Sermons on Ritualistic Worship:

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

Who’s Winning? - 1 Peter 2:6-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 10, 2024

Even in human rejection God wins. God always wins, and those who trust in the Cornerstone cannot lose. But those who reject Him cannot win.

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 2:6-8

Knowing God - 2 Peter 1:3b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 15, 2024

We know knowledge of God is important, but what does it mean, exactly, to know an invisible being in a way that goes beyond knowing about him?

2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those equal to us in the faith they have received in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 his divine power has given us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3

Come Out From Among Them - 1 Peter 2:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 17, 2024

What did Jesus mean by being in the world but not of the world?

1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the gentiles that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:12

The Stone That Was Never Thrown

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 26, 2024

How do we, as followers of the Christ, respond to sin when it is exposed to us?

“Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Servant Leadership (The World’s On Fire) - Mark 10:41-45 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 28, 2024

In 2020, our President was impeached, economy shut down, 40 million people lost their jobs, widespread corruption at the highest levels of our government are being exposed, and there are riots, beatings, and murders across the country. Jesus shows us that all these rise out of the same root cause.

Mark 10:41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:41-45, Matthew 20:24-28

Marks Of The True Church: Holiness Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 10, 2024

Our Lord prayed that His followers would be sanctified, made holy. The Father heard His request and has granted Jesus was He asked.

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Man Of Integrity - Mark 12:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 18, 2024

Jesus' enemies were astonished at how little Jesus feared men. And Mark shows us how this is the key to many elements of godliness.

After highlighting how the authorities feared man three times, Mark now makes a point of how Jesus was the opposite. Against the dark backdrop of their sin (which results in hypocrisy, dishonesty, cowardice, and favoritism), Mark shows us Jesus in stark relief. He uses the very words of their ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:12-14, Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 20:20-26

Marks Of The True Church: Love Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 8, 2024

Christians are lovers. We are distinguished from the world by Who we love and the manner in which we reveal our love. Ours is a love which results from the love of God which is poured out into our lives.

“O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” [1] Karl Barth, the Swiss theologian, ...read more

Scripture: John 17:25-26

Denomination: Baptist

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

Barabbas, An Undeserving Recipient Series

Contributed by Chris Cuthbertson on Mar 25, 2025

To give something good to someone who doesn’t deserve it seems irresponsible; it seems perhaps a little careless, maybe even—can I use this word?...reckless.

Barabbas, an Undeserving Recipient Matthew 27: 17 – 20 Series: A Day in the Life of… (Easter Series) To give something good to someone who doesn’t deserve it seems irresponsible; it seems perhaps a little careless, maybe even—can I use this word?...reckless. And I think most of us can ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:17-20, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Wise Up - Ecclesiastes 10:1-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 28, 2025

This chapter is loaded with gems of wisdom that are crucial for learning how to enjoy life in a fallen world. This message covers topics like how to bring calm to a hot confrontation, how expecting trouble can help you in life, and how to find the balance between study/preparation and action.

10:1 Dead flies make a perfumer's oil ferment and stink; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man's heart goes to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. 3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, and he shows everyone he is a fool. 4 If the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:1-11

Keep Wising Up - Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 29, 2025

This passage contains practical wisdom on controlling your tongue, making plans and finding direction in life, managing money, and controlling your thought life.

10:12 The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil madness. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 10:12-20