Sermons on Russ Lawson:

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

It's A Worthy Race Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 4, 2018

If you’re a Christ-follower, God has called you to be a runner. Are you running? If you’re a Christ-follower, God has called you to be a runner. Did you know that? And Are you running the race well?

It’s a worthy race. Hebrews 12:1-3 Story of someone who was running for their or someone’s life… Hebrews 12:1-3 Are you a runner? I ran track and cross country in high school. When I got out of college and moved to Houston to work for Shell, I began to run to maintain my health and weight. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Challenging Race Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 9, 2018

1. We are called to action 2. Our action must be decisive. 3. We must decide to release ALL distractions.

“It’s A Challenging Race.” v.1b 1. We are called to action 2. Our action must be decisive. 3. We must decide to release ALL distractions. Opening Illustration (video of runner tripping in tape from 00:02-00:51 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMlxxNRQRro ) Turn to Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Lengthy Race Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 30, 2018

So how do you garner and foster endurance? Endurance is built by repetition, Endurance is increased by pushing our limits, Endurance is fueled by our commitment to finish strong.

It’s a lengthy race. Hebrews 12:1-3 So how do you garner and foster endurance? 1. Endurance is built by repetition 2. Endurance is increased by pushing our limits Man’s extremities are God’s opportunities. 3. Endurance is fueled by our commitment to finish strong “For you ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

It's A Rewarding Race Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 30, 2018

Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus Means: Jesus is our source, Jesus is our inspiration, Jesus is our hope.

It’s a Rewarding Race Hebrews 12:1-3 race(a???a/agona): root word for agony or agonize. endurance (upomone/hupomone): mone—to remain; hupo—under; to remain under; not squirt out; not quit. keeping (?f????te?/aphorontes): to look away from all else Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Genuine Faith Sees People The Way God Does Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 20, 2018


If we see people the way God sees people: We won’t discriminate based on externals. Look at the marginalized with compassion. Treat others with the same mercy we desire

Genuine Faith sees people the way God does 2:1-13 “What we do is what we actually believe…everything else is just talk. ?If we see people the way God sees people: 1. We won’t discriminate based on externals. 2:1-4 ? 2. Look at the marginalized with compassion. 2:5-7 3. Treat ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Genuine Faith Is Vibrant Faith Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 26, 2018

Many demonstrate their genuine faith daily. Many demonstrate their genuine faith daily. Many do not have genuine faith and are lost. Genuine faith: not just believing that these facts are true, but that they’re true for YOU!

Genuine Faith is vibrant Faith 2:14-26 1. Many here today demonstrate their genuine faith daily. ? 2. Many here today DO have genuine faith but are living a lie ? Trademarks of a carnal person: ? Protracted Infancy: Scant Spiritual Victory: Lack of Connection to Spiritual ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Passion Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 7, 2019

The stronger the passion, the greater pain and discomfort you are willing to endure to attain it. What does this promise of restoration depend on?

Passion Jeremiah 29:10-14 The stronger the passion, the greater pain and discomfort you are willing to endure to attain it. What does this promise of restoration depend on? 1. A passion for God that begins with honesty v.12 2. A passion for God that is grounded in faith v.12 God ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Redemption Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 14, 2019

Redemption begins with genuine confession. Redemption requires that we recognize our need and by faith call out for mercy. Redemption begins to restore healing and hope.

At the Movies. Redemption Psalms 51 1. Redemption begins with genuine confession. vv.1-5 2. Redemption requires that we recognize our need and by faith call out for mercy. vv.6-9 3. Redemption begins to restore healing and hope. vv:10-13 One of the great stories of all time is the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed When You Do This

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 28, 2019

He loved them to the end; there was nothing He would not do; His great act of love would nail Him to a cross. He didn’t have to…but that’s why He came. It was promised to Abraham…I will bless… all the peoples on earth will be blessed thru your offspring.

Blessed When You Do This John 13:1-17 Read John 13:1-11 He loved them to the end; there was nothing He would not do; His great act of love would nail Him to a cross. He didn’t have to…but that’s why He came. It was promised to Abraham…I will bless… all the peoples on earth will be blessed thru ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Healthy Christ-Follower

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Dec 16, 2018

The Healthy Christ-follower Cycle: Engage with the gospel. Connect to disciple-making community. Invest in God’s Kingdom. Gather together in worship

The Healthy Christ-follower Acts 2:43-47 The Healthy Christ-follower Cycle: Engage with the gospel. V.47 Connect to disciple-making community. Vv.44, 46 Invest in God’s Kingdom. V.45 Gather together in worship v.46 This past November, our family drove to Galveston and got on a 4 day ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47

Denomination: Baptist

Intentional Parenting Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Dec 19, 2018

The Intentional Parent: Sets boundaries, Corrects purposefully, Invest wisely, Live honorably

This is us: Intentional Parenting. Ephesians 6:1-4 The Intentional Parent: 1. Sets boundaries v.1 Boundaries help the child feel safe. Boundaries protect children from their own foolishness. Boundaries limit narcissism and entitlement. Boundaries help your child develop ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Supportive In Grief Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jan 22, 2019

So how do we become strong in the broken places? 1. Look to God who cares for me. I can run to God in worship. God is worthy of our worship. 2. Seek to offer compassion to others 3. Continue to hope in the God of all comfort

This is us: Supportive in Grief 2 Corinthians 1:1-8 comfort: more than just soothing or sympathy, but also to strengthen, help and encouragement. So how do we become strong in the broken places? 1. Look to God who cares for me. vv.3 I can run to God in worship. v.3 God is worthy of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist