Sermons on Seizing Opprtunities:

We Cannot Worship Without Gratitude

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2015

Gratitude is required if we will worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

"You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:22-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Teacher

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Sep 18, 2019

A study in the book of Jeremiah 52: 1 – 34

Jeremiah 52: 1 – 34 The Great Teacher 1 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2 He also did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3 For ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 52:34

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Finders Weepers; Losers Keepers?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2019

The world seeks to do something in order to be blessed. God calls us to be, so that we can enjoy the blessings He gives. Salvation is God's gift, not a position we earn.

“A man came up to [Jesus], 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 ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

For This Purpose I Was Born Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 23, 2018

Jesus' testimony before Pilate spoke of the purpose of His coming. Though we speak of joy and peace in Christ, it is essential that He came to bring salvation. This He has done through presenting His life as a sacrifice. Those who believe are ushered into His Kingdom.

“Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?’ Pilate answered, ‘Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Did The Tribulation Just Begin?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 2, 2020

In these times of lockdown, some have begun to imagine that the Great Tribulation just began. Rather than focusing on such idle speculation, the Word of God would encourage us to shine brightly in difficult times to turn many to righteousness.

“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Out With The Bad - In With The Good Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jul 21, 2011

A study of Isaiah chapter 22 verses 1 through 25

Isaiah 22: 1 – 25 Out With The Bad - In With The Good 1 The burden against the Valley of Vision. What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops, 2 You who are full of noise, a tumultuous city, a joyous city? Your slain men are not slain with the sword, nor dead in battle. 3 ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 22:1-25

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Lying To The Holy Spirit Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 4, 2017

If God killed every Christian who lied, the churches would be empty. This does not excuse lying, but it does acknowledge our fallibility. The message is a study of one couple that attempted to deceive God and what He did about their deceit.

“A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Stolen Glory Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 12, 2017

Usurping God's glory leads to judgement. A study of Herod Agrippa's death because he accepted glory that properly belonged only to God.

“Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day, Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:20-24

Denomination: Baptist

"When Standing Alone..." Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 6, 2017

Christians who pursue honouring Christ can anticipate standing alone against the enemies of Christ. How shall the child of God react when compelled to stand alone, without even a fellow saint to stand with him or her?

“At my first defense, no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So, I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Mending Broken Brothers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 19, 2016

A review of the ministry of reconciliation.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” [1] The Ministry of Restoration is committed to ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

You Are What You Think

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 18, 2022

The Master calls us to ensure that our heart is pure rather than focusing exclusively on our external practises.

“[Jesus] called the people to him and said to them, ‘Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.’ Then the disciples came and said to him, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

Negative To Positive Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

Turning a negative situation into a positive profession means releasing the impulse of SELF-PRESERVATION and being motivated by the attitude of SELFLESS LOVE.

Turning A Negative Into A Positive Acts 21:27-22:29 All of us deal with negative situations from time to time; it's a part of being human, right? We face them at work, at school, at home, in our neighborhoods and even sometimes at church. Sometimes there are those people who it seems just ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Peace In The Midst Of Chaos Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 29, 2022

Embracing obedience to God brought peace to the young teenage girl whom the Lord chose to bear His Son into the world.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!’ But she was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Joy Overflowing Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 12, 2022

Joy is the inevitable result for the one who is obedient to the will of the Living God.

“Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Denomination: Baptist

"i Know The Plans I Have For You!" Does This Apply To Us?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 10, 2025

God guides His people as they serve Him. The means of His guidance may vary, but it will never contradict what is given in His holy Word.

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [1] Years ago, I read Herbert Lockyer’s delightful tome, “All the Promises of the Bible.” [2] In that book, Dr. Lockyer discussed what a promise is, cautioning that the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist