Sermons on Hard Pressed:

Surviving A Lousy Start In Life

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 16, 2010

Jephthah had everything going against him from the beginning of his life, yet he become one of the Judges of Israel. A review of his life offers encouragement to anyone who imagines they have everything against them and nothing going for them.

“Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. And when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, ‘You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for ...read more

Scripture: Judges 11:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Giving That Pleases God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 5, 2014

We Christians want to please God in all things. Even in the act of giving, we want to please Him. The Apostle to the Gentiles provides instruction designed to ensure that we please Him in this act of worship.

“In this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

Denomination: Baptist

A Holiday For Fools

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 31, 2018

Who is a fool? The one who worships a living Saviour? Or the one who says he needs no god? The message is a presentation of the reasonable position of worshipping Christ who conquered death.

“Fools say to themselves, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt and commit evil deeds; not one of them practices what is good. “The LORD looks down from the heavens upon humanity to see if anyone shows discernment as he searches for God. All have turned away, together they have become corrupt; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 14:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Nazareth, The City Jesus Grew Up In Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 2, 2016

Jesus grew up in Nazareth and he was forever known as "Jesus of Nazareth". But what was it about this city that would have formed His teachings and what can we learn from this region? This was the 2nd in my series of lessons telling of my trip to Israel.

(Slide of our tour bus) This is a picture of our tour bus. It’s a Mercedes Benz and it seemed that every tour company in Israel had one just like it. The bus was very comfortable and roomy. After spending a couple of nights at Bethlehem we traveled by this bus down to Masada. Masada ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

This Is The Lord's Battle Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Sep 15, 2020

In this message we will look at the very familiar story of David and Goliath and in the process grab 3 takeaways that will help us to defeat the giants in our life.

“This Is The Lord’s Battle…” OKAY, WELCOME – to week 2 of our series, ‘Such Things were written, the theme verse for this series is… ‘Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises. – Romans 15:4 THIS ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Charismatics And Evangelicals Get A Lesson In Deliverance

Contributed by Gordon Brownlee on Jan 22, 2024

Is deliverance ministry valid today and can Christians be controlled by demons. What does the Bible have to say on the subject?

Video Presentation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6lWyLwefVI There is a lot of talk and debate lately asking the question whether deliverance ministry is valid for today and whether Christians can become controlled by demons. Those taking sides are usually those of a charismatic persuasion ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, Romans 8:12-13

Denomination: *other

Through Hope Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 5, 2019

Hope is a significant key to finding in the journey of life because it is a wonderful gift from God and it will become a source of strength and courage in the face of life’s severest trials. Hope will bring you joy when you think there is no joy! Hope will help you see the light in the darkness!

Series: Finding Joy in The Journey Series: We need to find joy in the journey! Thesis of series: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers because storms will blow in and out ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14, 2 Corinthians 4:1-18, Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

'30 Second' Offering Devotions For Church Services!

Contributed by Roger Spackman on Jul 20, 2007

Over one year worth of high quality ’30 second devotions’ on the topics of Tithing, Giving and Money, that you (or your service leaders) can present on Sunday without any prior reading or preparation!

‘30 second’ Offering Devotions for Church Services! FUll PPT Slides and color booklet available free to download from www.TeAtatuBaptist.com Compiled and adapted by: Ps Roger Spackman Te Atatu Baptist Church © Research, ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:10-12, Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2015

In our service to the Lord, some things must always be borne in mind. Remember Jesus Christ is perhaps the most important truth to hold in mind for each Christian.

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” [1] We have just come through the Christmas Season. We are poised on the cusp of a new year. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Fratricide Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 18, 2020

Anger against fellow Christians destroys the Faithful, and especially does it destroy the one harbouring the hatred.

“Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, ‘I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.’ And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What My Wife Taught Me

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2018

The message is an exposition of Paul's instruction concerning wives, reflecting over fifty years of marriage. Our world has divided into warring tribes and factions, and the conflict has entered into the marriage relationship, which dishonours God.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” [1] It is tragically sad ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24

Denomination: Baptist

Deliver Us From Evil - Matthew 6:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 20, 2024

If a mafia boss put a price on your head or your children, how energetic would you be about protecting yourself? Jesus warned us of a far greater danger than a mafia hit and then taught us to pray for protection. This message explores how to do that.

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:13

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

Jesus "i Am" The Good Shepherd! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 25, 2021

: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He lead’s the sheep to safety, security, pasture and the good life but not to slaughter or harm. Jesus guards, encourages, supports and protects His sheep because He loves them.

I am playing these videos to get your mindset focused on Shepherding – agriculture lifestyles – a common sight in the time and teaching of Jesus – not so much today – as a matter of fact you would be hard pressed to find many sheep farms in this area of Illinois! Opening Video Transition (2 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-42, John 10:11, John 10:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Unworkable Solution Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 27, 2010

Discipline has become, not simply the neglected command of the Master, but it is dismissed as the unworkable solution as the churches attempt to apply psychology to do the work of God.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Baptist