Sermons on Rodney Stark:

A Sick Church, A Lame Man, And Two Broke Preachers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 10, 2020

The churches of this day confront broken humanity. Whether we attempt to touch those who are broken through our wealth or with the power of Christ depends upon how we see ourselves as servants of the Lord.

“Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit God Gave Us

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 21, 2020

The Spirit of God lives in each twice-born follower of Christ. Because He lives in us, we are enabled to walk in power, to love as God loves, and to act with divine wisdom. God calls us to be controlled by the Spirit He placed in each of us.

“God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” [1] She was a recent convert to Christ, and she was in tears when she phoned me. The lady was suffering from disquieting events that were occurring each night. Each evening after retiring to her bed, a malevolent presence ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

Those Who Believed Were Baptized

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 28, 2020

In the New Testament accounts, those who believed were baptized. No one was baptized and then believed, but those who believed were baptized because they were saved.

“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

A Trustworthy Administrator Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 5, 2016

As Christians, we are called to administer the grace of God in a wise manner. The message explores the scope of our assigned responsibilities.

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” [1] For many years, it has been my practise to preach a stewardship message at least once in each calendar month. This ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Can God Bless A Self-Willed Man? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 12, 2016

The message endeavours to explore the tragic life of Samson, a man given to pursue his own will despite the rich blessings of God and the call to serve as a Judge of Israel.

“Samson went to Gaza, and there he saw a prostitute, and he went in to her. The Gazites were told, ‘Samson has come here.’ And they surrounded the place and set an ambush for him all night at the gate of the city. They kept quiet all night, saying, ‘Let us wait till the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

Creator? Or Angel? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 12, 2019

Christ is creator of heaven and earth. He is not, as some, even in ancient times contended, an angel. Christ was not created; He is Creator. Therefore, He is worthy to be praised and worshipped.

“‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Refuge From God's Wrath Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 20, 2019

Jesus became a man to deliver us from God's wrath. His birth does speak of divine justice, of heavenly mercy and God's love. But, that love delivers us from judgement. If we reject the love of God in Christ the Lord, nothing remains but God's wrath.

“I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ Now ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Christmas Hymn

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 24, 2019

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul appears to cite a hymn to extol Christ as Lord. The message, designed to be delivered on Christmas Eve, explores this hymn as Paul presented it.

By common confession, the secret of our godly worship is great: In flesh was he revealed to sight, kept righteous by the Spirit’s might, adored by angels singing. To nations was he manifest, believing souls found peace and rest, our Lord in heaven reigning! [1], [2] From earliest days, the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Hear The Sound Of Marching?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 27, 2019

David's battles with the Philistines provide a model for Christians as they resist the intrusion of the world into daily life.

“The Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, ‘You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 5:22-25

Denomination: Baptist

Giants, Grasshoppers, And God

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 2, 2020

A study of the response of the majority to the land God promised to the people of Israel provides standards for following God in our church and in our lives.

“The men who had gone up with [Caleb] said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.’ So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, ‘The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dirty Dancing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2019

Christ Followers can anticipate persecution from the world. However, they are called to live holy, gentle lives in the midst of a fallen world, honouring the Father through righteous lives and by inviting the lost salvation in Christ.

“When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Take It All Off!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2019

Some things have no place in the life of God's people. Our responsibility is to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.

“Having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Now, That Makes No Sense At All!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2019

It makes no sense to be part of the same family and be mad when the father chooses to do for one what he hasn’t chosen to do for the other. Yet, this is precisely what happened in the parable Jesus told of two sons, either of whom were prodigal.

“Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

What Happens On Mission With God?[*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2019

God yearns for His people to be on mission with Him. And when we are revived, we will enter into mission with Him. The study of the great revival during the early day of Hezekiah's reign serves as a model of what happens when we are on mission with God.

“On mission with God.” The phrase is often heard among evangelical Christians! Or if it isn’t heard, it should be heard. But, what does it mean for a Christian to be on mission with God? Were I to state that every Christian is expected to be on mission with God, each listener would no doubt ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Excluded From The Celestial City

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 6, 2018

Everybody talkin' 'bout Heaven ain't goin' there. The Word of God is quite clear that many will be excluded from Heaven. The message is a plea to those who are casual about God to avoid this condemnation.

“[Christ, seated on His throne] said to [John], ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:6-8

Denomination: Baptist