Sermons on Diotrephes:

Useless Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2008

Faith is so much more than a passive agreement to a set of doctrines. Saving faith transforms the one who believes. Without this transformation, how will anyone know whether we are saved, or merely pretending to be a follower of Christ?

JAMES 2:20-26 USELESS FAITH “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; ...read more

Scripture: James 2:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

Faithful Works

Contributed by Doug Gorman on Apr 14, 2016

Do your works, deeds, actions or words reflect Christ? Can someone attribute to you the things that you do are Christ-like? Or are you doing them for your own advantage?

Isaiah 64:6: “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” As I stand here to deliver this message I pray that God will use me for His ambition. Nothing is to be ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Shepherd To Follow Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 2, 2021

1) What are the issues in shepherding? (1 PETER 5:1) 2) Who must be shepherded? (1 Peter 5:2) 3) How must shepherding be done? (1 Peter 5:2c-3) 4) Why should shepherds serve? (1 Peter 5:4).

1 Peter 5:1-4 [5:1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Denomination: Other

Pastor’s Authority

Contributed by Dr. William D. Poovey on Apr 25, 2015

Bible truths about pastoral authority.

THE PASTOR’S AUTHORITY AND THE CHURCH MEMBER’S RESPONSIBILITY THE PASTOR’S AUTHORITY AND THE CHURCH MEMBER’S RESPONSIBILITY There are two things that we desire to cover here. First, we want to reinforce the scriptural authority of the pastorate and warn about the abuse of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28

Denomination: Foursquare

Be His Image! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 14, 2012

Being an imitator of Jesus means we view things differently than the world. This means we answer questions differently about significant goals in life. We have different priorities in our life than a person who does not know Jesus. We strive not to pleas

Series: Imitators Summary of last week: The key verses from last week were1 Thessalonians 1: 6-8a: 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loved In Truth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 27, 2010

Christians are taught to love one another. However, what is it that causes us to love one another? How shall we love? John gives us a glimpse of the love we are to have in this brief letter to a man named Gaius.

“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

A Message For An Intellectual Age

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 9, 2020

Paul's message before the Areopagus forms the basis for a study of how to approach an intellectual audience. This knowledge is necessary if we are to succeed in presenting the Faith in the midst of our world today. This is the substance of a radio message at Easter.

“Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: “To the unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

Sinners Suffering For The Sins Of The Saints

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2024

The saints of God hold back the judgement of God by their righteous presence in the land. But if the righteous cease to be godly, what can delay God's righteous judgement?

“Behold, the LORD is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place. All this is for the transgression of Jacob ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

Will Shepherd For Glory - 1 Peter 5:2c-4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 8, 2025

It matters a lot to God what your motives are for ministry.

1 Peter 5:1 Therefore to the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God's flock that is under your care, overseeing--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-4

Aspects Of Persecutions And Trials

Contributed by David Cambridge on Jan 18, 2002

This sermon considers several aspects of persecutions and trials: author, purpose, assurances, response.

Aspects Of Persecutions And Trials The Church’s Reaction To Adversity Introduction 1. Since the establishment of the church God’s people have endured various persecutions and trials. Even in times of comparative rest a church may face discouraging trails from a variety of circumstances and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Can The Contemporary Church Be Salvaged?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 22, 2014

We shall either live as followers of Christ or as enemies of the cross of Christ. There is no in between.

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Issues With Rome Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Sep 21, 2015

Here are some separate topics that can be included in one message about Romanism, and how it is quite different from Biblical Christianity. Celibacy, Mary, Inquisition and more.

Biblical vs Romanist Approaches to Celibacy (Presentation given at annual AFEC conference) When I was first assigned this topic, several questions occurred to me, the answers to which form the heart of the following message. I trust they are your questions too. Question ONE: What is celibacy, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-52

Denomination: Assembly Of God

No Son Like Timothy

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Sep 29, 2015

To establish that one of the church's greatest needs today is preparing more "sons like Timothy." Older preachers should mentor younger ones to love the Lord, the church, and work. This lesson deals with Paul's relationship with his son Timothy.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Timothy's - Singleness of Heart 2. Timothy's - Seeking the Will of Christ 3. Timothy's - Service in the Gospel Introductory Remarks. 1. In our lesson today, we will discuss one of the greatest needs in the church of the 21st century. The book of Philippians is ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do You Want To Go Away As Well?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 2, 2015

When adherents and members leave the fellowship of a congregation, how should we respond? We find guidance for our response in the actions of the Master.

JOHN 6:60-71 DO YOU WANT TO GO AWAY AS WELL? “When many of his disciples heard [Jesus’ describing Himself as ‘the Bread of Life’], they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’ But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-71

Denomination: Baptist

Healthy Bodies Pt 3 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Aug 15, 2018

This is the third of six message on the nature and health of the church.

“HEALTHY BODIES Part 3” One of the most expressive analogies to express the nature and function of the church of Jesus Christ is the human body. I felt directed to spend some time on the three key principles of body life and the corresponding commands that reinforce them. Several weeks ago we ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance