Sermons on Scott Clarke:

Jesus' Family Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

In our passage, Jesus will use a family misunderstanding to give us greater understanding of his life and work.

Introduction Mothers, have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have Jesus for a son. At first thought, it would seem wonderful. Just think, a child – a son, no less – who doesn’t misbehave. He never lies to you; he does all of his chores; he doesn’t get ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:31-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Good Topsoil Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

The failure to live by the gospel is found in people’s hearts.

Jesus’ Parables We come to our first parable this morning, so we ought to consider before we get into it, what is a parable? I’ll give you a starting definition. A parable is a picture with a point. The picture may be a story such as the tale of the good Samaritan. It may be an ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Time To Hear Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

Jesus is saying, “I, the lamp, have come with the light of the gospel. Don’t cover me and my message over as many of you are doing. Let the lamp shine openly. The reason that you hide my light is that you really prefer something else which is less than

Introduction We are back to the parables this morning. In contrast to our extended metaphor of the sower and his soil conditions, we now come to a collection of short images and sayings. Remember how I said that usually it is the context that makes the parable’s meaning clear? The peculiar ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:21-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Real Miracle-Grow Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

The kingdom of God is mystery. Whether we are asleep or awake, whether its seed seems small or large, it will generate life that is abundant and rich.

Introduction A number of years ago at the prodding of a neighbor, who was also a church elder, my wife and I ventured into the mystical world of gardening. A section of our yard had once been a rose garden that one minister had lovingly cared for and another pulled up, so that it was bare when we ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Good Soil Of Mother Emanuel

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Jun 24, 2015

This sermon reflects on the response of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC to the killings that took place June 17. It shows the power of grace and forgiveness.

The sower sows the word. 15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:14-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Betrayer, The Denier, And The Deserters Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Jan 7, 2013

Who is responsible for the death of Jesus? Consider his own disciples: a betrayer, a denier, and the rest deserters.

Introduction This morning we are beginning a series of sermons featuring the passion of Christ. The title of the series is Who is Responsible? Who is responsible for the death of Jesus? We will consider the cast of characters who make their appearance in the story and consider the roles they ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:26-50

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Scandalized Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Jan 7, 2013

Who is responsible for Jesus' death? Consider the men who plotted and carried it out.

Introduction Who is responsible for Jesus’ death? Judas bears guilt. He is the disciple who betrayed Jesus into the hands of his enemies. Peter and the other disciples bear guilt. They did not defend their Lord. Judas represents those whose purpose in life is merely to get ahead, to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:57-68

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Pleasure Seeker Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Jan 9, 2013

Who is responsible for Jesus’ death? We consider Herod.

Introduction Who is responsible for Jesus’ death? We’ve considered Judas who betrayed him, Peter who denied him, and the rest of the disciples who deserted him. We’ve looked at the religious leaders who plotted his downfall and pronounced a guilty verdict against him. Judas ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:6-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Clash Of Cultures

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 12, 2016

The episode of Dinah reveals the clash of two distinct cultures. Their different world-views, especially about sex, reflect the growing gap today between Christian culture and secular culture.

Genesis 34:1-31 Clash of Cultures 9/11/16 D. Marion Clark Introduction James Boice, in his sermon series through Genesis, introduces our chapter by noting the difficulty of the subject matter. He referenced two commentators who simply skipped it. Another was willing to make some comments but ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 34:1-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Isaiah's Commission Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 18, 2016

What this passage of Isaiah’s commission is intended to teach us is that God is in control.

Isaiah 6:8-13 Isaiah’s Commission 11/26/00e D. Marion Clark Introduction review Isaiah’s atonement the strangest call Text Verse 8 starts off with a positive call and response: 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:8-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Upraised Hand

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 18, 2016

God does not lower his hand saying that he will try to be more understanding. He lowers his hand against us because he raises it against his Son Jesus Christ, who gladly receives it for our redemption.

Isaiah 9:8 – 10:4 The Upraised Hand 2/25/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction The passages about the Messiah and his kingdom are refreshing. They lift our spirits as we think about the glory of our Redeemer and that redemption he brings. But as much as we like, we are continually brought back ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Song Of Salvation Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

This song of praise celebrates that day of Christ's coming, both Christ’s first and second coming.

Isaiah 12:1-6 Song of Salvation 4/29/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction It is delightful to come upon a hymn of unabashed praise to God. Isaiah has been presenting a vision of the day when God’s kingdom will usher forth. We’ve seen how Jesus in his first coming fulfilled the prophecy ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Lord's Vengeance Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

In these chapters we are able to get the broad perspective of God’s activity and a greater feel for the power of his sovereignty as he deals with the nations.

Isaiah 13:1-20:6 The Lord’s Vengeance 5/13/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction I was asked if the scripture text was a misprint. It is; I will not be preaching through eleven chapters, only eight. We will stop with chapter 20. If I preach at the rate I have been up to this time, it will ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Anointed One Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

This morning, we look at the very word “Messiah.” What does it mean? How did it become associated with the one whom Israel had placed her hope?

Isaiah 61:1-3 Anointed One June 7, 2015 D. Marion Clark Introduction Jesus and his disciples are nearing Emmaus. He has taken the two disciples through the Scriptures, demonstrating how he has fulfilled them in regard to being the Messiah even as he was being crucified. He has bruised the head ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Evil Intent, Good Intent

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 3, 2016

The story of Joseph is the display of the providential power of God to to accomplish his good purposes. Let’s consider what teaches about us teaches about us, about God, and what it all means for us.

Genesis 37:12-36 Evil Intent, Good Intent 10/2/16 D. Marion Clark Introduction “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” So Joseph assuages the fears of his brothers after the death of Jacob, and so he articulates the providence of God. The story of Joseph ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:12-36

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed