Sermons on Planting And Watering:

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

Hope In God! - 1 Peter 1:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

Hope is when you turn your attention from some small bad news to some big good news. It is central to the Christian life and it is a Christian duty (with grace comes responsibility). But it is hard to do.

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 1:13

Theology Of Ministry Final Paper

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Feb 10, 2025

Erskine Theological Seminary DR 901Z Theological Foundations for Ministry, May 8, 2023

This paper expresses my mature theology of ministry. It will make use of my previous papers on ministry, leadership, and integrity. I will explain how I view my ministry in light of the challenges of the contemporary Church and Culture. I will answer the following questions: What is the task of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Vineyard

Every Word Matters! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 21, 2025

James tells us that if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus then we need to control our tongues and make sure the words that come off it are fruitful Godly words. The warning he throws at us is the uncontrolled tongue leads to the whole body being set on fire by hell’s flames.

Wild Thing – Every Word Matters – James 3:1-12 Opening Video Illustration: Kids talking about what they hear their parents say to them! Thesis: James tells us that if we want to pursue perfection in Jesus then we need to control our tongues and make sure the words that come off it are fruitful ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 18:21, James 1:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Liking Life For The Love Of God - Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 13, 2025

Is there any Biblical reason why we should ever watch a movie or a ball game? Or go on vacation or play a game or have some dessert? Or take $2000 that could feed a third world family for a year and spend it on a kitchen remodel? What's the right way to enjoy earthly pleasures?

Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand, 25 because who can eat and who can enjoy life apart from Him? 26 For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy, but to ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

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

Divine Vandalism - Mark 15:35-39 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 1, 2024

Is God our Savior? It depends on your definition of saving. If your concept of trouble and your idea of what it means to be saved from it don’t line up with God’s definitions, then you will find yourself very disappointed with God, and you might miss real salvation altogether.

Introduction Is God our Savior? It depends on your definition of saving. A lot of things depend on your definition of saving. Being rescued means you’re in trouble and God delivers you from that trouble. But if your concept of trouble and your idea of what it means to be saved from it don’t line ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:35-39, Matthew 27:47-54, Luke 23:44-47

Jesus And The Agnostics - Mark 11:27-33 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 11, 2024

Jesus has awesome authority, and it’s beautiful to us because it protects us from ourselves and others, it grants us all the freedoms we enjoy, and it authorizes us to act on his behalf without fear.

Mark 11:27 They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him. 28 "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "And who gave you authority to do this?" 29 Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:27-33, Matthew 21:23-27, Luke 20:1-8

Marks Of The True Church: Truth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 17, 2024

Christians are to be immersed in the truth as they are sanctified in this life. We are immersed in truth as we immerse ourselves in the Word of God and as we invest ourselves in the congregation wherein the Spirit of Christ has placed us.

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” [1] Truth is in short supply in our world. Tragically, truth has been largely sacrificed for what has come to be known as “truthiness” in our world today. Perhaps that has always been the case, but it is certainly apparent that this is the case ...read more

Scripture: John 17:17

Denomination: Baptist

The God Of The Living - Mark 12:18-27 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 20, 2024

What does it mean to have God as your God? More than you think.

Mark 12:18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question. 19 "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother. 20 Now there ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:18-27, Matthew 22:23-33, Luke 20:27-38

Paul And His Greeting To The Roman Church Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Mar 2, 2024

Paul warmly greets the church he would one day see face to face, but as a prisoner.

1:1. “Paul.” We first meet him on the Damascus Road. But his life is told in other parts of the book of Acts, and the epistles. Circumcised the 8th day. Sent to Jerusalem to study eventually under Gamaliel, the grandson of Hillel, the most famous rabbi of Jewish history, except for Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Forgiving Of The Paralytic - Mark 2:1-5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 29, 2023

First spiritual healing. Then physical.

Mark 2:1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-5

The Blasphemy Of The Holy Spirit - Mark 3:20-30 (Matthew 12:22-37) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

People often say the unforgivable sin is attributing demonic work to Jesus. But several other passages speak of an unforgivable sin, and none of them identify it that way.

Mark 3:20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-30, Matthew 12:22-37

Moses, The Wisdom Of The Egyptians, And Modern Education

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 9, 2024

God will use you and what you bring to Him for His glory. But God does not depend on your education to advance His cause.

Earlier this year, I read an opinion piece that opened with these thought-provoking words. “Imagine a world where your child becomes the child of the state, effectively no longer under your care or influence. Their heart, soul, mind, and body are captured by the state's dictates, philosophy, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:20-38

Denomination: Baptist