Sermons on Advancement:

The Virgin Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 10, 2021

Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God, but she was not exceptional. The message is a study of God's work to fulfil the prophecies of the birth of a child who was to be a Deliverer for all mankind.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:36-38

Denomination: Baptist

We Are Doing A Great Work! - Philippians 1:4-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2021

The Philippians’ gospel partnership/fellowship (koinonia) with Paul was like the Fellowship of the Ring (band of unlikely comrades who would lay down their lives for one another and the cause of the Fellowship).

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:4-8

After Christmas Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2021

What happened after the Son of God was born. Events in the household of Joseph and Mary provide a model for us to emulate after Christmas.

“When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” [1] We plan for Christmas. We shop, we decorate, we enjoy the music, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

Creation Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 29, 2021

1) Who Created What? (Genesis 1:1), 2) Where did God Create? (Genesis 1:2), 3) How did God Create? (Genesis 1:3), 4) Why did God Create? (Genesis 1:4), 5) When did God Create? (Genesis 1:5)

Genesis 1:1-5. [1:1] In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5

Denomination: Other

Why Go On Living? - Philippians 1:21-26 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 29, 2021

Those who contemplate suicide often hesitate because they fear what may be on the other side. Paul also wrestled with whether it would be better to live or die. But his reasoning was far different from most people's.

Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26

What Christians Will Face In The New Year

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2021

A new year will shortly be upon us. While none of us is able to predict what we precise situations Christians will face in the coming year, we know from Scripture some general conditions that will confront us.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

3 Lessons All Children Need To Know - Genesis 4 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 23, 2021

He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Well let’s pick up the story where we left off last week because as we were looking at our story last week we talked about Adam and Eve and how they sinned. So we left off with the consequences of their sin. We talked about the curse that God proclaims on each of them and we learned some things ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

No Plan B - Genesis 22 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

Abraham goes up with Isaac to the top of Mount Moriah to sacrifice his son.

It was 11:30 in the morning on May 29, 1953 when the BBC announced that two people had reached the top of Mount Everest for the very first time. Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide made it all the way to the top on this expedition they were on. It took a lot of people to be involved in this ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When God Touches You, Does It Hurt? - Genesis 32-33 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 25, 2021

A family was sitting around the dinner table having a discussion and the conversation turned to a man. One of their friends had recently become a believer. The dad said in the comment, “Yeah, God touched his heart.”

A family was sitting around the dinner table having a discussion and the conversation turned to a man. One of their friends had recently become a believer. The dad said in the comment, “Yeah, God touched his heart.” The seven-year-old girl paused for a moment and she said, “How does God touch ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

To Infinity And Beyond!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 14, 2022

Though all associated with this life is impermanent, the future for the child of God is bright with hope. Christ has redeemed us by His death and resurrection. Now, through faith in Him, we anticipate a permanent home in Heaven.

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Forgiveness For The Foremost Sinner

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 21, 2022

Can God forgive you of the worst sin you've ever committed? The message explores the grace of God, not to excuse our sin, but to encourage us to look to God for grace as we turn from our sin to walk with Him.

“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-18

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Time For Your Workout – Philippians 2:12-13 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Feb 2, 2022

Today I want to talk to you about a workout, a spiritual workout that we all need to be engaged in in our lives.

At Muscle Beach they've got this big platform area where guys have all these weights and they're working out. It's kind of entertaining because people who are good looking, you know, who really can lift weights and they're strong, and they do lift those weights, it’s fun to watch ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

In Christ Alone - Philippians 3:3b-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 3, 2022

The true people of God are those who serve God by means of the Holy Spirit (living the Christian life by exposing ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and cooperating with what he does) and who glory in Christ alone, rather than putting any confidence in the flesh.

The true people of God are those who serve God by means of the Holy Spirit (living the Christian life by exposing ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and cooperating with what he does) and who glory in (rely on, hope in, rejoice in, count on, run after, regard as supremely important) Christ alone, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:3-8

The Road To Heaven - Philippians 3:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 10, 2022

After speaking against legalism in the first half of the chapter, Paul now warns against the opposite error: quietism. Not even Paul has gotten to a place where he can coast. The race goes until you die.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

You Don't Look Like Your Picture!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 18, 2022

The first church was powerful for the cause of Christ. When we match the present churches to that earliest congregation, we are often compelled to confess that we don't look like we are their descendants. It is past time for us to take steps to correct this situation.

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist