Sermons on Incarceration:

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

What To Look For In A Leader Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

The most effective leaders are compelled by a PURPOSE that is GREATER than themselves.

What To Look For In A Leader Acts 27:1-44 We are only 19 days from Christmas, which is exciting. But did you know we are only 11 months from the presidential election? How exciting (NOT!) That means 11 months of political ads, debates, polling data, and pundits pontificating about potential ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When Life Crashes In?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 17, 2023

God always works in the life of His people, bringing glory out of our trials. Because He loves us, the pain experienced through our trials will exalt Him.

“As [the mob was] 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 ...read more

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

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

Advancing In The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Sep 1, 2023

When we face difficulties in life, it's important to know that we're not alone, for when we summit ourselves to God by living a holy life in allowing his Holy Spirit to direct our path, Angel armies are sent to work alongside us for the sole purpose of advancing his kingdom.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Ephesians 1:3-4) (3) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,” (4) “According as He chose us in Him before ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-4, Psalm 113:7-8, Esther 8:15, Matthew 16:18-19, Psalm 91:3-7, Hebrews 12:22, Hebrews 1:7, Psalm 34:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Selling Herself Cheaply Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 4, 2021

God makes room for all, even for those women we routinely dismiss because of a soiled past. If God accepts Rahab the prostitute, He will accept me if I look to Him in faith.

“Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, ‘Go, view the land, especially Jericho.’ And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. And it was told to the king of Jericho, ‘Behold, men of Israel have come here tonight ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

This Kind...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 15, 2021

Christians are at war with an unseen, though extremely powerful, enemy. We are, however, not defenseless. We are given authority over the enemy, if we will invoke our rights given in Christ.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone from the crowd ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Victory Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 11, 2021

1) Victorious Sin-Bearing (1 Peter 3:18a), 2) Victorious Sermon (1 Peter 3:18b–20a), 3) Victorious Salvation (1 Peter 3:20b–21), and His 4) Victorious Supremacy (1 Peter 3:22).

1 Peter 3:18-22. [18] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, [18]For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Other

Wrong About Judgement

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 7, 2024

Christ is the Righteous Judge of all mankind. Ultimately, we shall appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ, or we must appear before the Great White Throne. It is Christ Who will judge in either case.

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” Serious questions concerning the administration of justice have been raised by rulings and charges brought against people in Canada and the United States. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:30

Denomination: Baptist

Deceitful Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 6, 2025

Jacob's sons distorted the Faith; the Shechemites attempted to co-opt the religious practices of the Israelites to enrich themselves. Both groups attempted to use religion to obtain their own ends, resulting in death and destruction. Deceitful religion always leads to ruin and destruction.

“Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. And his soul was drawn to Dinah the daughter of Jacob. He loved the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 34:1-31

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

A Survey Of My Grief Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 22, 2024

Lamentations speaks on behalf of those suffering as he reminds the Lord of how great is the grief experienced. He confesses that the judgement is deserved. In this, he provides a warning to those living in this present culture that they must not presume against the goodness of God.

Grief touches each of us eventually. [1] Though we know we will experience grief as individuals, we sometimes need to be reminded that grief will consume the nation that turns from righteousness while embracing wickedness. Some might suppose that Christians will gloat when judgement at last comes ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Men Behaving...godly! - Father's Day

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 16, 2004

Can be used anytime of the year. I. ACKNOWLEDGE THE POWER OF YOUR INFLUENCE II. AVOID THE PITFALLS OF YOUR MASCULINITY III. ARRANGE THE PRIORITIES OF YOUR LIFE IV. ASSUME THE PLACE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES...Includes link to Formatted Text and PowerPoint

MEN BEHAVING...GODLY (Psalm 112) [note: Can be presented in 2 parts am and pm, or condensed as 1 sermon.] http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/MenBehavingGodly.html Note: We love people, and try to show it on a holiday such as this more than ever, and yet the Lord has clearly led that if I really ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 112:1-10, Psalm 112:1

Denomination: Baptist

When The Protectors Become Predators

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2019

Church leaders are appointed to protect the flock. When the protectors become predators, you may be sure that God will shortly expose the sin and deliver judgement.

“Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore, she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away.” [1] Shocked, disgusted, grieved, hurt—what a confused jumble of emotions flooded the heart of Christians when they ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:8

Denomination: Baptist