Sermons on hope deferred:

Chosen Strangers - 1 Peter 1:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 21, 2024

Peter is so eager to establish our identity (because it is the basis for so much of what he says in the book), he blurts it out before he even gets to the greeting.

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect, strangers [in the world], scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 [chosen] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

Faith Futures At Record High - 1 Peter 1:7-9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 28, 2024

Probably the most worn-out prayer there is, is that one-word reaction we always have when we suffer, “Why? Why is this happening?” Peter gives us the answer.

1 Peter 1:6 In which you rejoice, a little while, if necessary, you may be grieved in multifaceted trials, 7 in order that the proof of your faith (more precious than gold, the perishing through fire, but proved), it may be found toward praise and glory and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7-9

Thicker Than Blood - 1 Peter 2:5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 9, 2024

Most Christians fail to appreciate the value of what Jesus promised us in 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 2:5

Mission Imperative - 1 Peter 2:9-10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 12, 2024

All ministry is based in praise, and we must take this monster calling seriously.

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 2:9-10

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Interest In Interests - Sermon On Philippians 2:4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 1, 2023

God commands us to live in peace with one another. But what do you do when there is an impasse?

Introduction “Hey look, here they come again. Wow. I’m surprised they came back after how they got treated last time. But … now it looks like there’s more of them … a lot more. And look down there. Oh man, there are hundreds of them. And this time they have swords! Oh boy. Quick, go run and tell ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:4

Who Done It? - Sermon On Philippians 2:12-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 1, 2023

God works inside us to cause us to desire and decide good things and to do good things. When he does so, it really is our willing and doing, even though it was caused by God.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 14 Do everything without ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13

Week Six Giving Series

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 28, 2023

Tithes, offerings and benvolence.

TITHES AND OFFERINGS I. INTRODUCTION The previous lesson covered service and spiritual gifts. And though it is often difficult to persuade people to put their gift into effect through service, convincing them of their obligation to tithe and give offerings is even more difficult. One of the ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-10, Galatians 3:15-18, 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Who Can Stand On The Great Day Of Wrath? The Church! (Revelation 7:1-8) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on May 12, 2023

A no-rapture, academically rigorous study of Revelation. We, the church, are the 144,000.

Last week, we saw the beginnings of God's plan for the world starting to unfold. In the first four seals of Revelation 6, we saw pictures of the wrath of God, and the wrath of the Lamb, being poured out on the world through the four horsemen of the apocalypse. They brought with them conquest, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:1-8

Trust Part 3 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on May 25, 2023

Everything in relationships rises and falls on trust! Do you believe that? Many authors and the Bible say it is a true statement!

Video Transition: Can God trust you? Sermon: Trust pt 3 Thesis: Everything in relationships rises and falls on trust! Do you believe that? Many authors and the Bible say it is a true statement! Trust is essential component to build and to experience if we desire to live “The Abundant life” in ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Authority To Call - Mark 1:16-20 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 3, 2023

Jesus called ordinary men to leave everything to follow him and their response shows his awesome authority. Great faith comes from great exposure to his great authority.

Mark 1:14 After John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:16-20

The Other Side Of The Storm

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2023

As Christians, we will pass through storms. Sometimes these storms will be violent. Yet, we are assured that when we pass through the storm, Christ will be with us. We shall not be overwhelmed. And on the other side of the storm, all will be at peace.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

Sleepy Judas - Mark 14:10-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 28, 2024

Why did Judas sell out the man he had left everything to follow? Surely it must have been more than just the money, right? Jesus has been preparing us for the answer to that question throughout the whole book of Mark.

Mark 14:10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over. 12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:10-16, Matthew 26:14-19, Luke 22:3-13

We Are His Offspring

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 11, 2024

God created mankind, and He gives us our being. Thus, we must not segregate on the basis of race or sex. Flowing from the knowledge of God's creation, and having given His Word, we discover that not all cultures are equal, though all people have opportunity to know God.

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:22-28

Denomination: Baptist

Take This Cup From Me - Mark 14:32-36 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 12, 2024

One preacher said, “Prayer is not about getting God to do what you want. It’s about getting you to do what God wants.” But if that’s the case, why make requests? What is the real purpose of prayer?

Introduction: Unanswered Prayer Does prayer work? We all know the right answer: “Yes, of course it works. Prayer changes things!” But what about when you pray and nothing happens? Let me ask you this: Did Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane work? To answer the question of whether prayer ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:32-36, Matthew 26:36-39