Sermons on Direness:

Dangerous Discipleship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2018

To be a follower of Christ is almost certain to be costly. Many turn from following Christ because they fear what it may cost. They are willing to be religious, but hesitate to embrace discipleship. We are called to embrace dangerous discipleship.

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Prison Of God's Promotion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2020

Your restriction, though onerous, may be God's means of bringing glory to His Name through promoting you. This becomes obvious through a study of Joseph's trials and promotion as God worked in his life.

“Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison put Joseph in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:20-22

Denomination: Baptist

Approinted To This Service

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 21, 2018

Christians must realise that God appoints each of us to service within His Kingdom. We are not hired or voted to our work; God (as Sovereign) appoints.

“The LORD said to Aaron, ‘You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. And with you bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 18:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

How Long? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 12, 2013

When the child of God is hard-pressed by the wicked, a cry escapes the lips, "How Long?" Let the Christian know that God knows their trials, and that He shall, by His mighty hand, reveal His mercy and grace in His time.

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Let Someone Else Do It?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 9, 2018

A study in the book of Exodus 4: 1 – 31

Exodus 4: 1 – 31 Let someone else do it? 4 Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” 2 So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” 3 And He said, “Cast it on the ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Is Rebellion Ever Justified?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 11, 2016

Considering the events leading up to Absalom's rebellion and seeking to learn from his actions.

“After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, ‘From what city are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Call Of The Father Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 19, 2017

God shows the loving Call of the Father in declaring His actions in 1) The Past (Hosea 11:1-4), 2) Present (Hosea 11:5-7) and 3)Future (Hosea 11:8-11) dealings with His children.

If you spend time around groups of kids, be it in sports, music, social or other setting, you will quickly notice some interesting interactions. One that I have seen repeated time and time again revolves around how parents treat their own children when other children are around. If they are in a ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-9

Denomination: Other

Should I Sin Or Should I Suffer? - 1 Peter 4:1-4a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 25, 2025

Spiritual warfare is won through righteousness which comes through truth.

1 Peter 4:1-7 Therefore, since Christ suffered in flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in flesh is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-4

Why Lamentations? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 15, 2024

Contemporary western culture is facing a date with destiny. When God's judgement is unleashed, and it shall surely come, all of us will lament our failure to honour Him or to serve Him.

“How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave.” [1] “Lamentations! You’re actually going to preach a series of messages from that dark, foreboding book? ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Giving & Reward - Matthew 6:2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 27, 2024

Why does Jesus tell us to give, fast, and pray in secret, when earlier in the sermon he had commanded that we do our acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them? This message will give you a new way of looking at the commands to live for reward.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:2

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

So That You May Prosper And Live Long

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 21, 2025

God promises rich blessings for those who obey Him.

“You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:32-33, Deuteronomy 6:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Our Pattern For Daily Prayer" Series

Contributed by Greg Bond on Dec 28, 2009

The Lord’s Pattern for prayer divided into 5 segments for easy study for the new or advanced Christian.

Mat 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

History Class Part 1 Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 4, 2010

A study of the book of Ezekiel chapter 20 verses 1 thrugh 26

Ezekiel 20: 1 – 26 History Class Part 1 “1 It came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me. 2 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 20:1-26

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Getting It Right

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Nov 15, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Kings 23: 1 – 37

2 Kings 23: 1 – 37 Getting it right 23 Now the king sent them to gather all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem to him. 2 The king went up to the house of the LORD with all the men of Judah, and with him all the inhabitants of Jerusalem—the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 23:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel