Sermons on Dishearten:

Provisions For The Sanctuary

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 5, 2015

God has established principles for His people to guide their giving. The principles are outlined even as Israel journeyed on the exodus.

“The LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, blue and purple and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 25:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Jesus Journey Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 25, 2016

The story of this encounter, like our own journey of faith, may be viewed from three perspectives: 1) The need for understanding (Luke 24:13–24), 2) The source of understanding (Luke 24:25–27), and 3) The response to understanding (Luke 24:28–32).

Luke 24:13–24 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-32

Denomination: Other

Is Your God Wobbly?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 29, 2017

Whomever, or whatever, we choose as our god will either prop us up, or need to be propped up.

1 SAMUEL 5:1-5 IS YOUR GOD WOBBLY? “When the Philistines captured the ark of God, they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon and set it up beside Dagon. And when the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, behold, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 5:1-5

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

Called To Freedom

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 4, 2010

The message explores some of the implications of our freedom in Christ, encouraging believers to walk as free people.

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. “Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

Communion - Open, Closed, Or Cracked? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 7, 2020

Is the Communion Meal Open to all who profess Christ? Or is it overseen by the congregation hosting the meal and thus restricted to those who are in open fellowship with the assembly? The message is a study of this controversial question.

“In the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

Essential Christianity! Series

Contributed by Thomas Fortini on May 4, 2021

A study of 1 John 1:1-2:3 will reveal to us what the particulars are of essential Christianity. particularly, what the three-fold essentials of eternal life are, or what Christianity is essentially about!

We are turning to 1st John today, the first epistle of John, and I will explain to you why we are after we read the first chapter and 3 verses of the 2nd chapter, and after I pray… Let’s pray…I read an article recently that grabbed my attention, but really introduced me to what unfortunately I ...read more

The Other Side Of The Storm

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2023

As Christians, we will pass through storms. Sometimes these storms will be violent. Yet, we are assured that when we pass through the storm, Christ will be with us. We shall not be overwhelmed. And on the other side of the storm, all will be at peace.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Time For Your Workout – Philippians 2:12-13 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Feb 2, 2022

Today I want to talk to you about a workout, a spiritual workout that we all need to be engaged in in our lives.

At Muscle Beach they've got this big platform area where guys have all these weights and they're working out. It's kind of entertaining because people who are good looking, you know, who really can lift weights and they're strong, and they do lift those weights, it’s fun to watch ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

You Don't Look Like Your Picture!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 18, 2022

The first church was powerful for the cause of Christ. When we match the present churches to that earliest congregation, we are often compelled to confess that we don't look like we are their descendants. It is past time for us to take steps to correct this situation.

“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

And We Hold Our Peace

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 4, 2023

What responsibility do we bear to our world as followers of Christ?

“There were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate. And they said to one another, ‘Why are we sitting here until we die? If we say, “Let us enter the city,” the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 7:3-11

Denomination: Baptist

In These Last Days

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 8, 2023

The Word provides a description of life in the "last days." We are forewarned so that we can continue to live godly lives even as the world grows dark.

“Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Navigating Truth With Love Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 29, 2022

Navigating Truth with Love Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times
 Brad Bailey – February 6, 2022

Navigating Truth with Love Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times? Brad Bailey – February 6, 2022 Intro Today I am inviting us to into a new series.... a series focused on helping is navigate our divided times. As I shared in some promotion of this series... The recent season of political ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, John 17:20-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Staying Centered In Christ Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Mar 29, 2022

Staying Centered in Christ Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times 
Brad Bailey – February 13, 2022

Staying Centered in Christ Series: Cracks – Navigating Our Divided Times ?Brad Bailey – February 13, 2022 Intro Welcome... PRAY – We come to gather around Christ...to join in the life of Christ. For you have revealed that we can once again know belonging in a way we never have. You have called ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 2:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational