Sermons on Vigorous:

A Sick Church, A Lame Man, And Two Broke Preachers

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 10, 2020

The churches of this day confront broken humanity. Whether we attempt to touch those who are broken through our wealth or with the power of Christ depends upon how we see ourselves as servants of the Lord.

“Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Death Of A Nation

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 16, 2020

When God says, "Enough!" how shall His people respond? The response of God's people to the sinful drift of our nation should lead us to grieve for our fellow man and plead with them to turn to Christ and His righteousness.

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

God Works With Surprising Speed

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 25, 2019

Study of the revival that occurred during the reign of Hezekiah, focusing in particular on the suddenness with which God moved the hearts of the people and the conditions that preceded that revival.

“Hezekiah said, ‘You have now consecrated yourselves to the LORD. Come near; bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.’ And the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all who were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings. The number of the burnt offerings ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29:31-36

Denomination: Baptist

Finders Weepers; Losers Keepers?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2019

The world seeks to do something in order to be blessed. God calls us to be, so that we can enjoy the blessings He gives. Salvation is God's gift, not a position we earn.

“A man came up to [Jesus], saying, ‘Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ And he said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.’ He said to him, ‘Which ones?’ And Jesus said, ‘You shall not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

What In Hell Do You Want?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 23, 2022

Eternity without God should lead us to shout, "There is nothing in hell that I want!" Yet, far too many of those living about us act as though there is something wonderful about hell. If that were not so, wouldn't we seek to please the Lord? There is nothing in hell that I want.

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. But at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus whose body was covered with sores, who longed to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. In addition, the dogs came and licked his sores. “Now the poor ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Hallelujah!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 27, 2021

Praising God in this day is preparation for our eternal occupation of praising the Living God. Our praise will no longer be a labour, but a source of eternal joy.

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 19:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Wearing Flip-Flops While Racing Against A Ferrari

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2023

The Follower of Christ must gear up for a struggle. However, it is not a physical struggle; it is a spiritual struggle. Whether we want to be in this conflict or not, it is upon us because we believe the Word of God.

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Negative To Positive Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Feb 23, 2023

Turning a negative situation into a positive profession means releasing the impulse of SELF-PRESERVATION and being motivated by the attitude of SELFLESS LOVE.

Turning A Negative Into A Positive Acts 21:27-22:29 All of us deal with negative situations from time to time; it's a part of being human, right? We face them at work, at school, at home, in our neighborhoods and even sometimes at church. Sometimes there are those people who it seems just ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Do Not Destroy (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2022

God delivers the righteous when they look to Him. He will not permit His Name to be dishonoured.

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO DO NOT DESTROY. A MIKTAM OF DAVID, WHEN SAUL SENT MEN TO WATCH HIS HOUSE IN ORDER TO KILL HIM. “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men. “For ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 59:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

What Christians Will Face In The New Year

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2021

A new year will shortly be upon us. While none of us is able to predict what we precise situations Christians will face in the coming year, we know from Scripture some general conditions that will confront us.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

Power For Pain - Philippians 3:10-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 3, 2022

Paul's quest for power, partnership with Christ in the work of redemption by suffering with him, and being conformed to the pattern of his death

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Introduction It stands to reason that if you are living in God’s universe, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:10-11

The Road To Heaven - Philippians 3:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 10, 2022

After speaking against legalism in the first half of the chapter, Paul now warns against the opposite error: quietism. Not even Paul has gotten to a place where he can coast. The race goes until you die.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Just Ring The Bell!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 1, 2022

You can quit the struggle to finish the course. If you do, the impact of your life will be insignificant. If you stand firm, the impact of what you do now for Christ will yield eternal results.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” [1] Becoming a United States Navy Seal is arguably among the most difficult ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Stress-Powered Prayer - Philippians 4:5b-6a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 16, 2022

There is good anxiety and bad anxiety. Eliminate the bad kind, and make good use of hte good kind.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:5-6

Your Work And Your Calling Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Feb 12, 2020

The church that Jesus intends is made up of people who understand the connection between their work and their calling. The key to being effective as we learn from Joseph is to be N.I.C.E.R. (an acrostic of 5 truths)

Your Work And Your Calling Video – Labor Day Inspiration Good morning MGCC! THIS MORNING – Labor Day Sunday 2019… I want to unpack not only a powerful… BUT – a life and community impacting truth, about ‘Your Work and Your Calling. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:17, Psalm 90:17, Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 28:18-20, Genesis 39:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ