Sermons on Respite:

Solitude Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Mar 21, 2010

1) The Straining from a lack of Solitude (1 Kings 19:1-4), 2) The Strengthening from Solitude (1 Kings 19:5-8), 3) The Searching from Solitude (1 Kings 19:9-14), &, 4) The Sending from Solitude (1 Kings 19:15-18)

With the conclusion of the Olympics and Paralympics, one of the most trying adjustments that athletes and spectators alike claim is an emptiness after the games. With such preparation and excitement, it really means a change of gears for people. Likewise, the prophet Elijah in 1 Kings 19 was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Other

The Parable Of The Sheep & The Goats Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 1, 2011

In Matthew 25:31-46 in two ways, we see: 1) The Setting of Judgment (Matthew 25:31–32a) and 2) The Process of Judgment (Matthew 25:32b-46)

Matthew 25:31-46. [31]"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. [32] Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] And he will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Other

On Patience

Contributed by Augustine Of Hippo on Jun 1, 2011

A classic sermon by St. Augustine.

1. That virtue of the mind which is called Patience, is so great a gift of God, that even in Him who bestows the same upon us, that, whereby He waits for evil men that they may amend, is set forth by the name of Patience, [or long-suffering.] So, although in God there can be no suffering, and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: *other

What About John?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 10, 2019

Our Lord appoints each of His followers to a particular task. Though the task may appear difficult, it is common that we Christians attempt to turn His command by asking what He is doing in the life of another. We need to learn to focus on His work in our own life.

“[Jesus said] ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.’ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was ...read more

Scripture: John 21:17-24

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

Run Away! Run For Your Life! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 12, 2021

Attempting to stand against the pressure of the evil one is a recipe for defeat, unless and until we are strengthened by the Risen Saviour.

“[The soldiers] seized [Jesus] and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:54-62

Denomination: Baptist

All Things New

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 21, 2022

Life for the newborn Christian is going to change. And the change will be dramatic. The same holds true for the revived saint. The change we witness in those who are twice-born and those who are revived is revealed in the new commitment Ruth demonstrated toward her mother-in-law.

“Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

At The Intersection Of Expectation And Disappointment

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 16, 2019

John was disillusioned when he questioned whether Jesus was the Messiah. Studying this incident will assist us to avoid becoming disillusioned in Christ.

“When John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6

Denomination: Baptist

When The Protectors Become Predators

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2019

Church leaders are appointed to protect the flock. When the protectors become predators, you may be sure that God will shortly expose the sin and deliver judgement.

“Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore, she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away.” [1] Shocked, disgusted, grieved, hurt—what a confused jumble of emotions flooded the heart of Christians when they ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

Amazing Discovery

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 13, 2019

A study in the book of 2 Chronicles 34: 1 – 33

2 Chronicles 34: 1 – 33 Amazing Discovery 34 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD AND walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 3 For ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Take It All Off!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2019

Some things have no place in the life of God's people. Our responsibility is to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.

“Having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Not Like The Other

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jul 1, 2018

A study in the book of Deuteronomy 5: 1 – 33

Deuteronomy 5: 1 – 33 Not like the other 5 And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The LORD did not ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Death By Despair

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 25, 2020

Christians are to preach Christ's peace and the hope He brings to a hopeless, despairing world.

“Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Baptist

The First 3 Kings Of Israel Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jun 15, 2021

There are four major characters to this time period in Israel’s history: the prophet and judge Samuel, King Saul, King David, and King Solomon.

When we are touring around Israel in recent trips, my friend and tour guide, Nir likes to say “It’s Good to be King” when he explains certain periods of history and how the monarch availed himself of certain privileges. It’s reference to Monty Python movies of old. Several decades ago, Tom Petty ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:14-15, 1 Samuel 11:1-13, 1 Samuel 14:13-15, 1 Samuel 16:12-13, 2 Samuel 7:18-22, 1 Kings 1:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Followers Are Good Stewards Part 3 Series

Contributed by Grady Henley on Nov 4, 2011

Part 03 of Lesson 09 of the Follow Me Series

Followers Are Good Stewards Grady Henley Part 03 of Lesson 09 of the Follow Me Series Key Verses: 1 Tim 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:45

Denomination: Baptist