Sermons on Approved:

The Spiritual Nature Of Work

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2023

A message for the Labour Day weekend, emphasising that the work we perform and the manner in which we work reflect our understanding of God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” [1] The necessity of going to work Monday morning despite being exhausted from the “rest and relaxation” pursued ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 23 Holds The Secret To Beating Loneliness - Psalm 23:5-6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 15, 2025

Discover the path to comfort in times of loneliness in the most beloved psalm in Scripture.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:5-6

Love Exercises - Philippians 1: 7-11 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Feb 10, 2022

I know you're asking the question, “Okay, how do I exercise love?” I'm going to show you in a moment how we exercise love. But first let me show you what happens when you do it to your heart.

Open your Bibles or your workbooks to Philippians 1:7-11. That's where we're going to be today. If you do not have a workbook, they are free. They're back on the back table there. We have extras and we'd love for you to have one so that you can take notes. Not only so you can take ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:7-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Unwelcomed In Zion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 21, 2020

A review and application of the ministry of Amos, known to standing with God and against religion.

“Amaziah said to Amos, ‘O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.’ “Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, ‘I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I ...read more

Scripture: Amos 7:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen Series

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Aug 8, 2022

This sermon is about the story of the martyrdom of Stephen and applications for the church and believers today.

If you have your Bibles and you want to follow along, we are going to be looking at a lot of scripture today starting with the sixth chapter of Acts, verse 1. Acts 6:1. Before I start, I have the opening question of the day. How many of you know the name Jon Gosselin? A few of you know him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Christian Church

You Don't Have To Be A Star To Be In My Show

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2021

Recognition of those who advance the cause of Christ through quiet service within the assembly of the righteous.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 16:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

Adultery Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 11, 2022

Adultery is extramarital sex considered objectionable on social, religious, moral, or legal grounds. Although the sexual activities that constitute adultery vary, as well as the social, religious, and legal consequences, the concept exists in many cultures.

Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:27-30 (Adultery) Jesus states, "Whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery." Adultery Matthew 5:27–30 — The New International Version (NIV) 27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When Life Crashes In?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 17, 2023

God always works in the life of His people, bringing glory out of our trials. Because He loves us, the pain experienced through our trials will exalt Him.

“As [the mob was] stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Happy Are The Hungry - Matthew 5:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 4, 2024

The entire Sermon on the Mount is on the topic of righteousness. This message offers a clear, detailed definition of righteousness. There are also so very encouraging remarks about the reason why believers hunger and thirst for righteousness (it’s because we crave God’s favor).

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

The God Who Is Worth Suffering For - Matthew 5:10-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

Usually when someone mistreats us because of our righteousness, we think we’re doing well if we simply endure it without getting angry or depressed. But Jesus calls us to far more than that. We are to rejoice greatly! This message will help you do that.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Debt And The Conscientious Christian

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 28, 2023

The sensitive subject of indebtedness is addressed in the message, pointing to the universal debt that rests upon each Christian.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” [1] Living beyond one’s means has become de rigueur in the contemporary world. It is virtually impossible to imagine the average family in this day living within their means—living without ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8

Denomination: Baptist

It's Too Late!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2023

Has western culture gone too far for redemption? Scripture would indicate that our society is flirting with divine judgement.

“I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’ And he said, ‘Go, and say to this people: ‘“Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

Good Answers To Bad Questions Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Mar 27, 2003

One day as Jesus was teaching in the temple, his enemies questioned his authority. He gave such good answers, no one dared to ask him any more questions. This is an in-depth look at Christ’s answers and their modern applications.

Good Answers to Bad Questions Luke 19:45-48, 20:1-8, 20:20-26 By Dr. David O. Dykes INTRODUCTION We are approaching a section in Luke when the enemies of Jesus are going to ask Him three strange questions. These questions were intended to force Jesus to incriminate Himself. They are bad ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:1-26, Luke 19:45-48

Denomination: Baptist

Validation Of The Transformation

Contributed by Mike Hays on May 15, 2003

Paul’s past and teachings raised eyebrows and brought persecution, but Paul continued to live his life for the glory of God.

“Validation of the Transformation!” Galatians 1:11-24 This past week I have been studying our Scripture for this morning found in Galatians 1:11-24. You can sum up Paul’s intent with one simple sentence: Paul was defending the fact that he had received his message of salvation by grace through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ