Sermons on Usurp:

Sometimes It's Like A Jungle [*]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2020

Studying the response of Jesus to the devil's temptation lays a foundation for the child of God to withstand temptation.

“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, “Man ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

A Furnace With No Fire (*) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 12, 2018

Christ's message to the Church in Ephesus speaks to churches today that are beginning to lose their ardour. His message is a clarion call to stir up the flames, to stoke the fire.

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil but have tested those who call ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Appointed, Not Hired Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 20, 2015

Elders (Overseers) are appointed by God. They are not hired to do a job; they are appointed to serve the One who appoints and to serve His holy people.

“I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher.” [1] His face was red and his eyes were narrow slits as he raged, “We hired you, and we can fire you.” I was equally determined as I asserted with a firm, steady voice, “No one hired me; God appointed me.” ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:11

Denomination: Baptist

Sit, Walk, Stand

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Mar 24, 2019

If the life of a Christian is to be pleasing to God it must be properly adjusted to him in all things. Based on the book by Watch Nee over the book of Ephesians.

SIT, WALK, STAND by Watchman Nee INTRODUCTION: If the life of a Christian is to be pleasing to God it must be properly adjusted to him in all things. Too often we place the emphasis in our own lives upon the application of this principle to some single detail of our behavior or of our work for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12, Ephesians 2:6, Ephesians 4:1, Ephesians 6:11

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

Is Rebellion Ever Justified?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 11, 2016

Considering the events leading up to Absalom's rebellion and seeking to learn from his actions.

“After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, ‘From what city are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 15:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Gideon Honorably Slays The Two Kings Of Midean Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jun 18, 2019

When Gideon arrived back home at Ophrah, leading Zebah and Zalmunna captive, the procession must have been as exciting as a ticker-tape parade. Gideon was a true hero, with only 300 men, he had routed the enemy camp.

Chapter 31 Gideon Honorably Slays the two Kings of Midian [Judges 8.18-8.21] Scripture 18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:18

Denomination: Baptist

Trial By Fire Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jul 22, 2021

1 Peter 4:12-19 prepares us to 1) Expect suffering (1 Peter 4:12), 2) Exult in suffering (1 Peter 4:13-14), 3) Evaluate suffering (1 Peter 4:15-18), and 4) Entrust suffering to God (1 Peter 4:19).

1 Peter 4:12-19. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. [13] But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. [14] If you are ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Other

The Danger Of An Unstable Father

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 18, 2022

1) An Unstable Father that is Too Permissive (Genesis 6:1), 2) An Unstable Father that Loses Control (Genesis 6:2), 3) An Unstable Father that Tests God's Patience (Genesis 6:3), and 4) An Unstable Father that Reaps What he Sows (Genesis 6:4).

Genesis 6:1-4. [6:1] When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, [2] the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. [3] Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 6:1-4

Denomination: Other

Soul Care 101 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 11, 2023

The care of the soul is as important as taking care of our bodies physically. Our success spiritually this year is directly related to the health of our souls.

Soul Care: 101 Thesis: The care of the soul is as important as taking care of our bodies physically. Our success spiritually this year is directly related to the health of our souls. Your soul is your inner life which manages your will, mind and body and impacts your spirit because it is linked to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:26, Matthew 22:37, Hebrews 4:12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Politics Of Praise - 1 Peter 2:13-17 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 18, 2024

Your placement in the world’s authority structure is a good thing – God’s perfect design. This message will help you appreciate the blessing of your earthly authorities.

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

How To Forgive (Contd) - Philemon 8-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 16, 2024

This message answers common questions about forgiveness and provides seven practical principles that will help you forgive.

Philemon 1:1-25 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:15, Philemon 1:8-18

Worshipping The Snake

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 30, 2023

We Evangelicals are as susceptible to idolatry as are every other religious group. We don't identify our idols as opposed to Christ's rule, but they are idols that cause us to stumble, nevertheless.

“In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Profitable Faith

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Nov 30, 2010

James divided/isolated/separated salvific faith from conceptual faith on the basis of works. But What distinguishes the two? Faith that profits enables...

PROFITABLE FAITH—James 2:14-26 Attention: Pre- TV ‘Horders’ era—The house on Old Kibbee Rd./packed to the ceiling with boxes—year after year same situation. Hoarders—So many things which are “profitable” to them that they miss the goodness of life & ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Identifying The Competitors For Belief-4 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Oct 8, 2015

4 of 4. John was approached by others regarding his spiritual niche. We must identify those competing for our belief. But How are we to identify them? Identifying competitors for your belief employs...

IDENTIFYING The COMPETITORS For BELIEF-IV—John 1:19-28 Attention: There are many competitors for your belief. Identifying God’s servant(s) John was approached by others regarding his spiritual niche. *We must identify/concern ourselves with/ the spiritual niche of those vying ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-28

Denomination: Baptist