Sermons on Dishonour:

If You Would Be Perfect

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2015

Stewardship begins with stewardship of life--receiving the life that Jesus offers. All that we consider "stewardship" flows from this first great decision.

“Behold, a man came up to him, 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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Dirty Little Secret About The Church

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 29, 2015

Churches are too often controlled by immature Christians. Though they think themselves to be mature and godly, they are destructive and harmful. Christians need to work at maturing in Christ to ensure that He is honoured through the Body of Christ.

“Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Straight Highway Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 6, 2010

The Baptist called for those who heard to prepare a straight highway for the coming Lord. What is meant by that call?

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Abusers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 24, 2010

Jesus warns against abusing His "little ones." The study of this saying becomes vital to the welfare of contemporary congregations.

“The disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Departure From The Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 19, 2013

Apostasy is an ongoing threat to the faithful. It is a process rather than an event.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Servant Of Christ Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 27, 2013

The responsibility of the pulpit to promote godliness in the Community of Faith is explored

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” [1] Godliness looms large in the thinking of the Apostle. The term “godliness” occurs fifteen ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6

Denomination: Baptist

Do Two Walk Together Unless They Have Agreed To Meet? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 28, 2012

Fellowship is dependent upon doctrinal fidelity. Whether co-operation in evangelism, in missionary advance or in worship, all fellowship depends upon doctrinal fidelity.

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” [1] God had blessed His ancient people. However, despite His rich blessings, they chose to rebel. God makes it clear that He is left with no option except judgement. The question selected as the text for the message today, is ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3

Denomination: Baptist

What Shall I Do With Jesus? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 3, 2012

The preacher, the Christian and the outsider all must answer the same question--What Shall I Do With Jesus? Each of us must answer; we cannot evade. For salvation and for service, our answer reveals who we are.

“What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ” [1] Almost every message I have heard from this text was directed to lost people. That is certainly appropriate. However, in our study today, I want to consider how this question applies not only to the lost, but also to each of us who bear the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:22

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Truth? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 18, 2012

We may either adopt the cynicism of this dying world, dismissing truth when it stands before us, or we may embrace the Son of God who is truth.

“Pilate said to Jesus, ‘What is truth?’” [1] Cynicism best describes the governor’s demeanor when the True Light stood before him. Arraigned before Pilate’s judgement seat was Jesus of Nazareth who testified of Himself, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” [JOHN 14:6]. Someone has ...read more

Scripture: John 18:38

Denomination: Baptist

When Death Has Taken My Loved One

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2010

Though unnatural, death comes to all. How shall we respond to death? We explore this neglected subject by looking at an incident in the ministry of Ezekiel.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Live As Free People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2013

Anticipating Canada Day [and Independence Day], I invite the people of God to think what it means to live as "free people."

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” [1] Being free and living as one who is free are two entirely different concepts. People who have been incarcerated for extended periods may have difficulty adjusting to life ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Silence Of Adam

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 13, 2013

Men must avoid the danger of remaining silent in order to bless their families.

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. “He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?”’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Cope With My Own Mortality?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 17, 2010

In the brief moment we call now, we may either accomplish some great thing for the cause of Christ, or we may exist. If we choose the latter, we sacrifice marvellous opportunities to serve with distinction.

“I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Benevolence According To Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2010

In the eyes of the Master our motive for practising benevolence is extremely important.

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

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