Sermons on Altar Fire:

Self-Humbling - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

Fasting is never commanded in the NT, yet all the godliest people in the Bible did it. If it is important, why isn't it discussed in the epistles? If it is not important, why did Jesus do it? And why did he promise reward if we do it?

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Dumping The Treasury - Matthew 6:19-21 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 21, 2024

How do we obey the command not to store up treasure on earth when we need to earn a living, provide for our families, save for future bills and for our children, etc? This message gives specific instruction on what it means to use money without treasuring it.

Matthew 6:19-24 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Stress-Free Suffering - Matthew 6:27-34 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 6, 2024

Anxiety is not caused by trouble. It is caused by an untrusting heart’s response to trouble. There are six spiritual causes of anxiety, and Jesus shows us the solutions.

Matthew 6:25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:27-34

The Assurance Of The Secret Place

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 9, 2024

Trouble comes into each life, even the life of the Christian. When trouble comes, the child or God will seek a refuge. The Psalmist points to the Lord God as the refuge for all who are redeemed.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Living Hope! - 1 Peter 1:3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 25, 2024

How would a half billion dollar inheritance affect the way you feel, think, and act? We have been given a far greater inheritance than that.

1 Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3

Be Holy - 1 Peter 1:14-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

You are either being conformed to evil desires or changed into the image of a holy God. This message will show you how to change bad desires.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14-16

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Rock And Role: Another Brick In The Wall - 1 Peter 2:4-5a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 9, 2024

You won't understand the purpose of your life very well until you have a thorough understanding of the nature of the Church.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-5

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

Suffering In His Steps - 1 Peter 2:20-21 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 22, 2024

Our calling was to follow Jesus, and His steps lead through undeserved suffering. Abuse is not a glitch in God’s plan that ruins your life. It is your calling.

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 2:20-21

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

Honor Your Wife - 1 Peter 3:7 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 7, 2025

Strive to understand your wife, especially areas of weakness. She is more sensitive, which makes her more vulnerable to pain. LISTEN to her and understand what it is like for her. And honor her status as a fellow heir of salvation. This will result in unhindered prayer.

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way live with your wives according to knowledge as a weaker, feminine vessel, showing honor as also coheirs of the grace of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Introduction There is a movie titled “What Women Want,” and the main character of that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7

I’d Like To Teach God’s People To Sing… - 1 Peter 3:8a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 7, 2025

This section is on how to handle mistreatment within the church.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, "Whoever would ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8

Grace By Association - 1 Peter 4:12-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

The gospel is about grace by association - receiving favor from God solely because of association with Christ. And that involves suffering.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Religion And Politics - Ecclesiastes 8:1-9:1 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 23, 2025

One of the most aggravating parts of living in a fallen world is dealing with corruption in government and other authorities who misuse their power—especially when that abuse of power hurts you personally. This passage teaches us how to keep enjoying life even in the face of abuse of authority.

8:1 Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 2 Keep the king's command because of your oath made before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don't persist in a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 9:1