Food For Your Soul

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.

When Jesus was asked a question about whether divorce for any reason was permitted in Scripture, he brought up two passages that don't even mention divorce. And his reason for doing that teaches volumes on how we are to interpret Scripture—as well as providing deep insight into the nature and wonder of marriage. In this verse-by-verse expository sermon from Mark 10:1–12, Jesus is tested by the Pharisees on the subject of divorce—but instead of debating loopholes, He takes them back to Genesis. By pointing to God's original design for male and female, Jesus reveals the purpose of marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and the divine nature of the marital bond. 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 exposi

There is a tractor beam pulling you through life that determines where you will end up. But you have control over what that tractor beam is. Peter reveals the one that will pull you into the wisest and best decisions in life. Discover how a flash of light on an ancient hill can rewrite your future. On the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John saw Jesus shine like the sun and flash like lightning—not as a reflection, but as the source of divine light. This wasn't just a miracle. It was a preview of the Second Coming, when every element melts, the Antichrist shatters under His splendor, and the universe is flooded with eternal, uncreated glory. 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 pre

Stay Salty: Mark 9:49-50 Explained – What Jesus Taught about Suffering, Sanctification & Hell What does Jesus mean when He says "Everyone will be salted with fire" and "Have salt in yourselves"? In this expository message on Mark 9:49-50, we unpack one of the most difficult and controversial passages in the Gospels. Discover why suffering is the fire that makes Christians "salty," how losing your saltiness is a real and terrifying danger, and why Jesus ends with the command to "be at peace with each other." Key Topics: "Salted with fire" – Is this about hell, suffering, or Old Testament sacrifice? Why suffering refines and sanctifies believers (and why it's good to be "salty") If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-star 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 beaut

Far more Americans believe in karma than believe in hell. People think hell is too harsh, but the doctrine of hell is actually more merciful than karma. Jesus taught the exact opposite of our culture's assumptions—and He did it in shocking, unforgettable language. In Mark 9:42–50, Jesus gives two of the most urgent warnings in Scripture: 1️⃣ Don't push people toward hell 2️⃣ Don't push yourself toward hell Why would Jesus give such intense warnings in a private teaching session with His disciples—and not the crowds? What dangers was He seeing in their lives? And why does Jesus connect eternal punishment with everyday things like influence, attitudes, habits, and desires? 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 powe

"In Jesus' Name"—Christians say the phrase all the time—at the end of prayers, in spiritual conversations, even in spiritual warfare. But is it a magical formula? A Christian catchphrase? Or something far more profound? Why did Jesus say "in My name" FOUR times in just five verses and never again in the entire Gospel of Mark? In this sermon Mark 9:33–41, we explore Jesus' own teaching on His Name and discover a truth that dismantles pride, redefines greatness, accrues heavenly reward, and transforms ordinary acts of love into powerful acts of worship. This passage is NOT a random collection of sayings—it's a masterpiece that exposes our addiction to earthly greatness and shows the only cure: exalting the Name of Christ If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-star 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

We read of the disciples arguing who was the greatest, and we see it as immature and crass. But all of us have far more of that in us than we realize. This sermon will help you discover areas of self-exaltation and show the path toward true greatness. Discover: • Why Jesus didn't rebuke the desire for greatness — He redirected it • The hidden pride that makes us spiritually deaf when God calls us to suffer or deny ourselves • How arguments, envy, comparison, and even "I knew that" moments expose our quest for earthly glory • The staggering cultural background: why a little child was the ultimate picture of lowliness in the 1st century • Jesus' upside-down formula: "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all 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

What should you do when people with power over you are hurting you? That can be the worst fates in life. But when it happens, you can have hope because of what this passage teaches "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." (Mark 9:31) Why couldn't the disciples understand that simple statement? It's the same reason we often miss God's voice when he calls us to do something that will be painful or lowly. In this Bible study, you'll uncover: Why being "handed over to men" is worse than famine, plague, or war (2 Samuel 24:14) How human hatred amplifies suffering more than physical pain The hidden disease in the disciples' heart 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

Discover the raw truth behind one of the most intense exorcisms in the Gospels. In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus confronts a vicious demon tormenting a boy from infancy—throwing him into fire and water to kill him. The disciples fail. The father wavers. Jesus acts with sovereign authority. But what really angered Jesus wasn't the father's doubt—it was the disciples' self-reliant unbelief.

"This kind comes out only by prayer" explained. Discover why the disciples could cast out other demons easily but not "this kind"—and how their self-reliance mirrors our own deadly "I got this" attitude today. Jesus didn't rebuke the disciples for lacking power—He grieved their lack of prayer and faith when their authority hit its limit. "This kind" (genos) refers to a superior class of demon beyond the disciples' delegated authority (Mark 3:15, 6:7). Prayer is the reflex of faith—prayerlessness reveals self-dependence, even in areas of God-given gifting. When we trust our skills instead of God, we fail people in crisis. 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 ve