Sermons on Rodney Stark:

It's Our Choice

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Sep 23, 2022

Looking at the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, we see how costly it is to be focused only on "self" and not be mindful to be preparing our soul for eternity.

THOMAS HOOKER, THE GREAT PURITAN LEADER AND FOUNDER OF THE COLONY OF CONNETICUT, ONCE WROTE THIS OF HELL: “CONCEIVE THIS MUCH, IF ALL THE DISEASES IN THE WORLD DID SEIZE ON ONE MAN, AND IF ALL THE TORMENT THAT ALL THE TYRANTS OF THE WORLD COULD DEVISE, WERE CAST AGAINST HIM; AND IF ALL THE ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, 2 Peter 3:9, Mark 8:36

Denomination: Free Methodist

Fret Not

Contributed by Paul Robinson on Sep 29, 2022

Are circumstances disastrous? Life is chaotic? Then you need to read Psalm 37, which tells us to "fret not." Don't worry, God says! But the big question is, Why?

We are living in very difficult times right now. Our country is so sharply divided. The wicked schemes of wicked men seem to be prospering. The outcome of the election is still up in the air, and whichever way it goes, a huge group of the population will not accept the outcome. The pandemic ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Gulf Between Us

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Oct 22, 2021

This life on earth is our time given to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After our death, our decision is final and fixed for all eternity.

THOMAS HOOKER, THE GREAT PURITAN LEADER AND FOUNDER OF THE COLONY OF CONNETICUT, ONCE WROTE THIS OF HELL: “CONCEIVE THIS MUCH, IF ALL THE DISEASES IN THE WORLD DID SEIZE ON ONE MAN, AND IF ALL THE TORMENT THAT ALL THE TYRANTS OF THE WORLD COULD DEVISE, WERE CAST AGAINST HIM; AND IF ALL THE ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31, 2 Peter 3:9, Mark 8:36

Denomination: Free Methodist

True Repentance Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Mar 15, 2022

“Come, let us return to the Lord.” (Hosea 6:1) Jesus went to the house of many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees saw this and asked why Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners. In that context Jesus Quotes Hosea 6:6 (found in Matthew 9:13).

The story of the prodigal son gives us a great picture of repentance. The prodigal has messed up big time and ended up in a terrible situation, eating pig slop just to survive. That situation made him turn back to his father. But you don’t have to wind up on skid row to need repentance. A Christian ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 6:1-11, Hosea 5:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Gospel Romans 1:16-17 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 16, 2024

Romans 1:16-17 illuminates the essence of our faith and the profound impact of the gospel message on our lives. Let us delve into this passage to discover how the truth of the gospel has the power to transform us from the inside out.

The Power of the Gospel Romans 1:16-17 Introduction: Dear friends, today we gather to explore the transformative power of the gospel, as revealed in Romans 1:16-17. These verses illuminate the essence of our faith and the profound impact of the gospel message on our lives. Let us delve into this ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16, Titus 3:5, Galatians 5:22-23, James 2:17, 1 John 2:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Necessity Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jan 22, 2024

Based on Colossian 1:28-29 - Helps hearers understand the components of personal discipleship.

“THE NECESSITY OF DISCIPLESHIP” Col. 1:28-29 FBCF – 1/21/24 Jon Daniels INTRO – 1996 – Fulfilled childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. I joined a fire dept. First 90 days – probationary firefighter – Wore an orange vest which identified me as someone who didn’t know anything about ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:28-29, Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Healing From The Pain Of Unforgiveness. Matthew 18:21-35

Contributed by David Cramer on Nov 11, 2024

A message about learning how to deal with the pain of unforgiveness in our lives and the consequences.

Healing from the Pain of Unforgiveness, Matthew 18:21-35 Good Morning Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I can do what it says I can do. I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be. Today I will learn more of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Growing Through Service SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

It is not the high-powered executive, a celebrity or a prominent politician who receives honor in the eyes of God, but the Christian who lives for Christ and serves him.

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, it is a fitting time for personal reflection. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to continue doing what we have always done without pausing to consider if we need a change of direction. This is especially true in our spiritual lives, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:42-44

Topics: Christian Growth, Servitude

Sermon On A New Beginning

Contributed by William Meakin on Jan 11, 2025

One of the definitions of a new beginning is a chance to start afresh, to do something differently, or make a positive change in life.

Carol Burnett, an American comedian and actress once remarked: “Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-2, Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 4:22-24, Isaiah 40:31

Becoming A Creature Of Habit 02 Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 2, 2023

THIS MESSAGE CONTIUES THE SERIES ABOVE AND LOOKS AT FELLOWSHIP THROUGH THE EYES OF JOHN AS HE WRITES TO HIS FRIEND GAIUS.

BECOMING A CREATURE OF HABIT 02 CHANGING OUR WAYS IN 2023 3 JOHN INTRODUCTION: AS WE RETURN TO OUR SERIES IN 3RD JOHN, WE CONTINUE TO LOK AT THOSE ACTIONS THAT JOHN BROUGHT TO LIGHT THAT WERE EVIDENT IN HIS FRIEND GAIUS. THESE ACTIONS ARE GREAT HABITS FOR US TO DEVELOP AS WE BEGIN THIS NEW ...read more

Scripture: 3 John 1:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Grief During The Holidays PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 14, 2023

This sermon encourages finding hope in God's promises during times of heartache and grief, and holding onto the eternal, unseen blessings He has prepared for us.

Welcome, beloved family of God. We are gathered here today, not as strangers meeting for the first time, but as a family, united in love and faith. We are united in our shared hope and belief in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ. We stand together, not because we are perfect, but because we are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Topics: Grief

My Life PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

This sermon explores Micah 6, emphasizing the need for introspection, transformation, and living out the teachings of the Bible in our daily lives.

Welcome, dear friends, to this gathering of hearts and souls, united in our shared love for the Lord and our desire to understand His word more deeply. We are gathered here today, not as strangers or acquaintances, but as a family, bound together by the unbreakable ties of faith and fellowship. We ...read more

Topics: New Year

Naboth's Vineyard PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 26, 2023

The sermon emphasizes trusting God in dark times, rejecting injustice, safeguarding God's anointed, and resisting envy, as illustrated in 1 Kings 21. Key

Welcome, dear family of faith, to this sacred gathering where we come together, not just as individuals, but as a collective body, knit together by the love of our Savior. We are here to lean into the wisdom of the Word, to let its truths shape us, to let its promises uplift us, and to let its ...read more

Topics: Grapes, Envy

Extravagant Love: The Alabaster Jar Of Devotion PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 21, 2024

Explores expressing daring devotion to Christ, defying societal norms for Him, and understanding the profound impact of our dedication to Him.

Welcome, beloved brothers and sisters, to this gathering of hearts and minds in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are here today to reflect on a passage of Scripture that is as profound as it is poignant, a narrative that unveils a depth of devotion that is as daring as it is divine. Before we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13

Topics: Lent, Preparing, Surrender

02. A Tale Of Two Houses – Hannah’s Song And The Fall Of Eli’s Line (1 Samuel 2) Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 27, 2025

Eli ignored the warnings, tolerating his sons’ wickedness until judgment came crashing down like an iceberg. On the other hand, Hannah—an unknown, humble woman—was the unseen vessel God would use to usher in a new spiritual era.

A Tale of Two Houses – Hannah’s Song and the Fall of Eli’s Line March 5, 2025 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship 1 Samuel 2 Introduction: In 1912, the Titanic set sail as the most advanced, luxurious, and “unsinkable” ship of its time. The ship’s builders boasted that not even God ...read more

Denomination: Brethren