Sermons on encyclical:

With A Little Help From My Friends Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jun 10, 2011

The value of friends who minister to you and with you for souls and for encouragement.

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS Colossians 4:7-18 This part of the Colossian letter would be so easy to skip. It’s like reading a foreign tax roll. Each name represents an indispensable person to Paul. They were a few of the people who made his ministry possible. Jesus always placed great ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-18

Ethics At The End Of Life Series

Contributed by Richard Pfeil on May 16, 2005

The first of a three part series that deals with end of life issues; this message defines terms and sets up the series.

Ethics at the End of Life Sunday, July 28, 2002 Today we are talking about a very serious subject. We are beginning a series about end-of-life issues. What is ethical at the end of life? People have struggled with this question and sought God’s guidance. This is a serious issue because we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Neglected Command

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 10, 2008

How odd that Christians should be commanded to be thankful. However, upon reflection, we discover that we truly need such commands if we will honour God.

A NEGLECTED COMMAND COLOSSIANS 3:15b “And be thankful.” Only three words comprise our English text; but the text is assuredly appropriate on this Sunday before our national day of Thanksgiving. It serves to remind us of one of the essential characteristics marking the person who knows the ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15

Denomination: Baptist

And Be Thankful

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2014

Christians are to be thankful. The message is encouragement from the Apostle to the Gentiles to remember to exhibit gratitude.

“And be thankful.” [1] Only three English words comprise our text; but the text is assuredly appropriate on this Sunday before our national Day of Thanksgiving. It serves to remind us of one of the essential characteristics marking the person who knows the Living God. I have often ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15

Denomination: Baptist

Mourning Our Fallen

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 9, 2008

A meditation on Remembrance Day, 2008.

2 SAMUEL 1:17-27 MOURNING OUR FALLEN “David chanted this lament over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He gave instructions that the people of Judah should be taught “The Bow.” Indeed, it is written down in the Book of Yashar.) “The beauty of Israel lies slain on your high places! How the mighty ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:17-27

Denomination: Baptist

Grace And Peace From Our Lord Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 2, 2007

The rich gifts brought by Christ the Lord to His redeemed people.

GALATIANS 1:3-5 GRACE AND PEACE FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Reason Jesus Came Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 9, 2007

A review of the importance of the Incarnation to us who are Christians.

GALATIANS 2:20 THE REASON JESUS CAME “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We don’t usually think of Paul’s Letter to the ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Baptist

Rich Man, Poor Man Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2007

Learning how to assess our importance in a manner that pleases God.

JAMES 1:9-11 RICH MAN, POOR MAN1e grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” The Word of God is countercultural and counterintuitive. ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Teacher's Burden Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2008

God appoints men to teach His people. Self-appointed counterfeits promote themselves to the detriment of the assemblies of our Lord. However, those whom He appoints bless the people of God.

JAMES 3:1, 2 THE TEACHER’S BURDEN “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

God Who Is Good Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 28, 2007

A reminder to Christians of the character of God is necessary when we are enduring trials.

JAMES 1:16-18 GOD WHO IS GOOD “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be ...read more

Scripture: James 1:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Think About It Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2015

Delayed gratification is the norm for God's choice servants. Ponder how He works leads to a precious gift of understanding.

“Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” [1] Anticipate opposition and hostility if you are a Christian. Don’t seek conflict; but don’t be surprised when opposition arises. We Christians seek peace with all people and we will do all ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:7

Denomination: Baptist

Daring The Risk Of Reach

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2014

Reach carries risks; but the child of God must always reach for the beautiful and the glorious.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Why Belong Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 9, 2011

Those who believe are taught the value of church membership.

“Those who accepted [Peter’s] message were baptised, and that day about three thousand people were added… And the Lord was adding to their number every day those who were being saved.” , Charles Spurgeon told of his intense desire to be a member of a local church during one particular sermon. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

Life Happens Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

James is encouraging his readers to pray. In fact, James’ concluding remarks consistently take the reader back to the need to pray. The first thing we should do is frequently the last thing done.

JAMES 5:13, 14 LIFE HAPPENS “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James is drawing his brief, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

The High Cost Of Friendship With The World Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2008

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Can any Christian truly afford the price demanded so that we can be friends with the world?

JAMES 4:4 THE HIGH COST OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” Ouch! James is not nice! He calls fellow Christians harsh names ...read more

Scripture: James 4:4

Denomination: Baptist