Sermons on Crudeness:

Confidence In An Uncertain World Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2018

The Christian knows intuitively that he/she belongs to God and that the world about them is under the sway of the evil one. The message explores some of the parameters of this knowledge.

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” [1] The New York Stock Exchange hits a new high every week, sometimes even breaking previous trading records several times in a week. Investor exuberance does make some potential traders nervous; they wonder ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

Who Told You That You Were Naked? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 14, 2012

Sin is defined as exaltation of the self. The message explores some of the ramifications of our fallen condition, pointing to the sole cure for sin.

“God [asked Adam], ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’” [1] The first question God asked of the man was, “Where are you” [GENESIS 3:9]? The man’s response was the first indication that ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:11

Denomination: Baptist

Against The Tide: Pushing Back Against The Moral Climate

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 18, 2012

Christians are called to be holy. However, we are not always certain what it means to be holy or how to achieve that status.

1 PETER 1:13-25 AGAINST THE TIDE (PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE MORAL CLIMATE) “Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

What God Expects Of His People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 29, 2016

A plea for revival drawn from the words of Isaiah.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-14

Denomination: Baptist

Rejected! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 5, 2020

What does it mean that Jesus was despised and rejected? Are we who call ourselves Christians guilty of despising the Son of God, even rejecting Him? The message is a challenge to examine our lives to ensure that we honour Christ Jesus the Saviour.

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” [1] During these festive days of celebrating the birth of the Son of God, Christ is the unrecognized guest at multiplied tables ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:3

Denomination: Baptist

Thanks For The Memories Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Dec 15, 2020

Without God’s Light, without the promise of God’s love, Scrooge was doomed … and so are we! It is God’s love and judgment that are bringing Scrooge into the light so that he can repent and get on track to a better life … the life that God intended for him and not the one that he made for himself.

Ah … remember good Ol’ Jacob Marley from last week? How he appeared in his pigtails, usual waist-coat, tights, and boots? He also sported a huge chain “clasped about his middle … and wound about him like a tail … made of cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, and heavy purses wrought in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:4, Philippians 4:13, Psalm 3:5-6, John 1:41-42, John 3:19-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: United Methodist

Imperfect Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 26, 2020

If someone is looking for perfection in the Bride of Christ, they are not likely to find it. People focus on an ideal symmetry, but God gives His perfection to imperfect. We will be perfected at the return of our Saviour.

“He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” [1] Most of us don’t have to look very far to find things we don’t like about ourselves. Young women are trained by society to starve themselves in order to achieve a look they imagine will bring ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:2

Denomination: Baptist

Were You There? Yes You Were. Series

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on May 20, 2015

Tonight, I want to take you back to where, for all the reasons that really matter, over 2,000 years ago. a This is a message that before its over . . . will engage your senses ...sight, smell, touch, taste, hear what Jesus experienced in the 14 hours leading up to the Cross.

Were You There? Yes you were. Good Friday Service 2015 April 3, 2015 CFBC Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson, Speaker A The Crucifixion narrative in the four gospels take place over about a 14 hour period of time. PIX: BLOOD MOON 1 Tonight, I want to take you back to where, for all the reasons ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:48-50

Denomination: Baptist

The Younger Women

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2013

Not women only, but all who are placed in the congregation of the Lord, are called to consider how to live so as to honour God.

“As for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Dads Who Are Intentional Series

Contributed by Dave Stone on Jun 19, 2013

Here are three different habits that you as a dad can do and bestow upon your children.

Twenty-six hundred years ago in the year 640 BC, there was a new king over all of Israel. He was eight years old. His name was Josiah. This is a young man who had to grow into his role over time. But God put him there for a reason. His family tree had not been filled with spiritual models for him ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 22:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Live As Free People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2013

Anticipating Canada Day [and Independence Day], I invite the people of God to think what it means to live as "free people."

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” [1] Being free and living as one who is free are two entirely different concepts. People who have been incarcerated for extended periods may have difficulty adjusting to life ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Gethsemane Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2013

When Christ calls us to be with Him, He honours us. He does not treat us as we deserve should we fail Him, but He is glorified in raising us up and employing us to His glory.

“Jesus went with [his disciples] to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to [them], ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Aim Of Our Charge Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 16, 2013

The teaching of godly elders is contrasted with that of false teachers.

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” [1] Paul charged Timothy to remain in Ephesus, indicating that the young man was considering moving from that location. Specifically, the young preacher was charged to remain in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:5

Denomination: Baptist

What Can Transform Saul?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 4, 2022

The message is a contrast between a new convert named Saul and a mature follower of Christ named Paul. The intent of the message is to encourage Christian maturation in those who come to Christ in faith.

“When [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:26-31

Denomination: Baptist