Sermons on Sacred Space:

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

The Problem Is Not Me – Its You Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Oct 26, 2012

A study of the book of Judges chapter 20

Judges 20: 1 – 48 The Problem Is Not Me – Its You So all the children of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, as well as from the land of Gilead, and the congregation gathered together as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. 2 And the leaders of all the people, all the tribes of ...read more

Scripture: Judges 20:1-48

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Widow's Might Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 8, 2014

Should the congregation have an "Order of Widows" to serve within the assembly?

“Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:9-16

Denomination: Baptist

It’s Not Nice To Confuse The Saints Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 18, 2015

A study of the book of Ester chapter 3 verses 1 through 15

Ester 3: 1 – 15 It’s Not Nice To Confuse The Saints 1 After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants who were within the king’s ...read more

Scripture: Esther 3:1-15

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

Ensuring A Future For The Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 2015

Examining the responsibility to seek out and prepare faithful men who will advance the Faith in days to come.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” [1] Apostolic succession ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-3

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

Multiethnic Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 19, 2013

God is no respecter of persons and He desires His House (His Church) to be a place for all nations – all people. A church is to be a place where there is no favoritism and all are treated fairly and equally.

Series: We are Here! Sermon 6: Multiethnic (or multicultural, or diversity) Introduction: Show pictures of our changing world in this area of South Chicago: The Orland Mosque, the Lemont Hindu Temple, and the Chicago Buddhist Temple all represent how diverse our community is becoming. Our society ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

There Is No Sin In The Cemetery [*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 20, 2019

Baptism pictures the transformation that has taken place in the life of the child of God. How can we, then, continue to live as thought we were dead? To live as the world lives is to attempt to dig up the corpse we buried!

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

Misusing The Law Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 5, 2013

The purpose of the Law and the danger of mishandling that same Law is discussed. The contrast of law and gospel is examined.

“We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Why You Need To Attend Church Regularly Series

Contributed by Brett Crosson on May 10, 2019

We live in a culture that seems to take church attendance for granted. Then we wonder why we see so many churches closing down. And so much of the problems we see in society. We need to get back to desiring to get together in His name - he promised to show up!

Part 1 Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. there is just something about being together in one place that God loves Psalm 133 V2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Two Men Enter Heaven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 11, 2019

Death is inevitable for those now living. The sole exception will be should the Lord return. Christ offers life for all who receive Him. Our responsibility is to prepare for the inevitable, trusting Him.

“The other [thief] rebuked [the first], saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:40-43, Acts 7:59-60

Denomination: Baptist

When The Protectors Become Predators

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2019

Church leaders are appointed to protect the flock. When the protectors become predators, you may be sure that God will shortly expose the sin and deliver judgement.

“Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore, she became filthy; all who honored her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away.” [1] Shocked, disgusted, grieved, hurt—what a confused jumble of emotions flooded the heart of Christians when they ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

Where Our Hope Lies

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 3, 2013

The good servant of Christ Jesus must always remember that our hope lies in God who is Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Glory Of Christ Is Witnessed Where?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 19, 2019

The glory of Christ is witnessed in what many consider to be the pedestrian. The people of God, serving as the hands of Christ, the eyes of Christ, the mouth of Christ, are the glory of Christ.

“As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.” [1] Reading the Word one Sunday morning, I was arrested by something Paul wrote in his Second Letter to the Christians in Corinth. The Apostle has been urging the Corinthian congregation to be generous as they ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:23

Denomination: Baptist