Sermons on Stone Jars:

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

A Serious Inquiry Into The Role Of The Under Shepherd Of The Church"

Contributed by Michael Stark on Aug 25, 2023

The message is an examination of the qualifications that must be evident in the life of one appointed to eldership.

“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore, an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

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

Is That All You've Got?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 19, 2024

We who follow Christ are responsible to present the message of grace at every opportunity. Many will dismiss our message as foolish talk. We must honestly present the truth to such people, refusing to give up our stand for the truth.

“As [Paul] was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

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

When The Hour Of Decision Is Midnight

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 15, 2024

When one asks the question, "What must I do to be saved," accepting the answer we give will determine the eternal destiny for that person.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Denomination: Baptist

When Heaven Came Down

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 24, 2024

Pentecost was a once forever event presaging the work of the Spirit in God's people. The phenomena were displayed once, but the power of the Spirit continues to be revealed through the testimony of God's redeemed people who are empowered to do this holy work.

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-41

Denomination: Baptist

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

Suffering By Grace - Philippians 1:28-30 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 23, 2022

What did Paul mean when he said it has been "granted" to us to suffer?

Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:28-30

What Does God Think About Our Plans? (James 4:13-17) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Aug 1, 2022

We can make plans, but God expects us to be flexible, and willing to set them aside, for Him. We delight in God, living in faithfulness to Him. We don't delight in stuff.

Today, our focus will be on James 4:13-17. One of the interesting things about this passage is that there two pretty different ways of reading it. Both approaches take the verses seriously. Both issue a call, and a challenge, that the church needs to hear. But they differ in what exactly that ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

The Wrong Way To Be Right - Philippians 3:1-10 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 27, 2022

The question of how to be a good person is one of the (few) essentials of Christianity. It begins with rejoicing.

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, watch out for those men who do evil, watch out for the mutilation. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-10

The Road To Heaven - Philippians 3:12-14 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 10, 2022

After speaking against legalism in the first half of the chapter, Paul now warns against the opposite error: quietism. Not even Paul has gotten to a place where he can coast. The race goes until you die.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Part 35: Why God Says To Sing A New Song Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Nov 21, 2025

God tells us to sing new songs... 1. Because we have new hearers (vs. 1-4). 2. Because we have new harmonies (vs. 4-6). 3. Because we have new hearts (vs. 1-3, 9-13). [1] Having new hearts means having new hope. [2] Having new hearts means having new holiness.

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 35: Why God Says to Sing a New Song Psalm 96:1-13 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared November 21, 2025) BACKGROUND: *Today our focus is again on worship. And nothing is more important in Christian life than heartfelt worship of the LORD! God the Father, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 96:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Treasury Of The Heart Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 10, 2025

The birth of Christ the Lord was so momentous that Mary would treasure up all that occurred throughout the remainder of her days.

“Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. “And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-51

Denomination: Baptist

Punishment Pays For Sin (Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 53:1-6) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 10, 2023

Sometimes, God is unwilling to "carry" sin; it has to be paid for through punishment. This idea, supported by Isaiah 40, unlocks the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. Jesus atoned, by taking the punishment of our sin.

Let's start today by rereading last week's passage Exodus 32:1-14: (1) and the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, and the people gathered/assembled before Aaron, and they said to him, "Rise up. Make for us elohim who shall walk/go before ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:15-35, Isaiah 40:1-2, Isaiah 53:1-6, Numbers 25:1-13