Sermons on Quarrelsome:

Honouring The Elders Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 11, 2014

What is congregational responsibility to elders? How does a congregation honour the elders?

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’ Do not admit a charge ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Our One Voice Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 22, 2010

1) The Blended Involvement (Romans 15:1-6), 2) The Basic Instruction (Romans 15:7), 3) The Biblical Illustration (Romans 15:8-12) and 4) The Benedictory Intercession (Romans 15:13)

In politics, some voices get heard while others ignored. Often those with the best connections or the loudest complainers tend to be heard. Things tend to spill over the same way in a local church. But things need to be different in Christ’s body, because He must call the shots. He will not bless ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Denomination: Other

What Shall I Do With Jesus? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 3, 2012

The preacher, the Christian and the outsider all must answer the same question--What Shall I Do With Jesus? Each of us must answer; we cannot evade. For salvation and for service, our answer reveals who we are.

“What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ” [1] Almost every message I have heard from this text was directed to lost people. That is certainly appropriate. However, in our study today, I want to consider how this question applies not only to the lost, but also to each of us who bear the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:22

Denomination: Baptist

A Good Servant Of Christ Jesus

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 27, 2013

The responsibility of the pulpit to promote godliness in the Community of Faith is explored

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” [1] Godliness looms large in the thinking of the Apostle. The term “godliness” occurs fifteen ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6

Denomination: Baptist

The Pattern Of Sound Words Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2015

Paul provides instructions to ensure continuation of the Faith from generation to generation.

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” [1] Seminarians are required to study systematic theology. The required courses consist of in-depth studies of the several doctrines that define the Faith of Christ the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13

Denomination: Baptist

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

Life’s Ups And Downs - Part 3 Of 3 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 27, 2019

The Lord is close to all that call upon Him in sincerity, and is abundantly generous to them, and has promised to help and save them.

17 Let me not be ashamed , O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed , and let them be silent in the grave. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord The petition is the same as in verse 1; “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

Assault Against The Faithful Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 15, 2021

Paul's assessment of himself was that he was unworthy of God's grace. However, Christ is merciful; He will receive anyone who comes to Him in faith, even those who are full of themselves.

“Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:2-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Qualifying Round - Mark 3:16-19 (Luke 6:12-16) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus selected 12 men who, by all appearances, were deeply unqualified. But he was very deliberate about who he selected. Why did he chose the men he choose?

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve-- designating them apostles-- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:12-16

The World’s Most Dangerous Profession - James 3:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This passage stands out because teaching is so highly valued throughout the New Testament. Why is it discouraged here? James considered himself a teacher and was teaching even as he penned these words about not many should be teachers.

James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Introduction: We Talk a ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-2

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

If You're Thankful And You Know It...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 8, 2022

A message delivered on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This is a study of the impact of a thankful heart on the follower of the Christ.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17

Denomination: Baptist

Our Civic Duty

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 7, 2025

Christians must serve as salt and light in our world. As part of our responsibility in the world, we must be good citizens, fulfilling the will of the Lord by wise exercise of our participation in the civic process.

“You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Whatever Happened To Modest Dress?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 5, 2025

Teaching our daughters to be godly will require modelling righteous lives as well as providing sound instruction from the pulpit and in the home.

“Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” [1] There are certain clothes Christian women should never wear in public. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From History Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 23, 2026

Jude warns against cynicism, against greed, and against rebellion, just as he warns against accepting as leaders those exhibiting these characteristics.

“Woe to [the godless infiltrators]! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.” [1] Long years past, the Roman historian Tacitus wrote, “The principle office of history I take to be this: to prevent ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:11

Denomination: Baptist