Sermons on Emptying Oneself:

Practising Belonging Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 27, 2017

What is expected of new believers? The answer to this question is revealed through examining the life of the first congregation after the body was flooded with a multitude of believers following Pentecost.

“Those who received [Peter’s] word were baptized, and there were added [to the Faith] that day about three thousand souls. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

"Jesus' Rules Of Order"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 3, 2017

Contrasting the transformation following the descent of the Spirit with life before His presence among the saints.

“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-27, Acts 2:37-47

Denomination: Baptist

Practising Discipleship Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 1, 2017

Christians are commanded to make disciples. The process of discipleship includes: going; baptising; teaching. The responsibility devolves upon each follower of the Christ.

“It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ And he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Yuck: The Lukewarm Church Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 7, 2018

Christ delivers a message to those who are Christian in name only. Being neither zealous for good works nor orthodox in their doctrine, they are lukewarm and sickening to Christ.

George Barna makes a living through surveys. What makes him unique is that his surveys are on exclusively Christian topics. Although he does poll populations at large, he also does polling on those who profess to be Christian. For millennia, there have been standard benchmarks of orthodoxy. Yet, as ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22

Denomination: Other

Are You Satisfied?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 8, 2018

Why do you go to services at your church? What are you seeking from the Saviour? People have expectations, but many times our expectations fail to match up with reality.

“When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:24-35

Denomination: Baptist

Making It Real Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jun 30, 2018

An introduction to our 12 weeks series on the book of James.

Making It Real Introduction I would like for everyone to remain standing… (as a sign of honor for God’s Word). And we will take turns reading the Scripture that will come up on the screen… (I will go first, then you). “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Against The Tide: Pushing Back Against The Moral Climate

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 18, 2012

Christians are called to be holy. However, we are not always certain what it means to be holy or how to achieve that status.

1 PETER 1:13-25 AGAINST THE TIDE (PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE MORAL CLIMATE) “Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

Book Of Haggai, Rebuilding The Temple

Contributed by Johnny A. Palmer Jr. on Mar 28, 2010

Background to the book of Haggai

Intro: 1. “Pressures, demands, expectations, and tasks push in from all sides and assault our schedules. Do this! Be there! Finish that! Call them! It seems as though everyone wants something from us…Soon there is little left to give, as we run out of energy and time. We find ourselves ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Rebellion Against The Lord! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 13, 2017

God created all things to work in an orderly fashion. Anything that creates disorder, dishonours the Living God, inviting His judgement. The message focuses on one particular rebellion in the camp of Israel, considering God's response.

“Now Korah the son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men. And they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 16:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Was Born Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2018

Jesus' testimony before Pilate spoke of the purpose of His coming. Though we speak of joy and peace in Christ, it is essential that He came to bring salvation. This He has done through presenting His life as a sacrifice. Those who believe are ushered into His Kingdom.

“Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Love And Joy Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 27, 2016

Thesis: What is on the inside of you determines your fruit! How much you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you, empower you, comfort you, teach you determines your fruit.

Series: Peeled – The Fruit of the Holy Spirit! Illustration: Peel an orange! Talk about the fruit inside have 9 oranges in a bowl write on them fruits of the Spirit! Note that we over the next few weeks will be peeling back the fruits of the Holy Spirit so we better understand them and how ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:16-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Woe To Us!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2019

God does judge nations, cities, churches, families. If we refuse to pursue His glory, there is nothing left for God but to hold us accountable.

The news is particularly dark today—disrespect among the youth of the nation; increasing sexual assault in which even infants and toddlers are violated; violent crime increasing; external threats to national economic security; rising social unrest centring around linguistic and racial issues. ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Live With My Handicap?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 8, 2010

Does God care when we are unable to compete as others compete? Does it matter to Him when we are handicapped? A study of the life of an obscure man provides hope and instruction for each of us to look to God even when we are handicapped.

“David said, ‘Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’ Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, ‘Are you Ziba?’ And he said, ‘I am your servant.’ And the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Danger Of Being Too Important

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 14, 2020

A message that warns against the destructive power of pride, encouraging followers of Christ to serve with humility.

“Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Destiny’s Result-1

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Nov 24, 2019

1 of ? Peter describes the destined end of this earth & how that fact produces predictable results in God’s people. God’s plan spurs God’s people to produce His anticipated results. How does God’s plan produce it’s anticipated results?

DESTINY’s RESULT-I—2Peter 3:9-18 Attention: One day this earth & universe will pass into oblivion at God’s command. :11—“Therefore”.....“What manner of persons ought you to be?...” Peter describes the destined end of this earth & how that fact produces predictable results in God’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9-18

Denomination: Baptist