Sermons on Rhyme:

Prepared For Burial Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 9, 2013

Mary worshipped Jesus as the Lamb of God through extravagant surrender of all that she possessed.

“When Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, ‘Why this waste? For this could have been sold ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Denomination: Baptist

Jonah: Running From The Reality Of Grace Series

Contributed by Brad Bailey on Feb 16, 2018

This week our nation celebrates its independence. And like all countries… over time such holidays become more about a time to have fun than to be sobered by the nature of freedom. There can be a strange mix of two types of pride that we can celebrate.

Intro This week our nation celebrates it’s independence. And like all countries… over time such holidays become more about a time to have fun than to be sobered by the nature of freedom. There can be a strange mix of two types of pride that we can celebrate. When we feel a pride is in the source ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good Interruptions Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 16, 2016

A study of the book of Job 19: 1 – 29

Job 19: 1 – 29 Good Interruptions 1 Then Job answered and said: 2 “How long will you torment my soul, and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me. 4 And if indeed I have erred, my error remains with me. 5 ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Against The Tide: Pushing Back Against The Moral Climate

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 18, 2012

Christians are called to be holy. However, we are not always certain what it means to be holy or how to achieve that status.

1 PETER 1:13-25 AGAINST THE TIDE (PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE MORAL CLIMATE) “Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit God Gave Us

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 21, 2020

The Spirit of God lives in each twice-born follower of Christ. Because He lives in us, we are enabled to walk in power, to love as God loves, and to act with divine wisdom. God calls us to be controlled by the Spirit He placed in each of us.

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” [1] She was a recent convert to Christ, and she was in tears when she phoned me. The lady was suffering from disquieting events that were occurring each night. Each evening after retiring to her bed, a malevolent presence ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

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

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

You’re Alive! Act Like It - Ecclesiastes 9:2-10:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 26, 2025

It’s better to be alive in a painful life than to be dead. This passage explains why and teaches us how to seize the day and enjoy life through relationships and work.

9:1 Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: the righteous, the wise, and their works are in God's hands. People don't know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them. 2 Everything is the same for everyone: there is one fate for the righteous and the wicked, ...read more

What To Do When Your Culture Is Destroying Itself

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 10, 2024

Western culture cannot sustain itself if it continues as it has during the past several decades. How shall those who follow Christ respond when the culture in which we live moves inexorably toward self-destruction?

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do When Your Culture Is Destroying Itself [2nd Copy]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2024

When this message was planned this past winter, services were cancelled due to a blizzard. This is a second effort that has been revised and brought up to date. How shall Christians respond as our contemporary culture self-destructs?

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

This Is Some Rescue - Mark 15:22-32 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 27, 2024

God promises to rescue us in times of trouble. But many times he lets the trouble go on. So how can we trust him to be our shelter, deliverer, and helper if our prayers for help often go unanswered?

Mark 15:21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was pass-ing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:22-32, Matthew 27:33-44, Luke 23:32-43

Hope In God! - 1 Peter 1:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

Hope is when you turn your attention from some small bad news to some big good news. It is central to the Christian life and it is a Christian duty (with grace comes responsibility). But it is hard to do.

1 Peter 1:13 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. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13

Every Word Matters! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 21, 2025

James tells us that if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus then we need to control our tongues and make sure the words that come off it are fruitful Godly words. The warning he throws at us is the uncontrolled tongue leads to the whole body being set on fire by hell’s flames.

Wild Thing – Every Word Matters – James 3:1-12 Opening Video Illustration: Kids talking about what they hear their parents say to them! Thesis: James tells us that if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus then we need to control our tongues and make sure the words that come off it are fruitful ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 18:21, James 1:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Are You Acting Like A Fool? Ecc. Pt 11 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 29, 2008

Solomon tells us in chapter 10 of his journal that we need to be wise and not a fool like many he has observed throughout his life.

“Are you acting like a fool?” Ecc. - Pt. 11 Opening Illustration: Some people say and do foolish things for example: Here are some twisted facts from various media sources (not true but reported as true): The following information is from the website legendsofamerica.com. On average, 100 people ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fly High Pt 28 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 27, 2007

Paul was a survivor and he outwitted, outplayed and outlasted the enemy! How did he do this? He did it by tapping into the Holy Spirit who empowered him with the necessary survival skills to make it all the way to the end!

Fly High – Acts part 28 Opening Illustration: Blue Fish TV video clip on “Man trapped in a hole.” Thesis: Paul was a survivor and he outwitted, outplayed and outlasted the enemy! How did he do this? He did it by tapping into the Holy Spirit who empowered him with the necessary survival skills to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational