Food on SermonAudio

For the past 5-6 years, we have raised chickens and ducks for their eggs. The birds stay in a fenced-off part of our backyard we affectionately refer to as Stinky Creek Farm. It has been an interesting diversion from the busyness of life. One of the interesting things about the chickens and ducks is that they are not very pet like. When I walk toward them, they usually scatter. The ducks especially choose to run away from me despite the fact that I provide water and food for them every day. However, it is an entirely different story inside our house. When I walk into the house, our dog and cats come running as if I was their best friend in the world. And if they didn't hear me come in, I can quickly call them to action by my voice. In today's passage, we will see that Jesus has a similar relationship with believers. It is like a shepherd who knows His sheep so well that they respond to His voice and follow Him wherever He leads. But, as we will see, not all people hear His voice and follow Him.

Jonah: The Ninevites turn around, but Jonah is not happy about it. Micah: Israel and its rulers rebuked by the prophet of the Lord. But a remnant...

Amos. Familiar pattern, judgment followed by restoration! Obadiah. About Edom, then about the Millennium! Jonah. The boat ride away from God and into the jaws of a huge "fish."

The sermon explores the concept of adiaphora, or indifferent matters, as discussed in Romans 14, urging believers to prioritize love over personal liberty. It distinguishes between moral issues requiring judgment and non-moral issues where Christians must respect each other's consciences to avoid causing spiritual harm. The preacher emphasizes that while all things are clean, exercising freedom in a way that causes a weaker brother to stumble violates the principle of love and damages their faith. Central to this teaching is the call to pursue righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit rather than insisting on personal rights regarding food or drink. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to act only from faith, ensuring that their actions build up the church and reflect the sacrificial spirit of Christ.

Amos, a shepherd by trade, speaks mighty words of coming judgment to Israel until he is finally told to go down to Judah instead. He refuses, and places God's curse on the messenger.

Acts 9:10-19: "Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus."

Joel: He sees Pentecost, the restoration of Israel, final judgments, and the coming Kingdom! Amos: A shepherd given a burden from God for nations surrounding Israel and Israel itself.

Hosea: Beautiful promises to repentant Israel. Joel: The day of the Lord - Judgment!

In Mark 12:35–40, Jesus does two remarkable things. First, He affirms that David wrote Psalm 110 and that David spoke by the Holy Spirit, revealing Jesus' view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture—including the superscriptions. Second, He exposes five subtle forms of pride that can infect even the best of us. In this sermon, you'll discover why Jesus' teaching on Psalm 110 matters for the reliability of the Bible, the doctrine of inspiration, and the identity of the Messiah. You'll also examine Jesus' sobering warning against seeking earthly greatness through appearance, status, privilege, and religious performance. Jesus' warning is just as relevant today as it was in the temple courts. 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

Proverbs 30:7-9 7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

The heresy of asceticism was a key component of Marcion's rejection of God's physical creation. Forbidding marriage and requiring abstinence from foods are demonic teachings that impugn God's goodness and promote pride. All of God's creation is good and intended to be received with thanksgiving. True spirituality comes from a pure heart aligned with Scripture, not from man-made rules or self-imposed denials. Believers are called to enjoy God's gifts while remaining grounded in the Word and prayer.

Is it judgment or blessing come to Israel and Judah? Yes, both. See the tenderness of a Father who must chastise his son severely, but out of love.

Hosea the prophet speaks to Israel and Judah about their sins, but also, like the other prophets, sees a coming day of restoration!

The history of the Syrian wars, in advance! Then the transition into the end times and the man of sin seen by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2. Thank God for this book!

We begin the last message of Daniel, introduced by Gabriel. Rare insights into heavenly warfare. Daniel is prepped for the most amazing prophecy in all of Scripture.

What did Jesus mean when He told the scribe, "You are not far from the kingdom of God" (Mark 12:34)? Was that a compliment—or a warning? In this verse-by-verse exposition of Mark 12:32–34, we explore one of the most intriguing encounters in Jesus' final week before the cross. A Jewish scribe agrees with Jesus about the greatest commandment, and Jesus responds with words He never speaks to anyone else: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But what does it mean to be close to God's kingdom without actually entering it? 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

What in the World? That phrase has become the title of an ongoing series on Crosstalk noting some of the more outlandish or shocking things taking place in society and the world. Many of these stories don't get coverage from mainstream media, so settle-in as Jim takes you through these surprising news items. Here's a sample from the broadcast: Chancellor Sam Hawgood of the University of California San Francisco struggles to answer whether a non-biological woman has ever had a baby. The League of Women Voters believes that keeping men who claim to be women out of women's sports is an egregious example of sex discrimination. A transgender person born as a male and identifying as a female fled the U.S. for the Netherlands, apparently feeling there would be greater freedom there. This same person complained about being harassed by Muslim migrants in this Dutch country. On a leftist podcast, Francesca Hong, who's running for governor in Wisconsin, branded hospitals that won't provide gender affirming care for children as, "cowardly". Christ Episcopal Church in Dayton, Ohio, used food dye to turn their communion bread in the colors of the LGBTQ rainbow. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation released a report bemoaning the decline of LGBTQ characters in film. Texas State Representative James Talarico, the Council on American/Islamic Relations, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and more also made the cut as part of this selection of eye-opening news stories.

Daniel 9 tells of Daniel's repentance on behalf of Israel, and God's immediate response in the way of a breathtakingly accurate prophecy of Israel's future.

1. Regarding days, vv.5-6a. i. The Weekly Sabbath? ii. Extra-biblical holydays? iii. OT feast days. 2. Regarding food, v.6b. 3. Regarding the Lord, vv.7-9.

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Canons of Dort Heads 3-4 ARTICLE 17 - The gift of faith from God does not exclude, but includes the continued use of the means of grace – the admonitions of the Gospel, the influence (preaching and study) of the Word, the sacraments, and church discipline. God uses these means to bring us to faith, and we must continue in them. As the almighty operation of God whereby He brings forth and supports this our natural life does not exclude but require the use of means by which God, of His infinite mercy and goodness, has chosen to exert His influence, so also the aforementioned supernatural operation of God by which we are regenerated in no wise excludes or subverts the use of the gospel, which the most wise God has ordained to be the seed of regeneration and food of the soul. Wherefore, as the apostles and the teachers who succeeded them piously instructed the people concerning this grace of God, to His glory and to the abasement of all pride, and in the meantime, however, neglected not to keep them, by the holy admonitions of the gospel, under the influence of the Word, the sacraments, and ecclesiastical discipline; so even now it should be far from those who give or receive instruction in the Church to presume to tempt God by separating what He of His good pleasure has most intimately joined together. For grace is conferred by means of admonitions; and the more readily we perform our duty, the more clearly this favor of God, working in us, usually manifests itself, and the more directly His work is advanced; to whom alone all the glory, both for the means and for their saving fruit and efficacy, is forever due. Amen.

Because there are demonic deceivers who pervert a living faith in Christ with a dead man-centered asceticism, we must consciously embrace a life of God-glorifying gratitude that keeps our joy focused on Him. I. Be Warned: There Are Deceivers and There Are People Who Fall Away from Christ v 1 II. Beware: There are Human Deceivers Working Hard to Separate You from Faith in Christ vv 2-3 III. Be Grateful! A Shared Gladness in God Defends Us Against the Deadening Power of Unbelief vv 4-5

The Vaccine Decision Faith Debate: Sunday, July 19th, 2026 (07/26/26 on 930 WFMD in Frederick, Maryland) Before joining Stand For Health Freedom, Valerie Ferrell specialized in health & parenting rights at her boutique law firm, especially surrounding birth & vaccine rights. She advocated for informed consent in health care & transparent food labeling in her state. She helped found the Birth Rights Bar Association, & was honored to present their argument to the Delaware Supreme Court that midwifery isn't the practice of medicine, in support of a trailblazing midwife. Valerie believes that, "Health is the foundation of how we show up in this world to love, serve, and create. Americans are blessed to live in a country that gets stronger the more we protect fundamental rights, like informed consent and privacy, so individuals and families can thrive." She expounds upon these ideals as she shares her expertise on this episode of The Faith Debate. This edition of The Faith Debate features a portion of her 90-minute presentation at Elk Neck Baptist Church in Cecil County, Maryland on March 24th, 2026. You can view the full uninterrupted video on the church's YouTube channel. This is part 2 of a 5-part series on The Faith Debate radio show & podcast. Find episodes of The Faith Debate at WFMD.com, ChristianPodcastCommunity.org, & most podcast platforms (including SermonAudio & Odysee). Videos are made available at many of these same places (as well as on Rumble). Find links for all of these platforms at householdoffaithinchrist.com. Panel: Troy Skinner. Founder, Household of Faith in Christ Valerie Ferrell. Associate Director & Policy Analyst, Stand For Health Freedom

The lights are dimmed, the band is tight, and the coffee in the lobby is artisan-grade. By almost every visible metric, the modern church in the West looks like it's thriving. But if we pull back the curtain, we find a quiet, devastating emergency. We have become experts at filling seats, yet we are struggling to form souls. We are living through what I call a "Discipleship Crisis." It is a strange time to be a believer. We have more access to Bibles, podcasts, and worship songs than any generation in human history, yet biblical illiteracy is at an all-time high. We find ourselves easily swayed by the latest political outrage or social media trend, often blending our faith with the world's ideas until the Gospel is barely recognizable. This is what happens when we settle for "Consumer Christianity"—a version of faith that treats church like a weekly entertainment commodity rather than a call to a radical, sacrificial life. The hard truth is that we are all being discipled by something. If we aren't being shaped by the Word of God, we are being shaped by secular algorithms, cable news, and the endless scroll of social media. These digital "masters" are designed to keep us distracted, anxious, and self-centered. They are like junk food for the soul—they provide a quick hit of dopamine but leave us spiritually malnourished. Jesus warned us that the road to life is narrow (Matthew 7:14). It's time we stop playing it safe in the pews and start counting the cost of what it actually means to follow the Master.

The vision of the animals explained by Heaven, and looks like the same interpretation of Daniel 2's statue. Then comes the ram and the goat prophecy and the Spirit's pointing to the location of the antichrist's sources.

Daniel now serves Darius the Median King and is honored in the same way, but not without a challenge from some jealous peers. Also we hear the vison of the four animals.

Nebuchadnezzar seriously humbled, then restored, then a vocal champion for God. But a successor, Belshazzar, isn't buying the story and has to receive a visitation of his own, which Daniel explains. Babylonia is finished.

Nebuchadnezzar creates a statue of his own and demands all worhsip it. Those who refuse - 3 Jewish provincial leaders - are thrown into a fire that has no power over them. Nebuchadnezzar repents. But soon after he is warned about his coming humiliation.

Daniel interprets the dream of a pagan king and gives us an outline of world history from the time of Babylonia until the coming of Jesus to set up His Kingdom!

What is the greatest thing a human being could ever do? Of all God's commandments, which one matters most? In Mark 12:28–31, a scribe asks Jesus one of the most important questions in all of Scripture: "Which commandment is the most important?" Jesus' answer reveals the greatest priority in the Christian life—not ministry success, not religious activity, not even loving your neighbor, but loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But what role do emotions play in obeying that command? Many get this wrong. We examine Jesus' teaching on the Greatest Commandment, why love for God comes before every other duty, and how the first commandment gives meaning to every other command in Scripture. 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

Heidelberg Catechism—Lord's Day 28

What does the Noahic covenant have to do with the celebration of 250 years of our nation's history, and the June celebration of so called 'gay pride'? Here with the Noahic Covenant, we see God's covenant of common grace where He formally institutes the state, and calls upon the state to promote procreation, provision, and protection of human life, promising to preserve the earth and the natural order so that the Seed of the woman may come in Jesus Christ.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus: Rachel lusted for food – the most common type of lust in the Bible! Her type of lust started in the Garden of Eden with Eve and continues to plague mankind today. Hear about Rachel's lust for the flesh today and the danger she posed to herself, her family, and the kingdom of the Lord. But hear too of Leah, a woman who did not lust for the flesh but who wanted the expansion of Christ's kingdom…one who longed for the glory of the Lord. Our headings are: 1. Rachel wanted Food 2. Leah wanted Family 3. God gave them Favor Our goals are: You will learn to control your lusts, and rather, invest in things that are important for the kingdom, even while trusting in Jesus to be your source of strength and success.

Discover True Power in Your Prayer Life Are you feeling disconnected from the source of your strength, running on empty despite a packed schedule? In this verse-by-verse study of Luke chapter 11, Pastor Steve Harness of Wilton Baptist Church delivers a compelling message titled "How To Pray According To Jesus." Unpacking what is widely known as the Lord's Prayer, this sermon challenges the common misconception that power lies within our own words. Instead, it reminds us that true power resides solely in the person of Jesus Christ. Through Christ's "KARP" method—knowing to whom you pray, acknowledging God's will, recognizing His ultimate ability, and practicing prayer daily—you will discover how to tap into the wealth of the eternal Father with shameless boldness and persistence.

The sermon explores the practical challenges of becoming a disciple of Jesus by examining four primary hindrances: the love of money, the love of food and drink, excessive attachment to family, and the love of ease. Drawing from multiple Gospel passages, particularly Matthew 16 and Luke 9, the message emphasizes that true discipleship requires daily self-denial and prioritizing spiritual treasures over earthly comforts. The preacher illustrates how anxiety for material provision and comfort can distract believers from the eternal value of the Kingdom of God. By referencing personal experiences and biblical examples like Matthew and Paul, the text encourages contentment with basic needs and reliance on God's presence rather than worldly security. Ultimately, the central call is to fix one's eyes on Christ, accepting the cost of following Him as a necessary path to finding true happiness in serving the Master Jesus Christ.

The explanation is not difficult to understand. The tree represented Nebuchadnezzar and his great kingdom (vv. 20–22). God often uses the figure of a tree to picture a kingdom; as God told Ezekiel regarding Sennacherib the Assyrian who threatened Jerusalem under King Hezekiah. Sennacherib received similar to Nebuchadnezzar saw, what must have been a humiliating experience, the overnight destruction of his army. Another example, is found in the book of Matthew wherein our Lord is describing the Kingdom and its growth like a mustard seed which became a tree. Matthew. 13:31–32. 31 He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; 32 and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES. (NASB)" A tree is a fitting symbol of an earthly kingdom because it is rooted in the earth and depends on the earth for its food and stability. The nations that looked to Babylon for protection and provision are pictured by the beasts and birds lodging in and under the tree. Babylon had become a great and powerful kingdom. But it was not because of the king's prowess. The true source of this kingdom was God Who had given him his throne and his kingdom. That was the lesson Nebuchadnezzar was going to learn the hard way. God controls the affairs of the leaders of the world.

There are scholars with PhDs in theology, New Testament Greek, Biblical Studies—trained in apologetics and defending the faith, who have been deceived and have gone astray. There are people who have lived incredibly godly lives, made huge sacrifices, served on the mission field or as pastors, and who have been led astray and now deny the faith. If there are people smarter than me, more well-versed than me, godlier than me, more self-controlled than me, and more zealous for the Lord than me who have been led astray, how can I be assured it won't happen to me? There is some false teacher out there somewhere who could outsmart you. Peter sees it, and he rips off their masks and exposes their strategies so you and I can avoid the shipwreck of faith that has overtaken so many before us. This text may not be the most heartwarming passage in the Bible, and nobody puts it on a coffee mug or bookmark. But it could very well save your 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

Ezekiel ends with the division of the land of Israel in the Millennial Kingdom. Daniel opens with a story of the young man of God and his companions, making the best of a terrible situation, and giving glory to the God of their fathers.

Measurements of the Millennial Temple. Description of the offerings and activities. The prince. The Lord's portion of the land in that day. And the earth is rewatered after its poisoning from war.

We previously considered 7 major Divine Covenants, 5 necessary and 3 incidental aspects. We now consider their function and relationships, very briefly from 8 perspectives: A basic distinction, grace or works. The parties to Abraham's covenant. The delay in establishing or ratifying in the first 3. Shadow vs substance in the first 6. The same covenant may be seen in different perspectives. Covenants allude to a federal arrangement. Distinction and relationship between covenant and testament. Priesthood is founded on covenant and mediated it. Moses mediation of a failed covenant failed, to teach us how to look for better. How the Messiah is the New Covenant and fulfils all 8 aspects, especially as Surety and Priest. Food for spiritual growth.

The sermon analyzes Genesis 27 to illustrate how spiritual blindness stems from prioritizing fleshly appetites over divine truth. It examines Isaac's forty-year decline, where his love for Esau was tied to food rather than God's word, leading to a household ruled by manipulation and deception. The preacher contrasts this with the modern generation's inability to discern right from wrong despite technological fluency, warning that ignoring biblical evidence hardens the heart. Ultimately, the message urges believers to guard their affections and feed on Scripture to maintain spiritual clarity and protect their families from the consequences of living in the flesh.

Gog and Magog: mentioned in Revelation as a battle after the Millennium. Here in Ezekiel, it seems it is a battle before the Millennium, when Christ comes. Armageddon. WW3. Why can't it be both? And we begin the study of the Millennial Temple!

The haunting vision of the dry bones. They are resurrected. They are restored Israel, coming back to their land! Then we begin the war that may follow Israel's restoration, or may come at the end of the Millennial period (Revelation 20:7-10).

A new MP3 sermon from Audiobooks by Horatius Bonar is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 15 - The Divine Food of Our Heavenly Life Subtitle: Light and Truth - Vol 5 Speaker: Horatius Bonar Broadcaster: Audiobooks by Horatius Bonar Event: Audiobook Date: 1/15/1800 Bible: Revelation 2:7 Length: 6 min.