Sermons on Stay Focused:

Wrong About Authority

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 14, 2024

When Jesus was challenged to name His authority to teach, he exposed His interlocutors as incapable of assessing His answer even were He to deign give it.

“When [Jesus] entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus answered them, ‘I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27

Denomination: Baptist

All Cultures Are Not Equivaent

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 4, 2025

The rules for war that Moses gave to Israel revealed a vast cultural gap between Israel and the nations they were to dispossess. The nations of the west in this day are culturally superior to much of the remainder of the world because the foundations of the west are found in the Word of God.

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 20:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Honor Your Wife - 1 Peter 3:7 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 7, 2025

Strive to understand your wife, especially areas of weakness. She is more sensitive, which makes her more vulnerable to pain. LISTEN to her and understand what it is like for her. And honor her status as a fellow heir of salvation. This will result in unhindered prayer.

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way live with your wives according to knowledge as a weaker, feminine vessel, showing honor as also coheirs of the grace of life so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Introduction There is a movie titled “What Women Want,” and the main character of that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:7

Nehemiah (Comforter) Part 1 Nasb

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jan 19, 2025

Restoration and renewal, rebuilding the wall, opposition fails to stop construction; takes place over 20 years. There are 9 major prayers in this book. (c/o Marilyn Hickey Ministries); notes by biblegateway.com

Nehemiah’s Grief for the Exiles; prayer for Jerusalem 1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the [a]capitol, (HIS PARENTS WERE IN THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY, THIS TAKES PLACE IN IRAN. WE NEED TO PRAY FOR PEACE ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

No More Fears - 1 Peter 3:13-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 22, 2025

What should you do when you're abused and mistreated?

1 Peter 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-15

What Is The Difference?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 1, 2025

God is sovereign. God is just, and He is merciful. Your view of God dictates how you treat mankind.

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?” As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Behold, all souls are ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Grace By Association - 1 Peter 4:12-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

The gospel is about grace by association - receiving favor from God solely because of association with Christ. And that involves suffering.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Shepherd The Flock Part 2 - 1 Peter 5:2a Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 11, 2025

Is there any job description more important than for pastors? Peter lays it down for us.

1 Peter 5:1-10 Therefore to the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God's flock that is under your care, overseeing--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2

Part 22: The Foundations Of Our Freedom Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 14, 2025

Four of the most important foundations for our freedom: 1. God's guidance. 2. Providential protection. 3. Sacrificial salvation. 4. Devoted disciples.

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 22: The Foundations of Our Freedom Psalm 11:1-7 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared April 14, 2025) *This week we celebrate our Declaration of Independence from England on July 4th, 1776. On that same day over in England, King George III wrote these words in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 11:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Letter To The Exiles

Contributed by Jeff Taylor on Sep 21, 2023

Some of you are in exile from people who were, at one time, your friends. And some of you are in exile from your spouse. I have a word from God that will bring you hope in your time in exile from whatever it is you are in exile for.

Well, I hope you have your Bibles with you, cuz I'm gonna have you do a lot of thumbing! Amen? I want to start in the book of Jerimiah chapter 29 as today I want to share with you a word the Lord has laid heavily on my heart. I have named this message after the name given for it in the Bible, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Picky Picky - Mark 2:23-28 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 29, 2023

The Pharisees accuse the disciples of Sabbath breaking when they pick grain while traveling. Jesus responds by pointing to David eating the bread of the presence.

Mark 2:23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” 25 He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28

The Qualifying Round - Mark 3:16-19 (Luke 6:12-16) Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus selected 12 men who, by all appearances, were deeply unqualified. But he was very deliberate about who he selected. Why did he chose the men he choose?

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve-- designating them apostles-- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:12-16

Family Ties - Mark 3:31-35 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 9, 2023

How is your brotherly relationship with Jesus going? And why is it important? Have you ever thought of Jesus as your son? Why does Jesus call Christian women his mothers 3 times in 2 verses? 1The answers are a huge encouragement! And you will find them in this study.

Mark 3:31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent for him, calling him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” 33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:31-35, Matthew 12:46-50, Luke 8:19-21

Shalom

Contributed by Paulo Fernandes on Jun 8, 2025

We often translate this Hebrew word simply as "peace" in English. But if we reduce shalom to just "peace," we miss so much of its rich meaning.

The Profound Meaning of Shalom: God's Vision for Wholeness Introduction Brothers and sisters, today I want to talk about one of the most profound words in all of Scripture - shalom. We often translate this Hebrew word simply as "peace" in English. But if we reduce shalom to just ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 43:27, Deuteronomy 27:6, Psalm 38:3, 1 Kings 4:25

Don’t Go To Hell - Mark 9:42-50 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 31, 2023

This message will alert you to the worst dangers imaginable and show you how to avoid them.

Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. 42 "And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to turn away, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:42-50