Sermons on Eldership:

I Did Not Quit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 20, 2016

Christian service requires stamina to stay the course despite opposition.

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

Why Would You Not Join The Church? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 3, 2020

Christians are expected to unite with a congregation of the faithful in order to fulfil the ministry God assigns each follower of Christ.

“Those who received his word were baptised, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-44

Denomination: Baptist

If The Bugle Is Expected, A Flute Will Not Do

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 16, 2019

If we will honour the Risen Saviour, we must ensure that we are focused on what is of importance to Him. Our purpose is not to make people like us, but to fulfil the mind of the Master.

“Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12

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

Until He Comes Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 6, 2014

Knowing who is served is essential for finishing well. The man of God must faithfully fulfil His appointment until Christ returns.

“I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

Wearing Flip-Flops While Racing Against A Ferrari

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2023

The Follower of Christ must gear up for a struggle. However, it is not a physical struggle; it is a spiritual struggle. Whether we want to be in this conflict or not, it is upon us because we believe the Word of God.

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

How Can We Sing The Lord's Songs In A Foreign Land?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 11, 2023

Our life as followers of Christ serve as either a hymn of praise pointing to our Saviour, or it serves as mere background noise for the delight of a dying world.

“[By the waters of Babylon] our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ “How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill!” [1] “Our citizenship is in Heaven, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

Anointed For Profit

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 12, 2020

Pastors and teachers are appointed to serve Christ and His churches. They lovingly tend His flock without thought of personal enrichment.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

"i Know The Plans I Have For You!" Does This Apply To Us?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 10, 2025

God guides His people as they serve Him. The means of His guidance may vary, but it will never contradict what is given in His holy Word.

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [1] Years ago, I read Herbert Lockyer’s delightful tome, “All the Promises of the Bible.” [2] In that book, Dr. Lockyer discussed what a promise is, cautioning that the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Battle Cry Of Love Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 22, 2026

Christ clarifies His expectation for the church in five ways, as seen in His examination of: 1) The Church (Revelation 2:1), 2) The Commendation (Revelation 2:2–3, 6), 3) The Concern (Revelation 2:4), 4) The Command (Revelation 2:5), and 5) The Counsel (Revelation 2:7).

Revelation 2:1-7. [2:1]"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. [2]"'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Other

The Precedence Of Prayer-3

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 12, 2012

3 of 3. Paul exhorted Timothy regarding the place of prayer in the Church. Prayer must take precedence in the Church. When is it obvious that it holds priority? Prayer takes precedence when...

The PRECEDENCE Of PRAYER-III—1Timothy 2:1-8 Attention: Communication is vital to any aspect of life. Maybe you are mute, or know someone who is mute. Maybe you are deaf, or know someone who is deaf. The challenges you face every day are mountainous because of such physical ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Deacons? Who Needs Them:

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 14, 2013

Discovering the process for appointing deacons through reviewing the account of the appointment of the seven in the first congregation.

“Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Pieces Of Silver And A Suit

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 26, 2017

Religion is cheap. Those who seek to perpetuate religion will sell the Faith for a pittance. The message calls on the faithful to distinguish between those seeking a job in the ministry and those who are appointed by God to minister.

“Now there was a young man of Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

Drawn To Jesus-2 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Sep 16, 2014

2 of 5. John recalled the manner by which Jesus’ disciples first became convinced that He was Messiah. Some will become Jesus' disciples. But What draws/attracts those disciples? Disciples are drawn to Jesus thru their…

DRAWN TO JESUS—II—John 1:35-51 John recalled the manner by which Jesus’ disciples first became convinced that He was Messiah. Some will be drawn to follow Jesus as Messiah/Christ. What draws/attracts disciples to Jesus Christ? Why are disciples drawn/attracted to Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Denomination: Baptist