Sermons on Russel Carter:

The First Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 14, 2011

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, teaches us how we can be prepared to live and die for Christ.

* Our culture’s love of records and stats (i.e., longest hitting streak; first to land on moon; etc.) * Our culture’s love of “firsts” = they set the standard and give an example to everyone who will ever follow them * Stephen’s role as one among those who did something first...the first Christian ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Persecuted Church Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

(Preached on July 4th): This message focuses on the first church-wide persecution in Acts. Attention is given to the implications the Gospel has for believers as members of both God's kingdom and a country.

* The difficulty in approaching a July 4th message: - We sometimes "read" America into Scripture when we shouldn't - Bible doesn't reference America as a country of predict the events of July, 1776 * If we're not careful, we end up using today to exalt a nation instead of Christ - We do not worship ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Is Worthless Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

This sermon examines the worthless faith of Simon. It explains why his faith was worthless and how we can avoid a worthless faith today.

* Popular notion: "As long as you believe something you'll be okay before God." * It is possible to believe in the wrong person or to believe the wrong thing. * When this occurs, faith becomes worthless; when what or who we have faith in is not correct * Examples of worthless faith... - People of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-25

Denomination: Baptist

When God Speaks Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Mar 16, 2011

In this text, Philip gives us an example of how we, as the people of God, should interact with God when he speaks to us today.

* The power of words (use examples of powerful words) * The power of God's words ("God said" is used over 1000 times in Scripture) - Creation: "And God said" -- "and it was so" - Jesus raised the dead when he spoke - Jesus calmed the sea when he spoke - Jesus drove out evil spirits and healed the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40, Acts 8:26-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

From Failure To Forgiveness

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Oct 28, 2010

God chooses to forgive us

27The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals. 28And just as I have watched over them to pluck up and break down, to overthrow, destroy, and bring evil, so I will watch over them to build ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34

Denomination: United Methodist

For We Are Kindred

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Aug 6, 2010

The problem of acceptance cross-generationally in a church

1So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb. 2Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3He journeyed on by stages from the Negeb as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Friends Along The Way

Contributed by Russell Lackey on Sep 3, 2014

This sermon is about the importance of friendship. We are called to be friends. The greatest way to be a friend is to bring people to Jesus (who is our greatest friend)

Many years ago there was a man who wanted to meet Jesus. Everyone in that day wanted to meet Jesus. This man hoped Jesus would heal him. There was a problem. He could not walk. Even more, there were too many people blocking the way to Jesus. How would he get to there? The local government ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Don't Stay In The Boat

Contributed by Russell Lackey on Aug 10, 2014

It has been said that "you will never walk on water if you do not get out of the boat." And yet, too often we fail to think about the next step. This sermon is meant to encourage those afraid to step out in faith as well as those who are sinking!

Many centuries ago, a man named Peter stood on the edge of a boat in the Sea of Galilee. Like all people who find themselves on an edge - whether physical or metaphorical - a decision had to be made. Peter’s choice was to either to step out onto the water or remain in the boat. Not an easy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Lutheran

"it Is What It Is!"

Contributed by Jeffery Russell on Aug 3, 2023

It is what it is?" It's usually a string to throw out there to explain how to accept the unacceptable. Isn't life supposed to be better than this?

"It is What it Is!" Jeremiah 31: 1-6 The other day I prayed and asked the Lord what He wanted me to preach on tonight and by the end of the day He made it abundantly clear. I went to cut a limb using my chainsaw. The chain got stuck and in my attempt to free it, I broke the chain! ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:1-6

Denomination: Baptist