Sermons on Restriction:

Who’s Really Running This Show

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Aug 26, 2018

A study in the book of 2 Samuel 3: 1 – 39

2 Samuel 3: 1 – 39 Who’s really running this show 3 Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 Sons were born to David in Hebron: His firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 3:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

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

Ensuring A Future For The Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 2015

Examining the responsibility to seek out and prepare faithful men who will advance the Faith in days to come.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” [1] Apostolic succession ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-3

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

Revive Us Lord Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Dec 23, 2020

In a prayer to “Revive us Lord”, the Psalmist shows three things that can help us through present difficulties. He presents a 1) Remembrance of Past Revival (Psalm 85:1–3), 2) Request for Present Revival (Psalm 85:4–7), 3. Revelation for Future Revival (Psalm 85:8–13).

Psalm 85:1–13 1 LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah 3You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.4 Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-13

Denomination: Other

I Tried Lord

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 19, 2019

A study in the book of Nehemiah 13: 1 – 31

Nehemiah 13: 1 – 31 I tried Lord 13 On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water but hired Balaam ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 13:13

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

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

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

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

Why We Want And Need Heroes - Genesis 6-7 Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Jul 23, 2021

We all love and need heroes in our lives. Because what heroes do is they emulate something that we want, something that we need, something that we’re looking forward to.

We all love and need heroes in our lives. Because what heroes do is they emulate something that we want, something that we need, something that we’re looking forward to. Just think about heroes that you have in your life. What heroes are you attracted to. You see I think we’re attracted to heroes ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

So That You May Prosper And Live Long

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 21, 2025

God promises rich blessings for those who obey Him.

“You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:32-33, Deuteronomy 6:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Joyful Praise! - Psalm 63:3-5,7,11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 14, 2025

God commands us to have joy that moves the mouth and body. Such joy is not under our direct control, but attainable.

Review So far we have studied six ways to love God more. In this lesson we examine number seven – express your joy. If you want to have more love for God, more desire for Him, more delight in Him; then verbally express the love and desire and delight you already have. Or to say all that in a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:3-11

Kingdom Greatness - Matthew 5:19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 2, 2024

People who seek glory and honor in this world are called megalomaniacs. If that’s such a bad thing in this world, why does Jesus want us to seek greatness in the kingdom? Is greatness in the kingdom ever a motivating factor for things you do?

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:19