Sermons on Arise And Shine:

Slouching Toward Bethlehem

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 18, 2014

As the world moves toward judgement, opposed to the Faith and righteousness, how shall the child of God live?

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

In Search Of A Man Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jul 22, 2015

To establish that God is always searching for men through us to be saved and accomplish his divine will, this lesson presents a clear example of the New Testament's "pattern of conversion," replicated throughout the Book of Acts.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. God Sought for a Man - Found Philip 2. Philip Sought for a Man - Found the Eunuch 3. Eunuch Sought for a Man - Found Jesus Introductory Remarks. 1. In our scripture lesson, a call went out. The angel of the Lord directed Philip: "To go south into the desert." He ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:25-40, Acts 1:8, Acts 13:1-3, Matthew 27:32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Anticipate The Prophecy Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 11, 2020

In Zephaniah 3:14-20, the prophet wants people of all time to long for the joy of the presence of God. He calls us to experience the 1) Rejoicing in the Prophecy (Zephaniah 3:14), 2) Reasons for the Prophecy (Zephaniah 3:15–17), 3) Realizing the Prophecy (Zephaniah 3:18-20).

Zephaniah 3:14–20 [14] Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! [15] The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: Other

A Fair Test For Those Who Think They Prophesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 8, 2020

While "prophecy" so-called is popular among a segment of the faithful, the test of prophets is seldom applied. The test of accuracy and adherence to the Word of God must be applied to verify a prophecy.

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:1-11

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

Good Interruptions Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 16, 2016

A study of the book of Job 19: 1 – 29

Job 19: 1 – 29 Good Interruptions 1 Then Job answered and said: 2 “How long will you torment my soul, and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me. 4 And if indeed I have erred, my error remains with me. 5 ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

When He Appears Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 13, 2018

What do we know concerning the return of Christ the Lord? John points Christians to that day as a means of encouraging holy living.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Living At The Centre Of The Universe

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2019

Christians are secure in Christ. Because this is true, it behooves us to know Him--really know Who He is. The message explores Paul's revelation of Jesus as very God in his letter to the congregation in Colossae.

[1] “[Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Was Born Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2018

Jesus' testimony before Pilate spoke of the purpose of His coming. Though we speak of joy and peace in Christ, it is essential that He came to bring salvation. This He has done through presenting His life as a sacrifice. Those who believe are ushered into His Kingdom.

“Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

A Plea From The Pit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 13, 2024

God is merciful whenever the sinner seeks Him and His mercy. God will show mercy to the nation, the culture, the society that turns from wickedness to seek His grace.

It distresses me to preach messages that expose sin within the society in which we live. I could wish that I were permitted to speak only pleasant things, to declare a message that was always positive, to affirm our culture as righteous. However, I am compelled to give an answer to the One Who ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:31-66

Denomination: Baptist

When The Hour Of Decision Is Midnight

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 15, 2024

When one asks the question, "What must I do to be saved," accepting the answer we give will determine the eternal destiny for that person.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

The God Of Creation

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2024

God's character is revealed through the Creation.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 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.” [1] Philosophers ask questions related to our presence in time and space and our present ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

All Cultures Are Not Equivaent

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2025

The rules for war that Moses gave to Israel revealed a vast cultural gap between Israel and the nations they were to dispossess. The nations of the west in this day are culturally superior to much of the remainder of the world because the foundations of the west are found in the Word of God.

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Children's Stories? Jonah And The Whale

Contributed by Todd Wagner on May 1, 2013

This book is about God's great love for everyone and about man's stubborn refusal to participate with God in loving others.

Well, we have been looking at children's stories. Stories we've just kind of always known. In fact, what we do with our 0- to 4-year-olds here is we have a curriculum called Bible Biggies where we tell them all the big stories of the Scripture so they can be aware of those stories. Way too often, ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 1:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Have A Successful Partnership

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 12, 2001

The parternship of Paul and Timothy teaches us many things about the art and science of a successful alliance

How to Have a Successful Partnership (Acts 16:1-6) Illustration:Grace Coolidge, the wife of President Calvin Coolidge, tried to surprise her husband by having his portrait painted. When it was finished, she hung it in the library of the White House. Later the same morning the President happened ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational