Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church

This sermon explores self-control as the final facet of the fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing that this virtue is a sovereign work of God conforming believers to the image of Christ. It contrasts human depravity and the deceitfulness of the heart with the Holy Spirit's power to write God's law on the believer's mind. By examining Jesus' submission in Gethsemane and Paul's athletic metaphors, the te...

A study of gentleness (praotes) as the eighth fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, examining what true meekness means, how Christ exemplified it, and how God works it in his people.

A study of faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, considering God's own faithfulness as the foundation and model for the faithfulness he works in his people.

A study of kindness as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, examining the rich Greek word chrēstotēs and how God works this Christlike kindness, gentleness, and approachability in his people.

A study of long-suffering as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, examining the Greek word makrothumia and how God works this patient endurance in his people as a reflection of his own longsuffering toward us.

The sermon examines a pivotal encounter where Jesus deftly navigates a trap set by Pharisees and Herodians seeking to discredit him. Faced with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus responds with a profound statement, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," revealing their hypocrisy and silencing their attempt to ensnare him. The passage high...

The sermon explores the parable of the vineyard owner and his rebellious tenants, drawing parallels to Israel's rejection of Jesus and the broader experience of Christians facing opposition. It emphasizes that those who reject God's chosen Messiah will face judgment, while faithful followers are called to endure hardship and bear reproach alongside Christ, ultimately seeking a heavenly city beyond...

The sermon explores the significance of obedience and the dangers of hypocrisy, contrasting the actions of two sons and the responses of tax collectors and harlots to John's ministry. It emphasizes that mental assent to God's commands is insufficient; true faith is demonstrated through action and a willingness to follow through, even when it involves personal cost. Drawing parallels to the unwaver...

The sermon examines the nature of obedience and the hypocrisy of those who profess faith but fail to act upon it, drawing from Matthew 21. It contrasts the actions of two sons, one who initially refuses his father's request but later relents, and another who verbally agrees but ultimately fails to follow through, illustrating that true obedience stems from a transformed heart rather than mere outw...

The sermon explores the immensity and incomprehensibility of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and eternal nature as revealed in Isaiah 40. It encourages listeners to move beyond superficial understanding and embrace the depth of God's grace and knowledge, highlighting the importance of Scripture as a source of true revelation. The preacher cautions against hubris in judging preaching styles and un...

Pastor Stark preaches from Mark 9:14–29, where a father brings his afflicted son to Jesus after the disciples fail to help. The focus is on the father's honest, raw plea: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." Pastor Stark emphasizes that real faith isn't perfect, it's genuine. This father had doubts, but he still came to Jesus, and that was enough. The sermon encourages us to stop measuring our fai...

Grace Presbyterian Church in Redding California

In Pastor David Stark's Acts 6 Bible study, he explains how the early Jerusalem church handled conflict when Greek-speaking believers complained their widows were overlooked during food distribution. The apostles asked the church to pick seven trusted men to manage this work while they focused on prayer and teaching. The church chose seven men with Greek names, showing unity between Hebrew and Gre...