Sermons on Helpless:

The Theology Of A Thief

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 17, 2019

A study of the faith of the thief who was saved even as he was dying.

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Baptist

In Lies We Trust

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 21, 2019

A study in the book of Jeremiah 7: 1 – 34

Jeremiah 7: 1 – 34 In lies we trust 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the LORD!’?” 3 Thus says the LORD of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 7:7

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Life’s Ups And Downs - Part 3 Of 3 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 27, 2019

The Lord is close to all that call upon Him in sincerity, and is abundantly generous to them, and has promised to help and save them.

17 Let me not be ashamed , O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed , and let them be silent in the grave. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord The petition is the same as in verse 1; “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Prodigal Son Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 24, 2019

What does it mean to be lost?

The Prodigal Son Luke 15 Lost. Being lost is no fun. I remember when I was a small child, wandered away; ended up in a industrial field with lots of deep holes dug; walking on a 12” wide path between; lost track of time; when I headed home, met by a group of kids: my mom had whole ...read more

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

"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

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

In The Enemies' Court

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 15, 2018

The first chapter of Daniel establishes that God is the focus of the Book. God reigns over the nation and over the individual. His sovereignty is central to every event that is recorded.

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

In A World Gone Mad, Where Is God?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 28, 2019

When we cry out "It's not fair," we are forgetting that God has fixed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness. Followers of the Christ must look to Him to make right the wrong that now permeates the world.

“[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” [1] Sexually frustrated men driving vans on city sidewalks intent on killing innocent and helpless women, out-of-control ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:31

Denomination: Baptist

Competing According To The Rules Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 24, 2015

Divine rewards demand that we conduct our lives according to God's rules provided in His Word.

I consider the initial verses of this chapter to be among the most significant verses of the book. They are, as well, perhaps the most neglected verses of the missive which Paul wrote. I confess that I am ploughing quite a narrow furrow in these expositions. Note that the Apostle appeals to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:5

Denomination: Baptist

Renewing Your Mind About Leadership

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 3, 2022

Leaders must: 1) Be Right with God (Acts 20:28a), 2) Shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28b), 3) Guard the flock (Acts 20:29–31), 4) Study and pray (Acts 20:32), and 5) Be free from self-interest (Acts 20:33–38).

Acts 20:28-38. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-38

Denomination: Other

Hope In The Darkness Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 25, 2022

The birth of John, known as the Baptist, is the appropriate beginning of the story of the coming of the Christ to present His life as a sacrifice for sinful man.

“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Baptist

God's Love Revealed Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 8, 2022

Mary's obedience demonstrates the proper response to God's call in the life of each one.

“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45

Denomination: Baptist

The Stone That Was Never Thrown

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2024

How do we, as followers of the Christ, respond to sin when it is exposed to us?

“Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Marks Of The True Church: Joy Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 3, 2024

Christ promised joy for those who follow Him. One sure mark of the redeemed is joy.

“Now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” Suppose you are on holiday. Now imagine it is a Sunday morning, and you want to find a church where you can join fellow Christians in worship of the Risen Saviour. (You do attend ...read more

Scripture: John 17:13

Denomination: Baptist