Sermons on Contemporary:

For Christ's Sake?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 7, 2015

The life of the disciples must be lived for Christ's sake and not for the disciple's comfort.

“[Jesus] began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

A Postscript For Preachers Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2014

Paul's closing words summarise what has been presented to Timothy in this letter.

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. “Grace be with you.” [1] It is no secret that I am a news junkie; I fill my ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Charge To The Rich Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 2014

Paul instructs Christians who possess wealth their responsibility in employing what God has entrusted to them.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Tyranny Of The Experts

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2021

A study of the danger posed when experts assume control over a society, over a community, or over a church. The message is a call to participatory Christianity.

“Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Courtesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 29, 2017

Christians are commanded to demonstrate perfect courtesy toward all people. We are called to speak the truth in love; this means that we are to be gentle and gracious toward those who speak ill of us or who attempt to injure us.

“Remind [the believers] to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Know?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 21, 2020

Knowing God means that we love the brothers and build them in the Faith.

“Concerning food offered to idols: we know that ‘all of us possess knowledge.’ This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.” [1] “I’m as good a Christian as you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Pieces Of Silver And A Suit

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 26, 2017

Religion is cheap. Those who seek to perpetuate religion will sell the Faith for a pittance. The message calls on the faithful to distinguish between those seeking a job in the ministry and those who are appointed by God to minister.

“Now there was a young man of Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

All Things! Really? All Things? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 5, 2017

When Paul writes "for those who love God all things work together for good," he writes to encourage Christians not to be discouraged by trials. "All things" urges us to look beyond the moment to see the glory that is to be revealed.

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-30

Denomination: Baptist

Casualties Of Divine Service

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 8, 2019

The message explores how Christians can avoid becoming casualties of divine service. There is a high cost demanded of those who will serve Christ, and we must not imagine that we will be spared paying that cost. However, in standing firm with Christ, we will stand victorious.

“Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, ‘So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.’ Then he was afraid, and he ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Weaponised Narratives

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 6, 2019

We must guard against creating a narrative as a mask of the truth of God's Word.

“If our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Case For A Creator

Contributed by Lee Strobel on Jul 28, 2004

More than any other time in the history of the world, the evidence of science powerfully supports your belief in God. The good news is not only that there’s a Creator, but that He loves you and that He’s inviting you into a personal relationshi

Note: this message incorporates a dramatic clip from the film Unlocking the Mystery of Life. The DVD or videotape may be obtained at www.illustramedia.org. Permission to show the clip may be obtained from Illustra Media, P.O. Box 2711, La Habra, CA 90623-2711. The phone number is 888-897-6026 or ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-31

Denomination: *other

What Would Jesus Say To Osama Bin Laden? Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Sep 24, 2002

What Would Jesus say to one who thinks taking human life is God’s Will?

“What Would Jesus Say To Osama bin Laden?” Acts 4:12, Ezekiel 33:11, Hebrews 8:12 INTRODUCTION: (Use Vs 1 & chorus of the hit song "Where Were You?”[When the world stopped turning] by Alan Jackson) Where were you? How many can remember where you were or what you were doing when you heard of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:12

Denomination: Christian Church

Christmas - Faith And Courage

Contributed by Robert Fox on Dec 11, 2006

Mary and Joseph lived righteous lives in an unrighteous world. The only thing preventing us from finding favor with God in the same way is our daily choices. Student Ministry PowerPoint format.

This discussion was originally presented in PowerPoint format to a high school audience. If you have questions or would like the original PowerPoint, feel free to contact me at robert.fox@alltel.com A good deal of the content in this presentation came from the excellent messages by C. Raymond van ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-21

Denomination: Baptist

Society At The Time Of Christ's Return

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 2, 2007

A description of society during the Tribulation.

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” And He said to the disciples, “The days are ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:22-37

Denomination: Baptist

Sincere Faith

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 2, 2007

A Mother’s Day message that looks at the product of godliness conveyed to children.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

Denomination: Baptist