Sermons on Derision:

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

No Tidings Of Comfort Or Joy

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jan 9, 2020

A study in Psalm 69: 1 – 36

Psalm 69: 1 – 36 No tidings of comfort or joy To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.” A Psalm of David. 1 Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. 3 I am weary with ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 69:20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

If I Am A Man Of God

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2020

I suppose the term "man of God" means different things to different people. However, we have the account of an individual who was called a "man of God" and commanded to respond to a king's command. Because he was a man of God, certain characteristics marked his life.

“After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. “Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, ‘Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.’ But the angel of the LORD ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Comfort You?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Sep 25, 2019

A study in the book of Lamentations 2: 1 – 22

Lamentations 2: 1 – 22 How can I comfort you? 1 How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in His anger! He cast down from heaven to the earth the beauty of Israel and did not remember His footstool in the day of His anger. 2 The Lord has swallowed up and has not pitied all the ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 2:13

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Wolf Country

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 31, 2017

Jesus sent out His disciples, comparing them as sheep sent in the midst of wolves. So, the flock of God to this day lives in the midst of wolves as they fulfil the will of the Master.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-22

Denomination: Baptist

What The New Year Holds Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2017

The desperate times in which we live provides some of the greatest opportunities to advance the Faith. Now is the time for the faithful to seize the initiative and push back against the night.

“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] “X-rays will prove to be a hoax!” So said Lord Kelvin, president of the Royal Society, in 1883. “Louis Pasteur’s theory of germs is ridiculous ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Practising Witnessing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 23, 2017

The Great Commission is given to all Christians. As we go, we are charged to fulfil this mandate to witness. The message explores some parameters of the commission to encourage believers to fulfil Christ's command.

“Jesus came and said to [the disciples], ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

But Some Doubted...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 9, 2017

The struggle to believe when the evidence is before us is exemplified by the response of Apostles to the Risen Saviour.

“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.” [1] This is shocking! The eleven disciples obeyed the command Jesus had given. Some women had gone to the tomb in order to prepare His body for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

And God Created Mosquitos

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 30, 2020

A study of the effects of the fall of our first parents and the ramifications for creation. The follower of Christ lives in anticipation of the restoration of all things.

“God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Creation was “very good.” God Himself declared this to be the case. Yet, if in spite of citronella candles, mosquito coils, or insect repellant liberally applied to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:31

Denomination: Baptist

An Admirable Scheme?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Nov 7, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Kings 19: 1 – 37

2 Kings 19: 1 – 37 When all looks hopeless - pray 19 And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. 2 Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 19:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

You Can Have What You Want

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Nov 2, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Kings 17: 1 – 41

2 Kings 17: 1 – 41 You can have what you want 17 In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah became king of Israel in Samaria, and he reigned nine years. 2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not as the kings of Israel who were before him. 3 Shalmaneser king of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 17:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Complaints Against A Gracious God

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 17, 2023

It is a vain and futile thing to complain against God Who is gracious. A study of the descent of Israel into complaining serves to warn us against charging God with error.

“They sinned still more against [God], rebelling against the Most High in the desert. They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, 'Can God spread a table in the wilderness? He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 78:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

Wearing Flip-Flops While Racing Against A Ferrari

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2023

The Follower of Christ must gear up for a struggle. However, it is not a physical struggle; it is a spiritual struggle. Whether we want to be in this conflict or not, it is upon us because we believe the Word of God.

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Exodus 32:1-35 - Leadership Challenges And Failures

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 18, 2024

Moses is taking too long and the people are grumbling. Aaron has a choice to make and instead of standing strong he chooses the path of compromise.

We are jumping back into Exodus, so we want to recap a little bit. Exodus is the story of the people of Israel being delivered from captivity by God Himself, using Moses as His leader. Today, we're going to be in Chapter 32, where we'll study two lessons in leadership with Moses and Aaron. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Chastisement And Compassion Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 6, 2024

Even in the midst of national judgement, the follower of Christ the Lord is comforted by the hope Christ gives.

“This hurts me more than it hurts you.” Are those words familiar to you? Do they bring back memories from your childhood? I don’t know if your dad ever spoke those words to you, but my dad said these words more frequently than should ever have been necessary. And I readily admit that I gave him ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:1-33

Denomination: Baptist