Sermons on Energises:

The Mystery Of Godliness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2013

The message of Christ and His work on our behalf is a mystery of God. In fact, Paul speaks of this as "the mystery of godliness."

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” [1] Mysteries are a favourite genre in books, movies and television ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Servant Of Christ Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 27, 2013

The responsibility of the pulpit to promote godliness in the Community of Faith is explored

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” [1] Godliness looms large in the thinking of the Apostle. The term “godliness” occurs fifteen ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6

Denomination: Baptist

The Next Generation Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 8, 2013

The Christian, and especially the elder of the church, is engaged in a lifelong campaign. He must prepare the next generation to enter into the conflict.

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

A Fair Test For Those Who Think They Prophesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 8, 2020

While "prophecy" so-called is popular among a segment of the faithful, the test of prophets is seldom applied. The test of accuracy and adherence to the Word of God must be applied to verify a prophecy.

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:1-11

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

When The Giants Just Keep Coming!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2021

Each Christian will face battles throughout the life they are called to live. There will not be one battle, but each of us will face multiple battles, and the situations we face may appear overwhelming as we face our own giants. But God will send a deliverer just when we need that deliverer most.

“There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

But They Could Not...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 13, 2018

Despite the repeated efforts of mankind to duplicate the work of the Lord, His work is unique and man is unable to do what He does. Eventually, those who imagine they can supplant God crash up against reality, and they are revealed to be frauds.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Say to Aaron, “Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the earth, so that it may become gnats in all the land of Egypt.”’ And they did so. Aaron stretched out his hand with his staff and struck the dust of the earth, and there were gnats on man and beast. All ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 8:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

Joy Overflowing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 12, 2022

Joy is the inevitable result for the one who is obedient to the will of the Living God.

“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Denomination: Baptist

In These Last Days

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 8, 2023

The Word provides a description of life in the "last days." We are forewarned so that we can continue to live godly lives even as the world grows dark.

“Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

God Appoints His Servant To Hard Tasks!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 16, 2024

As one who follows the Risen Lord, you may be assured that Christ has assigned you to do a particular task. And that task will require your finest effort, because God appoints His servant to hard tasks.

“The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the LORD said to me, ‘Do ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Denomination: Baptist

A Preacher For This Generation

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 25, 2023

A call for us who preach to determine that we are delivering the message our God has given and not speaking to make people feel good about themselves.

“‘Do not preach’—thus they preach— ‘one should not preach of such things; disgrace will not overtake us.’ Should this be said, O house of Jacob? Has the LORD grown impatient? Are these his deeds? Do not my words do good to him who walks uprightly? But lately my people have risen up as an ...read more

Scripture: Micah 2:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

The High Cost Of Sin Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 14, 2023

Sin has infected the race. It contaminates our lives, ultimately ensuring our death. The Son of God was born to offer His life as a sacrifice, taking the sin of all mankind upon Himself. This is the neglected message of Christmas.

“To the woman [God] said, ‘I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.’ “And to Adam he said, ‘Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

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

Who Is God?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 8, 2025

Like many people in this day, Moses knew about God, but Moses didn't know God until he encountered God. Each of us who are twice born will have had an encounter with the Lord God. Until then, He is but a rumor.

“Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When I Hurt?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2025

Is there purpose in our suffering if we are Christians? What can God accomplish through our sorrow?

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist