Sermons on Contender:

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

Henceforth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 2, 2016

There is so much more than this moment called now for which the believer lives. Standing on the cusp of eternity, the Apostle directs our gaze to what follows this life.

“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 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Preaching To The Choir Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jul 18, 2016

A study of the book of Job 22: 1 – 14

Job 22: 1 – 14 Preaching To The Choir 1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: 2 “Can a man be profitable to God, though he who is wise may be profitable to himself. 3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways ...read more

Scripture: Job 22:1-14

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Striving To Succeed In 2019

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 28, 2015

This lesson deals with Paul’s self-confession and desire to succeed in his “pursuit of Christ” and "the prize of the high calling of God." He provides a plan for all who are “striving to succeed,” in their pursuit of Christ. It begs our attention.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Release the Past 2. Reach for the Present 3. Race toward the Prize Remarks. 1. This lesson deals with believers striving to succeed – in their pursuit of Christ, and their desire to be well pleasing to God. The motto of the Lexus motorcar is the “Pursuit of Perfection.” ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Balaam: Was He A Prophet Of God? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 20, 2016

Can God speak through an imperfect individual? We are studying the life and "ministry" of Balaam to discover the pertinence of his life to our own lives.

“The people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

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

A Model For Godly Manhood Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 3, 2016

What can Joseph teach us as men?

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

He Is Able Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 28, 2015

In the darkest times, God is prepared to accomplish great things to the praise of His glory. He is able.

“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] Unapologetically, the message today is meant for Christians—followers of Christ the Lord. This is appropriate since the text was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12

Denomination: Baptist

Mystery Babylon In The Roman Empire : The New Testament Backdrop Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jul 7, 2015

Babylon's mysteries did not go away with Babylon, but have been passed on through the world empires. We now come to Rome, the "Babylon" of New Testament days.

9: PAGAN ROME We have danced through nearly 4000 years of history in a startlingly short time. Most moderns agree that the things I have portrayed so far are a true picture of the events that took place, the philosophies that prevailed, the religion that dominated. No need to overwork something ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fresh Revelation? Rhema Versus Logos

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 7, 2017

This message explores what the Bible says about new/fresh/special revelations and the perceived differences between 'Rhema' and 'Logos'

I often hear people say one of two things about the revelation of the Bible: that God speaks to them, or they wish God would speak to them. Those who say God speaks to them often pull the 'god card' to validate and justify something they have done, a message they have given, or the way ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-13, 2 Peter 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20, John 1:1, 1 Corinthians 14:9, Hebrews 12:19, Hebrews 2:2, 1 Corinthians 12:8, John 14:26, Acts 4:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Facing The Unknown Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 19, 2017

None of us know with certainty what lies ahead after we are gathered to Christ. However, Paul encourages believers to look forward, preparing ourselves for what is surely coming.

“We know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

If You Would Be Perfect

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2015

Stewardship begins with stewardship of life--receiving the life that Jesus offers. All that we consider "stewardship" flows from this first great decision.

“Behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

Saved Through Childbearing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 3, 2013

Women have a vital role in the life of the saints. Struggling for mastery over men ensures that they cannot fulfil the role God has graciously given.

“Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” [1] The role of women—in society and especially in churches—is a topic fraught with grave danger. The man who dares speak on the biblical role of women ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Baptist

Walking Worthy Of Your Calling Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 31, 2015

In describing the believers walk we see its 1) Call (Ephesians 4:1), 2) Characteristics (Ephesians 4:2-3), and its 3) Cause (Ephesians 4:4-6).

For months, the world’s news crews have needed to cope with a bizarre Internet-inspired trend of bystanders screaming a vulgar phrase into live microphones. But on Tuesday, an Ontario power company employee was fired after he was seen championing the phrase during a live CityNews broadcast. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Other

What Is Truth? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 18, 2012

We may either adopt the cynicism of this dying world, dismissing truth when it stands before us, or we may embrace the Son of God who is truth.

“Pilate said to Jesus, ‘What is truth?’” [1] Cynicism best describes the governor’s demeanor when the True Light stood before him. Arraigned before Pilate’s judgement seat was Jesus of Nazareth who testified of Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” [JOHN 14:6]. Someone has ...read more

Scripture: John 18:38

Denomination: Baptist