Sermons on Honours:

What Can Transform Saul?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 4, 2022

The message is a contrast between a new convert named Saul and a mature follower of Christ named Paul. The intent of the message is to encourage Christian maturation in those who come to Christ in faith.

“When [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:26-31

Denomination: Baptist

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2023

While we would never encourage a church to be "woke," there is a biblical expectation that we will practise Scriptural diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as demonstrated by Jesus.

“[Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

Marks Of The True Church: Love Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 8, 2024

Christians are lovers. We are distinguished from the world by Who we love and the manner in which we reveal our love. Ours is a love which results from the love of God which is poured out into our lives.

“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [1] Karl Barth, the Swiss theologian, ...read more

Scripture: John 17:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

My Kingdom Is Not Of This World

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 26, 2016

Christ was crucified and raised from the dead to deliver a people for His Name into His eternal Kingdom.

In the midst of darkness, God’s glory blazes. When evil appears to triumph, grace prevails. When dark denizens of this fallen world convince themselves they have defeated grace, righteousness conquers. These themes are written large in accounts provided of the brief hours leading to the ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Ordering Her Priorities

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 9, 2023

Making the Lord your priority leads to His blessing.

“The word of the LORD came to [Elijah], ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So, he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16

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

A Serious Inquiry Into The Role Of The Under Shepherd Of The Church"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 25, 2023

The message is an examination of the qualifications that must be evident in the life of one appointed to eldership.

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Sinners Suffering For The Sins Of The Saints

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2024

The saints of God hold back the judgement of God by their righteous presence in the land. But if the righteous cease to be godly, what can delay God's righteous judgement?

“Behold, the LORD is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place. All this is for the transgression of Jacob ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

What Trials May Come Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 9, 2007

When trials come, as trials do come into each life, how shall the godly person respond?

JAMES 1:2-4 WHAT TRIALS MAY COME “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” One truth is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Where Wisdom Is Found Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 16, 2007

Encouraging God’s people to seek wisdom in the storms of life.

JAMES 1:5-8 WHERE WISDOM IS FOUND “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Most Powerful Force Man Ever Created Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 24, 2008

"No human being can tame the tongue." Now, that is a sobering thought! James confronts us as believers, calling us to account for our speech. The message reviews the destructive power of the tongue, with encouragement to change how we often speak.

JAMES 3:1-12 THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE MAN EVER CREATED “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 ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Able To Learn Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 17, 2011

With this message, I introduce to the congregation an exploration of the little understood doctrine of soul competency.

“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything—and is true and is no lie, just as it has taught you—abide in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Today’s Starting Lineup Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 14, 2015

A study of the book of Ester beginning with a background review of chapter 1 verses 1 - 2

Ester 1: 1 – 2 Today’s Starting Lineup 1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), 2 in those days when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:1-2

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Careless Words

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 21, 2014

Speech betrays the heart. Thus, Jesus cautions those who will follow Him to review their words.

“I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned.” [1] Columnist Michael Coren advocated a revival of judgemental attitudes. He wasn’t suggesting ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:36-37

Denomination: Baptist

Our Wonderful Lord

Contributed by Jamie Hudson on Oct 6, 2014

Reflections on the mecy, miracles, and majesty of God.

OUR WONDERFUL LORD HOOK – (Read Isaiah 9:6) We are all familiar with the hymn “His Name Is Wonderful.” Lucy Adams writes: Hugging my young son, Ben, was always a joy. Now that he is a grown man, I don't remember every hug, of course, but one special one I will never forget. It ...read more

Denomination: Baptist