Sermons on Empty Seat:

A Dove On Distant Oaks Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 7, 2022

Fleeing for his life because the king was determined to kill him, David fled from one dangerous situation only to enter into another dangerous situation. Where does a child of God go when danger is all around?

For the choir director: according to “A Silent Dove Far Away.” A Miktam of David. When the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me; he fights and oppresses me all day long. My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me. When ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 56:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Men Like Trees Walking - Mark 7:24-8:26 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 6, 2023

Did Jesus have to try twice to heal the blind man? Or was the two-stage healing a profound lesson for how we understand God's Word?

Introduction: Perception The Mexican cave fish has eye sockets but no eyes. Where they live, it’s so dark, eyes are useless and so they lost them. Biologists have discovered that same species of fish who live in waters that have some light, and they do have eyes. Stay too long in the dark and your ...read more

An Incomplete Message

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 26, 2024

God is the central character in the Book of Job. We discover what is lacking in our own lives as we witness God revealing His character in this account of His dealing with one suffering saint.

“Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. “Hear, and I will ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

Life Without Regret

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 24, 2022

As a follower of Christ you will be compelled to enter into spiritual battle. Paul encourages us by pointing us to Christ and the strength that is His. Therefore, let us stand firm in the victory that our Lord has won on our behalf.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Sins Of Sodom

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 3, 2022

Is homosexuality the gravest sin of all? Isn't arrogance, pride, and self-exaltation at the root of all our sin? We must repent of the sin that contaminates us even as followers of the Christ if we wish to receive His blessing.

“Behold, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb about you: ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and her children; and you are the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:44-58

Denomination: Baptist

The One Thing That Made Jesus Say "wow!"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 10, 2022

Christ is impressed by our faith, though the quality of our faith is not required for Him to show compassion.

“After [Jesus] had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Covenant Of Grace Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 11, 2022

In Genesis 9:8-17 God offers "The Covenant of Grace". In it we see: 1) The Stipulations of the Covenant (Genesis 9:8-11), 2) The Sign of the Covenant (Genesis 9:12-16), and finally, 3) The Summary of the Covenant (Genesis 9:17).

Genesis 9:8-17. [8] Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, [9]"Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, [10] and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17

Denomination: Other

Different Home; Different Hope - Philippians 3:20-4:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 25, 2022

Paul teaches us by example how to live as citizens of heaven with an urgent longing for the return of Christ and the exertion of his power in our resurrection.

longing noun strong, persistent desire or craving, especially for something distant: What do you long for? Most people just long for their current trial to be over. When you go somewhere, you expect some discomfort, but when you finish whatever it is you are doing, you want to be able to just ...read more

Unity Of Attitudes - Philippians 4:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 25, 2022

How do you reconcile a broken relationship when it's the other person's fault?

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-2

I Need You To Touch Me!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 16, 2024

We often delay seeking Christ's help until desperation drives us to Him. He stands ready to deliver us when we come to Him confessing our need for Him to touch us.

“When [Jesus] came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The God Of Creation

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2024

God's character is revealed through the Creation.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” [1] Philosophers ask questions related to our presence in time and space and our present ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Unbelief In 140 Characters Or Less - Philippians 2:14-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 15, 2024

No one wants to be known as a whiner. Yet most of us complain routinely. What do you complaints reveal about your heart?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

Lights In A Dark World - Philippians 2:14-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 15, 2024

Are you obeying the command in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing"?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

Judgment Day

Contributed by Dove Inspirations on Jun 16, 2024

It is appointed unto man to die once and after that face judgment. That is not the only judgment man will face. On earth one may face many types of judgment, but the eternal judgment and the consequences thereof are too serious to just wave away or leave to chance.

JUDGMENT DAY John 3:16 Many judgments are delivered world over. Here, I am talking about the judgment that determines where you will spend eternity and what rewards and or punishments you get, if any. There is a judgment day for everyone. Scripture tells us that even the angels will be judged, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16