Sermons on Violent Agitation:

The Ecstasy Before The Agony

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2024

Religious excitement does not necessarily translate into spiritual worship. Rather, the one following Jesus must guard against being turned aside by that which appears good. Remember that good is enemy of the best.

“The large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

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

Sarah Laughed

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 7, 2022

Sarah Laughed in unbelief, but God transformed her unbelief, changing her laughter to the expression of joy. God longs to transform the one who is honest before Him.

“[The angels charged with the destruction of Sodom] said to [Abraham], ‘Where is Sarah your wife?’ And he said, ‘She is in the tent.’ The LORD said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.’ And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Galatians 5 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 5, 2022

Freedom in Christ opens up the one thing that helps us to keep in step with the Spirit.

Galatians Part 5 – “Be free and live by the Spirit!” Thesis: Freedom in Christ opens up the one thing that helps us to keep in step with the Spirit. Opening thought about chapter 5: Paul tells the Galatia church to be free, to remember the one thing which is “faith is to express itself through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1-26, Galatians 3:25, 2 Corinthians 3:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

The Physiology Of Faith - Class 6 Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Apr 16, 2023

XI. The Fear Factor XII. Breaking the Fear Cycle

XI. THE FEAR FACTOR “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." (Isa 12:2) A. One of the greatest truths of Christianity is God's promise to always be with us. Yet, this is the one truth we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-40, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 103:8-14, Proverbs 2:1-5, Luke 11:11-13, 1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 53:5, 3 John 1:2, John 11:1-44  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

Shepherd The Flock Part 2 - 1 Peter 5:2a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 11, 2025

Is there any job description more important than for pastors? Peter lays it down for us.

1 Peter 5:1-10 Therefore to the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God's flock that is under your care, overseeing--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2

Renew Your Passion For Ministry! - 1 Peter 5:2b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 13, 2025

The New Testament has three titles for pastors--each one pointing to a crucial part of his job description.

1 Peter 5:1-10 Therefore to the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God's flock that is under your care, overseeing--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2

Spiritual Collapse - When You Don't Delight In God's Will - 1 Samuel 14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 12, 2025

Jonathan climbed cliffs by faith; Saul stumbled by pride. Witness the stark contrast between trust and self-reliance.

Introduction: Saul in Trouble If you were here last week you remember that Saul is in deep trouble in Gibeah. He sent almost his whole army home, just keeping a standing force of 3000. And Jonathan attacks the Philistines. The Philistines respond with absolutely staggering force - thousands of ...read more

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6

And It Shall Come To Pass...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2025

Peter cited Joel's prophetic statement in explanation of the Spirit's descent on the Day of Pentecost. He saw this prophecy as the promise of what still lay ahead for all who follow the Lord.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “I will show ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

Dreadful Examples Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 13, 2026

Jude warns against rebelling against God by pointing to three instances of divine judgement.

“Certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. “Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

That’s Not Fair! - 1 Peter 2:18-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 22, 2024

Why doesn't the Bible condemn slavery?

1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:18-19

Spiritually Extravagant - 1 Peter 3:1-6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 30, 2024

Submission is not blind agreement or passive acceptance or subservience, nor is it demeaning. It is taking your God-ordained place in the home, which brings honor to both your husband and you.

1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:1-6