Sermons on Iconium:

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

Just Ring The Bell!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 1, 2022

You can quit the struggle to finish the course. If you do, the impact of your life will be insignificant. If you stand firm, the impact of what you do now for Christ will yield eternal results.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [1] Becoming a United States Navy Seal is arguably among the most difficult ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Marks Of The True Church: Holiness Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 10, 2024

Our Lord prayed that His followers would be sanctified, made holy. The Father heard His request and has granted Jesus was He asked.

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Ecstasy Before The Agony

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2024

Religious excitement does not necessarily translate into spiritual worship. Rather, the one following Jesus must guard against being turned aside by that which appears good. Remember that good is enemy of the best.

“The large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Stay!

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 2, 2025

God will encourage His servant to stand firm when opposition arises. This is demonstrated when Paul sought to leave Corinth as opposition arose. just so, God will encourage you when you are ready to throw in the towel in your own service.

“After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to see them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Grace By Association - 1 Peter 4:12-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

The gospel is about grace by association - receiving favor from God solely because of association with Christ. And that involves suffering.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Settle Down Where I Have Placed You!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 2, 2025

Many of God's people are infected with a spirit of restlessness. We do well to take to heart the message God sent to Jews living in Babylonian captivity to settle down where He placed them.

“These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. This was after King Jeconiah and the queen mother, the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Aspects Of Persecutions And Trials

Contributed by David Cambridge on Jan 18, 2002

This sermon considers several aspects of persecutions and trials: author, purpose, assurances, response.

Aspects Of Persecutions And Trials The Church’s Reaction To Adversity Introduction 1. Since the establishment of the church God’s people have endured various persecutions and trials. Even in times of comparative rest a church may face discouraging trails from a variety of circumstances and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How Shall We Escape? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2012

Many professing Christians treat the Faith as though it were optional; God calls us to absolute commitment.

“We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Engagement Strategies (Lesson 2) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Feb 18, 2021

To establish that the Christian must prepare to be “fit-to-fight.” Paul gives the saints at Ephesus their operations order to engage the forces of evil successfully. It outlines the enemy situation, rules of engagement, and equipment safeties (protections).

INTRODUCTION Outline. 2. The Engagement Strategies Remarks. 1. This is lesson two in this sermon-series: “Fit-to-Fight,” “The Engagement Strategies” in “Ephesus’ Operations Order.” This lesson will deal with the saint’s need to understand the battle environment and rules of engagement: for their ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Advantage Of A Godly Home Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 15, 2015

Children raised in a godly environment are advantaged in learning of Christ the Lord.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” [1] The way of salvation is taught by godly people; but the Spirit of God must make the dead individual alive in Christ. We cannot ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5

Denomination: Baptist

Remembering You Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 21, 2015

Comfort in the dark days come from remembering especially the love and the commitment of those with whom we have shared in the battles of the Faith.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

Healthy Bodies Pt 2 Series

Contributed by David Welch on Aug 15, 2018

Message 2 of 6 exploring the nature and health of the church.

“HEALTHY BODIES Part 2” One of the most expressive analogies to express the nature and function of the church of Jesus Christ is the human body. The scriptures refer often to the followers of Jesus as the “Body of Christ”. My focus into the summer will be to explore the implications of the church ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, John 15:12-13

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Gentiles Hath Received Isaiah’s Report (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jun 2, 2021

To establish that Isaiah’s report was the: good news of the coming Messiah. He came to be offered in sacrifice for the sins of the world. Israel rejected this message, but the Gentile nations gladly received it. This lesson deals with one's faith and obedience to the gospel.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 3. Gentiles Hath Received Isaiah’s Report Introductory Remarks. 1. This is lesson three in this sermon-series: “Lord, who hath believed our report?” The question originates from the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 53:1. This was Isaiah’s report of the coming and work of the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 53:1-12, John 12:38, Romans 10:16-21, Mark 4:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ