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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

Genesis 13:1-18 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; 4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. 5 ¶ And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. 7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. 8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. 10 ¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. 12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked.

This short psalm is a song of remembrance. This psalm is almost exactly like part of Psalm 40. However, this psalm has a repeated phrase "Hurry." The psalmist is need of desperate help and he calls on God to move His plan quicker. His desire is for the people of God to be blessed and for wicked men to receive justice. The psalm reminds that it is okay to ask for God to hurry.

This sermon explores the wisdom of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, emphasizing that correct interpretation of reality depends on a proper worldview rooted in divine truth. The text addresses the tension between earthly justice and the apparent success of the wicked, asserting that while human systems are flawed and delayed, God's judgment is perfect and eternal. It highlights the limitations of human knowledge, noting that no one can fully comprehend the works of God or control the timing of life and death. The message encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over history and nature, finding contentment in the present moment rather than anxiety over the future. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of human finitude and a reliance on the wisdom that discerns both time and judgment.

This sermon explores Psalm 129 as a source of comfort for believers facing prolonged affliction and hostility. It highlights the central truth that God is righteous, meaning He is holy and faithful to His promises, which ensures that the wicked will not ultimately prevail against His people. The message contrasts the temporary flourishing of enemies with their inevitable failure to reap a harvest, using the imagery of grass on housetops that withers before it grows. By connecting the historical suffering of Israel to the ongoing struggles of the church, the sermon encourages believers to look back at God's past preservation and forward to His future judgment. This perspective offers profound peace, affirming that while the church may feel diminished, God's power remains unconsumed and His promises stand firm.

This lesson deals with Joram, Jehoram, Jehosaphat, & the heritage of Ahab.

This sermon explores the difficult passage of 1 Peter 3:18-20, arguing that Christ, through the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the gospel to the rebellious generation of Noah. The speaker interprets the "spirits in prison" not as fallen angels, but as the wicked people of that era who were spiritually bound by their own sin and self-worship. By connecting this to the broader context of Christian conduct and the work of the Spirit in the Old Testament prophets, the message emphasizes that God has always worked to liberate humanity from the prison of darkness. The sermon serves as a pastoral encouragement for believers, assuring them that even in a hostile culture, the power of the Spirit enables effective witness and that God's patience and persistence in saving a few, as seen in the ark, should inspire perseverance in the church today.

Psalm 11 is significant because it addresses the challenge of remaining faithful to God when society's moral and spiritual foundations appear to be collapsing. David faces advice to flee from danger, as the wicked prepare their weapons and attack the upright, prompting the question, "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). Rather than surrendering to fear, David declares his trust in the LORD, who reigns from His holy throne, sees everything, examines the hearts of humanity, and will ultimately judge the wicked while upholding righteousness. In the context of "Foundations Crumbling," this psalm reminds believers that although earthly institutions, moral standards, and human security may fail, God's throne and righteous character remain unshaken. Christians are therefore called to stand firm in faith, resist the temptation to despair, and trust in God's sovereign justice and enduring righteousness, knowing that the LORD loves the righteous and remains their ultimate refuge even in times of widespread corruption and uncertainty.

HC LD 16

This sermon explores the theme of God's absolute sovereignty and almighty power, anchored in the declaration from Ecclesiastes that where the word of a king is, there is power. It addresses the human struggle with uncertainty and the apparent prosperity of the wicked by asserting that all events unfold according to God's eternal plan and purpose. The text highlights key theological concepts such as divine election, the gathering of all things in Christ, and the incomprehensible greatness of God's might, illustrated through references to Daniel, Romans, and Ephesians. The tone is pastoral and comforting, encouraging believers to trust in God's control over history and their personal salvation, rather than relying on earthly understanding. Ultimately, the message affirms that God's power is beyond measure, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive will for His people.

The sermon examines the theological and ethical implications of the trial and execution of Jesus, using it as a case study for the dangers of pragmatic moral relativism and group pressure. It argues that individual responsibility remains intact even when a majority or authority figure demands unjust action, citing the Nuremberg defense and biblical examples of civil disobedience to refute the idea that obedience to unlawful orders absolves one of guilt. The text emphasizes that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, referencing Romans 1:32 and the duty to oppose evil rather than remain neutral. By analyzing Scripture passages from Proverbs, Zechariah, and Deuteronomy, the message highlights God's specific concern for the vulnerable and the inherent corruption of justice when influenced by bias, bribery, or unjust statutes. Ultimately, the sermon calls for steadfast adherence to God's law over cultural consensus or political expediency, asserting that wicked laws do not justify wicked behavior.

The demands of wicked hearts will never be satisfied and will lead to destruction. The faith of repentant hearts will be satisfied and leads to union with Christ. 1. Evil demands 2. Signs of the Savior 3. Evil emptiness 4. Signs of the saints

I. God our Light in the Darkness A.God Chastens Even His Forgiven Children: Absalom B.God's People Often Besieged by the Wicked (vv. 1-2) C.God Remains our Faithful Helper and Hearer (v. 3-4) D.God Blesses Us in the Darkness (vv. 5-6) E. Plead with God to Save Us from the Wicked (v. 7) II. God Our Salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ A. His Sufferings and the World's Hatred...Now in Us B. He Trusted in His Father; Promises Ours (Eph. 1:3) C. He Purchased Salvation; Secured for Us (Heb. 9:14) III.God Our Salvation in the Darkest Hour (v. 8) A. Expect warfare: world/flesh/devil –Arm Yourself! B.Trust the Lord: salvation belongs to Him. C. Fix faith upon the Lord's promised blessing.