Sermons on Russ Lawson:

The Beauty Of Clarity Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

The Beauty of Clarity Matthew 5:8 Show some pictures and ask people what they see; multiple options w/in each picture. What do you see? You see what your heart is attuned to; what your heart values. Turn to Matthew 5:8 as we continue this series on the Beatitudes. In these Beatitudes, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Denomination: Baptist

The Beauty Of Reconcilliation Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God

The Beauty of Reconciliation Matthew 5:9 blessed (makarious): supremely happy. peace (eirene): more than just the lack of conflict; it is a state of being bound together; being properly related. Where does this peace come from? God Colossians 1:19-20 How is this peace given? Through the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9

Denomination: Baptist

The Beauty Of Risk Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

The Beauty of Risk Matthew 5:10-12 Two prevailing paradoxes emerge from this last beatitude: 1. Peace-making sometimes ends in conflict The conflict that ends in supreme happiness is a conflict based on the Christ-follower’s passionate pursuit of righteousness. Righteousness: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Beauty Of Poverty Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Beauty of Poverty Matthew 5:3 The Sermon on the Mount: a new way of viewing how one has a right relationship with God. blessed=makarious (Greek)=supremely happy. OUR secrets keep us from discovering THE secrets Jesus is revealing about how to gain supreme happiness. Secret #1: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

Denomination: Baptist

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 30, 2015

People will respond to Jesus in one of three ways.

July 26, 2015 Church Planting The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Acts 13:42-51 Opening words: I love this story. D.L. Moody once spoke with a woman who didn't like his method of evangelism. He replied, "I don't really like my method either. What is yours?” She answered, “I don’t ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:42-51

Denomination: Methodist

Why Goto Church? Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Jul 30, 2015

This message answers he question, why go to church?

July 19, 2015 Why Go to Church? Isaiah 6:1-8 Opening Words: William Temple once said, “Worship is quickening the conscience by the holiness of God, feeding the mind with the truth of God, purging the imagination by the beauty of God, opening the heart to the love of God, and devoting the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Methodist

They Continued Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Aug 8, 2015

The church must continue to proclaim the good news!

August 2, 2015 Church Planting They Continued Acts 14:1-7 Opening words: Bob Woods tells the story of a couple who took their son, 11, and daughter, 7, to Carlsbad Caverns. As always, when the tour reached the deepest point in the cavern, the guide turned off all the lights to dramatize how ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

Knock Down, Not Out Series

Contributed by Russ Adams on Aug 14, 2015

We are call to be faithful, not successful

August 9, 2015 Church Planting Knocked Down, Not Out Acts 14:8-20 Opening words: In 1858 the Illinois legislature--using an obscure statute--sent Stephen A. Douglas to the U.S. Senate instead of Abraham Lincoln, although Lincoln had won the popular vote. When a sympathetic friend asked Lincoln ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:8-20

Denomination: Methodist

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

Who Was He Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

Jesus is central to the Christian faith

April 20 Easter Why did Jesus come? Colossians 2:13-14 Redemption: the action of gaining or regaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. To shorten the discussion, let’s agree to three assumptions: Assumption #1: Jesus is eternal. John 8:58; ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

What Did He Say? Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

Jesus made radical claims about himself

What did He say? John 8:58 Radical: extreme or drastic; especially in regards to what has been accepted or tradition ἐγώ εἰμι: absolute, timeless existence; I am Jesus said He is: 1. The bread of life John 6:35 He is our Sustenance 2. The ...read more

Scripture: John 8:58

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is He Now? Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

Jesus is with God in heaven preparing for his final return

Where is He now? John 14:1-3(mother’s day) Where is Jesus now? He’s seated at the right hand of the Father. Mark 16:19; Colossians 3:1 His redemptive work is done. John 19:30 His authority is supreme. Colossians 1:16-17, 18 What is Jesus doing? He is ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Storms Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

Storms of life are inevitable but there is hope for the believer in the midst of the storms.

Life’s Storms Acts 27 1. Take courage in the sovereignty of God v.21 The sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God's rule and control, and that nothing happens without His direction or permission. 2. Take comfort in the presence of God v.22 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Betrayed Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

God offers hope for those who have been betrayed. The circumstances in life will bring hurt, but God offers hope for the believer.

Betrayed Genesis 37-50 The Lord may not have intended this to overtake me, but He has most certainly allowed it. Therefore, even though it is an attack from the enemy, it has passed through His loving care, and therefore all is well. 1. Get real v.19 2. Get perspective v.20 The ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Grief Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 1, 2016

God is in control even in our times of catastrophe. Since the fall of man, catastrophe has been a part of life…

Grief 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Death is a part of life Three critical pieces of information about grief: 1. Grieving is a part of life. v.13 “asleep”: a euphemism for death. There is no such thing as soul sleep 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 2 Corinthians 5:8 2. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist