Sermons on Russ Lawson:

Abraham: When Faith Gives Way To Fear Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Apr 17, 2018

The life of Abraham and how his faith gave way to fear, but God does not give up on him. Our failure doesn't mean that God is finished with us.

Fail Forward?Abraham: When faith gives way to fear? Genesis 12:10-13:4 God’s call to Abraham. Genesis 12:1?God’s promises to Abraham. Genesis 12:2-3 Abraham’s faith resulted in obedience. Genesis 12:4 ?Abraham’s faith resulted in worship. Genesis 12:7-8??Abraham’s faith gave way to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Christmas: A Promise Fulfilled Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Nov 30, 2017

Christmas is the fulfillment of a promise God made long ago to bless the world. A promise of Hope, Joy, Victory & Unfolding.

This is Christmas: A promise fulfilled Isaiah 9:1-7 December 3, 2017 It’s a promise of hope v.2 It’s a promise of joy v.3 John 16:22 James 1:2-3 1 Peter 1:8-9 Romans 15:13 It’s a promise of victory vv.4-5 It’s a promise unfolding vv.6-9 Opening Illustration of someone ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Christmas: A Miraculous Birth Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Dec 11, 2017

3 misconceptions about Mary: She was sinless, The perpetual virginity, She as the co-redemptrix of humanity .Four angelic predictions about Jesus: He will be great, He would be called Son of the Most High, He will be given the Throne, His reign won't end.

A miraculous birth Luke 1:26-38 December 10, 2017 Three misconceptions about Mary: 1. Mary was sinless 2. The perpetual virginity of Mary 3. Mary as the co-redemptrix of humanity Four angelic predictions about Jesus: 1. He will be great v.32a 2. He would be called the Son of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Christmas: God With Us Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Dec 19, 2017

What does that mean, that God is with us? God is faithful, God is powerful, God is love, God is present.

December 17 God with us Matthew 1:18-25 What does that mean, that God is with us? 1. God is faithful Isaiah 41:10 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Isaiah 26:3 2. God is powerful 3. God is love “Let Him into the mire and muck of our world. For only if we let Him in can He pull us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

A Unique Story Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jan 15, 2018

Our story and God’s story are intertwined: 1. Our story begins with and revolves around God.2. Our story is designed by God.3. Our story is wrapped up in worship.

A Unique Story Genesis 1 & 2 Until you understand God’s story, you will be missing important pieces of the puzzle in your own life. Our story and God’s story are intertwined: 1. Our story begins with and revolves around God. Psalm 90:2 Genesis 1:1 God is Eternal: there has never been ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Messy Story Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jan 15, 2018

Every ounce of disease and death, both with our bodies and with our souls, is traced back to one single event: The Fall 1. Our story contains deception. 2. Our story contains disobedience. 3. Our story contains devastation and disappointment

A Messy Story Genesis 3 Every ounce of disease and death, both with our bodies and with our souls, is traced back to one single event: The Fall 1. Our story contains deception. Vv.1-5 Revelation 20:2 2. Our story contains disobedience v.6 Isaiah 53:6 3. Our story contains ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Victory Story Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jan 15, 2018

1. Victory now, Positional: occurs at salvation, Progressive: the process of growing in and becoming more like Jesus, Perfected: when we are in the literal presence of Christ, perfected and complete. 2. Victory forever

A Victory Story Selected Texts 1. Victory now sanctification (hagios): to make holy Positional: occurs at salvation 1 Peter 2:9 1 Corinthians 6:11 Progressive: the process of growing in and becoming more like Jesus Colossians 2:6-7 John 10:10 Titus 3:5-6 Ephesians 5:18 ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-7, Titus 3:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Quality Time: Stay A Little While Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jan 31, 2018

Quality time involves us: Being intentional, Listening intently, Removing distractions, Choosing Great over good

Quality Time: Stay a little while Luke 10:38-42 “Time is the coin of your life. You spend it. Do not allow others to spend it for you.” - Carl Sandburg Quality time – giving someone your undivided attention. Quality time involves us: Being intentional v.39a Listening ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

Gifts/Generosity: Show Me You Care Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Feb 7, 2018

A gift given in love always shows value .A gift given in love should always be received lovingly. A gift given in love imitates the Ultimate Gift-Giver

Gifts/Generosity: Show Me You Care Matthew 26:6-16. 1. A gift given in love always shows value. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston S. Churchill 2. A gift given in love should always be received lovingly 3. A gift given in love ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-16

Denomination: Baptist

Do The Little Things Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Feb 13, 2018

Everything in the Christian life is based imitating Christ. As Christ-imitators, we need to remember that: Our acts of service imitate Jesus, Our acts of service demonstrate our love, Our acts of service validate our words.

Do the Little Things. 1 John 3:16-18 Everything in the Christian life is based imitating Christ As Christ-imitators, we need to remember that: 1. Our acts of service imitate Jesus v.16 Romans 5:8 Matthew 20:26-28 John 13 2. Our acts of service demonstrate our love v.17 ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:16-18

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

Overcoming Fear Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 3, 2016

Fear is a thief. It steals the inner sense of tranquility and well-being that should be the constant state of each and every believer. It keeps us focused on our past and uneasy about our future. It renders our present un-enjoyable.

Boldness: Confronting fear and insecurity Judges 6 & 7 Fear is a thief. It steals the inner sense of tranquility and well-being that should be the constant state of each and every believer. It keeps us focused on our past and uneasy about our future. It renders our present un-enjoyable. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Discovery: Labels Lie Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Oct 20, 2016

Our identity is found only through an understanding of the grace of Jesus Christ

Discovery: Labels Lie Luke 7:36-50 Where do you see yourself in this passage? 1. Too many times we see ourselves like Simon the Pharisee: labeling others 2. Too many times, we see ourselves like the woman: labeled by others 3. Too few times we see ourselves like Jesus: seeing self ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Baptist

Unleash The Gospel Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Nov 13, 2017

A generosity initiative that will enable us to cooperate with God in achieving the vision to make a greater impact for Him; to push back the darkness faster & better.

October 8 Unleash the Gospel (Acts 1:8) (Ephesians 3:20-21) In every contest, there comes a turning point; something that changes the momentum and even the outcome of the game. We are at that place right now at Rush Creek. With all that God has done in and through us in the past, He has a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Denomination: Baptist