Food For Your Soul

Why do even the smallest injustices bother us so much? We long for justice—but do we still want it when it's perfect? And final? Peter takes us back in time and shows us a kind of justice that reaches higher, wider, and deeper than we ever imagined. And it forces us to wrestle with what we really want. Expository Sermon by Dr. D Richard Ferguson 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: / @darr

Bartimaeus is the only person Jesus healed who is named on the pages of Scripture. Why is it so important that we know his name and his father's name? The answer will turn your world upside-down (or more accurately, right-side up)! As Jesus leaves Jericho on His way to the cross, a desperate cry breaks through the noise: "Son of David, have mercy on me!" While others try to silence him, Bartimaeus persists—and what follows is far more than a miracle. This passage reveals the true nature of spiritual insight, the upside-down reality of biblical greatness, and the kind of faith that stops Jesus in His tracks. Why is Bartimaeus named? What does his title "Son of Honor" mean? 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

Jesus summed up the entire gospel in a single word: ransom. When Jesus said the reason He came was to give His life as a ransom for many, what did he mean? What is a ransom? And who are the many? In this message from Mark 10:45, we explore this word, ransom, that has shaped centuries of theological discussion. In this in-depth, expository sermon, we walk verse-by-verse through one of the most important statements in Scripture. Why does the Gospel of Mark wait until chapter 10 to reveal the reason for Jesus' death? This teaching explores the heart of the gospel, including the meaning of "ransom" in both Old and New Testament context . 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 Sc

What does true greatness look like in the kingdom of God? In Mark 10:41–45, Jesus confronts a power struggle among His disciples and reveals a radical truth: greatness is found in servanthood, not control. When James and John sought positions of honor, the other disciples became indignant—exposing a deeper problem in every human heart: the desire for human greatness and power over others. Jesus responds with one of the most countercultural teachings in Scripture. While worldly leaders "lord it over" people, Jesus says His followers must take the opposite path—becoming servants and even slaves of all. We explore how greatness, suffering, and servanthood are inseparably connected in the Christian life. 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

What do Genesis 6, the Nephilim, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and Neuralink have in common? In this sermon from 2 Peter 2:4, we explore one of the most mysterious passages in the Bible—the angels who sinned and were imprisoned by God. The New Testament connects this event to the time before the Flood, when the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" produced the Nephilim (Genesis 6). But this message doesn't just explain ancient history. It asks a pressing modern question: Are we repeating the same kind of corruption of humanity today? With rapid advances in AI, brain-computer interfaces, designer genetics, and human-animal hybrids, the boundaries of what it means to be human are being challenged like never before. Even tech leaders have warned about the dangers—one famously describing artificial intelligence as "summoning the demon." *** 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. Sin

Welcome to Food for Your Soul – a podcast for those who love in-depth Bible study and expository preaching. In this episode, we explore Mark 10:28-31 and Jesus' radical teaching on the cost of discipleship and the rewards that come with following Him. What does it really mean to "leave everything" to follow Jesus? And what exactly does He promise in return? Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the cost of discipleship, but He offers a 100-fold reward—an eternal family, spiritual blessings, and more. In this episode, you'll discover: The Cost of Discipleship: What must you forsake to follow Christ? The Profit of Discipleship: The unimaginable rewards Jesus promises. The Church Family: the Body 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

You have a God-given desire for greatness. But be careful. Our natural definition of greatness can turn that godly desire into a deadly evil. In this in-depth, verse-by-verse exposition of Mark 10:35–40, we examine one of the most revealing moments in the Gospel of Mark: James and John boldly asking Jesus for the top two positions in His glory. Their request wasn't entirely misguided. It was full of faith. They believed in Christ's coming kingdom. They wanted greatness in that kingdom. But they were still defining greatness the earthly way—by comparison, rank, and superiority. In This Expository Sermon, You'll Discover why the disciples repeatedly missed Jesus' teaching on true greatness 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

Peter warns that false teachers will "secretly introduce heresies of destruction," even denying the Master who bought them. They don't appear hostile. They don't announce their agenda. They arrive with polished delivery, relational warmth, and what Peter calls "plastic words." This message exposes the 3 M's of False Teachers: Their Method – They win trust first, then subtly twist Scripture. Their Motive – Greed. They exploit people financially and spiritually. Their Message – A distorted version of grace that removes Christ's authority as Master. You'll learn: What it truly means to "deny the Master who bought them" The difference between doctrinal error and destructive heresy How false teachers redefine grace Why biblical grace never lowers God's standards How to evaluate preaching by how Scripture is handled What it means that Jesus purchased His people with His blood False teaching rarely looks like rebellion. It looks like freedom. It sounds compassionate. It feels affirming. But when grace is separated f

Plan A: Why the Cross Was Never Optional What does it mean to follow Jesus ... to the cross? In this verse-by-verse exposition of Mark 10:32–34, we walk with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem as He predicts His betrayal, humiliation, suffering, death, and resurrection with stunning clarity. Nothing is vague. Nothing is uncertain. Every detail unfolds according to divine design. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus repeatedly says the Son of Man "must" suffer. That word changes everything. This message explores: Why Jesus' suffering was necessary—not optional How the cross was always Plan A, not Plan B What it means that Christ was "delivered" according to God's sovereignty 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

Welcome to Food for Your Soul – a podcast for those who love in-depth Bible study and expository preaching. In this episode, we explore Mark 10:28-31 and Jesus' radical teaching on the cost of discipleship and the rewards that come with following Him. What does it really mean to "leave everything" to follow Jesus? And what exactly does He promise in return? Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the cost of discipleship, but He offers a 100-fold reward—an eternal family, spiritual blessings, and more. In this episode, you'll discover: The Cost of Discipleship: What must you forsake to follow Christ? The Profit of Discipleship: The unimaginable rewards Jesus promises. The Church Family: the Body 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

Why would God devote so much of Scripture to condemning false teachers—and why is His anger toward them so intense? In this message from 2 Peter 2, we explore a surprising truth: God's fury is meant to comfort His people, not terrify them. Far from being an embarrassment or an overreaction, God's judgment on false teachers reveals just how precious His Word is—and how fiercely He protects those who belong to Him. When teachers lie about God, the damage is devastating: to the church, to the world, and ultimately to themselves. That's why Scripture speaks with such clarity and severity. 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. A

In this message from Mark 10:17–27, we continue our in-depth exposition of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler, focusing on evangelism, law and gospel, and why Jesus allowed what most would consider the hottest prospect in the New Testament to walk away. This is Part 4 of the Rich Young Ruler series. Jesus encounters a man who was a sincere seeker—moral, sincere, eager, respectful, Bible-literate, and desperate for eternal life. And he sought it from Jesus. From a human perspective, this is the kind of man many churches today would celebrate, affirm, and quickly usher into membership. Yet Jesus does something shocking. Instead of "closing the deal," Jesus presses the law deeper. 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

Can money destroy your faith? In this exposition of Mark 10:17–27, we'll hear Jesus deliver some of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture—warnings that directly confront wealth, greed, pride, and eternal destiny in surprising ways. In Part 3 of the Rich Young Ruler, Jesus explains why money is not neutral, why wealth increases spiritual pride, and why riches can quietly pull a heart away from God. This passage is not about a rare outlier—it is a warning meant for us. By the standards of Scripture and human history, we are rich, and that makes Jesus' words especially urgent. Greed is one of the most devastating sins in the Bible—and yet one of the least confessed. 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

Can God's law bring life—or only condemnation? In this message we return to the story of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–27) to explore the role of God's law in salvation, faith, and Christian obedience. Many Christians struggle to reconcile biblical passages that say "keep the commandments and you will live" with the New Testament teaching that no one is justified by the law. Did Jesus really mean that obedience leads to eternal life? Why does God demand perfection from imperfect people? And how can the law both condemn sinners and lead believers into life? 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

Why did Jesus "lose" his hottest prospect? It seems like a sure thing when someone says, "I want to follow Jesus—just tell me how to be saved." Why did Jesus spoil it by telling him to keep the law—and then demand everything he owned? And if the man got to choose what he desired most, why did he go away sad? In this in-depth expository sermon on Mark 10:17–27 (with parallels in Matthew 19:16–30 and Luke 18:18–30), we walk verse-by-verse through one of the most sobering encounters in the Gospels. Jesus lovingly applies two spiritual tests that will reveal whether you have true, saving faith. 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 r

Is the Kingdom of God really exclusive? In this in-depth expository sermon on Mark 10:13–16, Jesus reveals the surprising entrance requirements for the most prestigious club in existence—and they are the exact opposite of what most people expect. In this message, we explore why Jesus became visibly angry when His disciples tried to keep children away, what it truly means to receive the kingdom like a child, and why humility—not strength, status, or self-reliance—is the defining mark of every true citizen of God's kingdom. 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

When Jesus was questioned about divorce, His answer went deeper than legal debates—He pointed back to creation itself. Quoting Genesis, Jesus reminded His listeners that God "made them male and female" and designed marriage to be a union where two distinct sexes come together as one flesh. What does the creation of male and female have to do with divorce? And what are the implications for homosexuality and transgenderism? In this message from Mark 10:6–9, we explore why Jesus grounded His teaching on marriage in God's original design, and how the differences between men and women are not flaws to be erased, but gifts meant to be joined together. God created male and female with real, meaningful distinctions. 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 childhoo

What is our answer to critics who say the Old Testament only copied other literature? Or that the New Testament was written hundreds of years after the fact so the teachings of the original Apostles is lost? Do you ever wonder how we can be sure the Bible is truly God's Word? In this powerful message, we explore how the Bible came into existence, addressing tough questions and myths about Scripture, including: Did the Old Testament copy other ancient literature? Were the New Testament writings lost or corrupted over centuries? How does God inspire Scripture while using human authors? What does "verbal inspiration" and "inerrancy" really mean? 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—open

What should you do when the experts say the Bible says one thing, but to you, it seems to say something else? Should you go with the experts? Or rely on your own judgment? 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 Ins

Many Christians read the Bible every day and still drift away. Peter explains why—and how to make sure that never happens to you.