Sermons on Elderships:

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

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

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

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

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

"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

Loving Like Christ Loved Us/Identity Check 12 Series

Contributed by Steve Wright on Nov 21, 2014

Loving Like Christ

If you have your Bible, I want you to open with me to the book of 1 Peter, and I want you to go to chapter 5. Identity Check, Part 12. It has been a long, long journey. I know. We have one more message in this series, but today, most of this Scripture is about me as a pastor and about me as a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Fighting Fundamentalist Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 13, 2014

Labels are applied easily--some are undeserved, and some should be embraced. If we stand with Christ and His Word, we can anticipate vilification. Paul obviously expected elders to stand firming on some truths.

“Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:2-5

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

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

A Vision Beyond Jerusalem

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Sep 25, 2015

This sermon establishes the church must look beyond its doors, city, and state. It has to extend its vision and mission to fulfill the Great Commission. This lesson also discusses the expansion of the gospel of Christ beyond Jerusalem into the Gentile nations by men of color.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. The Commission of Barnabas 2. The Consolation of Barnabas 3. The Character of Barnabas 1Introductory Remarks. 1. After the conversion of Cornelius and the persecution that arose due to Stephen's Stoning, the gospel reached other cities beyond Jerusalem. Men traveled as ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Advantage Of A Godly Home Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 15, 2015

Children raised in a godly environment are advantaged in learning of Christ the Lord.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” [1] The way of salvation is taught by godly people; but the Spirit of God must make the dead individual alive in Christ. We cannot ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5

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

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

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