Divine Dynamite = power of God * What we mean when we say we need to "live in the power of God" or we need to have the power of God: the ability to act in a situation so as to produce an effect or to exercise authority over something or someone * Living in God’s power means ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:22-41

Denomination: Baptist