Sermons on Russ Lawson:

The Prodigal Son Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 24, 2019

What does it mean to be lost?

The Prodigal Son Luke 15 Lost. Being lost is no fun. I remember when I was a small child, wandered away; ended up in a industrial field with lots of deep holes dug; walking on a 12” wide path between; lost track of time; when I headed home, met by a group of kids: my mom had whole ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Mustard Seed Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 24, 2019

“If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, go jump in the ocean, and it would. His point is that it’s not the size of your faith that makes a difference; it’s the size of your God that makes a difference.

Mustard Seed (Luke 13:18-19) Jesus came preaching one message: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near!” Then He backed it up with 31 separate and distinct stories that gave us snapshots of what the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven is like. We call these parables: para ballo stories ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Wheat And Tares Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 25, 2019

In ancient Mediterranean world feuding marked the social landscape of the first-century. Being born into a family, a person inherited a set of friends and enemies. The scenario of continued/mutual presence of weeds/wheat left alone until harvest-time mentions the man’s enemy without explanation.

The Wheat and Tares Matthew 13:24-30 What can we learn from this Parable/Story of Jesus? We must be Perceptive vv.24-28 We have an enemy: Satan His one goal is to oppose God, the people of God and the things of God with all his might. He is powerful Jude 9; James 4:7 He has ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

Identity Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 18, 2019

Understanding and accepting who we are in Christ is foundational to the life of abundance Jesus claimed to grant us.

At the Movies: Identity Understanding and accepting who we are in Christ is foundational to the life of abundance Jesus claimed to grant us. Identity attributes of the Christ-follower: 1. We are favored v.3 2. We are chosen v.4 3. We are adopted vv.5-6 4. We are redeemed v.7-8 5. We are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Saved By Grace! Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Aug 26, 2015

We are saved by grace.

August 23, 2015 Church Planting Saved by Grace! Acts 15:1-11 Opening words: I love this story. A young Billy Graham was driving through a small southern town, when he was pulled over by a policeman and charged with speeding. Graham admitted his guilt, but was told by the officer that he would ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-11

Denomination: Methodist

The Decision For A New Life Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Sep 24, 2015

The choice is ours. Are we going to live making ourselves the center of our universe or are we going to live for God?

September 20, 2015 6 Choices The Decision for a New Life John 3:1-15 Opening words: According to some, the average person makes more than 35,000 decisions in a single day. Most of them are rather simple: where to sit, what to eat at the next meal, what lane to drive in, should I have another cup ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Methodist

Ward Cleaver's Curse Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jun 24, 2015

There are no perfect fathers.

June 21, 2015 Father’s Day 2015 Genesis 37:1-4 Ward Cleaver’s Curse Opening words: Last month I told you Mother’s Day was big business. According to the Chicago Tribune, the average American spent $172.63 on their mother this year. That is up $10 from last year. That means ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

Runnin' With The Devil Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jun 30, 2015

The Devil has put many things in our lives that distract us from hearing the word of God.

June 28, 2015 Church Planting Runnin’ with the Devil Acts 13:4-12 Opening words: At the very heart of this morning’s scripture lesson is a very complex topic, the Devil. Did you know, in the Bible, the Devil is called by 42 different names? Those names are interchangeable. In this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:4-12, Acts 11:1-23

Denomination: Methodist

Land Of The Free Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 8, 2015

In America we have freedom of choice, speech and religion

July 5, 2015 Independence Day 2015 Land of the Free Galatians 5:1-6 Opening words: This is the history of Independence Day. In June of 1776, a Virginian by the name of Richard Henry Lee proposed an American independence from England. The idea kept gaining support until the Second Continental ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

My Addiction Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 21, 2015

Preaching has taken over my life!

July 12, 2015 Church Planting My Addiction Acts 13:13-15 Opening words: I love this story. There was a pastor who never prepared his sermons in advance. His name was Ralph. Every Sunday morning he'd sit on the platform while the church was singing the hymns, desperately praying, "Lord, give me ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:13-15

Denomination: Methodist

Follow Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

The essence of the Christian life is following Jesus and results in a kingdom focus

August 18 Follow Acts 1:6-8 Fan: enthusiastic admirer Luke 9:57-62 A fan will follow when it’s comfortable A fan will follow when it’s convenient A fan will follow if it doesn’t cost much A true follower: 1. Is empowered by the Spirit. Acts 1:8a Titus 3:5; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Influence Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

A life surrendered to Jesus is a life that influences for Jesus

August 25 Influence Acts 3:1-10 A life that is surrendered to Jesus is a life that makes an impact for Jesus. Making an impakt for Jesus is: 1. As you go v.1 “where I live, work, and play.” 2. As you look for needs. vv.2-4 Most people are filled with fear and despair. 3. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Connect Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

A life that makes an impact for Jesus is a life that is connected to other believers

September 8 Connect Acts 4:32-35 Follow Influence Connect 1. A common purpose. v.32 2. A common story v.33 Grace (charis): the favor of God 3. And uncommon act. vv.34-35 Opening illustration, Band of Brothers It’s amazing what humans will do, what they ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:32-35

Denomination: Baptist

Leave Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

For some, following Jesus means to go into cross-cultural missions

September 22 Leave Acts 8:26-40 Going is a part of following. If we say we love Jesus, then we must have on our hearts what God has on His heart, and God has the world on His heart. Follow Influence Connect Go What is God’s word for us today? 1. Remember that going is a part ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

The Operating System Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Marriages work best when they operate by God’s design

1/26 The Operating System Genesis 1-3 What’s the operating system for marriage? Basic Setup #1: The nature and role of a man is to initiate Genesis 2:7; 15-18 Priority of Primacy: the first has priority and authority Ephesians 5:22-23; 25 First, place this in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist