Sermons on The Diaspora:

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

What My Wife Taught Me

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2018

The message is an exposition of Paul's instruction concerning wives, reflecting over fifty years of marriage. Our world has divided into warring tribes and factions, and the conflict has entered into the marriage relationship, which dishonours God.

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” [1] It is tragically sad ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:22-24

Denomination: Baptist

Led By The Spirit ... To Be Tempted?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 22, 2017

Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted. The Word is precise in stating that He was led by the Spirit. Why does the Spirit of God lead anyone to be tempted?

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Esther's Story Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 18, 2017

Esther became an extraordinary woman of faith because she responded to the call on her life to become an intermediary for the people of Israel. She is a Bible faith hero because she was teachable, she knew when to call on God for His help, she became cou

Opening thoughts to the series: “Extraordinary women of faith” Thesis of Series: Extraordinary is defined as very unusual or remarkable – not ordinary or normal! Yes, the opposite of extraordinary is normal! We were created by God to live and do extraordinary things in our lives with His power ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul In Rome Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 1, 2017

This is the final chapter of the first book of the history of the Christian Church. According to the plan given by the risen Lord, we have been following the witnesses as they act in response to the Great Commission by taking the Gospel message to....

October 30, 2016 Acts of the Apostles Lesson: IV.G.2: Paul in Rome (Acts 28:16-Acts 28:31) Acts 28:16-31, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:16-31

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

Act Like Men

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 14, 2012

The people of God are engaged in a great battle. If we will engage the enemy and advance the cause of Christ, we need to heed the commands issued in this text.

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” The Christian Faith is a woman’s religion; and I’m glad this is so! Historically, women were excluded from religion. In the pagan religions extant at the time the Master presented Himself as a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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

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

A Church At The Mouth Of Hell Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2018

A brief study of the church in Pergamum in which believers are commended for serving even where Satan dwells. However, toleration of evil people was already contaminating the congregation.

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

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

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