Sermons on 2016:

Practising Serving Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2017

The model that is frequently brought into the church is provided by this world. That model drives the disciple to step on others in order to advance himself. The model Jesus provides, though often neglected, is quite different; it teaches us to serve.

“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Practising Discipleship Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 1, 2017

Christians are commanded to make disciples. The process of discipleship includes: going; baptising; teaching. The responsibility devolves upon each follower of the Christ.

“It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Character Counts Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 8, 2016

The response to disruptive people demonstrates the Christian's maturity. Paul counsels the expression of the character that marks all who are mature in Christ.

“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

I Have Come Into The World As Light Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 8, 2018

A study of the impact of Jesus as light in our darkened world.

“Jesus cried out and said, ‘Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge ...read more

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Denomination: Baptist

The Theology Of A Thief

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 17, 2019

A study of the faith of the thief who was saved even as he was dying.

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Baptist

The Foundation For Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2019

Study of worship as outlined in the Tenth Chapter of Hebrews.

“Since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Reasons For Writing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 11, 2018

Confidence in our salvation is essential to vibrant life as a Christian. John writes to encourage believers to focus on what is essential for vigorous faith.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” [1] The couple, a man and a woman, had come to the door professing concern for my welfare. Their concern was driven by certainty that a great, world-wide conflagration known as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Have A Title? Or A Testimony?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 17, 2018

The believer in the Risen Christ has a powerful testimony. We need to be encouraged to use what God has given each of us to the praise of His glory.

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” [1] The disciples were just like us—they wanted power, especially power over other disciples. They were convinced that if only they ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Turning From Sin Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 5, 2018

Christ calls the Church in Thyatira and all those who bear His name to Turn from their Sin or face His judgment.

The Presbyterian Church leadership of Canada set up a commission last year and named it the "Rainbow Communion," with the intent of researching the idea of having the church officially and publicly repent for what some called its sins against the LGBTQ community. To the average non-Christian the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Other

Life At The Back Of The Cave

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 15, 2019

How shall we respond when despondent or depressed? God may allow trials in order to drive us to Him. This study of Elijah's downfall seeks to encourage those who are depressed.

“[Elijah] came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He said, ‘I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:9-18

Denomination: Baptist

This Worthless Food

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 28, 2022

Complaints against the Lord contaminate the entire assembly, necessitating God's discipline if we fail to practise self-discipline.

“From Mount Hor [Israel] set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

Giving Him Something He Can Feel

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2022

Faith in Jesus as the Saviour, even if that faith is not yet perfect, is honoured by the Lord. The message serves to encourage all to look to Jesus for mercy, which He gives to all who come to Him in faith.

“And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my garments?’” [1] How sensitive are you? I don’t mean, are you woke. Neither am I particularly thinking of whether you are able to feel the pain of another. But, I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:30

Denomination: Baptist

You Are What You Think

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 18, 2022

The Master calls us to ensure that our heart is pure rather than focusing exclusively on our external practises.

“[Jesus] called the people to him and said to them, ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

"god Told Me!" Really?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 24, 2022

God's Word, the Bible, is a perfect revelation of the mind and the will of God. We sin against Him when we attempt to usurp His place by trying to put words in His mouth.

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” If you have been a follower of Christ for more than a few months, you have almost assuredly heard some dear soul assert, “God told me…” This assertion was possibly ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Child Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 16, 2021

An Advent Meditation on the birth of Christ and what that birth means for mankind.

“To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist