Sermons on Outward Focus:

Unanswered Prayer Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 19, 2021

Jesus tells it like it is in the world of prayer, and in so doing He complicates things, and forces us to wrestle with the conditions for answered prayer.

The story is told of a Russian scientist who was found guilty of a crime against the state. He was sentenced to a prison in the middle of a desert. His cell mate was another scientist. He was determined to escape, and he urged his cell mate to join him, but he refused. After much planning he did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-14

Struggling To Believe Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 19, 2021

Each Christian has likely struggled with doubts at one time or another. God's Word is given not only to reveal the Father, but to encourage us that we are accepted in the Beloved Son as we believe Him.

“Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Think Bigger Series

Contributed by Scott Turansky on Dec 25, 2022

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management.

Every person, every one of us must have a plan for sadness management. Sadness. Sadness comes on a scale. Some things are trivial or minor. I mean, you go to Starbucks and they get your order wrong. You might be sad or disappointed. Or you get on the road and there's traffic, or you have to go ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

God's Offer (Exodus 23:20-33; Jude 5) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Jan 2, 2023

God's been setting up the framework for a new covenant with Israel. Having described what it means to obey God (Exodus 19:5), God now unpacks his offer-- What will God do for his people?

The past several weeks, while working through the Book of the Covenant in Exodus, we've seen God set out his expectations for how his people will live toward him, and toward each other. Some of these expectations have been straightforward rules. God has specific do's and don'ts for ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 23:20-33, 1 John 3:21-24, Romans 12:1-2, Jude 1:5

What To Do When Your Culture Is Destroying Itself [2nd Copy]

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 25, 2024

When this message was planned this past winter, services were cancelled due to a blizzard. This is a second effort that has been revised and brought up to date. How shall Christians respond as our contemporary culture self-destructs?

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When You Lose Your Shepherd - Mark 14:25-28 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 4, 2024

What would you have done if you were following Jesus and one night a lynch mob shows up, arrests him, beats him to a pulp, and crucifies him? We know what the disciples did—what should they have done?

Mark 14:25 "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." 26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:29-32, Mark 14:25-28

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

The Arrest Of Jesus - Mark 14:41-52 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 12, 2024

What's with the strange story about the young man fleeing naked at Jesus' arrest? Mark leaves out so many big aspects of that event, but he includes this. Is it a meaningless, throwaway story? Or is it Mark at his best, crafting a profound message in a vivid picture?

Jesus leads the 12 into battle even though he knows they will fail. When the hour comes, you’ll have to face the battle, ready or not. Jesus fights this battle on four fronts. Front #1: Judas (Jesus fights dis-couragement by calling out to Abba, Father). Front #2: the rogue disciple who jeopardizes ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:41-52, Matthew 26:45-56, Luke 22:46-53, John 18:2-12

Jesus Before The Supreme Court - Mark 14:53-65 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 20, 2024

Why does Jesus remain silent at his trial? And why does he speak up at one point? We'll learn from his example when we should keep quiet and when to speak up.

Mark 14:53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-65, Matthew 26:57-68, John 18:12-14

This Is Some Rescue - Mark 15:22-32 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on May 27, 2024

God promises to rescue us in times of trouble. But many times he lets the trouble go on. So how can we trust him to be our shelter, deliverer, and helper if our prayers for help often go unanswered?

Mark 15:21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was pass-ing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:22-32, Matthew 27:33-44, Luke 23:32-43

The Man Who Honored The King’s Son - Mark 15:40-47 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 1, 2024

Why do all four gospels make such a point about the details of Jesus burial? His death matters, his resurrection matters, but why is his burial so important? And what are the implications for us?

Mark 15:40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 42 It was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:40-47, Matthew 27:55-61, Luke 23:48

Invisible World Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jun 2, 2024

We live in a world we can all see, touch, smell, hear and even taste. Most would agree with this truth. But I want to propose to you that there is another world invisible that exists within this world we see.

Sermon: The Invisible World Thesis: We live in a world we can all see, touch, smell, hear and even taste. Most would agree with this truth. But I want to propose to you that there is another world invisible that exists within this world we see. There is a realm which is real too, but the issue is ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Kings 6:15-19, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ministry Glasses - Philippians 2:25-30 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 17, 2024

If you saw your ministry through God's eyes, you would be staggered.

Philippians 2:25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (lit: and your apostle and minister of my needs). 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

The Cost Of National Sin Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2024

God does judge nations. God's judgement of Israel serves to warn the nations in this day not to presume on God's goodness and mercy.

Sin is expensive! You can’t afford the price demanded when you embrace sin! Though you may play with sin, you are playing a game that is rigged to ensure that you cannot win. You deceive yourself when you imagine you can afford the price you are going to pay. We are warned against inviting sin ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 2:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When I Hurt?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2025

Is there purpose in our suffering if we are Christians? What can God accomplish through our sorrow?

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist