Sermons on Rodney Stark:

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

When Death Has Taken My Loved One

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2010

Though unnatural, death comes to all. How shall we respond to death? We explore this neglected subject by looking at an incident in the ministry of Ezekiel.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Cope With My Own Mortality?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 17, 2010

In the brief moment we call now, we may either accomplish some great thing for the cause of Christ, or we may exist. If we choose the latter, we sacrifice marvellous opportunities to serve with distinction.

“I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

When I Am Deserted!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 23, 2010

Despite feeling alone, the child of God is never deserted. David enables us to explore the comfort of God’s presence with His people, even in the day of battle.

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’ Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:7-14

Denomination: Baptist

Steps To A Successful Christian Life Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2008

Rejecting the wisdom of the world means little if we fail to embrace the wisdom from above. James provides practical steps that will lead to success in the Christian life.

JAMES 4:5-10 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE “Do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the Spirit that he has made to dwell in us?’ But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit ...read more

Scripture: James 4:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

Picking A Fight We Cannot Win

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2008

Attempting to worship the Lord with one foot in the world is provocative, to say the least. Christians need to take heed to their attempts to worship.

CORINTHIANS 10:20-22 PICKING A FIGHT WE CANNOT WIN “What pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:20-22

Denomination: Baptist

Not A Fan, But A Follower

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 24, 2011

An exploration of Jesus’ call to discipleship.

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Baptist

When They Believed, They Were Baptised

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 30, 2011

In the New Testament account, those who believed, and only those who believed, were baptised.

“There was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great.’ And they paid ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Praise To The King Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 2, 2013

God is sovereign! The message explores what this means in the life of the believer.

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” [1] The Apostle, writing to his son in the ministry, has just expressed gratitude to God, marvelling that he received appointment to divine service, especially in light of his former life. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:17

Denomination: Baptist

The Next Generation Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 8, 2013

The Christian, and especially the elder of the church, is engaged in a lifelong campaign. He must prepare the next generation to enter into the conflict.

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Silence Of Adam

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 13, 2013

Men must avoid the danger of remaining silent in order to bless their families.

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. “He said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?”’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Shipwrecked Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 23, 2013

When one runs aground on the Faith, injuring others within the flock, the appropriate response is to hand such individuals over to Satan.

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Live As Free People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2013

Anticipating Canada Day [and Independence Day], I invite the people of God to think what it means to live as "free people."

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” [1] Being free and living as one who is free are two entirely different concepts. People who have been incarcerated for extended periods may have difficulty adjusting to life ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer For Those Who Govern Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 6, 2013

Reviewing the response of believers when they no longer represent the majority views in society.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Denomination: Baptist