Sermons on Running The Race:

Self-Humbling - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

Fasting is never commanded in the NT, yet all the godliest people in the Bible did it. If it is important, why isn't it discussed in the epistles? If it is not important, why did Jesus do it? And why did he promise reward if we do it?

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

Fasting For Reward - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

This message ends with a section that teaches how to make your resistant, unwilling heart more willing to fast. It’s the method Jesus used.

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

An Incomplete Message

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 26, 2024

God is the central character in the Book of Job. We discover what is lacking in our own lives as we witness God revealing His character in this account of His dealing with one suffering saint.

“Job answered the LORD and said: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. “Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?” Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. “Hear, and I will ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Voice In The Wilderness

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

After centuries of silence, God sends John in the wilderness to call for repentance and point to Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:2–8). The wait is over; respond to the King.

Have you ever had one of those moments where, as the words are leaving your mouth, you know you're making a terrible mistake? I had one of those back in 2014. I had just started my first "real" job at an advertising agency, and I was so excited that I went straight from work and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Plastic Faith

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Sep 26, 2025

Artificial leaves look healthy but produce nothing. In Mark 11 Jesus exposes leaf-only religion: a fig tree with no fruit, a crowded temple with no prayer, faith without forgiveness, and leaders without surrender. He clears space for real life with God—fruit, prayer, forgiveness, and obedience.

An artificial plant looks impressive. But it produces nothing. You could easily buy one at a store with thought that it will "bring life to any room." And—sure—it brings the appearance of life. The leaves stay green. They never drop. It never needs water. In fact, if I tried to water it, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

20th Sunday After Pentecost. October 6th, 2024. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Sep 26, 2021

Year B, Proper 22.

Job 1:1, Job 2:1-10, Psalm 26, Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8, Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 2:5-12, Mark 10:13-16. A). THE TRIALS OF JOB. Job 1:1; Job 2:1-10. Job was an upright man. There was none so righteous in the entire East. No doubt, like Lot, he vexed his righteous soul with the wickedness of ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1, Job 2:1-10, Genesis 2:18-24, Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

This Kind...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 15, 2021

Christians are at war with an unseen, though extremely powerful, enemy. We are, however, not defenseless. We are given authority over the enemy, if we will invoke our rights given in Christ.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone from the crowd ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Best Thing You Could Ever Do - Mark 12:28-31 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 10, 2024

Of all the good deeds you’ve done, which is the best? What’s the best deed anyone could ever do?

Mark 12:28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 22:34-40

The Ecstasy Before The Agony

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 23, 2024

Religious excitement does not necessarily translate into spiritual worship. Rather, the one following Jesus must guard against being turned aside by that which appears good. Remember that good is enemy of the best.

“The large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Renewing Your Mind About Leadership

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 3, 2022

Leaders must: 1) Be Right with God (Acts 20:28a), 2) Shepherd the flock (Acts 20:28b), 3) Guard the flock (Acts 20:29–31), 4) Study and pray (Acts 20:32), and 5) Be free from self-interest (Acts 20:33–38).

Acts 20:28-38. 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-38

Denomination: Other

The World’s Most Dangerous Profession - James 3:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 23, 2021

This passage stands out because teaching is so highly valued throughout the New Testament. Why is it discouraged here? James considered himself a teacher and was teaching even as he penned these words about not many should be teachers.

James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Introduction: We Talk a ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-2

Ordering Her Priorities

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 9, 2023

Making the Lord your priority leads to His blessing.

“The word of the LORD came to [Elijah], ‘Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.’ So, he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Denomination: Baptist

Harmony Through Happiness (Eat Some Peaches) - Philippians 4:4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 2, 2022

To have unity we must overcome joylessness, lack of reasonableness, and anxiety. We have to be told to rejoice because we naturally resist it, and because we tend to seek joy in earthly things instead of in (not just from) the Lord. Find happiness by enjoying God throughout the day.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4

Palm Sunday, Passion Sunday, Year C. Series

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 4, 2022

6th Sunday in Lent. APRIL 13th, 2025.

Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:19-29, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14-71, Luke 23:1-56. A). THANKSGIVING AT THE GATE OF JERUSALEM. Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:19-29. As the crowd approaches Jerusalem for the great annual feast, the mood is one of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:19-29, Luke 19:28-40, Isaiah 50:4-9, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14-71, Luke 23:1-56  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational