Sermons on Deficit:

A Sick Church, A Lame Man, And Two Broke Preachers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 10, 2020

The churches of this day confront broken humanity. Whether we attempt to touch those who are broken through our wealth or with the power of Christ depends upon how we see ourselves as servants of the Lord.

“Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Finders Weepers; Losers Keepers?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2019

The world seeks to do something in order to be blessed. God calls us to be, so that we can enjoy the blessings He gives. Salvation is God's gift, not a position we earn.

“A man came up to [Jesus], 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 ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

Mistreating The Vulnerable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2020

Christians are taught to treat the vulnerable with compassion and with generosity. The study is based upon the practised instituted by Moses for Israel, which practise is continued among the churches to this day.

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:21-27

Denomination: Baptist

What Does Scripture Say? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 9, 2012

The study seeks to learn how Abraham was saved. If we determine the answer to this question, we will know precisely how we may be saved.

“What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” [1] If you have walked in the Faith for very long, you will have been challenged by some dear soul who does not believe the truths of Christ the Lord. Such benighted souls ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:3

Denomination: Baptist

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 15, 2012

A holy life lived to the glory of God attracts outsiders to ask, "What must I do to be saved?"

“What must I do to be saved?” [1] I fear many vital, even essential words are disappearing from common usage today. Society as a whole is becoming linguistically impoverished. Some words have been misappropriated; they will never be returned to their proper place in English vocabulary. “Gay,” ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:30

Denomination: Baptist

Serve One Another

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 13, 2012

The freedom we have received in Christ imposes responsibility to serve one another.

“You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15

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

The Devil In Pew Number Seven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 1, 2012

Pastors are to fulfil the ministry God has assigned with the help of strong, godly leaders from within the congregation.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

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

Changed Yet? Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Aug 14, 2013

Jeremiah calls the people of God to really change!

Series: Changed pt 2 The song “changed” was played twice this morning before our service and this is how and why this song was written: Rascal Flatts’ new single, “Changed,” co-written by Gary LeVox, Neil Thrasher and Wendell Mobley, came about from a true story told ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Reasons For Writing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 11, 2018

Confidence in our salvation is essential to vibrant life as a Christian. John writes to encourage believers to focus on what is essential for vigorous faith.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” [1] The couple, a man and a woman, had come to the door professing concern for my welfare. Their concern was driven by certainty that a great, world-wide conflagration known as ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What My Wife Taught Me

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2018

The message is an exposition of Paul's instruction concerning wives, reflecting over fifty years of marriage. Our world has divided into warring tribes and factions, and the conflict has entered into the marriage relationship, which dishonours God.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” [1] It is tragically sad ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of Godliness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2013

The message of Christ and His work on our behalf is a mystery of God. In fact, Paul speaks of this as "the mystery of godliness."

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” [1] Mysteries are a favourite genre in books, movies and television ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Deacons Who Serve Well Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 21, 2013

The rewards of serving well as a deacon are explored.

“Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” [1] Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” [MARK 10:45]. Jesus also ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:13

Denomination: Baptist