Food For Your Soul

In this study, we explore Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees. He called them hypocrites, but why? They promoted following the traditions, which is exactly what they did. So where's the hypocrisy? Learning the true meaning of hypocrisy is crucial for learning how to be truly clean before God. 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

What does it mean to seek a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35)? Do you know the difference between heaven with a lot of reward and heaven with little reward? And when you think of going to heaven, what is it, exactly, that you're going there to do? This expository sermon unpacks the biblical promise of a rich entry into the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. In this sermon, we examine: * Why heaven is far better than an eternal vacation. It's a place of eternal fulfillment through reigning with Christ. * How the Bible's call to "make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10) connects to a richly provided entry into 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 Scrip

Discover the profound lessons from Jesus walking on water in this inspiring sermon, "Jesus Takes a Walk." Dive into Mark 6:45-56 and explore how Jesus brings comfort and courage in the darkest storms of life. Learn how to trust God even when you feel forsaken, and uncover the truth about faith, hard-heartedness, and God's unwavering presence. Key Points from the Sermon: *Feeling Forgotten? Understand why God's people, from the Psalmists to Jesus Himself, have felt abandoned and how to find hope in those moments. * Jesus Sees You: Even in the darkest storms, Jesus sees your struggles and comes to you, treading the waves under His feet. * Faith Over Amazement: Discover the difference between being amazed by miracles and living by faith that transforms your life. * Softening Your Heart: Learn how to guard against a hardened heart and embrace the truths of God's Word. * Jesus' Power and Compassion: Witness the incredible healings at Gennesaret and the limitless compassion of Christ. Why Watch This Sermon? This se

2 Peter 1:10-11 says you have a role in securing your calling and election. How can your actions affect what God has already done? And how can you anchor your faith to ensure you never drift away? In this message, we dive deep into: * The biblical meaning of election as God's choice for salvation (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). * How calling isn't just an invitation but God's powerful draw to share in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4). * Warnings from Romans 9-11 about the fluid nature of election based on faith and perseverance. * Practical steps to overcome spiritual complacency and grow in virtues by trusting God's promises (2 Peter 1:5-9). 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 preach

Feel inadequate? What if that's the whole point? We often think of the feeding of the 5,000 as a simple display of Jesus' power—but it's much more than that. In this expository sermon on Mark 6, we uncover a deeper meaning: Jesus was showing not only his ability to provide, but also how he uses his followers in gospel ministry. Jesus has the power to spread out the Messianic Banquet—the glorious feast at the end of the age. But in the meantime, he's serving spiritual food through the preaching of the gospel, and he chooses to work through us. That's right—you're invited to play a role. Just like the disciples, Jesus calls you to offer what you have, trust him with it, and watch him do miraculous things with your obedience. 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. Sin

The feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels, and it's referred to at least 10 times in the New Testament. Even more striking, Jesus rebuked people three separate times for not understanding it. That raises a critical question: What is there to understand about a miracle? Isn't believing it enough? As you'll see in this deep-dive expository sermon, the feeding of the multitude wasn't just a miracle—it was a sermon in action. A preview of the great Messianic Banquet. And a powerful revelation of who Jesus truly is. 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,

Have you ever felt like you're not enough for what God is calling you to do? The task is too big, your strength is small, you just don't have what it takes. In this episode, we unpack three powerful ways to strengthen your faith when you feel inadequate—and we anchor it all in this unshakable truth:

We usually think of emotions as clouding wise decision-making. And that often happens. But that's not to say emotions have no role. In fact, if we follow Jesus' example, our decisions will be DRIVEN by emotions. When you're faced with a tough decision—like choosing between two godly options—how do you know what God's will is? The Bible doesn't always give detailed instructions for every situation. So how do you make wise, God-pleasing choices when there's no clear right or wrong? In this clip from our Gospel of Mark sermon series, we examine Mark 6, where Jesus makes a wise, godly decision—then changes His mind and makes the opposite decision... and both are within God's will. How is that possible? 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 d

Why Your Memory Could Be Sabotaging Your Spiritual Growth | Biblical Insights on Cleansing & Faith When you have struggled with a problem for years and it seems like nothing you've tried has worked, it may be that what will work is a truth that's already in your head, but you haven't fully digested it.

Are you facing a tough decision and wondering, "What is God's will?" What if you sincerely seek God's guidance, choose what you think is right, and later realize you were wrong? Are you now outside God's will? Did you miss the one perfect plan? In this episode, we explore a surprising moment when Jesus himself changed his plans—a day off that got canceled, a boat ride turned ministry opportunity—and how this teaches us something revolutionary about how God's will really works.

"How do I get rid of fear?" What if that's the wrong question? God's answer isn't to eliminate fear, but to replace it with something more powerful. Featuring a raw, real look at Mark 6 and the devastating consequences of Herod's cowardice, this video uncovers the spiritual roots of fear—and God's beautiful, life-changing solution. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, insecurity, or paralyzing fear, this message will point you to true freedom.

Why You're Not Growing (And How to Start Again) | Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation Feeling stuck in your faith? Have you tried to change a bad habit or grow in love, patience, or self-control, but nothing seems to stick? In this powerful sermon based on 2 Peter 1:8-9, we dive into why spiritual growth stalls and how to break free from stagnation. Discover the two surprising reasons—spiritual blindness and forgetfulness—that hold you back, and learn practical steps to see God clearly and grow in grace. If you've ever wondered, "Why am I not changing?" this message will inspire and equip you to move forward in your walk with God.

Weighed down with guilt and shame? Self-justification won't help. Freedom comes through repentance. Learn the six components of real repentance, why Jesus emphasized it, and how it helps us not only receive forgiveness but also draw near to God. Timestamps: 0:00 - The agony of lingering shame 0:36 - Why Jesus majored on repentance 2:25 - The best way to get grace from God 5:08 - What Is Repentance? 6:02 - Six Ingredients of True Repentance 12:10 - Why the call to repentance is unpopular but vital. 13:38 - Power of Expository Preaching For the blog post on the Seven Best Websites for Sermons, go to https://drichardferguson.com/best-sermon-websites 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

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-stress-and-inner-turmoil/ For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. And follow on social: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson/

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. This session dives deep into the Bible's surprising guide to happiness, showing you how to embrace seven God-given blessings—eating, drinking, work, wealth, family, youth, and more—even when troubles like loss, anxiety, or unpredictability strike. What You'll Learn: * Why life feels like "chasing the wind" and how to stop * The seven blessings Ecclesiastes calls us to enjoy * How to find joy in God's gifts, not just the gifts themselves * Practical steps to shift from anxiety to contentment * Why humility and wisdom are key to a joyful life Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardfe

How would you define an impactful, productive life? Peter gives a definition that wouldn't even occur to most people. But it's a definition that gives hope to everyone, regardless of your age, health, skills, or any other factor. A powerful, effective life is within your reach! If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast.

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. God's Word provides numerous solutions to runaway anxiety. Some are obvious, like trusting God. Others most people would never guess. In this session, we explore how pride causes anxiety, and how to learn the secret of contentment through humility. Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical application of the principles in God's Word on the topic of anxiety. To get your copy of the book Anxiety and the Peace of God, which has all the material in these podcasts and much more, go to https://drichardferguson.com/books/anxiety-the-peace-of-god-six-biblical-cures-for-worry-stress-and-inner-turmoil/ For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. And follow on social: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ Face

If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. Are you struggling with nagging unhappiness or anxiety over unmet desires—like a better body, financial stability, or a longed-for relationship? This video explores how greed, often misunderstood as just a financial craving, can attach to any desire and rob you of peace. Drawing from Philippians 4:10-13, we unpack Apostle Paul's journey from greed-induced anxiety to a state of unshakable contentment, no matter the circumstances. Key Topics Covered: * What is greed, and how does it fuel anxiety? * The biblical meaning of contentment (Philippians 4:11-13 explained) * How to rejoice in God amidst unfulfilled desires * Why wealth doesn't guarantee peace—and poverty doesn't steal it * Actionable exercises to train your heart for godliness and contentment Certified biblical counselor Dr. D. Richard Ferguson draws on 25 years of pastoral ministry and counseling to provide practical