Sermons on The Diaspora:

Family Responsibility Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 22, 2014

Balancing the responsibility of the family and the church for vulnerable family members is discussed.

“If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.” [1] The Apostle admonished Timothy to instruct the congregation that they must assume responsibility for their own ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:16

Denomination: Baptist

Perhaps Today

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 27, 2013

How shall the child of God live until the Master returns? That is the consideration in this message.

“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 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Mystery Of Godliness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 6, 2013

The message of Christ and His work on our behalf is a mystery of God. In fact, Paul speaks of this as "the mystery of godliness."

“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” [1] Mysteries are a favourite genre in books, movies and television ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Live As Free People

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2013

Anticipating Canada Day [and Independence Day], I invite the people of God to think what it means to live as "free people."

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” [1] Being free and living as one who is free are two entirely different concepts. People who have been incarcerated for extended periods may have difficulty adjusting to life ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Serve One Another

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 13, 2012

The freedom we have received in Christ imposes responsibility to serve one another.

“You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil In Pew Number Seven

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 1, 2012

Pastors are to fulfil the ministry God has assigned with the help of strong, godly leaders from within the congregation.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

Privileges Of Election (1 Peter 1:1-2) Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Aug 2, 2014

Exposition of 1 Peter 1:1-2

The Privileges of Election Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Gethsemane Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2013

When Christ calls us to be with Him, He honours us. He does not treat us as we deserve should we fail Him, but He is glorified in raising us up and employing us to His glory.

“Jesus went with [his disciples] to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to [them], ‘Sit here, while I go over there and pray.’ And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Baptist

If The Foundations Are Destroyed

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 30, 2016

The one who follows the Master must focus on Him and His will, proving to be righteous rather than responding to the disintegration of society as do the wicked.

“In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 11:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

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

Character Counts Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 8, 2016

The response to disruptive people demonstrates the Christian's maturity. Paul counsels the expression of the character that marks all who are mature in Christ.

“In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Denomination: Baptist

Balaam: Was He A Prophet Of God? Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 20, 2016

Can God speak through an imperfect individual? We are studying the life and "ministry" of Balaam to discover the pertinence of his life to our own lives.

“The people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 22:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Pattern Of Sound Words Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 11, 2015

Paul provides instructions to ensure continuation of the Faith from generation to generation.

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” [1] Seminarians are required to study systematic theology. The required courses consist of in-depth studies of the several doctrines that define the Faith of Christ the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:13

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do About Cranks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2010

Divisive people, like divisive doctrine, harms the people of God. Failure to address divisive people ensures that the church is hindered in her labours.

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Harry Ironsides was quoted as saying, “The brightest light draws the most moths.” He was referring to cranks, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Theology Of A Thief

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 17, 2019

A study of the faith of the thief who was saved even as he was dying.

“Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:32-43

Denomination: Baptist