Sermons on Smoldering Wick:

Serve Like Jesus Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Apr 8, 2013

In the account of the expression of Christ’s love, the washing of the disciples’ feet, we see 1) Service Stated (John 13:1), 2) Service Spurned (John 13:2), 3) Service Shown (John 13:3–11), and 4) Service Shared (John 13:12-17).

If there is one reaction that people are having to the recent Roman Catholic pope it is his history and focus on service. Many questions are arising on his Maundy Thursday washing of feet. Some are welcoming the efforts with a sense of new found enthusiasm. Others see the new pope as abandoning the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Other

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

A Shipwrecked Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 23, 2013

When one runs aground on the Faith, injuring others within the flock, the appropriate response is to hand such individuals over to Satan.

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Pastoral Personal Conduct

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 16, 2013

Timothy is instructed in how he is to conduct his life as a minister of Christ. Thus, each servant of the Master is taught how he should conduct his life and ministry.

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Denomination: Baptist

Can The Contemporary Church Be Salvaged?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 22, 2014

We shall either live as followers of Christ or as enemies of the cross of Christ. There is no in between.

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:17-21

Denomination: Baptist

Take Your Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2014

To avoid appointing unqualified people to the eldership, the elders must take time to know these candidates.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:22-25

Denomination: Baptist

Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 20, 2014

An examination of the deceitfulness of wealth. Paul warns against succumbing to the pursuit of money.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When Life Is Hard? Series

Contributed by Gerry Cheney on Jul 22, 2014

When you get blindsided by life, when things get overwhelming, and you find yourself surrounded by pain or terrifying circumstances, how do you handle it? This message seeks to begin to answer those questions.

Where is God When Life is Hard? Part I: Where is God? INTRODUCTION: When you get blindsided by life… how do you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-26

Denomination: Vineyard

A Competent Wife/Woman-6 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Jun 17, 2015

6 of ? The writer of Proverbs detailed a successful marriage from the standpoint of a competent wife. A wife’s competence completes a successful marriage. Who is a competent wife? A competent wife/woman...

A COMPETENT WIFE-part 6—Proverbs 31:10-31 Attention: Competence is something needed in all areas of life. Every grade school, collegiate or professional sport demands competence. Fishing—Every successful tournament demands competence on the part of the fishermen/women. Boat ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31

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

A Study Of The Book Of Revelation, 14: Return Of Jesus And The Millennium Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jun 25, 2015

Eventually life as we know it will end, and life as Jesus wanted it will come to earth in the person of Jesus Himself and His saints.

The return of Jesus and defeat of the Beast (19:11-21, 14:14-20) John relates three pictures of the coming of Jesus. We saw two in chapter 14. The picture here is of an invading army, with Jesus at the head of it. He has gathered His troops together, and on the day of battle He is the hands-down ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith 101 Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 30, 2014

When someone directs us to do something, before we take the first step, most of us want to know all the details. Abraham didn’t ask; he just kept on moving by faith until he came to this land that was going to one day be Israel.

INTRODUCTION In college, usually the most basic freshman courses are labeled “101.” It may be Algebra 101, History 101, Calculus 101 or something like that. Today I want to teach from Romans 4, some of the basics about faith. My favorite uncle was Uncle Charles, my mother’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

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