Sermons on Contentions:

God Is Good… All The Time! Reconnecting With The Father’s Unfailing Love

Contributed by Sebastien Richard on Jul 28, 2021

How can we get believers to believe the depth of the love of God? Is it even possible? Yes, it is! But we need a love overhaul in our understanding first...

By Sebastien Richard, Author and Bible teacher, Thriving on Purpose Ministries: https://www.thrivingonpurpose.com/ In his epistle to the Romans, Paul admonishes us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:18-19, Matthew 7:9-11, Jeremiah 29:11, James 1:13, 1 Corinthians 1:20, Romans 8:28, Romans 12:2, Luke 13:4-5, Matthew 17:14-18  (view more)  (view less)

Judgment Please, Hold The Mercy - James 2:8-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 28, 2021

Showing mercy means giving people what they need rather than what they deserve. This message will help you enjoy receiving God’s mercy every day and will motivate you to show mercy to others—especially in your thoughts toward people.

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of ...read more

Scripture: James 2:8-13

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Kevin Brady on Sep 6, 2021

Three servants receive different gifts from their master. Two use them wisely. One does not. Why? This sermon explores the historical context of this parable with a view toward clarifying the plight of the unworthy servant. A re-telling of the story is followed by several meditations on the text.

Nothing was ready. Bags remained open and unpacked, with clothes neither in nor out. The servants ran from one unfinished task to another, trying their best to follow conflicting instructions from stewards who were themselves at odds. The mother of the house and her young children sat wide-eyed at ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

The Power Activator - James 2:14-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

How can you have assurance of your salvation? And how can a deceived person avoid having false assurance? James makes the answers clear by giving a clear definition of the one aspect of the gospel that is all too often left vague: exactly what you have to do to be saved.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-19

Qualifications For Elders Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 1, 2021

Church leaders are to have an 1) Unblemished public reputation (Titus 1:6a) and must qualify in the specific areas of: 2) Sexual morality (Titus 1:6b), 3) Family leadership (Titus1:6c), and finally 4) General character (Titus 1:7–9).

For the greater part of this century, evangelical Christianity has been deeply committed to the battle for doctrinal purity. But in many circles in recent years it has not been as committed to moral purity, even among its leaders. Inevitably the church has experienced erosion of its integrity and ...read more

Scripture: Titus 1:5-9

Denomination: Other

What Causes Fights & Quarrels? - James 4:1-3 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 3, 2021

When we have flashes of anger or irritation, very often we find ourselves asking, “Where did that come from? Why did that bother me so much?” This message will answer that and show the way to refreshment of soul

James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don’t get it, so you kill. You covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-3

Controlling Runaway Thoughts - Philippians 4:8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 16, 2022

Get control of obsessive thoughts by forcing them through each of these 8 standards one at a time.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:8

God, The Good Shepherd, Will Bring You Home (Isaiah 49:7-14) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Nov 7, 2024

God promises his exiled people He will bring them from shame to honor, from exile to home, from being prisoners to freedom.

The last few weeks, we've spent a fair bit of time studying, and circling around, Isaiah 49:1-6. These verses (I've argued) are the words of the exilic prophet, who feels like his ministry to Israel has been a waste. He's accomplished nothing. He's poured out his strength for ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:7-14, Genesis 29:26-29

Tenacious Love - 1 Peter 4:8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 26, 2025

No matter how deep your love, it can grow cold. We must make every effort to keep it growing.

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8

Grace Management - 1 Peter 4:10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 27, 2025

Your spiritual gift isn't just for you. It's a stewardship of grace. Are you distributing that grace generously?

1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's multifaceted grace. 11 If anyone speaks, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10

Time For Fear - Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 14, 2025

The timing of all the seasons of life, positive and negative and beautifully orchestrated by God, and he has planted a desire in the human heart to see that beauty and the meaning of it all. And yet, we can’t see it. Why did God make it that way?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; 3 a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh; a ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

How God Uses Evil For Good Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2023

Three progressive features show "How God uses Evil for Good", describing: 1) Persecution (Act 8:1–3), which stems from 2) Preaching (Acts 8:4-7), which results in 3) Productivity (Acts 8:8).

Acts 8:1-8. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Other

Warning To The Worthless - Matthew 5:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 8, 2024

Salt had a lot of uses in the ancient world. Which one of them did Jesus have in mind when he used the analogy of salt and light? This message will give you both insight and motivation on how to be a good witness at work and in the world.

Matthew 5:13-19 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13

A. B. C. Good Friday. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 25, 2024

April 18th, 2025.

Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-12; Psalm 22:1-31; Hebrews 10:16-25; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:7-9; John 18:1-40, John 19:1-42. (A) JESUS THE MAN OF SORROWS. Isaiah 52:13-15; Isaiah 53:1-12 – Fourth Servant Song. 1. The introduction to this prophecy of the Passion of Jesus begins not with His ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-15, Isaiah 53:1-12, Psalm 22:1-31, Hebrews 10:16-25, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 5:7-9, John 18:1-40, John 19:1-42  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Love Your Enemies - Matthew 5:44-48 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 24, 2024

Jesus made a comment that shook the world and has captivated the attention of mankind for 2000 years. “Love your enemies.” If they are enemies, how can I love them? And if I love them, how can they be enemies?

Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:44-48