Sermons on The Greatest:

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

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

Be A Son, Not A Dog - Matthew 7:7-11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 15, 2024

For our relationship to God to be what it should be, it’s crucial to understand God’s generosity and eagerness to bless us. This is a whole sermon on the generosity of God. It’s an especially important message for folks who tend to think of God as reluctant to bless them or answer their prayers.

Matthew 7:7-12 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11

Danger: Disguised, Deadly Deceivers! - Matthew 7:15-20 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 18, 2024

It is God’s design that we follow leaders. But the false ones deceive and lead away from the narrow road to hell. The way to see past the sheep’s clothing to the actual fruit is by watching for the things that come from the heart and that are not a part of the act.

Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:15-20

Chosen Strangers - 1 Peter 1:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 21, 2024

Peter is so eager to establish our identity (because it is the basis for so much of what he says in the book), he blurts it out before he even gets to the greeting.

1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect, strangers [in the world], scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 [chosen] according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-2

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

Be Holy - 1 Peter 1:14-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

You are either being conformed to evil desires or changed into the image of a holy God. This message will show you how to change bad desires.

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 1:14-16

Why Fear A Redeemer? - 1 Peter 1:17-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 1, 2024

We will face judgment for our deeds, good and bad, on Judgment Day, and we also face judgment in the form of chastisement in this life. Both should affect our behavior.

1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the worthless way of life handed down to you from your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-18

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

Suffering In His Steps - 1 Peter 2:20-21 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 22, 2024

Our calling was to follow Jesus, and His steps lead through undeserved suffering. Abuse is not a glitch in God’s plan that ruins your life. It is your calling.

1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:20-21

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

The Man Who Honored The King’s Son - Mark 15:40-47 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 1, 2024

Why do all four gospels make such a point about the details of Jesus burial? His death matters, his resurrection matters, but why is his burial so important? And what are the implications for us?

Mark 15:40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 42 It was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:40-47, Matthew 27:55-61, Luke 23:48

Ministry Glasses - Philippians 2:25-30 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 17, 2024

If you saw your ministry through God's eyes, you would be staggered.

Philippians 2:25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs (lit: and your apostle and minister of my needs). 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-30

Happy Are The Hungry - Matthew 5:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 4, 2024

The entire Sermon on the Mount is on the topic of righteousness. This message offers a clear, detailed definition of righteousness. There are also so very encouraging remarks about the reason why believers hunger and thirst for righteousness (it’s because we crave God’s favor).

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:6

You Will Be Called Sons Of God-Matthew 5:9 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

The wellbeing of the entire world depends on peaceful relationships in the church. This message is a reminder of the importance of peacemaking, gives instruction on how to achieve it, and examines the reward Jesus promised

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9