Spirits on SermonAudio

What is good to do in YHWH's sight? 1Chronicles 19–20 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these twenty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it is good in YHWH's sight to establish and complete the kingdom of Christ. The devotional examines 1 Chronicles 19 and 20 to illustrate how God's providence advances the kingdom of Jesus Christ even amidst human betrayal, sin, and overwhelming odds. It highlights Joab's strategic reliance on divine will rather than military strength, showing that Yahweh does what is good in His sight by subduing enemies for His anointed King. The text contrasts David's historical failures with the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise in Christ, encouraging believers to remain faithful despite mischaracterization and internal church strife. Listeners are urged to serve with wisdom, diligence, and courage, trusting that God is building His church against the gates of hell. The message concludes with a call to reject discouragement and rest in the certainty of Christ's eternal reign.

The sermon examines the character of Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19 to illustrate the qualities of faithful Christian service. It highlights four key traits demonstrated by this elderly supporter of King David: unwavering loyalty during times of trouble, generous provision for those in need, humility in seeking no personal reward, and wisdom in knowing when to step aside. The message encourages believers to serve God with similar dedication, regardless of their age or visible role in the church. It emphasizes that true service often involves unseen labor and requires a spirit of selfless giving rather than a desire for recognition. Ultimately, the sermon calls the congregation to remain steadfast in their labor for the Lord, trusting that their efforts are never in vain.

We draw out some pictures of Christ from what the Spirit records of a few of David's mighty men.

This sermon examines the first eleven verses of 1 Corinthians 12 to explain the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts within the church. The preacher addresses the theological debate between cessationists and continuationists regarding the presence of miraculous gifts today while emphasizing that all believers possess some manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. Key themes include the sovereignty of the Triune God in distributing diverse abilities, the necessity of discerning true spiritual utterances from false ones, and the specific functions of gifts such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, and tongues. The text highlights that these manifestations are not for personal pride but are designed to benefit others and glorify Christ. Ultimately, the message affirms that every gift originates from the Holy Spirit who distributes them according to His sovereign will.

How do legalists respond to the gospel? Job 15 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we find that legalists respond to the gospel with accusations and arrogance. This devotional contrasts the gospel of grace with the self-righteousness of legalism by analyzing Eliphaz's rebuke of Job in Job 15. Eliphaz holds to a tradition of works-based righteousness that ridicules and accuses Job's gospel hope. While Eliphaz claims Job is unrepentant and condemned, whereas Job's hope is in God Who regenerates, gives faith, forgives, and makes clean. The message warns against adopting legalistic standards that demand better behavior to earn God's favor, which ultimately rejects Christ's sufficiency. Believers are encouraged to cling to Christ and trust in God's grace even when facing accusations from religious traditionalists.

What if the persecution you experience for following Christ is not merely something to survive—but an opportunity God can use to advance the gospel? In Mark 13:9–13, Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, arrest, trials, betrayal, hatred, and opposition because of His name. Yet His warning comes with an extraordinary purpose: persecution can become a platform for preaching the gospel, even before governors, kings, and the powers of this world. In this in-depth study of Mark 13:9–13, we examine Jesus' teaching on the Beginning of Pains, persecution, gospel proclamation, perseverance, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the relationship between the events surrounding AD 70 and the Second Coming of Christ. 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

The sermon outlines practical spiritual warfare strategies for achieving total freedom from demonic influence, emphasizing the necessity of renouncing occult practices and lies. It explores the subtle ways Satan communicates through thoughts, contrasting divine inspiration with demonic deception using biblical examples like Peter and Ananias. The speaker stresses that unforgiveness provides a legal ground for the enemy, illustrating this with the parable of the unmerciful servant to highlight the critical link between receiving God's forgiveness and extending it to others. By systematically addressing past involvement in spiritism and bitterness, believers can dismantle strongholds and restore their dignity as image-bearers of God. The message concludes that enduring freedom requires a deliberate, faith-based commitment to forgive those who have caused deep emotional wounds.

How should we navigate friendship? Proverbs 27:1–10 looks forward to the opening portion of morning public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that humility, gentleness, discernment, and loyalty are essential to making proper use of God's good gift of friendship. This devotional explores biblical principles of friendship, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in a friend's judgment. It warns against associating with those who are easily angered, jealous, or deceitfully pleasant, while highlighting the value of a friend who offers faithful correction. The text encourages believers to remain content in their current relationships rather than pursuing ambitious social elevation. Finally, it calls for loyalty to established neighbors and friends over distant relatives or new acquaintances during times of trouble.

Jesus knew great grief on the cross to relate with, receive, and relieve His people's griefs. There Truly is a Place for Good Grief in the Church.