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

Accepting The Challenge Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Feb 23, 2011

Will the church accept the challenge of Christ to share the Gospel to the ends of the earth?

"Accepting the Challenge" (Acts 1:1-11) INTRODUCTION Now that Christ was physically gone, he gave the disciples (and the church) their "job description." * Matthew 28:18-20 * Mark 16:15-16 * John 20:21 The perpetual message and challenge for believers is to go and transform the world. Challenge ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Kind Of Person God Uses To Transform The World Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Feb 23, 2011

What kind of person does God use to change his/her community with the Gospel?

INTRODUCTION * God has chosen to accomplish his task of redemption through the efforts of...YOU AND ME! * We have been appointed and chosen to change the world. John 15:16 1 Cor. 12:28 Eph. 4:11 * Before God can use us for this mission, we must become "usable." The kind of person God uses to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-26

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

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

We Preach Christ Crucified

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on May 27, 2008

The battle-cry of the early church.

1. PLURALITY "We". Notice that Paul didn’t say "I preach Christ crucified" but "We preach Christ crucified". He wasn’t the only one who preached the gospel. There were other faithful men like Silas, Luke, Timothy, Barnabas and Mark. Thank God for the many who are still preaching the true gospel ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:23

One To One Series

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Jun 2, 2008

A study on private prayer.

1. HYPOCRISY IS EXPOSED “when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men”. The word for “hypocrites” means an actor or showman. Jesus was most likely referring to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8