Sermons on Pleading:

Chastisement And Compassion Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 6, 2024

Even in the midst of national judgement, the follower of Christ the Lord is comforted by the hope Christ gives.

“This hurts me more than it hurts you.” Are those words familiar to you? Do they bring back memories from your childhood? I don’t know if your dad ever spoke those words to you, but my dad said these words more frequently than should ever have been necessary. And I readily admit that I gave him ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:1-33

Denomination: Baptist

Should We Ask God Tough Questions, Or Not? (Isaiah 45:9-25) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jul 16, 2024

Some Christians think it's ok; others would never dare. Can questions make God angry, and put us in danger? Or does God welcome the questions?

I'd like to start today by reading the first five verses of our passage, using the NET translation. As I read, just try to think about one thing: Is it okay to challenge God, or to ask God questions about what He's doing? Isaiah 45:9-13 (NET): 9 One who argues with his Creator is in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 45:9-25, Job 42:7-8

Sinners Suffering For The Sins Of The Saints

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2024

The saints of God hold back the judgement of God by their righteous presence in the land. But if the righteous cease to be godly, what can delay God's righteous judgement?

“Behold, the LORD is coming out of his place, and will come down and tread upon the high places of the earth. And the mountains will melt under him, and the valleys will split open, like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place. All this is for the transgression of Jacob ...read more

Scripture: Micah 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

Unity Demands Theological Integrity

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 21, 2025

Christians are united through commitment to biblical truth, which is reflected in love for Christ and for His people. Professed love without theological integrity destroys unity.

“I have given [My disciples] your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Stone That Was Never Thrown

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2024

How do we, as followers of the Christ, respond to sin when it is exposed to us?

“Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Luke 7:1-10 - The Centurion's Faith

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 11, 2024

The Centurion didn't have all of the facts, but he knew he needed God to do something for someone he cared about. You don't have to have all the answers, but are you willing to intercede for those around you who need a touch from the Savior?

We've been in the Gospel of Luke since January. We'll be there through the rest of the year and early into next year. Today, we're in chapter seven, and we're going to look at the first 10 verses. So if you've got your Bible with you, hold that up. If it's your phone or your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is That All You've Got?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 19, 2024

We who follow Christ are responsible to present the message of grace at every opportunity. Many will dismiss our message as foolish talk. We must honestly present the truth to such people, refusing to give up our stand for the truth.

“As [Paul] was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Asking God To Bless Me--A Preview Of The Jabez Territory Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Feb 25, 2002

To help apply what this Jabez prayer challenges a church family to do-and an individual’s role in that challenge

“Asking God to Bless Me!” --Preview of the Jabez Territory (The Challenges of the Prayer of Jabez Part 1 of 6) (Much of this message was developed from Bruce Wilkinson’s presentation on Visionary Leadership at the “Walk Thru Life with Purpose” Conference in Largo, FL, Feb. 5-7, 2002.) [I have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7, 1 Chronicles 4:10

Denomination: Methodist

Overcoming Obstacles--Principles Of The Jabez Territory Series

Contributed by Don Hawks on Mar 5, 2002

If Jabez was to be blessed indeed, he had to be kept from evil. Some important principles to overcoming the obstacles to expanding the borders of God’s blessings he has prepared for us are also discussed.

(Based on comments by Bruce Wilkinson at Walk thru Life Conference PPT slides and outline available) Today I continue with part 3 of the challenges of the prayer of Jabez. A man had a problem finding a parking space. He finally parked in a no parking zone and left a note on his windshield that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:10, Exodus 4:10-14

Denomination: Methodist

Resting In The Promise Of God

Contributed by Mike Hays on Dec 5, 2000

God invites us to enter into His rest now and to look forward to His perfect rest to come.

Resting In The Promises of God! Hebrews 4:1-11 As we move into the Christmas Season everyone is gearing up for a month of high commitment and low energy. The stores are announcing that there is less than a month for you and me to get our Christmas shopping done. The ads are announcing that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:1-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Does It Mean To Pray?

Contributed by Stephen Schwartz on Dec 13, 2001

Can prayer move the hand of God?

What does it mean to Pray Intro Can we as individuals put God into action? Can we move the hand of God into Divine interaction? If so, How much faith does it take to move the hand of God? What is required from us to move the hand of God or to put God into action on our behalf? Have you ever ...read more

Scripture: John 14:13

Denomination: Methodist

Restorative Justice #4: Samson's Revenge, Jesus' Redemption Series

Contributed by Anne Grant on Oct 11, 2001

Two men made for God’s purpose: one chooses his own pleasure and becomes a terrorist bent on revenge, fighting a holy war. He commits suicide bringing down a building, killing thousands. The other gives up his rights, chooses death, and redeems the world.

Samson’s Revenge and Jesus’ Redemption, Judges 13-16 Restorative Justice Series #4 Trinity United Methodist Church, Providence, RI October 7, 2001 Rev. Anne Grant We have been hearing some powerful stories about heroism Over the past few weeks. We read them in newspapers and magazines. We hear ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Methodist

Faith Or Fantasy

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Apr 25, 2001

This sermon deals with the difference between faith and fantasy.

Faith Or Fantasy 1/14/2001 Nehemiah 2:10-20 1 Peter 5:6-11 Text Chapters 2-4 When was the last time you heard some one say "I’ve got faith this is going to work?" Faith is not determined by how much of a feeling you have about something, but rather by what it is you are putting your ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Ascended And Seated Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Aug 24, 2004

The Apostles Creed - He ascended into heaven and is seated at teh right hand of God the Father

by Danny Saunders Since we announced that Ali is pregnant a number of our friends have lent us various baby & pregnancy books. We’ve got baby name books, the girlfriend’s guide to pregnancy, pregnancy journals & magazines & even a book written by a male especially for new Dads. These ...read more

Scripture: John 16:4-15

Denomination: Anglican