Sermons on Contender:

I Won't Complain Any More!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2020

The whining of the people of Israel following God's deliverance from slavery is too often echoed among the churches of this day. Grumbling is a serious sin against God, inviting His divine judgement.

“The people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:1-3

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

The Good Life Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 28, 2021

1) the right attitude (1 Peter 3:8), 2) The right response (1 Peter 3:9), 3) The right standard (1 Peter 3:10-11), and 4) the right incentive (1 Peter 3:12).

1 Peter 3:8-12 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Denomination: Other

The Book Of Philemon Commentary; Part 1 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 30, 2021

Philemon (meaning "beloved") has only one chapter; it was written to the man called Philemon, and that is almost all we know about this person, except, of course, that which can be ascertained from the Epistle itself. It is short and of a private nature,

THE BOOK OF PHILEMON COMMENTARY; PART 1 Note: The New King James Bible is used throughout, except where noted otherwise. INTRODUCTION Philemon (meaning "beloved") has only one chapter; it was written to the man called Philemon, and that is almost all we know about this person, ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Do Not Destroy (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 24, 2022

When those who rule are unjust, how shall the Christian respond? David provides a model for godly response in this 58th Psalm as he encourages the godly to look to the Lord for His deliverance.

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO DO NOT DESTROY. A MIKTAM OF DAVID. Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 58:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Exodus 7:1-25 The Plagues Being

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 21, 2024

Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and announce a series of plagues. Will Pharaoh yield or harden his heart?

Now, let's backtrack to Exodus and catch you up on the story. Although it's familiar to most of you, in Exodus we meet Moses. Moses was a man who was raised in Pharaoh's court. At forty years of age, he thinks he's got it all figured out; he's going to help his people get free ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 7:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Real Sins Of Sodom

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 3, 2022

Is homosexuality the gravest sin of all? Isn't arrogance, pride, and self-exaltation at the root of all our sin? We must repent of the sin that contaminates us even as followers of the Christ if we wish to receive His blessing.

“Behold, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:44-58

Denomination: Baptist

Debt And The Conscientious Christian

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 28, 2023

The sensitive subject of indebtedness is addressed in the message, pointing to the universal debt that rests upon each Christian.

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” [1] Living beyond one’s means has become de rigueur in the contemporary world. It is virtually impossible to imagine the average family in this day living within their means—living without ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8

Denomination: Baptist

We Do Not Lose Heart

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 18, 2023

When we grow discouraged, we will be encouraged by the knowledge of what God has done and what He is doing in our lives because of Christ our Lord.

“We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Denomination: Baptist

Navigating Our Beliefs Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Jul 11, 2023

Navigating Our Beliefs Series: The Deconstruction Zone: Navigating Doubts and Difficulties Brad Bailey - June 25, 2023

Navigating Our Beliefs Series: The Deconstruction Zone: Navigating Doubts and Difficulties Brad Bailey - June 25, 2023 Intro In the late ’90s, Joshua Harris burst on to the Christian scene with a book titled I Kissed Dating Goodbye, a treatise on dating and courtship. The book sold millions and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:52, Matthew 28:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Plea From The Pit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 13, 2024

God is merciful whenever the sinner seeks Him and His mercy. God will show mercy to the nation, the culture, the society that turns from wickedness to seek His grace.

It distresses me to preach messages that expose sin within the society in which we live. I could wish that I were permitted to speak only pleasant things, to declare a message that was always positive, to affirm our culture as righteous. However, I am compelled to give an answer to the One Who ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:31-66

Denomination: Baptist

God Appoints His Servant To Hard Tasks!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 16, 2024

As one who follows the Risen Lord, you may be assured that Christ has assigned you to do a particular task. And that task will require your finest effort, because God appoints His servant to hard tasks.

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Denomination: Baptist

Staying Centered In Christ Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 29, 2022

Staying Centered in Christ Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times 
Brad Bailey – February 13, 2022

Staying Centered in Christ Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times ?Brad Bailey – February 13, 2022 Intro Welcome... PRAY – We come to gather around Christ...to join in the life of Christ. For you have revealed that we can once again know belonging in a way we never have. You have called ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Honoring The Value Of Life (Pt 1) Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 30, 2022

Honoring the Value of Life (Pt 1) Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times
 Brad Bailey – March 20, 2022

Honoring the Value of Life (Pt 1) Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times? Brad Bailey – March 20, 2022 NOTE: The following notes are more extensive than what time would allow presenting, but provide both the main points and heart of the message. One will also find “further resources” with ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Harmony Through Happiness (Eat Some Peaches) - Philippians 4:4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 2, 2022

To have unity we must overcome joylessness, lack of reasonableness, and anxiety. We have to be told to rejoice because we naturally resist it, and because we tend to seek joy in earthly things instead of in (not just from) the Lord. Find happiness by enjoying God throughout the day.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4