Sermons on Prepared:

Private Worship Is Essential For A Healthy Relationship With God

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 17, 2018

Though public worship is vital to the growth of a congregation, private worship must never be neglected. In fact, private worship is essential if we will worship corporately. The message explores by examining an incident in the life of Gideon.

“As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped.” [1] Pastors will not have spent much time in the pastorate until they learn the awful truth that preparing for worship is such intense work and so demanding that worship may often be ignored! It is a tragic ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

You Got What You Wanted, But You Lost What You Had!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 7, 2018

We must guard against pursuing our desires at the expense of do what honours God. Christians, especially, can lose effectiveness in service if they fail to consider the cost of their choices.

GENESIS 25:29-34 YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED, BUT YOU LOST WHAT YOU HAD! [1] Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted. And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore, his name was called Edom.) Jacob said, “Sell me ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:29-34

Denomination: Baptist

Worship - Where The Master Reveals His Presence Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 14, 2010

The message explores the revelation of Christ as we worship, encouraging believers to seek His presence.

“The [Samaritan] woman said to [Jesus], ‘Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessing - Genesis 27 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 24, 2021

We use the word ‘dysfunction’ to describe a family that has some challenges in it.

We use the word ‘dysfunction’ to describe a family that has some challenges in it. Many of you know what that means when we talk about dysfunction because you grew up in a dysfunctional home, a challenging home where there was dysfunction and difficulties. Others of you have challenges inside your ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

How Do You Define Success? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 28, 2015

Learning from Jesus how to be successful in His work.

“Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Growing In The Local Church Series

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Jul 20, 2013

There is a process that God has for you to fulfill your purpose, but you need to cooperate with God because He has placed a seed of success inside of you.

Growing In The Local Church Philippian 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Reasons to grow spiritually: * Gives you authority over the enemy * Makes you tough * Allows you to discover your strengths ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Denomination: Charismatic

The Christian's Duty In Response To Salvation (1 Peter 1:13-16) Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Aug 2, 2014

Exposition of 1 Peter 1:13-16

The Christian’s Duty in Response to Salvation Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Death Of A Nation

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 16, 2020

When God says, "Enough!" how shall His people respond? The response of God's people to the sinful drift of our nation should lead us to grieve for our fellow man and plead with them to turn to Christ and His righteousness.

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Reverent Worship - Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 19, 2025

Why does Scripture speak of making vows to God? What is the purpose of making a vow? How does it help in your walk with the Lord? When should we make a vow, and when should we avoid making a vow?

Ecclesiastes 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to draw near in obedience (lit. draw near to listen) than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. 2 Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. (lit. do not be ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

"They Made Light Of It"

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Oct 3, 2006

urging men to come to Christ now

They made light of it” Matthew 22:1-14 Man has not much changed since his creation. That which was recorded in history as having been done by man centuries ago, might be written again, for "there is nothing new under the sun." The same class of men is still found (although, perhaps, differently ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Battle Dress Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2009

God’s armour is complete; his servant is fully protected and equipped to fulfil the mission to stand firm against the enemy.

EPHESIANS 6:13-18 BATTLE DRESS “Take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

Purpose/Destiny I

Contributed by Jeremy Poling on May 16, 2013

Our purpose and destiny should be Jesus

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19

Denomination: Pentecostal

Paul's Focus - Active Works Not Empty Behavior Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 30, 2014

Paul's focus was not only on him knowing what was right and that winning souls was paramount for the believer, but Paul's knew with our actions and service to Christ we cannot just 'go thru the motions' but it must be focused and disciplined!

ermon Brief Date Written: July 25, 2014 Date Preached: July 27, 2014 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series in 1 Corinthians Sermon Title: Paul’s FOCUS – Active Works not Empty Behavior Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 [NLT] 24Do you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

Praise Be To The Lord Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Dec 13, 2022

In this message we will look at the second song on God's Christmas playlist (Zachariah's Song) by diving deep into both the writer and the song.

Praise Be To The Lord Christmas Playlist Dismiss Grove KIDZ NOW – for the month of December we are in this series of conversations that we are calling, ‘Christmas Playlist’ BECAUSE - as we saw last week songs have been a part of Christmas from the very beginning. YES – joyfully singing is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-66, Luke 1:67-80

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ