Sermons on Olive Press:

Woe To Us!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2019

God does judge nations, cities, churches, families. If we refuse to pursue His glory, there is nothing left for God but to hold us accountable.

The news is particularly dark today—disrespect among the youth of the nation; increasing sexual assault in which even infants and toddlers are violated; violent crime increasing; external threats to national economic security; rising social unrest centring around linguistic and racial issues. ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Too Much Religion In The Wrong Place

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 12, 2019

Religion is the expression of one's faith put into practice. For many professed Christians, religion is all they have, because they don't have the faith of Christ the Lord. Too much religion will tend to lead us astray. Faith will lead us to Christ.

“When [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

God Works With Surprising Speed

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2019

Study of the revival that occurred during the reign of Hezekiah, focusing in particular on the suddenness with which God moved the hearts of the people and the conditions that preceded that revival.

“Hezekiah said, ‘You have now consecrated yourselves to the LORD. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.’ And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all who were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. The number of the burnt offerings ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:31-36

Denomination: Baptist

Evil For Good

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 22, 2019

A study in the book of Jeremiah 18: 1 – 23

Jeremiah 18: 1 – 23 Evil for good 1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 18:20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Prodigal Son Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jun 24, 2019

What does it mean to be lost?

The Prodigal Son Luke 15 Lost. Being lost is no fun. I remember when I was a small child, wandered away; ended up in a industrial field with lots of deep holes dug; walking on a 12” wide path between; lost track of time; when I headed home, met by a group of kids: my mom had whole ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lydia's Conversion Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Aug 5, 2019

To establish that Lydia’s obedience to the gospel followed the same “pattern of conversion” outlined in the Book of Acts. She attended to the words spoken by Paul and Silas, believed in the Lord, and was baptized with her entire household.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Lydia’s Hearkening unto Paul 2. Lydia’s Faithfulness to the Lord 3. Lydia’s Baptism into Christ Introductory Remarks. 1. Our lesson today will discuss the theme: “Lydia’s Conversion.” What will be abundantly clear is that her “obedience to the gospel;” followed the same ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:13-15, Acts 8:12, Acts 18:8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faux Wedding

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Mar 1, 2019

A study in the book of Ezra 10: 1 – 44

Ezra 10: 1 – 44 Faux Wedding Ceremony 10 Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly. 2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 10:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Psalm 4—talking To God And Men Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 2, 2018

This Psalm is titled, To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. In it David pours out his complaint against slanderous enemies and finds peace and refuge in God.

Friday, December 27, 2013 Tom Lowe Psalm 4—Talking to God and Men 1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The God Whom We Know

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 10, 2018

What do we know about God? Does what we know influence our response to Him and to others? These are the issues explored in this message.

“We know him who said, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” [1] Few portions of the Word are calculated to give the Christian pause as is this one verse. The Living God does not ignore ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:30-31

Denomination: Baptist

A Church At The Mouth Of Hell Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2018

A brief study of the church in Pergamum in which believers are commended for serving even where Satan dwells. However, toleration of evil people was already contaminating the congregation.

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Psalm 17 Title: Hear A Just Cause, O Lord Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Oct 27, 2018

This psalm reveals David’s trust in God, but in the final analysis it speaks primarily of the Lord Jesus Christ.

April 5, 2014 Tom Lowe A Psalm of David. Psalm 17 (KJV) Title: Hear a Just Cause, O Lord 1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips. 2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Was Born Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2018

Jesus' testimony before Pilate spoke of the purpose of His coming. Though we speak of joy and peace in Christ, it is essential that He came to bring salvation. This He has done through presenting His life as a sacrifice. Those who believe are ushered into His Kingdom.

“Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Control Your Thoughts

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Sep 6, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Samuel 11: 1 – 27

2 Samuel 11: 1 – 27 Don’t let your thoughts control you 11 It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. 2 ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

David, A Hero Who Defeated His Giant Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Sep 25, 2018

As we unpack the very familiar story of David defeating the giant Goliath - we will uncover several keys that will enable us to defeat the giants in our life as well.

David, A Hero Who Defeated His Giant #heroes Hebrews 12:1 says, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. UNDERSTAND – that is ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What My Wife Taught Me

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2018

The message is an exposition of Paul's instruction concerning wives, reflecting over fifty years of marriage. Our world has divided into warring tribes and factions, and the conflict has entered into the marriage relationship, which dishonours God.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” [1] It is tragically sad ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24

Denomination: Baptist