Sermons on Stark:

Seeing The Miraculous In The Mundane

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 27, 2019

Jesus' first sign was quiet, not at all spectacular as one might have supposed. Yet, what He did at that time anticipates God at work in the mundane. He performs the miraculous in the mundane facets of life on any given day.

“On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Too Silly For A Funeral; Too Serious For A Party

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 2, 2019

Christians must be aware of becoming hypercritical of divine work and of other believers, ascribing what is done as unworthy of Christ. To explore this situation, the message is a study of Jesus' censure of the generation in which He then lived.

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

Moving Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 10, 2019

The child of God is encouraged to seek His presence and His power so that they can excel in life. We must never permit ourselves to live at less than our best to the praise of His glory.

“The sons of Judah: Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal. Reaiah the son of Shobal fathered Jahath, and Jahath fathered Ahumai and Lahad. These were the clans of the Zorathites. These were the sons of Etam: Jezreel, Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi, and Penuel ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

If The Bugle Is Expected, A Flute Will Not Do

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 16, 2019

If we will honour the Risen Saviour, we must ensure that we are focused on what is of importance to Him. Our purpose is not to make people like us, but to fulfil the mind of the Master.

“Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12

Denomination: Baptist

O Lord, Just Kill Me!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 22, 2019

God's mercy and our anger can often be in conflict. Such conflict can lead to discouragement that in turn can lead to despair. The child of God must guard his/her heart to avoid falling into deep gloom leading to thoughts of suicide.

“[God’s mercy toward Nineveh] displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Woe To Us!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 30, 2019

God does judge nations, cities, churches, families. If we refuse to pursue His glory, there is nothing left for God but to hold us accountable.

The news is particularly dark today—disrespect among the youth of the nation; increasing sexual assault in which even infants and toddlers are violated; violent crime increasing; external threats to national economic security; rising social unrest centring around linguistic and racial issues. ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 5:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Worst Job Description Ever

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 6, 2019

God's appointment is seldom to do easy tasks. God appoints us to do hard things, and He equips us to fulfil what He has appointed us to do.

“Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

Too Much Religion In The Wrong Place

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 12, 2019

Religion is the expression of one's faith put into practice. For many professed Christians, religion is all they have, because they don't have the faith of Christ the Lord. Too much religion will tend to lead us astray. Faith will lead us to Christ.

“When [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

I Won't Let This Giant Live Any Longer!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 19, 2019

We who follow the Christ face giants with stunning regularity. Studying David's bold fight with Goliath will suggest the manner in which we must conduct battle against these giants.

“When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:48-51

Denomination: Baptist

Dirty Dancing

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 27, 2019

Christ Followers can anticipate persecution from the world. However, they are called to live holy, gentle lives in the midst of a fallen world, honouring the Father through righteous lives and by inviting the lost salvation in Christ.

“When Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.’ And the king was sorry, but because ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:6-11

Denomination: Baptist

Take It All Off!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 3, 2019

Some things have no place in the life of God's people. Our responsibility is to reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.

“Having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Now, That Makes No Sense At All!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 11, 2019

It makes no sense to be part of the same family and be mad when the father chooses to do for one what he hasn’t chosen to do for the other. Yet, this is precisely what happened in the parable Jesus told of two sons, either of whom were prodigal.

“Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

What Happens On Mission With God?[*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2019

God yearns for His people to be on mission with Him. And when we are revived, we will enter into mission with Him. The study of the great revival during the early day of Hezekiah's reign serves as a model of what happens when we are on mission with God.

“On mission with God.” The phrase is often heard among evangelical Christians! Or if it isn’t heard, it should be heard. But, what does it mean for a Christian to be on mission with God? Were I to state that every Christian is expected to be on mission with God, each listener would no doubt ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God Works With Surprising Speed

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2019

Study of the revival that occurred during the reign of Hezekiah, focusing in particular on the suddenness with which God moved the hearts of the people and the conditions that preceded that revival.

“Hezekiah said, ‘You have now consecrated yourselves to the LORD. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.’ And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all who were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. The number of the burnt offerings ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:31-36

Denomination: Baptist

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