Sermons on Rodney Stark:

An Apostle Of Christ Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2015

A review of Paul's introduction to his second letter to Timothy informs us of the Apostle's view of his call and service.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus…” [1] Reading Paul’s letters, I’m always struck by his introductions. With the exception of his missives to the Philippian saints, the Letters to the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

If You Would Be Perfect

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 31, 2015

Stewardship begins with stewardship of life--receiving the life that Jesus offers. All that we consider "stewardship" flows from this first great decision.

“Behold, a man came up to him, saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

To Timothy, My Beloved Child Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 8, 2015

Weighing the salutation of Paul's Second Letter to Timothy to discover hidden gems.

“To Timothy, my beloved child: “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” [1] We tend to rush past the introductions and greetings of the letters included in the canon of Scripture. Perhaps we modern believers imagine that we know all there is to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:2

Denomination: Baptist

A Perfect Plan For A Perfect Marriage

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 14, 2015

The challenge of building a strong marriage in a world increasingly opposed to godly marriage.

“The LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’ Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Remembering You Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 21, 2015

Comfort in the dark days come from remembering especially the love and the commitment of those with whom we have shared in the battles of the Faith.

“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

How Do You Define Success? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 28, 2015

Learning from Jesus how to be successful in His work.

“Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’ And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

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

One Mediator Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 14, 2013

Christ is the One Mediator between God and man. The message seeks to explore the necessity of mediation and the results of God's provision.

“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 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

What's A Man To Do? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 21, 2013

The men of a congregation are to provide leadership in public prayer.

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” [1] Males receive bad press in this present day. Social engineers, many thoroughly indoctrinated in feminist philosophies, appear determined to ensure that little boys will be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:8

Denomination: Baptist

Women Preachers And The Word Of God Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2013

Women and men are spiritually equal before the Lord; however, women are debarred from occupying the role of elder within the congregation of the Lord.

“Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Saved Through Childbearing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 3, 2013

Women have a vital role in the life of the saints. Struggling for mastery over men ensures that they cannot fulfil the role God has graciously given.

“Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” [1] The role of women—in society and especially in churches—is a topic fraught with grave danger. The man who dares speak on the biblical role of women ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Baptist

Desiring A Noble Task Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 10, 2013

Those who seek eldership, provided they are motivated by divine call, desire a noble task.

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” [1] Few things give me greater pleasure than seeing God raise up heralds of holiness. I taught preacher boys in Texas for a brief period. Throughout the years of my service before the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1

Denomination: Baptist

Appointing Elders Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 15, 2013

What is entailed in appointing elders? What rights and authority is conferred in the appointment process?

“When they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” [1] The New Testament model for a church of the Lord Jesus differs significantly from what has been commonly accepted among the churches of our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:23

Denomination: Baptist

Appointing Elders In Every Town Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 24, 2013

God's design appears to be a plurality of elders to oversee the labours of a congregation.

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Baptist