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At the end of this podcast is the answer to the question: What would John Owen say to the Theocast podcast, "Why I left Lordship" salvation." For John Owen, severing the Lordship of Christ from His saving work is a theological impossibility because saving faith receives the undivided Person of the God-Man, who simultaneously executes the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. In Christologia and Meditations on the Glory of Christ (Volume 1), Owen demonstrates that Christ's Kingly office is not an optional addendum to salvation, but the very mechanism by which He bestows His Spirit, subdues the rebel heart, and delivers His people from the dominion of sin and Satan. True faith involves the voluntary subjection of the soul to Christ's scepter; therefore, a "salvation" that leaves a sinner in active rebellion against King Jesus claims a benefits-only fiction that departs entirely from the genuine gospel.

Why did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus? Was it really just about 30 pieces of silver—or was something far more dangerous happening in his heart? In this in-depth Bible study of Mark 14:10–16, we explore the betrayal of Jesus Christ, the spiritual danger of loving money, and the remarkable truth that God's sovereign plan was unfolding even through humanity's most wicked actions. Judas was not an outsider. He was one of the Twelve disciples who had walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teaching. Yet he chose money over Christ. How could this happen? And what warning does his betrayal hold for us today? In this episode, we examine the human and divine dimensions of Jesus' journey to the cross. 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

Welcome to today's episode, where we step deep into the pastoral architecture of Volume 6 of John Owen's Collected Works, widely known as Temptation and Sin. Edited with meticulous historical and textual care by Scottish scholar William H. Goold, this seminal volume guides the believer through a complete map of spiritual warfare—from the relentless internal fight in The Mortification of Sin and the subtle entanglements of Of Temptation, to the psychological depths of Indwelling Sin and the glorious, covenantal assurance of An Exposition upon Psalm 130. Whether you are navigating the subtle deceitfulness of the human heart, guarding against spiritual presumption in leadership, or seeking a path out of the depths of guilt into gospel forgiveness, Owen's penetrating insights offer an enduring, Christ-centered anchor for the soul.

"This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge, He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfil it, endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful sufferings in His body; was crucified, and died; was buried, and remained under the power of death; yet saw no corruption. On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which He suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world." Chapter 8, Section 4 (Westminster Confession of Faith)

This sermon examines the themes of anger and nostalgia through the narrative of Job, focusing on the introduction of Elihu in Job 32. The message argues that both anger and nostalgia are matters of the heart, requiring divine transformation rather than mere external compliance. By contrasting Elihu's imperfect, burning anger with God's holy wrath and Christ's righteous zeal, the sermon highlights the human tendency to justify oneself rather than God. It further explores Job's nostalgic reflection on his past righteousness, connecting it to the Christian call for good works that flow from genuine faith. Ultimately, the text invites listeners to submit their hearts to the scrutiny of Christ, who knows the true condition of the soul, ensuring that their belief is authentic and transformative.

This sermon explores the tension between human freedom and divine grace by examining why some disciples left Jesus while others remained, using the narrative in John chapter six as the central text. The message identifies three primary reasons for walking away: Jesus challenges cultural beliefs, He disappoints human expectations of a comfortable life, and He demands total dependence rather than self-sufficiency. In contrast, the sermon highlights Peter's confession as a model of staying, rooted in the realization that Jesus alone satisfies, the trustworthiness of His words even when misunderstood, and the certainty of His identity as the Holy One of God. Through personal testimony and theological reflection, the speaker encourages the congregation to examine their own convictions and reaffirm their commitment to follow Jesus, not because of circumstances, but because of the unchanging character of Christ. The tone is pastoral and challenging, inviting listeners to move from passive observation to active, trusting obedience.

The way of true riches is to truly wait for God's reward on your spiritual investment. Be Rich Within and Forever.

Sunday Evening Service – October 18, 2026 – Pastor Rhon Roberts Sermon: "Biblical View of the Ministry from Paul" Scripture: Acts 16:9-15; Philippians 1:3-14; 3:12 Offertory: "He Is Able to Deliver Thee" Lyrics and Music by William A. Ogden; Arranged by Gina Sprunger; Copyright 2003 by SoundForth Special Music: "As a Volunteer" Lyrics by W.S. Brown; Music by Charles Gabriel; Arranged by Fred and Ruth Coleman; Copyright 1998 by SoundForth Hymns used from the following: Great Hymns of the Faith Brentwood Benson Publishing - CCLI License for live streaming Soul Stirring Songs and Hymns - Sword of the Lord Publishers - used by permission from publisher From the Media Ministry of Mukwonago Baptist Church 1610 Honeywell Road Mukwonago, WI 53149 www.mukwonagobaptist.org 262-363-4197

John writes to a church under pressure from false teaching. Do not believe every spirit. Test them. Many false prophets have gone out. The test is clear: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. Every spirit that denies this is of the Antichrist. The church is not defined by walls. It is defined by souls God has joined together. It will always face attack, but it will not be overcome — because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. We test by Scripture. We hold fast what is good. We watch over one another in love. We do not need a new revelation. We need the old, sure Word — and the Spirit who confirms it.

The sermon argues that genuine Christian friendship and spirit-filled fellowship are defined by the standard Jesus set for the twelve disciples, rather than cultural norms or personal preference. It contends that believers often lack deep spiritual relationships because they fail to measure their interactions against Christ's model of sacrificial love and abiding presence. The message highlights five key priorities from Jesus' training of the twelve: strategic time, self-sacrifice, self-disclosure, shared mission, and soul-stirring encouragement. By examining these elements, the preacher challenges the congregation to move beyond superficial connections and embrace a costly, Christ-honoring form of community that strengthens faith under pressure. The tone is convicting and instructional, urging believers to prioritize these relational disciplines to endure in their walk with God.

Sunday Morning Service, October 18, 2026