Sermons on Criteria:

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

Destination Bethlehem: A Stable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 27, 2015

God chose the most humble circumstances possible for the entrance of His Son into the world. He did this that we might know His love and receive Him as one of us.

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7, Isaiah 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

The High Cost Of Arrogance Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 5, 2017

Arrogance kills. Should anyone question that statement, they need but study an incident when a king whom God anointed requested consideration from a wealthy farmer. What happened next is a warming against becoming arrogant.

“Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:36-38

Denomination: Baptist

Practising Discipleship Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 1, 2017

Christians are commanded to make disciples. The process of discipleship includes: going; baptising; teaching. The responsibility devolves upon each follower of the Christ.

“It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Amazed By Him Series

Contributed by Jimmy Seibert on Dec 26, 2014

We become what we behold. As believers, let's make it our aim to behold the person of Jesus that we may become like Him.

Amazed Part 2: Amazed by Him Preached by Jimmy Seibert August 31, 2014 I love this time of year [when Baylor students return to Waco], because it reminds me of my own college days, coming to college and all the excitement, and all the life change that happens. But I wanted to take you back ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“And 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.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

Will You Let Just Anyone Eat At Your Table? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 5, 2021

A discussion of the oversight of the Lord's Supper, focusing on the participants at the Meal and the attitude with which we are to partake of the Meal.

“When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:20-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Crown Has Fallen

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2021

In tumultuous times of national unrest, the people of God must turn to God to plead for their nation. The message is a call for God's people to see the danger in which we stand at this hour.

Remember, O LORD, what has befallen us; look, and see our disgrace! Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners. We have become orphans, fatherless; our mothers are like widows. We must pay for the water we drink; the wood we get must be bought. Our pursuers ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Unwelcomed In Zion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 21, 2020

A review and application of the ministry of Amos, known to standing with God and against religion.

“Amaziah said to Amos, ‘O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.’ “Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, ‘I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I ...read more

Scripture: Amos 7:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Priscila And Aquila Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 13, 2014

The ultimate judge of a person’s character is their ability to exceed expectations with little recognition from others or when praise is not given. The Bible is filled with unsung heroes of the faith whose names may be obscure to us but to God they are His heroes of the faith.

Transition video: Serving in prison ministry Theme: Unsung heroes Scripture: Proverbs 27:2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.” Sermon 2: Priscilla and Aquila Thesis for Series: The ultimate judge of a person’s character is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is A Christian? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2026

If it was a crime to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you able to say what a Christian is?

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” [1] A little boy once asked his father, “Daddy, what is a Christian?” The dad patiently explained to his son ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Marks Of The True Church: Unity Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 1, 2024

The unity of the Faith transcends denominations, embracing all who are twice born through faith in Christ the Lord.

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Judgement Day Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 4, 2021

We are called to judge ourselves, especially focusing on our motives, as we come before the Lord's 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 11:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Insists We Care For, And Love, One Another (Revelation 3:1-5) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 29, 2025

In this church, the missing works, are works of love, service, and faithfulness. Have to conquer apathy, and an uncaring attitude, as well as the big obvious sins like idolatry.

In small towns, one of the most important things that anyone can have, is a good reputation. A good name. Your reputation is something that you've built over the entirety of your life in this town, as long as you've been here. People think good things about you, or bad, or a mix. There ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-5

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