Sermons on Assailants:

Memento Mori

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2021

We prepare to live by preparing for death.

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for ‘All flesh is like grass and all its ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Baptist

Wrong About Authority

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 14, 2024

When Jesus was challenged to name His authority to teach, he exposed His interlocutors as incapable of assessing His answer even were He to deign give it.

“When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus answered them, ‘I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27

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

Help! There's A Snake In My Garden! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 5, 2023

We need a Redeemer because we are fallen people. We inherited our fallen nature because of the fall of our first parents. Eve was seduced by Satan, and Adam chose to rebel against God. Thus, the creation was plunged into ruin.

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. “He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?”’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, “You ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Other Side Of The Storm

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2023

As Christians, we will pass through storms. Sometimes these storms will be violent. Yet, we are assured that when we pass through the storm, Christ will be with us. We shall not be overwhelmed. And on the other side of the storm, all will be at peace.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When I Hurt?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2025

Is there purpose in our suffering if we are Christians? What can God accomplish through our sorrow?

“As they were 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 great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Is That All You've Got?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 19, 2024

We who follow Christ are responsible to present the message of grace at every opportunity. Many will dismiss our message as foolish talk. We must honestly present the truth to such people, refusing to give up our stand for the truth.

“As [Paul] was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

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

Marks Of The True Church: Holiness Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 10, 2024

Our Lord prayed that His followers would be sanctified, made holy. The Father heard His request and has granted Jesus was He asked.

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

"i Know The Plans I Have For You!" Does This Apply To Us?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 10, 2025

God guides His people as they serve Him. The means of His guidance may vary, but it will never contradict what is given in His holy Word.

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [1] Years ago, I read Herbert Lockyer’s delightful tome, “All the Promises of the Bible.” [2] In that book, Dr. Lockyer discussed what a promise is, cautioning that the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Competent Wife/Woman-6 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 17, 2015

6 of ? The writer of Proverbs detailed a successful marriage from the standpoint of a competent wife. A wife’s competence completes a successful marriage. Who is a competent wife? A competent wife/woman...

A COMPETENT WIFE-part 6—Proverbs 31:10-31 Attention: Competence is something needed in all areas of life. Every grade school, collegiate or professional sport demands competence. Fishing—Every successful tournament demands competence on the part of the fishermen/women. Boat ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

Denomination: Baptist

Lion Attack Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 8, 2015

Responding as godly people when Satan attacks.

“You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.” [1] Asics has produced an amusing ad. Two Xhosa men are walking and talking. “I’m no longer interested in Sandra Bullock,” says one. “It’s like in the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Soldier Of Christ Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2015

Believers are urged to see their lives as dedicated to service to the Saviour rather than merely being lived for their own interests.

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” [1] Suffering well is a ministry in itself! Note that I did not say that suffering is a ministry. Few of us tolerate suffering ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Pastoral Personal Conduct

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 16, 2013

Timothy is instructed in how he is to conduct his life as a minister of Christ. Thus, each servant of the Master is taught how he should conduct his life and ministry.

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist