Sermons on Observe:

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

Practising Serving Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2017

The model that is frequently brought into the church is provided by this world. That model drives the disciple to step on others in order to advance himself. The model Jesus provides, though often neglected, is quite different; it teaches us to serve.

“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 22:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

How Gideon Formed His Attack On The Enemy Camp Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Feb 9, 2019

Gideon’s battle plan appears to have been carefully worked out, but whether it was beholden to his spiritual illumination we cannot say. But what we can say is that his methods were a type of psychological warfare.

Chapter 25 How Gideon Formed His Attack on the Enemy Camp [Judges 7.16-7.20] Scripture 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do ...read more

Scripture: Judges 7:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

When Religion Loses Relationship Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 25, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019

When Religion Loses Relationship Series: Encountering Jesus (through the Gospel of Luke) Brad Bailey – February 24, 2019 Text: Luke 6:1-11 Note: The following is not a transcript. I only read Scripture and main point. The rest serves as a source of prepared thought that I hope to share more ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Message For An Intellectual Age

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 9, 2020

Paul's message before the Areopagus forms the basis for a study of how to approach an intellectual audience. This knowledge is necessary if we are to succeed in presenting the Faith in the midst of our world today. This is the substance of a radio message at Easter.

“Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: “To the unknown god.” What therefore you worship as unknown, this ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Futility Of Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2022

Religious exercise can become a snare if in our efforts we fail to seek the Lord. Religion for the sake of religion is a dreadful snare.

“Like a pregnant woman who writhes and cries out in her pangs when she is near to giving birth, so were we because of you, O LORD; we were pregnant, we writhed, but we have given birth to wind. We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world have not ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Who Hath Believed Our Report? (Lesson 1) 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 ones' faith and obedience to the gospel.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Lord Who Hath Believed Our Report? Remarks. 1. This is lesson one in this sermon-series entitled: 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 Messiah. He wrote: ...read more

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

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Rabble Among Us

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 23, 2023

Association with a church does not translate to identification with Christ.

“The rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

We Are His Offspring

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2024

God created mankind, and He gives us our being. Thus, we must not segregate on the basis of race or sex. Flowing from the knowledge of God's creation, and having given His Word, we discover that not all cultures are equal, though all people have opportunity to know God.

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-28

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

The Tyranny Of Tradition

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 22, 2022

We must realise that we are susceptible to transforming the Faith through the introduction of our best efforts to make the Faith more meaningful.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” [1] Traditions are essential to civilisation. Societies are built around traditions which most of those living ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:8

Denomination: Baptist

History Class Part 1 Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 4, 2010

A study of the book of Ezekiel chapter 20 verses 1 thrugh 26

Ezekiel 20: 1 – 26 History Class Part 1 “1 It came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me. 2 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 20:1-26

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

A Sign To Israel: A Lame Man Healed Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 7, 2017

The apostles and the first believers attended the temple worship at the hours of prayer. Peter and John seem to have been led by the Holy Spirit, to perform a miracle on a man who was over forty years old and had been a cripple from his birth.

Peter and John and a man born lame By: Tom Lowe Series: The Early Church Lesson II.C.1: A Sign to Israel: A Lame Man Healed (3.1-11) Acts 3.1-3.11 (KJV) 1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To Be Born Again?

Contributed by Clint Carr on Dec 9, 2000

4 keys to being born again.

I. Read John 3:1-7 II. N. Was a Pharisee a. they were Jews who were fanatics about the observance of rites and ceremonies. He was smart, rich, respected, a ruler, and very religious. b. N. was still lost (just because your religious doesn’t mean your going to Heaven. Just because you may have ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Type Of Life That Is Worthy Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION)

BIG IDEA: THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION) I. (1:27a) THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD BE THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR LIFESTYLE A. General Exhortation ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible