Sermons on Stark:

Changing Government, One Prayer At A Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 20, 2011

We are commanded to pray for all people, even for kings. Were the people of God to obey this command, we could change our world, and in the process, honour God.

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Religious Liberty Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 27, 2011

Without religious liberty, there can be no true worship of God.

“Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” “You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Religious liberty is not simply an ecclesiastical truth debated ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Grace Of Giving

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2014

Exploring the grace of giving through a study of stewardship.

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Memorial For A Suffering Saint

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 7, 2014

A contemplation of perseverance delivered to honour a woman who suffered for many years.

“‘If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” [1] Heroes and heroines are seldom as we imagine they should ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Pastor's Relationships Within The Congregation

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 11, 2014

Broadly addressing the relationship of the pastor with several groups within the congregation, Paul instructs Timothy in the conduct of his life.

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. “Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Slouching Toward Bethlehem

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 18, 2014

As the world moves toward judgement, opposed to the Faith and righteousness, how shall the child of God live?

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Good Is Enemy Of The Best

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 25, 2014

Choosing what is best is often counter-intuitive. Christians are responsible to choose what is best.

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he said. But Martha was distracted with all the preparations she had to make, so she came up ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Of Great Giving

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 1, 2014

In commending the Macedonian Christians, Paul revealed the secret of great giving.

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is Responsible For The Needy?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 8, 2014

Paul provides guidelines for congregational support for those who are needy and vulnerable.

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. “Honor widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 26, 2014

Study of one reason for suffering experienced by God's people.

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Distributing Our Gifts Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 2, 2014

Paul provides guidelines for administering the gifts entrusted to the congregation.

“Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Joyous Mother Of Children

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 10, 2014

A consideration of God's best gifts and our response to His goodness. Weighing society's response and what our response to God should be.

“Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! “Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised! “LORD is high above all nations, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

When The Elder Sins Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 16, 2014

Elders are to be honoured for their labour. However, elders are to be held accountable before the congregation to discharge their appointment in a faithful manner.

“Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

Why Christ Is Insulted And Mohammed Is Honoured

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 25, 2014

A religion without a saviour that has suffered cannot endure insults to win those who mock. A religion that cannot bear insults must bear the impossible load of upholding the honour of one who did not give his life for others.

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

Planned Giving Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 31, 2014

Planning our giving is taught in Scripture; it permits us to anticipate our worship.

“It is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Denomination: Baptist