Sermons on Under Trial:

You Are Not Your Own

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 20, 2017

Sexual sin is ubiquitous in contemporary society; it is often excused among the faithful. We need to live with a focus on the Cross if we will honour God with our bodies in the midst of a world that has surrendered to the appetites of the flesh.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” [1] Accepting Christ as Saviour transforms life—attitudes and actions take on new significance. The adage ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Practising Belonging Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 27, 2017

What is expected of new believers? The answer to this question is revealed through examining the life of the first congregation after the body was flooded with a multitude of believers following Pentecost.

“Those who received [Peter’s] word were baptized, and there were added [to the Faith] that day about three thousand souls. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Baptist

Think Bigger Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Dec 25, 2022

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management.

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management. Sadness. Sadness comes on a scale. Some things are trivial or minor. I mean, you go to Starbucks and they get your order wrong. You might be sad or disappointed. Or you get on the road and there's traffic, or you have to go ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The New Temple - Mark 11:11-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 9, 2024

The new way to find forgiveness

Mark 11:11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig-tree in leaf, he went to find out if it ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:11-24, Matthew 21:12-22, Luke 19:45-48

Marks Of The True Church: Truth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 17, 2024

Christians are to be immersed in the truth as they are sanctified in this life. We are immersed in truth as we immerse ourselves in the Word of God and as we invest ourselves in the congregation wherein the Spirit of Christ has placed us.

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” [1] Truth is in short supply in our world. Tragically, truth has been largely sacrificed for what has come to be known as “truthiness” in our world today. Perhaps that has always been the case, but it is certainly apparent that this is the case ...read more

Scripture: John 17:17

Denomination: Baptist

How God Speaks To Man Series

Contributed by Dr. Tom Badia on Feb 19, 2024

Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is

HOW GOD SPEAKS TO MAN KEY VERSES: Be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). A. INTRODUCTION As we mentioned in the introduction of this series (knowing the voice of God), we ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:15

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Not Your Name; My Name - Mark 9:36-41 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 31, 2023

Do you long for a greater experience of the presence of God? In this passage Jesus teaches how to attain that while bringing honor to Jesus and accruing eternal reward.

Mark 9:33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:36-41, Matthew 1:5, Luke 9:48-50

Unbelief In 140 Characters Or Less - Philippians 2:14-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 15, 2024

No one wants to be known as a whiner. Yet most of us complain routinely. What do you complaints reveal about your heart?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

Lights In A Dark World - Philippians 2:14-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 15, 2024

Are you obeying the command in Philippians 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing"?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

A Survey Of My Grief Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 22, 2024

Lamentations speaks on behalf of those suffering as he reminds the Lord of how great is the grief experienced. He confesses that the judgement is deserved. In this, he provides a warning to those living in this present culture that they must not presume against the goodness of God.

Grief touches each of us eventually. [1] Though we know we will experience grief as individuals, we sometimes need to be reminded that grief will consume the nation that turns from righteousness while embracing wickedness. Some might suppose that Christians will gloat when judgement at last comes ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Luckiest People Alive - Matthew 5:1-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 1, 2024

There is controversy surrounding how the Sermon on the Mount should be interpreted. Is it law? Grace? Is it binding on us today? How can we possibly live that way?

The sermon on the mount makes some very hard demands on us. The introduction to the sermon (the beatitudes) is designed to provide motivation for the hard demands of righteous living throughout the sermon. The first half of the message focuses on how the sermon on the mount should be interpreted (a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Happy Are The Hungry - Matthew 5:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 4, 2024

The entire Sermon on the Mount is on the topic of righteousness. This message offers a clear, detailed definition of righteousness. There are also so very encouraging remarks about the reason why believers hunger and thirst for righteousness (it’s because we crave God’s favor).

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

You Will Be Called Sons Of God-Matthew 5:9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

The wellbeing of the entire world depends on peaceful relationships in the church. This message is a reminder of the importance of peacemaking, gives instruction on how to achieve it, and examines the reward Jesus promised

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9

Eye Faithfulness - Matthew 5:27-28 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 14, 2024

What constitutes a lustful look? Is it adultery every time a man looks at an attractive woman and likes what he sees?We know it is not a sin to be tempted, and yet it is sin to have certain desires, so where do you cross the line into sin?

Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-28