Sermons on Rodney Stark:

On A Nation Such As This

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 23, 2012

The sin of a nation reflects the spiritual temperature of the pulpit, inviting God’s judgement.

“Shall I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD, and shall I not avenge myself on a nation such as this? “An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 5:29-31

Denomination: Baptist

Rules Of Engagement

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 29, 2012

The rules by which we are to conduct ourselves as strangers in this world are provided in the Word of God.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Where Are You? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2012

God calls us. Jesus has taught us, "Many are called, but few are chosen." However, the first time man was called by God, what was the purpose of His calling? The message explores that call and refocuses the divine call to our generation.

The LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” [1] G reat questions are not meant to reveal information to the interlocutor; great questions are meant to compel the one questioned to discover what should have been obvious. All of us have a tendency to wear masks. In fact, the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:9

Denomination: Baptist

The Certainty Of Death For Modern Society

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 14, 2012

Failure to respect the elderly within a given society ensures God’s censure. Modern attitudes spell the death of contemporary western society, unless we return to the attitude and practise outlined in God’s Word.

“You shall stand up before the grey head and honour the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” This coming Sunday will mark the thirty-ninth year of legalised murder of the unborn in the womb for citizens of the United States. Arising from the fatuous discovery of a ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:32

Denomination: Baptist

Do The Good Die Young? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 15, 2012

Is there any truth to the old saw, "Only the good die young?"

“Just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” “Only the good die young!” This old saw was commonly ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:27-28

Denomination: Baptist

Soul Competency: A Distorted Foundational Truth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 21, 2012

What does "Soul Competency" mean? What are the implications of the doctrine of "Soul Competency?" A sermonic study of this neglected and distorted teaching.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge?’ As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When I Hurt? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 22, 2012

Does God care when His people suffer? Does He desert them in their sorrow? A message to encourage the suffering saint by redirecting our gaze to the Master in our sorrow.

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Resurrection And The Life Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 1, 2009

It is knowledge about Jesus that gives eternal life; it is Jesus Himself that is life and that is the resurrection for His child.

JOHN 11:17 26 JESUS, THE GREAT I AM: “I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE” “When Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. So ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Weapon God Supplies Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 8, 2009

The words of the Word are the sword God has given to each Christian to defend the territory assigned. We must learn the Word and employ the Word, if we will successfully resist the evil one.

“Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God’s Word is the sole weapon provided to His people to enable them to fulfil His charge to stand firm on the ground that He won through sacrifice. Whenever we think of the Bible, we seldom think of it in militaristic terms. However, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:17

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

Pornography! What’s The Big Deal?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 18, 2009

God calls his people to be pure. We cannot succumb to the allure of contemporary culture, approving what is done in society if we will honour the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin? What would be my portion from God above and my heritage from the Almighty on high? Is not calamity for the unrighteous, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does not he see my ways and number all my steps? “If I ...read more

Scripture: Job 31:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

On The Death Of Usama Bin Laden

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 7, 2011

Meditations on how Christians should respond to the death of a wicked man.

“As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die?” Following a busy day last Sunday, I relaxed with Lynda by watching television in the evening. I was ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:11

Denomination: Baptist

Baptising Disciples Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 14, 2011

Christ our Master has commanded us to baptise disciples rather than baptising rebels to make them disciples.

“Jesus came and said to [the disciples], ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Baptism Commanded Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 15, 2011

Those who are saved, and only those who are saved, are commanded to identify with the Master in baptism.

“When [those listening] heard [Peter’s command] they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:37-41

Denomination: Baptist

Obedience Versus The Wisdom Of This Age

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 31, 2010

Christians are called to obedience. In fact, God equates obedience to His will with love for Him. To fail to obey Him is to demonstrate that we love self more than we love Him.

DEUTERONOMY 5:32, 33; 6:24, 25 OBEDIENCE VERSUS THE WISDOM OF THIS AGE “You shall be careful … to do as the LORD your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist