Grace Presbyterian Church

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 outward agreement. The message highlights the importance of genuine repentance and commitment, exemplified by tax collectors and harlots who responded to John's preaching, and cautions against mental assent without action, emphasizing that God desires a covenant-keeping people who consistently uphold their promises and reflect His character through their actions.

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 underscores the comfort and assurance found in knowing that God's thoughts toward believers are infinitely good, offering a path to deeper faith and a recognition of His unwavering love and purpose in all things.

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 faith by its strength and instead ask whether it's real. Because even weak, struggling faith, if it's in Christ, is met with compassion and power.

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 Greek believers. This peaceful solution helped the church grow significantly. Pastor Stark also discussed Stephen, one of these deacons, whose powerful ministry led to false accusations and his arrest.