Sermons on Merged Congregations:

Prepared For Burial Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 9, 2013

Mary worshipped Jesus as the Lamb of God through extravagant surrender of all that she possessed.

“When Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this could have been sold ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Denomination: Baptist

Do Two Walk Together Unless They Have Agreed To Meet? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 28, 2012

Fellowship is dependent upon doctrinal fidelity. Whether co-operation in evangelism, in missionary advance or in worship, all fellowship depends upon doctrinal fidelity.

“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” [1] God had blessed His ancient people. However, despite His rich blessings, they chose to rebel. God makes it clear that He is left with no option except judgement. The question selected as the text for the message today, is ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3

Denomination: Baptist

Labour Relations Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 21, 2014

The manner in which we conduct our work reflects our comprehension of Christ our Master.

“Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:1-2

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

Balaam: Was He A Prophet Of God? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 20, 2016

Can God speak through an imperfect individual? We are studying the life and "ministry" of Balaam to discover the pertinence of his life to our own lives.

“The people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Mistreating The Vulnerable Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2020

Christians are taught to treat the vulnerable with compassion and with generosity. The study is based upon the practised instituted by Moses for Israel, which practise is continued among the churches to this day.

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 22:21-27

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

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

The Church Has Left The Building!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2024

God may use persecution to compel the faithful to fulfil His commands. That was assuredly the case for the first church, and it may be the case in this day.

ACTS 8:1b-4 THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Polluting The God Of Heaven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 12, 2025

Our service to the Lord must be guided by His Spirit and offered to glorify Him.

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-14

Denomination: Baptist

Faith In The Fire

Contributed by Thomas Baird on Jun 8, 2004

Will we stand for God, no matter what?

Faith in the fire During Vacation Bible School this week we studied about faith.. and one of the songs that the kids sang every day just before going home was Put your faith in action.. We are going to study tonight about three young men that we have ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:13-30

Denomination: Baptist

Discipline Anyone?

Contributed by Greg Nance on Sep 21, 2002

A Church without discipline is in serious trouble. God has a few words to say about this that need to be heard today.

A young lady came to visit our services in Lancaster, NH. She was living with a young man. When we studied with her, she saw that she was living in a sinful relationship. She was resistant, but she continued to visit our services. Then one day she came and said she was ready to be baptized into ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 1 Peter 4:17-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Purpose Filled Love - Purpose Driven Life Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 7, 2004

Many people down thru the ages have been "purpose driven"... but have failed to understand the most important part of what makes us a Christian. Do you know what might have been missing in their lives?

OPEN: A mother looked out a window and saw Johnny playing church with their three kittens. He had them lined up and was preaching to them. The mother turned around to do some work. A while later she heard meowing and scratching on the door. The cats were obviously upset and frightened. She ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Revive Us Again Series

Contributed by Doug Henry on Dec 30, 2006

A historical look at great revivals of years past.

Revive Us Again Acts 2:1-13,41 If you ever want to know the truth about something, all you need to do is ask a child. You see, when we ask adults questions that do not have easy answers, they will usually hem and haw around the topic so as not to offend anyone. Children, however, will let you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Day Of The Living Dead

Contributed by Mary Lewis on Feb 26, 2001

Worship is an act of total commitmentresulting in a life which is continually transformed

Day of the Living Dead Introduction Soren Kierkegaard described Christian worship as a performance in which God is the audience, the congregation is the performer, and those who stand up before the congregation (preachers, readers, choir, soloists) are the prompters. Someone has suggested that ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist