Sermons on Pastoral Ministry:

Bowling Alone: Dying For Lack Of Hope

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 24, 2018

The aloneness that has become a hallmark of our modern age presents a great opportunity for the people of God to present the message of life. As Christ calls people to rest in Him, the churches must echo that call.

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [1] Robert Putnam raised a red flag for people living in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

Jesus Prays For Us

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 18, 2018

An exposition of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer presented in John 17.

“[Jesus] lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

But Christ Has Been Raised From The Dead!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 4, 2015

The resurrection and its impact on the life of the believer.

“If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

Fresh Revelation? Rhema Versus Logos

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 7, 2017

This message explores what the Bible says about new/fresh/special revelations and the perceived differences between 'Rhema' and 'Logos'

I often hear people say one of two things about the revelation of the Bible: that God speaks to them, or they wish God would speak to them. Those who say God speaks to them often pull the 'god card' to validate and justify something they have done, a message they have given, or the way ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-13, 2 Peter 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20, John 1:1, 1 Corinthians 14:9, Hebrews 12:19, Hebrews 2:2, 1 Corinthians 12:8, John 14:26, Acts 4:4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"When Standing Alone..." Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 6, 2017

Christians who pursue honouring Christ can anticipate standing alone against the enemies of Christ. How shall the child of God react when compelled to stand alone, without even a fellow saint to stand with him or her?

“At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

You Are Not Your Own

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 20, 2017

Sexual sin is ubiquitous in contemporary society; it is often excused among the faithful. We need to live with a focus on the Cross if we will honour God with our bodies in the midst of a world that has surrendered to the appetites of the flesh.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” [1] Accepting Christ as Saviour transforms life—attitudes and actions take on new significance. The adage ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Defense Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 21, 2017

Paul’s speech before the temple crowd was primarily aimed at establishing his complete commitment to Judaism. What he evidently could not accomplish through his participation in the Nazarite vow he now sought to establish by this speech.

February 26, 2016 Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Lesson: Paul's Defense (22:1-21) ACTS 22:1-21 (KJV) 1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. 2 (And when they heard that he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

You Cannot Out Give God Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Oct 2, 2015

A study of the book of 1 Samuel 1: 1 – 28

1 Samuel 1: 1 – 28 You Cannot Out Give God 1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Divide And Conquer Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Dec 8, 2017

A study of the book of Acts 22: 30 – 23: 35

Acts 22: 30 – 23: 35 Divide and Conquer 30 The next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he was accused by the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. 23 Then Paul, looking ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Wrong Way To Be Right - Philippians 3:1-10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 27, 2022

The question of how to be a good person is one of the (few) essentials of Christianity. It begins with rejoicing.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, watch out for those men who do evil, watch out for the mutilation. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-10

Portrait Of A Peacemaker - James 3:17-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This message shows how several of the elements of human wisdom have been dressed up and have found their way into the church. We must beware of those. The message also gives insights into how to convert incidents of conflict into peace in the church and restore broken relationships.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Introduction God will call us His children, if and only if… How ...read more

Scripture: James 3:17-18

Walking Worthy Of Your Calling Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 10, 2020

In Ephesians 4:1–6 Paul appeals to believers to walk worthy of their high position in Jesus Christ. In describing that walk he discusses its 1) Call (Ephesians 4:1), 2) Characteristics (Ephesians 4:2-3), and its 3) Cause (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Ephesians 4:1-6 [4:1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

Denomination: Other

To Show Any Respect Of Persons (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jul 15, 2020

To establish that there are some things too impossible for God to do. One thing is: to show respect of persons. This lesson reminds all believers who practice such: are guilty of breaking the "Royal Law" of love and are condemned as sinners.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 3. To show any respect of persons Remarks. 1. This is lesson three, in the lesson-series entitled: "Things too impossible for God." Our scripture lesson declares: "With men this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible," Matthew 19:26. And Paul ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:26, Acts 10:34-45, James 2:9-10, Galatians 2:6, Romans 2:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Managing Finances And Rest Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Oct 9, 2022

What's next, Lord? I think that's the question we need to ask ourselves regularly. What's next, Lord? What are you going to do in my life next?

What's next, Lord? I think that's the question we need to ask ourselves regularly. What's next, Lord? What are you going to do in my life next? But I think some people approach that kind of a statement with fear and trepidation. You've heard the statement: Don't pray for ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 10:31-39

Denomination: Independent/Bible