Sermons on Upbuilding:

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Mission Imperative - 1 Peter 2:9-10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 12, 2024

All ministry is based in praise, and we must take this monster calling seriously.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Unchained Melody Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 1, 2022

The Miktams comprise Psalms written by David during a time of distress. Where shall the Christian turn when life appears to be crashing in? The Psalmist instinctively turns to God, just as the wise Christian turns to God.

A MIKTAM OF DAVID. “Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.’ “As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight. “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

1 Corinthians Part 3

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Oct 9, 2025

NASB, footnotes by biblegateway.com

1 CORINTHIANS 12 - The Use of Spiritual Gifts 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. I HAD TO OPEN UP SPACE FOR PAGANS AT FEDERAL PRISONS FOR 12 YEARS. I PRAY ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:1

Denomination: Vineyard

Clothed In Humility - 1 Peter 5:5b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 16, 2025

Pride has a thousand faces. It's possible to think you do not struggle with pride because you don't have the kind someone else has. But you may have a different kind that flies under the radar.

1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5

"i Know The Plans I Have For You!" Does This Apply To Us?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 10, 2025

God guides His people as they serve Him. The means of His guidance may vary, but it will never contradict what is given in His holy Word.

“I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [1] Years ago, I read Herbert Lockyer’s delightful tome, “All the Promises of the Bible.” [2] In that book, Dr. Lockyer discussed what a promise is, cautioning that the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

Denomination: Baptist

Shalom

Contributed by Paulo Fernandes on Jun 8, 2025

We often translate this Hebrew word simply as "peace" in English. But if we reduce shalom to just "peace," we miss so much of its rich meaning.

The Profound Meaning of Shalom: God's Vision for Wholeness Introduction Brothers and sisters, today I want to talk about one of the most profound words in all of Scripture - shalom. We often translate this Hebrew word simply as "peace" in English. But if we reduce shalom to just ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 43:27, Deuteronomy 27:6, Psalm 38:3, 1 Kings 4:25

Ensuring A Future For The Faith Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 2015

Examining the responsibility to seek out and prepare faithful men who will advance the Faith in days to come.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” [1] Apostolic succession ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Prayer God Will Always Answer

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 10, 2021

Praying with confidence requires us to know God and to know what He has promised. Then, when we present the requests prompted by God's promise, we must defer to Him so that He is honoured in us.

“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, by descent a Mede, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 9:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

One Holy Purpose Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2016

Examining the motivation for Paul's perseverance and service can encourage believers to persevere in the midst of a darkened world that increasingly opposes the Faith.

“I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” [1] The Apostle has emphasised a concept that is not often welcomed today—hardship. Directing student ministries at a major pastoral school some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:10

Denomination: Baptist

Take Your Time Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2014

To avoid appointing unqualified people to the eldership, the elders must take time to know these candidates.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:22-25

Denomination: Baptist

I Won't Let This Giant Live Any Longer!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 20, 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

Not Even A King Can Disobey Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 25, 2017

A study of the pitiful account of Saul's disobedience of the will of God and what came of him.

“So, Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore, the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Approinted To This Service

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 21, 2018

Christians must realise that God appoints each of us to service within His Kingdom. We are not hired or voted to our work; God (as Sovereign) appoints.

“The LORD said to Aaron, ‘You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. And with you bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 18:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Reason To Be Thankful

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 9, 2016

Writing the Romans, Paul speaks of his gratitude for them, giving some surprising reasons for being thankful.

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:8-15

Denomination: Baptist