Sermons on Vicious Habits:

Our Daily Bread - Matthew 6:11 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 5, 2024

God will supply everything you need—but everything you need for what? To stay alive? Then why do we die? This sermon asks the question of exactly what the difference is between a need and a want, and where recreation fits in the Christian life.

Matthew 6:5-15 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:11

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 Church Has Left The Building!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2024

God may use persecution to compel the faithful to fulfil His commands. That was assuredly the case for the first church, and it may be the case in this day.

ACTS 8:1b-4 THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

An Error In Judgment - Matthew 7:1-2 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 7, 2024

Some use this passage to condemn all judging, which is self-contradictory. Not all judgment is wrong. We must make judgments, but this message will alert you to seven kinds of judging that are forbidden in Scripture.

Matthew 7:1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-2

The Assurance Of The Secret Place

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 9, 2024

Trouble comes into each life, even the life of the Christian. When trouble comes, the child or God will seek a refuge. The Psalmist points to the Lord God as the refuge for all who are redeemed.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? “When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Hope In God! - 1 Peter 1:13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 29, 2024

Hope is when you turn your attention from some small bad news to some big good news. It is central to the Christian life and it is a Christian duty (with grace comes responsibility). But it is hard to do.

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 1:13

Wrong About Religion

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 30, 2024

If we focus on our tenets to the exclusion of focusing on the will of the Lord, we are in danger of drifting into Pharisaical Religion. If we allow this to happen, we will displease the Lord and oppose Him.

“When the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

James 5:7-12 Series

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Jan 20, 2025

In the face of suffering, we are called to be patient, get ready, stand firm, stop grumbling, never give up, enduring hardship, and tell the truth

James: Practical Faith  James 5:7-12 Pastor Jefferson M. Williams Chenoa Baptist Church  01-19-2025 Pearls When an oyster gets a grain of sand, parasite, or food particle in its shell, there is no way to get rid of it. It irritates the inside of the oyster. The oyster probably prays, ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Power And The Glory - 1 Peter 4:11b Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

In this message, you'll discover the best thing that you could ever do and the most beneficial thing that can ever happen in your life.

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him do it as one speaking the words of God. If anyone serves, as with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Introduction 1 Peter 4 is all about how ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:11

Will Shepherd For Glory - 1 Peter 5:2c-4 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 8, 2025

It matters a lot to God what your motives are for ministry.

1 Peter 5:1 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 to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-4

Theology Of Ministry Final Paper

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Feb 10, 2025

Erskine Theological Seminary DR 901Z Theological Foundations for Ministry, May 8, 2023

This paper expresses my mature theology of ministry. It will make use of my previous papers on ministry, leadership, and integrity. I will explain how I view my ministry in light of the challenges of the contemporary Church and Culture. I will answer the following questions: What is the task of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Vineyard

The God Of All Grace Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 3, 2025

We are called to glory (unhindered experience of God's attributes), but the sufferings of Satan's attacks threaten to prevent our arrival in glory.

1 Peter 5:10-14 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10-14

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6

Unbelief In 140 Characters Or Less - Philippians 2:14-15 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jun 15, 2024

No one wants to be known as a whiner. Yet most of us complain routinely. What do you complaints reveal about your heart?

Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16 as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

The Cost Of National Sin Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 29, 2024

God does judge nations. God's judgement of Israel serves to warn the nations in this day not to presume on God's goodness and mercy.

Sin is expensive! You can’t afford the price demanded when you embrace sin! Though you may play with sin, you are playing a game that is rigged to ensure that you cannot win. You deceive yourself when you imagine you can afford the price you are going to pay. We are warned against inviting sin ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 2:1-22

Denomination: Baptist