Sermons on Ushering:

A Fair Test For Those Who Think They Prophesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 8, 2020

While "prophecy" so-called is popular among a segment of the faithful, the test of prophets is seldom applied. The test of accuracy and adherence to the Word of God must be applied to verify a prophecy.

“If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Danger Of Being Too Important

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 14, 2020

A message that warns against the destructive power of pride, encouraging followers of Christ to serve with humility.

“Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha’s house. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Danger In Growing Strong

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 22, 2018

Uzziah was blessed beyond measure ... until he grew strong. His life, and his actions when he grew strong, serve as a warning to the Christian to beware of depending on oneself rather than depending on the Lord.

“In Jerusalem [Uzziah] made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Spirit Filled And Empowered Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 24, 2018

The Holy Spirit takes an active role in the life of the spirit filled believer to help care for their soul. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to empower us- immerse us in His presence so as to enable us to live Christ like and to do the work of the Kingdo

Opening Video Illustration: Holy Spirit everyday! Sermon Series: Soul Care and the role of the Holy Spirit Thesis: The Holy Spirit takes an active role in the life of the spirit filled believer to help care for their soul. Scripture: John 14:15-18: 15 “If you love me, you will obey what I ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-18, Colossians 1:9-14, Acts 8:4-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas Present Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 24, 2018

The Bible reveals: Christmas past – Who Jesus was- all the way back to the Beginning and the first Christmas. It reveals Christmas present - who Jesus is present tense – which is Emmanuel - which means the God who is with us right now and the Bible remind

Opening Video Illustration: Bluefishtv: “The Greatest Story Ever Told” Thoughts on video – Is this not a miracle – the repeating over and over of the great story of Jesus birth? Think about it! All over this world people in different languages will read the Christmas Story this week – people will ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Yours Is The Kingdom Of Heaven - Matthew 5:3b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 3, 2024

This message explores what the kingdom of God is, and what it means that it belongs to you.

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 5:3

Kingdom Praying - Matthew 6:10a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 1, 2024

What can we learn about our culture from the Santa Clause story?

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:10

Preachers In Perdition

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 6, 2024

Many professed Christians will be turned away from Heaven because they have trusted an act rather than trusting the Son of God.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When Life Crashes In?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 17, 2023

God always works in the life of His people, bringing glory out of our trials. Because He loves us, the pain experienced through our trials will exalt Him.

“As [the mob was] stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Common Tools; Uncommon Tasks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 12, 2023

God calls His people to serve now. He delights to use us with what we have, and not after some long, extended preparation in the distant future.

“Moses answered [the LORD], ‘But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The LORD did not appear to you.”’ The LORD said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A staff.’ And he said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ So he threw it on the ground, and it ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Is Treated As "cheap!" Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 7, 2021

Can God accept a murderer? He accepted Saul; and He has accepted many of us who were once filled with bitterness toward others. Those who turn from their evil to receive Christ as Master over life will be accepted by the Living God.

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sometimes, I Guess There Just Aren't Enough Rocks

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 6, 2021

In life, we may tear down relationships or we may build relationships. We use similar aspects to both destroy and build. Christians should be known as builders.

“Early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. He called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.” [1] In the movie Forrest Gump, one scene pictures Forrest and Jenny ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 28:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus "i Am" The Good Shepherd! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jul 25, 2021

: Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he laid down his life to save the sheep. He lead’s the sheep to safety, security, pasture and the good life but not to slaughter or harm. Jesus guards, encourages, supports and protects His sheep because He loves them.

I am playing these videos to get your mindset focused on Shepherding – agriculture lifestyles – a common sight in the time and teaching of Jesus – not so much today – as a matter of fact you would be hard pressed to find many sheep farms in this area of Illinois! Opening Video Transition (2 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-42, John 10:11, John 10:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When God Says, "don't Pray For Them!"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 16, 2021

God holds all mankind to account. All face judgement, and some are judged now. When God judges individuals and even communities, He informs His people, saying, "Don't pray for them!"

“Thus says the LORD concerning this people [Israel]: ‘They have loved to wander thus; they have not restrained their feet; therefore, the LORD does not accept them; now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.’ “The LORD said to me: ‘Do not pray for the welfare of this people. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 14:10-12

Denomination: Baptist