Sermons on Civilian:

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

Against The Tide: Pushing Back Against The Moral Climate

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 18, 2012

Christians are called to be holy. However, we are not always certain what it means to be holy or how to achieve that status.

1 PETER 1:13-25 AGAINST THE TIDE (PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE MORAL CLIMATE) “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 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil In Pew Number Seven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 1, 2012

Pastors are to fulfil the ministry God has assigned with the help of strong, godly leaders from within the congregation.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

Preparing For The End Of The Age Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Apr 14, 2020

Preparing for the End of the Age Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) February 23, 2020 – Brad Bailey

Preparing for the End of the Age Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) February 23, 2020 – Brad Bailey Series #59 / Luke 21:5–38 Intro It’s been noted that when there is that which may be really hard ahead… most people tend to want to avoid it. The truth is that we waste more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Not Vulnerable

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 4, 2018

A study in the book of Leviticus 16: 1 – 34

Leviticus 16: 1 – 34 Not Vulnerable 16 Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the LORD, and died; 2 and the LORD said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Samson The Latter Years Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 12, 2024

Let’s remember that one of Samson’s problems was doing what was right within his own eyes too.

Series: Never Seen Before in 2024 Thesis: To see or experience something we have never seen before in 2024 requires us to do something we have never done before – So what is that “One Thing” you need to do that you have not done before? Maybe it is to read and study the Bible in 2024! Maybe study ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Incomplete Message

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 26, 2024

God is the central character in the Book of Job. We discover what is lacking in our own lives as we witness God revealing His character in this account of His dealing with one suffering saint.

“Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. “Hear, and I will ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

God Is Our Refuge

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Sep 14, 2001

A sermon for the Sept. 11 tragedy.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE Text: Psalm 46:1-11 In his book HOW CAN IT BE ALRIGHT, WHEN EVERYTHING IS ALL WRONG? Lewis B. Smedes describes hope and how we view it: "... three things are going on when we hope for something. The first is desire: we want what we hope for. The second is belief; we believe ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 46:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

Take Your Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2014

To avoid appointing unqualified people to the eldership, the elders must take time to know these candidates.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:22-25

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

Fight The Good Fight Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 24, 2014

Paul instructs the elder in broad strokes to exert himself to excel. In these instructions is a pattern for all who pursue the Master if they will honour Him.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” [1] Six commands are issued in the final statements of this vital missive to a young theologue. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Thief Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Aug 11, 2016

a study of the book of Job 24: 1 – 25

Job 24: 1 – 25 The Thief 1 “Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, why do those who know Him see not His days? 2 “Some remove landmarks; they seize flocks violently and feed on them; 3 they drive away the donkey of the fatherless; they take the widow’s ox as a ...read more

Scripture: Job 24:1-25

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

One Holy Purpose Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2016

Examining the motivation for Paul's perseverance and service can encourage believers to persevere in the midst of a darkened world that increasingly opposes the Faith.

“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” [1] The Apostle has emphasised a concept that is not often welcomed today—hardship. Directing student ministries at a major pastoral school some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:10

Denomination: Baptist