Sermons on Chastised:

The Unworkable Solution Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 27, 2010

Discipline has become, not simply the neglected command of the Master, but it is dismissed as the unworkable solution as the churches attempt to apply psychology to do the work of God.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 26, 2014

Study of one reason for suffering experienced by God's people.

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Exaudi

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2014

A study to encourage the People of God to depend on Him when facing battles.

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” [1] Exaudi – hear us Lord. The world rests upon Your commandments, O God. It is Your faithfulness to the world which provides stability for the commands You have given, O Lord. It is Your wrath which hides Your commandments ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

You’re Taking Her Back? Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 24, 2014

A study of the book of Isaiah chapter 54 verses 1 through 17

Isaiah 54: 1 – 17 You’re Taking Her Back? 1 “Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD. 2 ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 54:1-17

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Mending Broken Brothers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 19, 2016

A review of the ministry of reconciliation.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” [1] The Ministry of Restoration is committed to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Love? Or Lust?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 13, 2016

Christians must distinguish between love and lust. The message is a study of a young man who failed to distinguish between love and lust, bringing great sorrow upon the nation and ultimately condemning himself to a violent death.

“Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David’s son, loved her. And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 13:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Destination Bethlehem: A Stable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 27, 2015

God chose the most humble circumstances possible for the entrance of His Son into the world. He did this that we might know His love and receive Him as one of us.

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

The Litmus Test Of Love Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 11, 2016

1) Perfect Love & the Character of God (1 Jn. 4:7–8), 2) Perfect Love & the Coming of Christ (1 Jn. 4:9–11), 3) Perfect Love & the Christian’s Claim of Faith (1 Jn. 4:12–16), 4) Perfect Love & the Christian’s Confidence in Judgment (1 Jn. 4:17-21).

In scientific experimentation, a Litmus Test is a test to establish the acidity or alkalinity of a mixture. The phrase has also been applied metaphorically to represent a crucial test using a single issue or factor as the basis for judgment. (Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Other

The Church At Laodicea

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 3, 2017

With the other churches, when the Lord Jesus said, “I KNOW THY WORKS,” He meant good works; He was commending them for good works. But the Lord Jesus has no word of commendation for this church.

By: Tom Lowe Date: 6-29-15 Lesson: The church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Revelation 3:14-22 (KJV) ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Forgotten Element In Modern Marriage

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 11, 2017

A call for purity in marriage for Christians.

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” [1] Marriage is under assault in this day. I sincerely doubt that the assault is as successful as some might imagine; nevertheless, marriage is under a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:4

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

Gethsemane Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2013

When Christ calls us to be with Him, He honours us. He does not treat us as we deserve should we fail Him, but He is glorified in raising us up and employing us to His glory.

“Jesus went with [his disciples] to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to [them], ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of Godliness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2013

The message of Christ and His work on our behalf is a mystery of God. In fact, Paul speaks of this as "the mystery of godliness."

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” [1] Mysteries are a favourite genre in books, movies and television ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Navigating Our Beliefs Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 11, 2023

Navigating Our Beliefs Series: The Deconstruction Zone: Navigating Doubts and Difficulties Brad Bailey - June 25, 2023

Navigating Our Beliefs Series: The Deconstruction Zone: Navigating Doubts and Difficulties Brad Bailey - June 25, 2023 Intro In the late ’90s, Joshua Harris burst on to the Christian scene with a book titled I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a treatise on dating and courtship. The book sold millions and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:52, Matthew 28:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Marks Of The True Church: Joy Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2024

Christ promised joy for those who follow Him. One sure mark of the redeemed is joy.

“Now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” Suppose you are on holiday. Now imagine it is a Sunday morning, and you want to find a church where you can join fellow Christians in worship of the Risen Saviour. (You do attend ...read more

Scripture: John 17:13

Denomination: Baptist