Sermons on Stark:

Life Happens Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

James is encouraging his readers to pray. In fact, James’ concluding remarks consistently take the reader back to the need to pray. The first thing we should do is frequently the last thing done.

JAMES 5:13, 14 LIFE HAPPENS “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James is drawing his brief, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Courtesy At The Lord’s Table Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

A message to remind worshippers that the Lord’s Table demands that we treat one another with respect.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:33, 34 COURTESY AT THE LORD’S TABLE “My brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.” “Love one ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:33-34

Denomination: Baptist

Faith That Fails

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2009

A message that seeks to encourage believers to have faith in Christ, and not faith in faith or faith in themselves.

JOHN 5:39-47 FAITH THAT FAILS “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God ...read more

Scripture: John 5:39-47

Denomination: Baptist

No Empty Word

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 22, 2009

The Word of God is the source of life, also giving length of days to those who walk by it.

“Moses came and recited all the words of this song in the hearing of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun. And when Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, ‘Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:44-47

Denomination: Baptist

A Promise Forgotten In Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 28, 2009

The Virgin Birth of the Master was fulfilment of a promise forgotten in time.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

Denomination: Baptist

Messiah Was Presented, But Few Were Ready Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 6, 2009

It is startling that so few people anticipated the Advent of God’s Messiah. However, few look for His presence today; and few will be anticipating His return.

LUKE 2:22-38 MESSIAH WAS PRESENTED, BUT FEW WERE PREPARED “When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-38

Denomination: Baptist

What The Magi Found Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 13, 2009

When the Wise Men arrived at the house where Mary tended the Christ Child, what did they find? If we seek the same One they sought, we also may anticipate finding what they found.

MATTHEW 2:9-11 WHAT THE MAGI FOUND “After listening to the king, [the wise men] went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

Cosmic Combat Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 19, 2009

At the birth of Christ a great war was initiated. Few of us are aware of the conflict, but it will continue until He reigns on the earth.

*Revelation 12:1-13:1* “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

No Greater Love Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 24, 2009

Christ’s birth is an example of sacrifice that is lived out in the lives of those who follow Him.

*1 John 4:10-12* “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Tickle My Ears, But Don’t Scratch My Heart

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2009

The Apostle foretells a day when Christians will deliberately turn their backs on sound doctrine, embracing error because it makes them comfortable and because the error is convenient.

“The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”[1] There is an old saying that is sometimes heard among ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Church At Worship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 3, 2010

The apostolic command to be filled with the Spirit is a corporate responsibility of each congregation, and not simply an individual command. Paul instructs the churches what Spirit-filled worship looks like in this text.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Raging Battle Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 19, 2009

In the battle that rages about us, many are taken captive. Many more are unawasre that we are at war. However, the Bible insists that we are engaged in war with a brutal enemy. Are we ready?

EPHESIANS 6:11 THE RAGING BATTLE “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” If you seek a religion that will make you comfortable, Christianity is not for you. Despite the emphasis on peace and benefit that emanates from Christian pulpits, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:11

Denomination: Baptist

Strength For The Conflict Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 26, 2009

We are at war with spiritual wickedness. However, God has equipped us for victory. We need but draw on what He has already provided to be assured of victory.

“Take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”[1] "If you don’t want trouble, don’t say anything, don’t do anything, don’t be anything.” This sage advice was offered by a man who frequently stood in the midst of battle. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:13

Denomination: Baptist

I Am The Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 4, 2009

Christians know Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Are there aspects of this life that we have failed to explore?

JOHN 10:11-21 JESUS, THE GREAT I AM: I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD “‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and ...read more

Scripture: John 10:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

Eternal Thanksgiving

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 10, 2009

Thanksgiving and worship are intimately related. Without a thankful heart, there can be no worship. But what do we know of worship? Let’s explore the worship of the redeemed in heaven to learn about worship and thanksgiving.

“The twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying, ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 11:16-19

Denomination: Baptist