Sermons on Effectual Ministry:

An Investment In Hope

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 5, 2020

In a world which is increasingly unstable, what should the follower of Christ do? How shall we invest our lives to ensure that we accomplish something of eternal worth?

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. At that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard that was in the palace of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 32:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

God In The Dark

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 29, 2020

Where was God when Jesus was crucified? The divine mystery is that God provided Himself as a sacrifice for sinful man. We are humbled by this knowledge, and eternally blessed.

“From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, ‘This man is calling ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Servanthood

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Sep 21, 2020

As with other traces of worldliness that has seeped into the Church, the preoccupation with self has found its way into the Church as well.

We live in a very proud and egotistical generation. It is now considered acceptable and even normal for people to promote themselves, to praise themselves, and to put themselves first. Pride is considered a virtue by many. Humility, on the other hand, is considered a weakness. Everyone, it ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:15-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What In Hell Do You Want?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 23, 2022

Eternity without God should lead us to shout, "There is nothing in hell that I want!" Yet, far too many of those living about us act as though there is something wonderful about hell. If that were not so, wouldn't we seek to please the Lord? There is nothing in hell that I want.

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. But at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus whose body was covered with sores, who longed to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. In addition, the dogs came and licked his sores. “Now the poor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Fulfilled? Or Frustrated?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 30, 2022

Whether we live a life that is fulfilling or a life that always leaves us frustrated, is dependent upon our obedience to the revealed will of the Lord.

DEUTERONOMY 5:32-33; 6:24-25 FULFILLED? OR FRUSTRATED? “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 ...read more

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

Denomination: Baptist

God's Offer (Exodus 23:20-33; Jude 5) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 2, 2023

God's been setting up the framework for a new covenant with Israel. Having described what it means to obey God (Exodus 19:5), God now unpacks his offer-- What will God do for his people?

The past several weeks, while working through the Book of the Covenant in Exodus, we've seen God set out his expectations for how his people will live toward him, and toward each other. Some of these expectations have been straightforward rules. God has specific do's and don'ts for ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 23:20-33, 1 John 3:21-24, Romans 12:1-2, Jude 1:5

Sarah Laughed

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 7, 2022

Sarah Laughed in unbelief, but God transformed her unbelief, changing her laughter to the expression of joy. God longs to transform the one who is honest before Him.

“[The angels charged with the destruction of Sodom] said to [Abraham], ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said, ‘She is in the tent.’ The LORD said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:9-15

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

Unchained Melody Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 1, 2022

The Miktams comprise Psalms written by David during a time of distress. Where shall the Christian turn when life appears to be crashing in? The Psalmist instinctively turns to God, just as the wise Christian turns to God.

A MIKTAM OF DAVID. “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.’ “As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Do Not Destroy (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 24, 2022

When those who rule are unjust, how shall the Christian respond? David provides a model for godly response in this 58th Psalm as he encourages the godly to look to the Lord for His deliverance.

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO DO NOT DESTROY. A MIKTAM OF DAVID. Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly? No, in your hearts you devise wrongs; your hands deal out violence on earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 58:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Managing Finances And Rest Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Oct 9, 2022

What's next, Lord? I think that's the question we need to ask ourselves regularly. What's next, Lord? What are you going to do in my life next?

What's next, Lord? I think that's the question we need to ask ourselves regularly. What's next, Lord? What are you going to do in my life next? But I think some people approach that kind of a statement with fear and trepidation. You've heard the statement: Don't pray for ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:31-39

Denomination: Independent/Bible

My Favorite Power Drink Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Oct 9, 2022

How we can have higher and deeper experience with Jesus?

There are seven feasts listed in Leviticus that were given to the people of Israel. They really determined their calendar, their timeframe. They would be looking forward to the next feast. Each one of these feasts are important. In fact, if you look at all of the feasts, you'll see that as they ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Are You Saved? Are You Sure?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2023

Jesus warns that there exists people who appear to be serving Him, though they are lost. Therefore, He challenges each person to ensure that He has been born from above.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Who Done It? - Sermon On Philippians 2:12-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 1, 2023

God works inside us to cause us to desire and decide good things and to do good things. When he does so, it really is our willing and doing, even though it was caused by God.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

God In The Dark

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 5, 2023

God made atonement as Jesus hung on the cross. All who receive Him as Master over life are brought into the family of God, forgiven all sin, and saved forever.

“From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, ‘This man is calling ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:45-54

Denomination: Baptist