Sermons on Rodney Stark:

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

No Greater Love Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 24, 2009

Christ’s birth is an example of sacrifice that is lived out in the lives of those who follow Him.

*1 John 4:10-12* “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Church At Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2010

The apostolic command to be filled with the Spirit is a corporate responsibility of each congregation, and not simply an individual command. Paul instructs the churches what Spirit-filled worship looks like in this text.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

Ready For His Return

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 10, 2010

Anticipation of the Master’s return generates a sense of anticipation in His people.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:29-51

Denomination: Baptist

Attacking The Vulnerable

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 16, 2010

Personal comfort and convenience have deceived many people into believing that they are justified in showing disrespect for life. God will not permit this condition to persist among His people.

“Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Abusers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 24, 2010

Jesus warns against abusing His "little ones." The study of this saying becomes vital to the welfare of contemporary congregations.

“The disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Condemned Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2008

James exposes the difference between religion that comforts us and religion that reveals the power of Christ among us.

JAMES 1:26 RELIGION CONDEMNED “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” Someone has said, “You can’t believe half of what you hear, but you can repeat it.” This points out a real problem in the church today—we ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

In Memoriam Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 2, 2008

In Communion, the people of God declare fellowship with one another because of fellowship with Christ, renew their anticipation of the return of the Saviour, and remember His sacrifice. This message focuses on remembering the Saviour.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-25 IN MEMORIAM “I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way also ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Denomination: Baptist

What Faith Looks Like Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 6, 2008

What does pure religion and undefiled before God, the Father, look like? James challenges us to discover for ourselves what that religion looks like.

JAMES 1:26, 27 WHAT THE FAITH LOOKS LIKE “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep ...read more

Scripture: James 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Discrimination In The Sanctuary Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 16, 2008

Favouritism dishonours God and destroys the Body of Christ.

JAMES 2:1-4 DISCRIMINATION IN THE SANCTUARY OF THE LORD “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

In The Presence Of The Living Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 25, 2010

Christ lives. The evidence is seen in multiple ways as His people serve and worship.

REVELATION 1:12-20 IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LIVING CHRIST “I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

Barren Branches

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2010

The message is a call for Christians to vigorously pursue the life to which Christ calls us. The alternative is to be unfruitful and barren.

“In that day the glory of Jacob will be brought low, and the fat of his flesh will grow lean. And it shall be as when the reaper gathers standing grain and his arm harvests the ears, and as when one gleans the ears of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. Gleanings will be left in it, as when an ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 17:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Cup Of Cold Water

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 10, 2010

A message encouraging the saints to refresh others.

“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-41

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do About Cranks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2010

Divisive people, like divisive doctrine, harms the people of God. Failure to address divisive people ensures that the church is hindered in her labours.

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Harry Ironsides was quoted as saying, “The brightest light draws the most moths.” He was referring to cranks, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Neither Male Nor Female

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 28, 2012

A study of gender and the role of pastor of the congregation.

“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29

Denomination: Baptist