Sermons on Clearing The Temple:

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

How Will Your Epitaph Read?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 1, 2015

Life is preparation for death. How you administer your life now determines God's response to you and your place in the world to come.

“Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him. For though, while he lives, he counts himself blessed —and though you get praise when you do well for yourself— ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 49:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

A New Way Of Thinking Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jan 25, 2018

If we are ever going to manage our money God's way and be freed up financially we must develop a new attitude.

Attitude, A New Way Of Thinking Money Matters – part one Pink Floyd Video… Luke chapter 12 opens up with these words… Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Tell-Tale Life Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 27, 2018

Those who are twice-born reveal divine parentage through life, through confidence and through victory.

“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” [1] Some truths cannot be hidden. Though an evil individual may attempt to hide the evil that contaminates the soul, the sinful proclivity ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Confidence In An Uncertain World Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2018

The Christian knows intuitively that he/she belongs to God and that the world about them is under the sway of the evil one. The message explores some of the parameters of this knowledge.

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” [1] The New York Stock Exchange hits a new high every week, sometimes even breaking previous trading records several times in a week. Investor exuberance does make some potential traders nervous; they wonder ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Thanksgiving (1:3–11) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 11, 2018

One of the richest and most overwhelming passages in the Bible is this discussion of the blessings which are ours now in Christ Jesus.

Commentary on the Book of Ephesians By: Tom Lowe Date: 11/30/16 Lesson 2: A Sentence Begun in Eternity (1:3-6) Ephesians 1:3-6 (NIV) 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6

Denomination: Baptist

An Interview From Hell

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 27, 2022

What would a person in hades ask of us if we were able to hear them? Jesus provides us insight into this dark situation when He reveals what a lost man asked.

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

In Christ Alone - Philippians 3:3b-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 3, 2022

The true people of God are those who serve God by means of the Holy Spirit (living the Christian life by exposing ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and cooperating with what he does) and who glory in Christ alone, rather than putting any confidence in the flesh.

The true people of God are those who serve God by means of the Holy Spirit (living the Christian life by exposing ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and cooperating with what he does) and who glory in (rely on, hope in, rejoice in, count on, run after, regard as supremely important) Christ alone, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:3-8

A Casual Observance With Obvious Consequences Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 5, 2021

A cautionary sermon against presumption against the Lord at His Table.

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Friend Of God’s People - James 2:25-26 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

This sermon shows how differently God sees people than we do. By our standards, Abraham and Rahab couldn’t be more different. For God, they are the same.

James 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by ...read more

Scripture: James 2:25-26

The World’s Most Dangerous Profession - James 3:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This passage stands out because teaching is so highly valued throughout the New Testament. Why is it discouraged here? James considered himself a teacher and was teaching even as he penned these words about not many should be teachers.

James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Introduction: We Talk a ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-2

Portrait Of A Peacemaker - James 3:17-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This message shows how several of the elements of human wisdom have been dressed up and have found their way into the church. We must beware of those. The message also gives insights into how to convert incidents of conflict into peace in the church and restore broken relationships.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Introduction God will call us His children, if and only if… How ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18

Judgment Day Surprise - Matthew 7:21-23 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 26, 2021

How can you be sure you're not among those who have impressive, Christ-centered ministries and yet will hear those dreadful words, "Away from me. I never knew you"?

Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Do We Believe Him? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 1, 2021

If we take responsibility for ourselves at the Lord's Table, it will not be necessary for Him to discipline us. Let us approach Him with reverence and awe as we worship.

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

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