What did Jesus mean when He said, "When you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door"—while only a few verses later saying that no one knows the day or hour? In this in-depth expository sermon on Mark 13:28–31, we examine Jesus' parable of the fig tree and the meaning of His statement that His coming is "near." What does "near" actually mean? Can Christians know when Christ will return? What is the significance of the fig tree, summer, harvest, judgment, and the phrase "this generation will certainly not pass away"? Rather than trying to calculate the date of Christ's return, Jesus calls His followers to something deeper: certainty, readiness, encouragement, and confidence in His word If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

Ever had something stop working, only to find that one little thing was getting in the way? This is often the case in our spiritual lives. Dr. Mark Hamby and Molly Mayo unpack what that looks like on today's episode of Fastened Like Nails. Examining the closing passage of 1 John, they explain how our relationship with God can be disrupted by even the smallest of idols. How do we protect ourselves from being derailed by the many temptations around us? Tune in today and discover how the power of God's Word can be at work in your life.

On this Let's Talk Pastor Rocky Stevenson of Benoni Bible Church is joined with Kevin Swanson from Generations Media Network in the USA, and they explore church history through the lens of Jesus as the central hero who conquers the world by love rather than force. They contrast the transient power of historical figures like Napoleon with the enduring impact of Christ, emphasising that the gospel has transformed global demographics and culture over two millennia. The discussion highlights the rise of Western civilisation due to Christian influence and its subsequent decline since 1800, while noting the vibrant growth of Christianity in other regions. By examining past missionary efforts and biblical sovereignty, the conversation encourages believers to maintain courage and hope for the future spread of the gospel. Ultimately, the message asserts that Jesus remains the most significant figure in history and the focal point of all human events.

The devotional draws a powerful theological analogy between physical water and the spiritual life, using the contrast between living and dead water in ancient Jewish culture to illustrate the necessity of spiritual vitality in the believer's life. Jesus' promise that rivers of living water would flow from those who believe underscores the essential role of the Holy Spirit as a dynamic, outward-flowing force rather than a stagnant, inwardly hoarded possession. The imagery of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea serves as a vivid warning: when the Spirit's life-giving presence is dammed up through selfishness or unshared faith, the result is spiritual stagnation and a testimony that repels rather than refreshes. True discipleship requires an open channel for the Spirit's flow, enabling believers to meet the deep spiritual thirst of others. The message calls for self-examination, repentance, and a renewed commitment to share the living water of salvation, transforming the believer from a source of spiritual decay into a vessel of divine refreshment.

This sermon examines the theological tension in 1 John 3:18 regarding the relationship between believers and sin, clarifying that while Christians do not practice habitual sin, they are not immune to individual failures. The message emphasizes that the power of sin is broken in the life of a true believer, who is kept safe by the Son of God against the influence of the devil. It challenges the audience to distinguish between the saved and the unsaved, asserting that there is no middle ground or gray area in one's spiritual standing. The preacher warns against the complacency of those who remain content in the grasp of Satan and urges believers to actively guard against idols, defined as anything that takes precedence over God. The tone is pastoral yet convicting, calling for self-examination and a renewed commitment to deny oneself and serve God exclusively.

I. He Sent His Son in the Likeness of Sinful Flesh A. Not in Sinful Flesh – Holy, Harmless, Undefiled B. But in the Closest Relation to Sinful Humanity II. He Sent His Son for Sin A. To Suffer in the Flesh B. To Be a Sin Offering for Us III. He Condemned Sin in the Flesh by His Son's Death A. God Judged Sin in the Body of Christ on the Cross B. God Broke the Guilt and Power of Sin IV. He Fulfilled the Righteousness of the Law in Us A. As Far as Justification is Concerned B. As Far as Sanctification is Concerned

Mark's Message 'Pictures of Power'

The sermon examines James 3:13-18 to distinguish between earthly wisdom, characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, and the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and gentle. It warns that harboring resentment leads to physical and spiritual disorder, contrasting this with the fruit of the Spirit which produces a harvest of righteousness. The message emphasizes that true wisdom and peace are found only in Christ, who is the power and wisdom of God, rather than in human intellect or worldly pursuits. Believers are called to reject boasting in their own understanding and instead point others to the cross, where God's saving power is revealed. This instructional tone urges the congregation to cultivate meekness and share the gospel, recognizing that only through Christ can the world find lasting peace.