Sermons on Rodney Stark:

Can A Christian Divorce?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 23, 2010

Christians are taught of the necessity of honouring marriage. However, much of contemporary practise among churches reflects more of the world than of the will of Christ.

MATTHEW 19:3-12 CAN A CHRISTIAN DIVORCE? “Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?’ He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Ever Serve Christ Again? I Have Denied My Faith!

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 29, 2010

When we sin, is our service to Christ finished? He is not only able to restore broken saints, but to use them mightily in His service.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Breath Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 12, 2010

The Faith is under assault by a wicked world. In such times, believers are encouraged by the knowledge that God shall prevail; and the evidence for this truth is the eternal Word that reveals the Son of God.

A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas And The Day Of The Lord

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 19, 2010

Christmas condemns all who have rejected Christ, but it offers hope should such people turn in faith to the Son of God.

“Behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Lost Carol Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 25, 2010

A hymn from the earliest days of the Faith becomes the focus of a Christmas Eve meditation.

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” Everyone celebrates Christmas. This is not an exaggeration. A new ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Shepherd Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2010

We Christians anticipate the return of Jesus the Christ. We are not always clear on what will occur when He returns. The message is a consideration of His purpose in coming again.

“Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Why I Am A Baptist Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 2, 2011

Exploring the biblical basis for the Baptist Faith.

Jesus said to the Jews who were seeking to kill Him, “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not deemed true. There is another who bears witness ...read more

Scripture: John 5:30-47

Denomination: Baptist

More Than A Denomination: Challenges Facing Baptists In A New Era Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 9, 2011

The defining truths that make Baptists a distinct people, and the dangers of neglecting those truths, is explored.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Authority And Christian Experience

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 16, 2011

The basis for our faith and practise must be the authority of God’s Word, and not our own personal experience. This concept is explored through referring to the instruction Jesus provided to people who had believed Him.

“Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, “You will become ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-41

Denomination: Baptist

Sanctified Diplomacy Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 15, 2009

Without prayer and watchfulness, the divine armour we are provided is rendered ineffective.

Put on the whole armour of God, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

No Empty Word

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2009

The Word of God is the source of life, also giving length of days to those who walk by it.

“Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, ‘Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:44-47

Denomination: Baptist

A Promise Forgotten In Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 28, 2009

The Virgin Birth of the Master was fulfilment of a promise forgotten in time.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

Messiah Was Presented, But Few Were Ready Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 6, 2009

It is startling that so few people anticipated the Advent of God’s Messiah. However, few look for His presence today; and few will be anticipating His return.

LUKE 2:22-38 MESSIAH WAS PRESENTED, BUT FEW WERE PREPARED “When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-38

Denomination: Baptist

What The Magi Found Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 13, 2009

When the Wise Men arrived at the house where Mary tended the Christ Child, what did they find? If we seek the same One they sought, we also may anticipate finding what they found.

MATTHEW 2:9-11 WHAT THE MAGI FOUND “After listening to the king, [the wise men] went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Cosmic Combat Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 19, 2009

At the birth of Christ a great war was initiated. Few of us are aware of the conflict, but it will continue until He reigns on the earth.

*Revelation 12:1-13:1* “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist