Sermons on Restriction:

A Postscript For Preachers Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2014

Paul's closing words summarise what has been presented to Timothy in this letter.

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. “Grace be with you.” [1] It is no secret that I am a news junkie; I fill my ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Conquering The Giants

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 27, 2018

A study in the book of Deuteronomy 2: 1 – 37

Deuteronomy 2: 1 – 37 Conquering the giants in your life 2 “Then we turned and journeyed into the wilderness of the Way of the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke to me, and we skirted Mount Seir for many days. 2 “And the LORD spoke to me, saying: 3 ‘You have skirted this mountain long enough; turn ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

You Don’t Know Me

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jul 9, 2018

A study of the book of Deuteronomy 12: 1 – 32

Deuteronomy 12: 1 – 32 You don’t know Me 12 “These are the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places where the nations ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Everything New

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 21, 2018

The study contrasts Heaven with our present situation. What can we expect in Heaven? For many of us, we need to change our perception of what shall be.

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Worst Job Description Ever

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 6, 2019

God's appointment is seldom to do easy tasks. God appoints us to do hard things, and He equips us to fulfil what He has appointed us to do.

“Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Dirty Dancing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2019

Christ Followers can anticipate persecution from the world. However, they are called to live holy, gentle lives in the midst of a fallen world, honouring the Father through righteous lives and by inviting the lost salvation in Christ.

“When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Now, That Makes No Sense At All!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2019

It makes no sense to be part of the same family and be mad when the father chooses to do for one what he hasn’t chosen to do for the other. Yet, this is precisely what happened in the parable Jesus told of two sons, either of whom were prodigal.

“Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Doth God Hear Sinners? Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jul 28, 2020

To establish that God doth hear the cries and prayers of all people, whether they are saints or sinners. This lesson deals with the witness of a man once blind, before the Pharisees, after Jesus put spittle of clay in them, he washed in the pool of Siloam and came seeing.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Doth God Hear Sinners? Remarks. 1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Doth God Hear Sinners?” This is the first lesson, in the sermon-series entitled: “Re-digging in Old Wells.” There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:18, John 9:31, Isaiah 12:3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus: "I Am The Bread”.

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 2, 2019

1) Our souls are hungry (John 6:41–44), 2) God sent us food (John 6:45–47), and in His words: 3) I am that food (John 6:48–51).

John 6:41-51 [41] So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." [42] They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" [43] Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 6:41-51

Denomination: Other

The Glory Of Christ Is Witnessed Where?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 19, 2019

The glory of Christ is witnessed in what many consider to be the pedestrian. The people of God, serving as the hands of Christ, the eyes of Christ, the mouth of Christ, are the glory of Christ.

“As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.” [1] Reading the Word one Sunday morning, I was arrested by something Paul wrote in his Second Letter to the Christians in Corinth. The Apostle has been urging the Corinthian congregation to be generous as they ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:23

Denomination: Baptist

Jacob’s Trouble

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jul 26, 2019

A study in the book of Jeremiah 30: 1 – 24

Jeremiah 30: 1 – 24 Jacob’s Trouble 1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 “Thus speaks the LORD God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words that I have spoken to you. 3 For behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘that I will bring back from ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 30:7

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

O Lord, Just Kill Me!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 22, 2019

God's mercy and our anger can often be in conflict. Such conflict can lead to discouragement that in turn can lead to despair. The child of God must guard his/her heart to avoid falling into deep gloom leading to thoughts of suicide.

“[God’s mercy toward Nineveh] displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

My Self-Esteem And What Became Of It

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 2, 2019

Self-esteem is detrimental to the health of the Christian and to the health of the church. Christians must cultivate humility of spirit that permits them to serve Christ and to serve their fellow saints.

“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

When The Protectors Become Predators

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 30, 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

Slavery Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2020

Christians are obligated by God's character to free those enmeshed in slavery. Among the enslaved in North America are those participating in the scourge of pornography and prostitution, which Christians must avoid and resist.

“During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:23-25

Denomination: Baptist