Southwest Church Sermons

Southwest Church

Welcome to the Southwest Church Podcast, where faith meets life. Each week, we bring you uplifting and practical sermons recorded live from our services in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our mission is to inspire and deepen your faith, whether you’re a church member, part of the local community, or joining us from anywhere in the world. Rooted in our identity as a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled family, we are committed to making disciples for Jesus. Our sermons—typically 30 to 40 minutes—offer theological insights and real-life application to help you grow spiritually on the go. In addition to sermons, enjoy occasional episodes featuring guest speakers who enrich our journey of faith. Subscribe now to stay connected and be encouraged every week. Follow us on social media for more inspiration and community: Facebook: Southwest ChurchInstagram: @swfamily1YouTube: Southwest ChurchTo support our ministry, learn more about us, or give online, please visit: swfamily.org

  1. 5d ago

    Unleashed Part 3: God's Power in Jars of Clay

    Are you trying to carry out your faith on your own strength and finding yourself disconnected from your power source?  In this week's message from the Unleashed series, we dive into the incredible truth that God chooses to place His priceless presence inside unimpressive, ordinary "jars of clay." Often, we let our passion get out in front of our power source, trying to accomplish the mission of Jesus while neglecting to rely on the Holy Spirit. But before Jesus sent His disciples out to change the world, He gave them a surprisingly practical command: wait.  Waiting forces us to pause, breathe, and create space for God to work in us. As we explore the book of Acts, we see that the Holy Spirit is a freely given gift that cannot be bought or earned. It is an equipping power meant to be opened and experienced in real life. Whether through dramatic moments like Pentecost or quiet, transformative conversions, God's Spirit is the true power behind the church.  This promise isn't reserved for the spiritual elite; it is a gift for all who give their lives to Jesus. Join our family as we look closely at 2 Corinthians and Acts, discovering where faith meets life and how we can clothe ourselves with God's power. Let's experience life with God together and embrace the abundant life He offers!  Key Takeaways The Power in the Ordinary: Just like first-century clay jars, we are ordinary vessels chosen to hold the priceless, all-surpassing power of God's presence.Wait for the Promise: Jesus commanded His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit because human passion cannot sustain the mission without God's equipping power.A Gift to be Opened: The Holy Spirit cannot be bought, manipulated, or earned; it is a graceful gift from the Father that is meant to be actively experienced.For Everyone: The empowering gift of the Spirit is not just for the religious elite, but a promise for you, your children, and all who believe and are baptized.Scripture Referenced 2 Corinthians 4:6-7Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-12, 37-39Acts 8:15-17Acts 10:44-48Titus 3:4Connect With Us Website: https://www.swfamily.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/Give: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196Podcast (Southwest Church Sermons) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

  2. Sep 21

    Unleashed Part 2: Knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit

    We are constantly bombarded with "clickbait" and empty promises to revolutionize our lives, but what if the only thing that can truly change us is a real relationship with the Holy Spirit?  In this week's message, we dive into John 14 as Jesus makes a life-changing promise to His disciples. He reveals that the Father will send the Holy Spirit, an Advocate whose powerful presence will be permanently with us and in us. But Jesus also tells us something vital: we are invited to intimately know the Holy Spirit.  Many Christians mistakenly view the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force, but Scripture reveals that the Spirit is a divine person. While the Bible uses the imagery of wind, fire, and water to describe how the Spirit moves, we learn that the Holy Spirit actively possesses a will, a mind, and real emotions. Because the Spirit is a real person, we can experience life with God through a genuine relationship, right where faith meets life.  As our Christ-centered family continues the Unleashed series, we are reminded of Jesus's invitation at the Festival of Tabernacles to anyone who is spiritually thirsty. Too often, we settle for just a trickle of God's presence. God's story is challenging us to stop settling and to wade deeply into the abundant life and rivers of living water that the Holy Spirit offers.  Key Takeaways A Revolutionary Promise: Jesus promised that the power and presence of God would interact with humanity in a permanent, life-changing way through the Holy Spirit.More Than a Force: While Scripture uses powerful imagery like wind, fire, and water to describe the Spirit's uncontainable work, the Holy Spirit is a real person with a will, a mind, and emotions.Relational Knowledge: Jesus invites us into an intimate, relational knowledge of the Spirit, moving beyond mere head knowledge or religious routine.Wade Into the Deep: We must not be satisfied with a "trickle" of God's Spirit; Jesus calls us to raise our sails and experience rivers of life-giving water.Scripture Referenced John 14:15-17John 7:37-39Ezekiel 47:1-9Genesis 1:21 Corinthians 12:11Romans 8:26Ephesians 4:29Links: Website: https://www.swfamily.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/ Give: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196 Podcast (Southwest Church Sermons):  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

  3. Sep 14

    Unleashed Part 1: Getting the Holy Spirit Out of the Dugout

    Have we left the Holy Spirit in the dugout? In our daily walk, it is easy to know facts about God without truly encountering His presence. In part one of the "Unleashed" series, we dive into what it means to be a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled family by exploring our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Drawing on a childhood memory of seeing Michael Jordan sit on the bench during a 1994 Birmingham Barons baseball game, this message illustrates how many believers keep the Holy Spirit sidelined. We sing about the Spirit and celebrate Him, but we often fail to experience His power in action. Life can be challenging, but God's story is big enough to handle our questions and offers real hope when we allow the Spirit to work within us.  To truly experience life with God, we must confront the obstacles that hinder our understanding, such as the limits of our expectations, the complexities of ancient biblical language, and the constraints of our own religious traditions. The message unpacks how the Word of God and the Spirit of God are meant to work together, rather than in opposition, to guide our real life and real faith. When we stop reducing our faith to mere knowledge and tradition, we open ourselves up to the abundant life Jesus promised. Ultimately, studying the Holy Spirit gives us a fuller picture of the triune God and invites us into a richer, more powerful experience with Him. Jesus declared that it was for our good that He went away so that the Advocate could dwell within us forever. Join our family this week as we learn how to step into the life we were meant to live—soaring to new heights and preparing to bless the world through the unleashed power of the Holy Spirit.  Key Takeaways: Many believers treat the Holy Spirit like a star athlete left on the bench, acknowledging His presence but never experiencing His power in action.We face obstacles in understanding the Spirit, including the mystery of God's ways, the gender language of ancient translations, and the theological limits of our traditions.Scripture reveals that God's Word and God's Spirit have always worked in tandem to reveal truth and guide believers where faith meets life[cite: 1, 3].Embracing the Holy Spirit allows us to see a fuller, more complete image of the triune God.Jesus sent the Spirit so that we could have a deeper, richer experience of God's presence living within us forever. Scripture Referenced: Romans 8:9-11Isaiah 55:8-112 Peter 1:212 Timothy 3:16Matthew 28:19Matthew 3:16-17John 14:15John 16:7Links: Website: https://www.swfamily.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/Give: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196 Southwest Church Sermons on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Southwest Church Sermons on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

  4. Sep 10

    Breaking Up the Unplowed Ground: How We Receive God's Word (Mark 4)

    We all know the Word of God is powerful, but if it has the power to transform lives, why hasn't it changed every heart?  From the very beginning of creation in Genesis, God’s spoken Word brought light into the dark void, and that exact same extreme power was manifested when the Word became flesh in Jesus. Today, the Word of God is more accessible than ever before, yet we still see so much disobedience and unbelief. The real question is not about the power of God's Word, but rather how we choose to hear, receive, and respond to it. In this message, our Southwest Church family dives into Mark chapter 4 and the Parable of the Sower to see exactly where faith meets life.  Jesus tells the story of an incredibly generous sower who scatters seed on all types of ground, even hard roads, demonstrating God's deep desire to extend His life-giving Word to all people. As a Christ-centered family, this parable reminds us that our job is not to act as "soil judges" who decide who is worthy to hear the gospel; instead, we are called to freely sow the seeds of God's story everywhere we go. The teaching of Jesus also acts like a sharp, double-edged sword, piercing our tough exteriors to reveal the actual attitudes of our hearts.  When we honestly look at our lives, we must ask if our hearts are like the hardened path, the shallow rocks, the distracted thorns, or the good soil that brings forth an abundant life. Life can be challenging, and it is easy for modern idolatries to choke out our faith, leaving us with good intentions but misplaced attention. But God's story offers real hope: spiritual soil can be worked, and unplowed ground can be broken up. No matter where your heart is today, it is time to seek the Lord so His truth can take deep root and produce a fruitful, lasting crop in your life.  Key Takeaways: The Generosity of God: God never withholds the opportunity for salvation and blessings. He eagerly scatters the seed of the Kingdom to all people, giving everyone the chance to respond. Sow Freely, Don't Judge: As disciples, we shouldn't withhold the gospel based on our own assumptions of how receptive someone might be. We are called to keep continuously laying the Word of God on people's hearts and praying for breakthroughs. Rooted Discipleship: We must not stop at the point of conversion and leave new believers to fend for themselves. True disciple-making involves walking alongside others so their faith can develop deep roots that survive trouble and persecution. Good Intentions, Misplaced Attention: Even believers can let the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things act like weeds that choke out the Word of God. We cannot serve two masters. Cultivate Your Soil: You have the power to decide what kind of soil you will eventually be. Clear out the thorns and break up your unplowed ground to make room for God's righteousness. Scriptures Referenced: Mark 4:3-20 Genesis (Creation Narrative) John 1:14 James 1:18 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Matthew 13 Isaiah 6:9-10 Mark 1:38 Hebrews 4:12 Matthew 6:24 Mark 10 Hosea 10:12 Connect with Southwest Church: Website: https://www.swfamily.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/Give: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196Podcast (Southwest Church Sermons): Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

  5. Sep 1

    What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple? | Discipleship Sunday

    Are you ready to stop getting distracted by the busyness of life and return to what truly matters? It is easy to step into church with the best intentions, only to find our carts full of secondary activities while forgetting the primary mission. In this message, Lead Minister Adam Jones and Discipleship Minister Jimmy Adcox refocus our hearts on the ultimate vision of the local church: being disciples of Jesus who actively make more disciples.  When Jesus called His first followers beside the Sea of Galilee, He didn't offer a surface-level, optional path reserved for "elite" Christians. He issued a radical invitation to trust Him completely, obey His teachings, and follow Him wherever He leads. True discipleship requires us to leave our nets—our fears, schedules, and comfort zones—behind on the shore so we can step into the abundant life God has planned for us.  Through practical frameworks and inspiring testimonies from church members, we explore how small, relational D-Groups create a "hot house" for real spiritual growth and multiplication. Discover how simple, life-on-life connection can empower you to live out real faith in your everyday life, invite others into God's story, and help reach the world for King Jesus.  Key Takeaways Who We Are & What We Do: Southwest is a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled family dedicated to making disciples for King Jesus.The Marks of a Disciple: A true disciple is someone who trusts Jesus, obeys His word, and follows His lead. Discipleship is for Everyone: Being a disciple maker isn't an elite title; it is the natural, intentional calling of every Christ-follower. Life-on-Life Rhythms: Effective disciple making happens through simple, reproducible relational groups (D-Groups) centered on prayer, eating together, learning, serving, and resting. Leaving the Nets: Walking with Jesus requires us to surrender our fears and busy schedules to take steps of bold obedience.  Scripture Referenced Matthew 4:18–22 Matthew 7:24–27 Matthew 16:24–25 Matthew 28:18–20 Revelation 7:9 Connect with Us Website: https://www.swfamily.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/Give & Support Give Online: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196Subscribe to Southwest Church Sermons Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

  6. Aug 25

    Restored | Overcoming the Cycle of Persistent Sin

    We have all been there—making a resolute commitment to break free from a destructive habit, only to slide back into the same old patterns over time. Life can be challenging, and when we let our guard down during seasons of idleness or comfort, temptation has a way of knocking right when we are at our weakest. In this final study of the book of Nehemiah, we confront the uncomfortable reality of persistent sin and discover how God’s overwhelming grace changes the outcome of our story.  Looking at Nehemiah 13, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem only to find that God's people have abandoned their promises. The temple had been compromised, the Sabbath was being dishonored, and the spiritual identity of the community was slipping away through small compromises. But Nehemiah doesn't turn a blind eye; he steps in to rebuke the wrong, clear out the noise, and realign the people with God's truth. As a Christ-centered family, we are called to handle sin with the same courageous balance of grace and truth—confronting issues in love, holding one another accountable, and actively walking together toward healing.  Ultimately, Nehemiah 13 proves that the Bible isn't just a story about the perfection of God's people, but a testament to God's relentless goodness. While sin can ruin a good narrative, persistent sin is completely dwarfed by God’s consistent grace through Jesus. Because of the cross, failure never gets the final word—real hope and fresh starts are always available when we return to Him.  Key Takeaways Leaders Set the Tone: Spiritual leaders in the home and church must model firm obedience for others to follow. Beware of Idleness: Comfort and boredom create fertile ground for temptation; staying engaged in meaningful mission keeps our faith strong. Small Compromises Escalate: Major spiritual drift starts with minor excuses—protecting your heart requires addressing sin while it’s small. Grace and Truth in Community: Biblical rebuke means exposing sin, calling for change, and lovingly encouraging one another out of bondage.Consistent Grace: Your failures do not define your future; God’s infinite compassion meets us every time we turn back to Him.Scripture Referenced Nehemiah 10:32 Nehemiah 12 Nehemiah 13:6-25 Luke 4:13 Romans 7:19 2 Timothy 4:2 Connect with Us Website: swfamily.orgFacebook: Southwest Church on FacebookInstagram: @swfamily1Give & Support Support the Mission: Give OnlineListen to More Messages Spotify: Southwest Church SermonsApple Podcasts: Southwest Church Sermons

  7. Aug 18

    The Domino Effect: Multiplying Disciples & The Power of Your One | Lane Luttrell

    Are you living as a consumer of faith, or are you stepping out as a worker in the harvest? In a culture that often encourages us to look inward, Jesus calls His followers to an outward, life-altering mission: to be like Jesus, shine His light, and make disciples. When we embrace this call, we unleash a powerful spiritual domino effect that echoes into eternity.  In this inspiring message, College Minister Lane Luttrell unpacks the core mission of Wolf Life and Southwest Church. Grounded in the Great Commission and Jesus’ sending of the 72 in Luke 10, Lane challenges us to move past fear and passive spirituality. Making disciples isn't reserved for staff—it is the joyous, everyday calling of every believer. By simply sharing your story, praying for workers, and intentionally investing in "your one," you participate in the greatest celebration on earth: seeing lives transformed from death to eternal life.  Life can be challenging, but God's story offers real hope and a purpose bigger than ourselves. Discover how your willingness to say "yes" to Jesus can impact generations you may never even meet on earth, adding to the great multitude worshipping around the throne.  Key Takeaways: Pray Before You Step Out: Following Jesus' command in Luke 10:2, effective disciple-making begins with asking the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His field. Overcome the Fear of Sharing: All you have to lose is a moment of fear or rejection, but the person you reach has eternity to gain. Don't let comfort keep you stationary when Jesus commands you to "go". Your Story Brings God Glory: You don't need a formal script to make disciples; authentically sharing what Jesus has done in your life gives God glory and opens doors for others to know Him. Focus on "Your One": Real faith meets real life when you focus on that one family member, co-worker, or friend who needs to experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.The Eternal Domino Effect: Every disciple you make and baptize creates a ripple effect of faith that stretches into future generations. Scripture Referenced: Matthew 28:18–20 Luke 10:1–3, 17–21 John 4:1–30 Revelation 7:9–10 Hebrews 12:1–3 Connect with Southwest Church: Website: swfamily.orgFacebook: Southwest Church on FacebookInstagram: @swfamily1Give & Support: Generosity: Give Online HereSubscribe to Southwest Church Sermons: Spotify: Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts

  8. Aug 11

    Restored | Humility, Gratitude, and the Power of Confession

    Have you ever found yourself trying countless self-help remedies or quick fixes for a feeling of spiritual fatigue, only to realize what you actually needed was a change in posture? Just as physical posture opens our bodies up to function properly and breathe freely, our spiritual posture dictates how open we are to allowing the gospel to shape, renew, and restore us. When life gets challenging and our faith feels stunted, real growth begins not by trying harder on our own, but by positioning our hearts correctly before God.  In Nehemiah chapter 9, we witness a pivot from the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls to the far more delicate work of restoring God's people. After hearing the Scriptures read aloud, the Israelites felt deep conviction. Rather than brushing that conviction aside, they embraced a healthy spiritual posture marked by two essential practices: humility and gratitude. They stepped away from superficial fixes and chose to humble themselves—fasting, confessing their sins, and taking honest ownership of both their past and present struggles.  Confession isn't about wallowing in guilt; it's the sacred gateway to experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers. When we step out of the dark and bring our struggles into the light—confessing before God and trusted brothers and sisters in Christ—we stop fighting sin on the enemy's turf and open ourselves up to God's power, grace, and community. Coupled with a heart of gratitude that recognizes God’s consistent goodness throughout every season of life, this humble posture grounds our family in real faith.  Key Takeaways The Power of Spiritual Posture: Just like physical posture affects breathing and health, our spiritual posture determines how deeply the Holy Spirit can mold and transform us. True Humility Through Confession: Confession is the ultimate expression of humility. It removes the mask of self-reliance, opening our hearts to God's grace and intervention. Overcoming Sin in Community: Fighting sin in secret is like wrestling an alligator in a swamp; confessing to trusted believers brings temptations into the light where God's power and community can help us overcome them. Gratitude Anchors Our Worship: Gratitude gives us eyes to see God's unwavering consistency and mercy, shifting our focus from our own fickleness to the goodness of the Giver. Scripture Referenced Nehemiah 9:1–3, 16–17, 26, 29, 34–361 Timothy 2:5James 4:6James 5:16Luke 18:9–14Connect with Southwest Church Website: https://www.swfamily.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwestChurch/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swfamily1/Give & Support Give Online: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=97196Listen to More Sermons Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3llJdN00ENe7juCNz3B0c1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/southwest-church-sermons/id1823744714

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About

Welcome to the Southwest Church Podcast, where faith meets life. Each week, we bring you uplifting and practical sermons recorded live from our services in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our mission is to inspire and deepen your faith, whether you’re a church member, part of the local community, or joining us from anywhere in the world. Rooted in our identity as a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled family, we are committed to making disciples for Jesus. Our sermons—typically 30 to 40 minutes—offer theological insights and real-life application to help you grow spiritually on the go. In addition to sermons, enjoy occasional episodes featuring guest speakers who enrich our journey of faith. Subscribe now to stay connected and be encouraged every week. Follow us on social media for more inspiration and community: Facebook: Southwest ChurchInstagram: @swfamily1YouTube: Southwest ChurchTo support our ministry, learn more about us, or give online, please visit: swfamily.org