Sermons on Rodney Stark:

Tree By Stream

Contributed by Bramwell Hayes on Feb 3, 2005

A comparison of the effects of trusting in man and trusting in God based on Jeremiah 17:5-8.

Introduction In academic circles a favourite type of question to ask in an exam or an essay starts with the words ‘compare and contrast’. The task is to discuss the differences and similarities between two different ideas or situations, to show where they are the same and where they are different. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Denomination: Salvation Army

We Remember Them

Contributed by Michael B. Perrott on Nov 1, 2008

A sermon for Remembrance Sunday (UK); Veteran’s Day (US)

John 15:1-15 We Remember Them The verses we’ve heard from John’s Gospel this morning are part of what we know as the ‘Farewell’ discourse of Jesus, as he speaks to the closest of his friends about his impending departure from them. Jesus, as he speaks to his friends, seeks to offer them comfort ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Kingdom Values And Our Values: Challenges To A Contemorary Way Of Life

Contributed by Philip Gill on Oct 3, 2007

As the lives of the rich man and Lazarus are reversed by their experience of the Kingdom so our contemorary values are challenged by the call to discipleship.

In the gospel passage this morning there is a great reversal of fortunes for the rich man and Lazarus the poor beggar. Lazarus, after enduring great suffering is taken into heaven, into the bosom of Abraham. This end suggests that he led a faithful life while the rich man is depicted in typical ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Anglican

The Hall Of Faith: Jacob PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

The story of Jacob's deception in Genesis, the consequences of deceit, the complexity of human relationships, and God's unwavering faithfulness amidst our chaos.

Good morning, Church family. We're diving deep into the book of Genesis today, focusing on a story that's as messy and tangled as a bowl of spaghetti. It's the story of Jacob's deception, a tale of deceit, broken relationships, and God's unshakeable faithfulness. As A.W. Tozer once said, "God never ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:19-34

Topics: Lying, Deception, Faith

Dead Man Walking PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Explore the Christian call to sacrifice and surrender, the consequences of disobedience, and the transformative power of yielding to God's will.

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. We're going to be diving into a meaty topic today, one that challenges us, inspires us, and calls us to a deeper commitment in our walk with the Lord. We're talking about the necessity of sacrifice, the cost of disobedience, and the power of surrender. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Topics: Glory Of God

Rich Man And Lazarus PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the hard truths about the reality of Hell, the consequences of greed, and the urgency of repentance, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.

Good morning, Church family. We're diving deep today into a passage that really hits hard - Luke 16:19-31. You know, Watchman Nee once said, "One gains by losing self for others and not by hoarding for oneself." We're going to unpack that today, as we talk about the reality of Hell, the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Topics: Hell, Real

Bad Decisions PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Good morning, Church! I'm sure many of you have read or heard about the story of King Solomon, a man of great wisdom who fell into the trap of temptation and disobedience. Today, we’ll be diving into 1 Kings 12, exploring the repercussions of Solomon's choices and the hope found in God's merciful ...read more

Topics: Bad Decisions

Whose Password Or Username Are You? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 28, 2024

This sermon encourages self-reflection on our actions, choices, and motivations, emphasizing the importance of serving God and establishing a good character for our destiny.

Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. I stand before you today with a heart full of joy and gratitude. As we gather together under the glorious banner of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am reminded of the immense beauty found in fellowship, in unity, and in shared faith. We are ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 21:23, Matthew 6:24, Joshua 24:15, Romans 6:16

Topics: Wisdom, Choice, Servitude

The Sheep And The Goats PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 11, 2023

Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, as Jesus taught that our actions towards the 'least of these' are directly seen as actions towards Him.

Good morning, Church! Today we're going to delve into a pretty heavy topic, but one that Jesus Himself felt was important enough to address. It's about how we treat others, the responsibility we have as followers of Christ to help those in need, and the consequences of our actions. As Dietrich ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Topics: Sheep, Goats

Responsibility PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 12, 2023

Emphasize the importance of using the gifts God has given us wisely, honoring the trust He has placed in us, and understanding our responsibility as stewards to bring glory to His name.

Good morning, Church! Today, we're going to dive into a powerful passage from the book of Matthew. It's a story Jesus told His disciples about trust - the responsibility of it, the consequences of misusing it, and the rewards of fulfilling it. Now, I'm sure many of you have heard this parable ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Topics: Trust

Surviving In A World Of Pain

Contributed by Michael Stover on Sep 14, 2001

After the tragedy of terrorism we have suffered, our citizens will be struggling with how to cope. Three concerns will be why bad things happen, how do I keep my heart holy, and what can I do to help?

Face up to: I. Stark Reality (vs. 2-3, 5) A. Bad things DO happen to good people 1. The Psalmist expected them 2. John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” 3. Matthew 5:45, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Leave The Dead To Bury Their Dead-Follow Me Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 26, 2010

We are called to bring the Gospel to a world that is full of men and women who have no awareness of their need for God.

Feast of St. Irenaeus June 28 2010 You Will Be My Witnesses The incident reported in Matthew’s Gospel today, is one in which a “man of the book,” literally, or one who studied Torah, declares his willingness to follow Jesus to the end of the earth. Another one, just identified ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-22

Denomination: Catholic

It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming!

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 21, 2019

I took S.M. Lockridge’s message, probably preached 70 years ago, and adapted it by making it into rhyming verse which increases it's power. You can add this at the end of your next Easter message for a powerful ending.

A. IT’S FRIDAY, BUT SUNDAY’S COMING 1. It’s Friday! Jesus is praying, Peter’s straying, Judas is betraying -- But Sunday’s comin.’ 2. It’s Friday. Pilate is judging, the council is fudging, the crowd’s are shouting, the disciples are pouting. Mary is crying & Peter’s denying. But they don’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

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

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