Sermons on Contend:

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 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

Living At The Centre Of The Universe

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2019

Christians are secure in Christ. Because this is true, it behooves us to know Him--really know Who He is. The message explores Paul's revelation of Jesus as very God in his letter to the congregation in Colossae.

[1] “[Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

Too Silly For A Funeral; Too Serious For A Party

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 2, 2019

Christians must be aware of becoming hypercritical of divine work and of other believers, ascribing what is done as unworthy of Christ. To explore this situation, the message is a study of Jesus' censure of the generation in which He then lived.

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Lydia's Conversion Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 5, 2019

To establish that Lydia’s obedience to the gospel followed the same “pattern of conversion” outlined in the Book of Acts. She attended to the words spoken by Paul and Silas, believed in the Lord, and was baptized with her entire household.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Lydia’s Hearkening unto Paul 2. Lydia’s Faithfulness to the Lord 3. Lydia’s Baptism into Christ Introductory Remarks. 1. Our lesson today will discuss the theme: “Lydia’s Conversion.” What will be abundantly clear is that her “obedience to the gospel;” followed the same ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:13-15, Acts 8:12, Acts 18:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Strength To Stand-4 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 20, 2017

4 of 11. Paul closes his direction to the Ephesian church by encouraging them to find their strength in the Lord. But where or how can God's people find the strength to stand victorious? God’s people acquire strength to stand victorious thru a distinct...

STRENGTH To STAND-IV—Ephesians 6:10-20 Attention: Read & recount Numbers 13:1-33--14:1-4, 5-10 Highlight the disparity among the majority of the Israelite leaders(who spied out the land of Canaan), vs. Caleb & Joshua(13:30, 31; 14:6-9, 10). God’s people had POTENTIAL(13:31-33) to stand ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Face Off Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 21, 2017

A study of the Gospel of John 8: 31 - 59

John 8: 31 - 59 Face Off 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-59

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

What The New Year Holds Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2017

The desperate times in which we live provides some of the greatest opportunities to advance the Faith. Now is the time for the faithful to seize the initiative and push back against the night.

“I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” [1] “X-rays will prove to be a hoax!” So said Lord Kelvin, president of the Royal Society, in 1883. “Louis Pasteur’s theory of germs is ridiculous ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jonah: Running From The Reality Of Grace Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 16, 2018

This week our nation celebrates its independence. And like all countries… over time such holidays become more about a time to have fun than to be sobered by the nature of freedom. There can be a strange mix of two types of pride that we can celebrate.

Intro This week our nation celebrates it’s independence. And like all countries… over time such holidays become more about a time to have fun than to be sobered by the nature of freedom. There can be a strange mix of two types of pride that we can celebrate. When we feel a pride is in the source ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Just Shall Live By Faith

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Feb 24, 2017

To establish that the just shall live by faith and not by the observance or the works of the Law or any man's standards of righteousness. The just shall live by faith - through Jesus Christ. This lesson deals with faith and obedience in ones salvation.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Letter to the Romans 2. The Letter to the Galatians 3. The Letter to the Hebrews Remarks. 1. In our lesson today we are going to discuss the theme: "The Just Shall Live by Faith." This lesson will emphasize that the just shall be declared righteous by their ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:16-17, Galatians 3:11-12, Hebrews 10:38-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Be A Mighty Man

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 19, 2017

A study of a warrior-priest noted as one of David's mighty men with encouragement for believers to emulate his life.

“Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

God: What Happens After I Die? Series

Contributed by Philip Martin on Apr 16, 2016

Sermon about what happens when we die. Death ends physical life. Death does not end spiritual life. Death can end in eternal life

God: What Happens after I Die? Job 14:14; 2 Cor. 5:1-8 1. Have you ever heard the expression, ''the elephant in the room?'' this expression refers to a situation where something major is going on. Everybody knows it. It is impossible to ignore, like an elephant in a room, ...read more

Scripture: Job 14:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Fair Test For Those Who Think They Prophesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 8, 2020

While "prophecy" so-called is popular among a segment of the faithful, the test of prophets is seldom applied. The test of accuracy and adherence to the Word of God must be applied to verify a prophecy.

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Church Without Walls

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 29, 2021

A study of the first congregation of the Lord provides us with the example of a church without walls. The members did gather for worship, but they were compelled to penetrate their world to tell others of Jesus. We must do the same in this day.

“There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Walking Worthy Of Your Calling Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 10, 2020

In Ephesians 4:1–6 Paul appeals to believers to walk worthy of their high position in Jesus Christ. In describing that walk he discusses its 1) Call (Ephesians 4:1), 2) Characteristics (Ephesians 4:2-3), and its 3) Cause (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Ephesians 4:1-6 [4:1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Other