Sermons on Canonization:

When Death Has Taken My Loved One

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2010

Though unnatural, death comes to all. How shall we respond to death? We explore this neglected subject by looking at an incident in the ministry of Ezekiel.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2015

In our service to the Lord, some things must always be borne in mind. Remember Jesus Christ is perhaps the most important truth to hold in mind for each Christian.

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” [1] We have just come through the Christmas Season. We are poised on the cusp of a new year. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Justified? Or Judged? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2017

Is there a way for us to make ourselves acceptable to God? The Apostle Paul teaches that such a thought is an impossibility.

“We know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” [1] “So that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Pattern Of Sound Words Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2015

Paul provides instructions to ensure continuation of the Faith from generation to generation.

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” [1] Seminarians are required to study systematic theology. The required courses consist of in-depth studies of the several doctrines that define the Faith of Christ the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13

Denomination: Baptist

Mistreating The Vulnerable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2020

Christians are taught to treat the vulnerable with compassion and with generosity. The study is based upon the practised instituted by Moses for Israel, which practise is continued among the churches to this day.

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

Psalms Of Christmas Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on Dec 7, 2020

Hymns, holiday music are a big part of Christmas, but the greatest Christmas songs were written long before Christ's birth!

Intro: Among many things, holiday music, and hymns are a big part of the Christmas season and celebration! Why is that? As one music aficionado put it: There’s something about “that Christmas feeling” that words can’t describe, but the music can capture. There’s a feeling associated with the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-11

The Inherited Church Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 16, 2018

To accomplish the task of evangelising our world, we must work as though our congregation was new. New churches have a vibrancy that can be lost as we grow older. In time, if we don't take care, we will have an "inherited church" rather than a vibrant, living congregation.

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Losing God In The Church

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 22, 2021

We Christians must not allow ourselves to begin to worship our worship. We must always ensure that we worship the Risen Saviour, the True and Living God.

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-19

Denomination: Baptist

This Kind...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 15, 2021

Christians are at war with an unseen, though extremely powerful, enemy. We are, however, not defenseless. We are given authority over the enemy, if we will invoke our rights given in Christ.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone from the crowd ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Competing According To The Rules Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 24, 2015

Divine rewards demand that we conduct our lives according to God's rules provided in His Word.

I consider the initial verses of this chapter to be among the most significant verses of the book. They are, as well, perhaps the most neglected verses of the missive which Paul wrote. I confess that I am ploughing quite a narrow furrow in these expositions. Note that the Apostle appeals to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:5

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus "i Am" The Good Shepherd! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 25, 2021

: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He lead’s the sheep to safety, security, pasture and the good life but not to slaughter or harm. Jesus guards, encourages, supports and protects His sheep because He loves them.

I am playing these videos to get your mindset focused on Shepherding – agriculture lifestyles – a common sight in the time and teaching of Jesus – not so much today – as a matter of fact you would be hard pressed to find many sheep farms in this area of Illinois! Opening Video Transition (2 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-42, John 10:11, John 10:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Elizabeth Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 23, 2022

Mary, a virgin, betrothed to a man called Joseph after being informed by an angel who told her that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bring forth a son called Jesus. She was also informed that her "relative Elizabeth" had begun her sixth month of pregnancy.

Elizabeth Elizabeth was obedient to God's commands throughout her life. Biblical narrative. According to the Gospel of Luke chapter 1, Elizabeth was "of the daughters of Aaron." She and her husband Zachariah were "righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Class: Introduction To Prophetic Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 3, 2022

The prophetic ministry is needed more than ever today in the secular culture we live in – the decline away from Biblical truth, the web of deception and the loss of moral values opens the door for God to speak into the hearts of people.

PP#1: Pursue Kingdom Ministry - Class: Prophetic PP#2: My personal journey in the gift or prophecy and prophetic ministry: What Outreach taught me about the gift – Pentecostal View - speaking words in church services “How it happened” My own encounters with prophets in these days: • The first ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:29, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 14:31-33, Acts 2:16-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Worship Is A Matter Of Who, Not How!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 18, 2022

In worship, God is more concerned that we focus on Him than than we should be overly concerned about the mechanics of what we are doing.

“After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar’ (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-23

Denomination: Baptist