Sermons on Rodney Stark:

How To Be A Mighty Man

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 19, 2017

A study of a warrior-priest noted as one of David's mighty men with encouragement for believers to emulate his life.

“Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was a valiant man of Kabzeel, a doer of great deeds. He struck down two ariels of Moab. He also went down and struck down a lion in a pit on a day when snow had fallen. And he struck down an Egyptian, a handsome man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but Benaiah ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Pieces Of Silver And A Suit

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 26, 2017

Religion is cheap. Those who seek to perpetuate religion will sell the Faith for a pittance. The message calls on the faithful to distinguish between those seeking a job in the ministry and those who are appointed by God to minister.

“Now there was a young man of Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite, and he sojourned there. And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jezebel In The Church Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 1, 2018

What happens when a church begins to tolerate just a little bit of evil? The study is a consideration of this particular question.

“To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze. “‘I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

Of Whom Shall I Be Afraid

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 10, 2018

A Remembrance Day message to encourage the people of God to stand firm in the grace we have received.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Inherited Church Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 16, 2018

To accomplish the task of evangelising our world, we must work as though our congregation was new. New churches have a vibrancy that can be lost as we grow older. In time, if we don't take care, we will have an "inherited church" rather than a vibrant, living congregation.

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Pushing The Boundaries Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 23, 2018

Expanding the Kingdom of God during this Church Age is a mandate that is still incumbent upon all churches. If the doors to continued expansion are closing, it may be because we are disobedient, or it may presage the closing of this present age.

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Have Come Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 1, 2018

The Advent series this year explores the instances when the Master spoke of the purpose in His coming. This is the first message in this Advent series as Jesus spoke of the purpose of His coming.

“‘Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour?” But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from heaven: ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it ...read more

Scripture: John 12:27-36

Denomination: Baptist

I Have Come Into The World As Light Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 8, 2018

A study of the impact of Jesus as light in our darkened world.

“Jesus cried out and said, ‘Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge ...read more

Scripture: John 12:44-50

Denomination: Baptist

Approinted To This Service

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 21, 2018

Christians must realise that God appoints each of us to service within His Kingdom. We are not hired or voted to our work; God (as Sovereign) appoints.

“The LORD said to Aaron, ‘You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. And with you bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 18:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

And Be Thankful

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2014

Christians are to be thankful. The message is encouragement from the Apostle to the Gentiles to remember to exhibit gratitude.

“And be thankful.” [1] Only three English words comprise our text; but the text is assuredly appropriate on this Sunday before our national Day of Thanksgiving. It serves to remind us of one of the essential characteristics marking the person who knows the Living God. I have often ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:15

Denomination: Baptist

A Postscript For Preachers Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2014

Paul's closing words summarise what has been presented to Timothy in this letter.

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. “Grace be with you.” [1] It is no secret that I am a news junkie; I fill my ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Exaudi

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2014

A study to encourage the People of God to depend on Him when facing battles.

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” [1] Exaudi – hear us Lord. The world rests upon Your commandments, O God. It is Your faithfulness to the world which provides stability for the commands You have given, O Lord. It is Your wrath which hides Your commandments ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12

Denomination: Baptist

Planting Trees You Will Never Sit Under

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 24, 2014

To build a church, or to build the Kingdom of God, requires a vision that permits others to carry on the work you have begun.

“David said, ‘Here shall be the house of the LORD God and here the altar of burnt offering for Israel.’ “David commanded to gather together the resident aliens who were in the land of Israel, and he set stonecutters to prepare dressed stones for building the house of God. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 22:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

An Introduction To God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 8, 2014

"In the beginning, God..." God introduces Himself that mankind might know Him and honour Him as God.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” [1] Allah? Vishnu? A god within? Jesus? Who is God? The Apostle has taught us, “Although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

On The Death Of Heroes

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 8, 2014

Encouragement to memorialise the sacrifice of those who serve the nation.

“Your glory, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. “You mountains of Gilboa, let there be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 1:17-27

Denomination: Baptist