In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 148

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 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 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

I Am Connected Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Sep 18, 2018

Being connected pushes me towards Spiritual Growth,
 Being connected pushes me towards Fellowship, Being connected pushes me towards Generosity,
 Being connected pushes me towards Contagion.

I Am Connected?Acts 2:41-47? I am connected to the Body vv.41-42 ? Through Jesus For a different life ?I am connected to the Mission vv.43-45 ? To see God do the miraculous To sacrifice what is necessary I am connected to a Group vv.46-47 ? Doing life together Sharing life in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

I Am A Servant Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Sep 18, 2018

Each person that calls their church home is indispensable to the mission God gave us.

I Am a Servant ?Romans 12:3-8?September 23, 2018 What is to be the nature of our role in the Body of Christ? ?1. I seek positions of service. v.3 2. I participate on the team. vv.4-5 ?3. I invest what has been entrusted. vv.6-8 ? If you watched March Madness this last Spring, you ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

I Am A Partner Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Sep 5, 2018

Christ followers partner with God on His Mission.

I Am a Partner?Philippians 1:1-11? Five Dimensions of Rush Creek Partnership: 1. We are partners in the gospel vv.3-5 Gospel is the restoration of the image of God in the soul of humans. ? Partnering in the Gospel means: ? * Praying for those God has placed in your life who may be far ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

I Am A Christ Follower Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 29, 2018

Three dimensions to His call on our lives: Jesus calls us to repent, Jesus calls us to follow, Jesus calls us to abandon.

I Am a Christ Follower Matthew 4:17-22 Three dimensions to His call on our lives: 1. Jesus calls us to repent. v.17 ? Ultimately repentance is an admission, an acceptance of what Jesus says about us: that our hearts are prideful, filthy, depraved, and yes, even wicked and deserving of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

Three Circles: Gospel

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 23, 2018

The gospel means that God made a way out of our brokenness. The gospel is simple. The gospel is God’s promise to us—if we repent and believe. The gospel continues in power to reorient us to experience God’s design.

Three Circles: Gospel (Put 3 circles in notes) 1. The gospel means that God made a way out of our brokenness. ? Genesis 3:14-15 1 Peter 3:18. John 3:16 The Heart of the Gospel: God sent His one and only Son to shed His blood once and for all to cover us. 2. The gospel is simple. 1 ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Circles: Brokenness

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 15, 2018

We are broken people living in a broken world. And why is that?

We are broken people living in a broken world. And why is that??1. We choose to depart from God’s design. Genesis 3:1-7 ? sin: choosing our way over God’s way; rejecting God’s design for our own design. Isaiah 53:6 Romans 3:23 2. When we depart from God’s design, it always leads to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Circles: God's Design

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 15, 2018

God designed and created: Universe, Humans, Marriage

God designed and created:? Universe Humans Marriage God’s design for us: 1. God designed and created us for His glory Genesis 1:26 ? What this means is that: ? We are the pinnacle of God’s creation ? We are unique in creation ? We have a high and holy purpose: to glorify God 1 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Genuine Faith Is Marked By Effective Prayer Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 15, 2018

How’s your prayer life? Genuine faith prompts us to pray in all circumstances Genuine faith prompts us to learn to pray effectively

Genuine faith is marked by effective prayer 5:13-20 How’s your prayer life? 1. Genuine faith prompts us to pray in all circumstances. James 5:13-16a? a. In times of suffering v.13a suffer (kakopathei): suffering from any source b. In times of gladness v.13b c. In times of ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Genuine Faith Is Patient Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 15, 2018

Genuine faith displays patience. Patience with God's timing and plan, with each other, and during our afflictions.

Genuine Faith is Patient 5:7-12 Genuine faith displays patience. 1. Patience with God’s timing and plan James 5:7-8 Galatians 6:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6 ; Revelations 19:11-16; Isaiah 55:8-11 2. Patience with each other James 5:9 Matthew 7:1-3 Remember: when tempted to ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

Best News Ever

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Aug 15, 2018

Three quick insights about the Good News: 1. This Good News is for you! 2. This Good News is for your children. 3. This Good News is for those far away from God.

The Best News Ever Acts 2:39 Three quick insights about the Good News: 1. This Good News is for you! 2. This Good News is for your children. 3. This Good News is for those far away from God. What a great weekend this has been—in fact, it’s been the Best Weekend Ever! (Give a few ...read more

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

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