Pursuing Jesus - Memorial Baptist Church

Dig Around the Roots

Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus warns against self-righteousness, calls people to repentance, and tells a parable about a fig tree being given one more season to bear fruit. This episode of Pursuing Jesus explores suffering, discipleship, and the difficult but beautiful ways God cultivates deeper roots and lasting spiritual growth in us.

Clean Cups and Divided Houses

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

What does it mean to be clean on the inside? This episode of Pursuing Jesus explores repentance, sanctification, the “unpardonable sin,” and why Scripture should function as a mirror instead of a window.

Distracted by Many Things

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Martha and the danger of becoming “distracted by many things.” Spanning from ministry burnout and identity in service to worship, discipleship, and the challenge of truly sitting at the feet of Jesus, this conversation wrestles with what it means to pursue relationship with Christ in a world full of noise, pressure, and constant distraction.

Sacred Cows Make the Best Hamburger

Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Jesus pronounced woes on cities that witnessed His power but refused to repent. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, a conversation about Matthew 11 opens into a deeper exploration of sacred cows in the church: traditions, preferences, and good things that can take the place of obedience to God's best. We'll discuss how to confront misplaced priorities with grace, why methods can change while truth remains, and what it looks like to pursue Jesus above comfort, nostalgia, or control.

Faith, Pride, and the Greatness Trap

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus’ followers struggle to understand Him, a desperate father models honest faith, and the disciples reveal how easily pride can take root in the human heart. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore what it means to bring weak faith to a strong Savior, how false expectations distort discipleship, and why true greatness is found in humility, dependence, and grace.

What We Lay Down, What We Take Up, Who We See

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The crowds stay with Jesus at the cost of their comfort, true disciples are called to take up their crosses, and Christ’s glory is unveiled to a chosen few on the mountain. This episode of Pursuing Jesus explores what we lay down for the kingdom, what we take up to follow in Jesus' footsteps, and who we see as we follow Christ together.

Did Jesus Really Say That?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus says things that confuse, confront, and even offend His listeners. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore several of His hardest teachings, from calling people to “eat His flesh,” to confronting blind spiritual leadership, to His surprising interaction with the persistent faith of an unlikely woman. These passages challenge our assumptions and reveal what genuine faith really looks like.

Wolves, Doves, and Serpents

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

We begin with an unexpected conversation about AI and its place in the Christian life before turning to Jesus’ call to send His followers out into a world that won’t always receive them with open arms. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore what it means to be sent even when we don’t feel ready, how to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves,” and how to respond when the message of the gospel is resisted, both around us and within us.

Fearful Storms, Desperate Faith, New Family

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus calms storms, heals the unclean, and redefines family. This episode of Pursuing Jesus explores how faith begins in weakness, how Jesus restores what is broken, and how we are brought into the family of God.

Sow What?

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus often teaches in parables; not to obscure truth, but to reveal the condition of the heart. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we focus on the Parable of the Sower and Jesus’ own explanation of it, exploring how the same word produces very different responses depending on the soil. This conversation invites us to consider how we hear, receive, and hold fast to the Word of God in our daily lives.

The People Who Shouldn't Be Closest to Jesus

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A sinful woman pours out repentance and love at Jesus’ feet, a Roman centurion shows remarkable faith while declaring himself unworthy, and Jesus warns that only those who heed His words build their lives on solid rock. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore why the people who shouldn’t seem closest to Jesus often end up nearest to Him and how humility, repentance, and real faith form a foundation that can withstand any storm. Special guest Rev. Richard Alexander joins the conversation for Episode 10.

Good Eyes, Good Fruit, and a Good Father

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Jesus teaches that a “good eye” reflects a generous heart, calls His followers to bear real fruit, and assures us that our Father gives good gifts. This episode of Pursuing Jesus reflects on how a generous heart changes the way we see and live, as well as how the Father’s goodness gives us courage to follow Him.

What You Hide, What You Seek, How You Love

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Jesus confronts hidden sin, calls His followers to seek the Father in secret, and commands a radical love that turns the other cheek. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we explore how what happens in private shapes how we live in public and how a transformed heart leads to radical mercy in the world.

Check out the link Sean mentioned here:

https://thechurch.shop/shop/memorial-baptist-church/

Bruised Reeds, Blessed Mourning, Shining Stars

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Jesus promises that He will not break a bruised reed or extinguish a dimly burning wick, revealing a Savior who refuses to discard what others would throw away. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus, we reflect on the blessing of mourning and the comfort Christ gives, and we explore what it means to stand out as God’s people; shining like stars in a dark world. This conversation is an invitation to hope, endurance, and faithful witness, especially in seasons of difficulty.

Bring Your Mat, Not Your Resume

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Jesus warns that knowing Scripture without knowing God leads to spiritual death. Then we watch friends lower a paralyzed man through a roof just to get him to Christ; and we ask if we’re bringing people to Jesus with that kind of faith and excitement. Finally, Jesus reminds us that you don’t clean yourself up to come to Him; He comes for the sick, not the self-righteous. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus – Memorial Baptist, we explore living faith, bold friendship, and the grace that welcomes us as we are.

Unworthy Men, Unclean Spirits, Unmatched Authority

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Simon Peter confesses his unworthiness in the presence of Jesus, demons recognize Christ’s authority, and evil is silenced by a single command. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus – Memorial Baptist, we explore how Jesus’ authority exposes our sin, confronts darkness, and calls broken people into relationship anyway.

Faithful Ministry, Flat Devos, and Flipped Tables

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:33:50 GMT

Jesus cleanses the temple in righteous anger, revealing God’s heart for pure worship and space for all to draw near. He responds faithfully in seasons without dramatic clarity; facing rejection, grief, and quiet obedience without an “aha” moment. And He reminds us that no ministry, calling, or fruit is received apart from God. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus – Memorial Baptist, we reflect on holy anger, faithfulness in dry seasons, and the freedom of receiving our work from Jesus rather than striving to manufacture it ourselves.

Viper's Brood, Good Wine, and a New Name

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Real repentance, quiet obedience, and new identity collide as John the Baptist prepares the way, Jesus turns water into wine, and Simon is renamed Peter. This episode of Pursuing Jesus – Memorial Baptist explores how Jesus changes not just what we do—but who we are.

Angels Sing, Simeon Waits, and Jesus Obeys

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Angels announce God’s glory, Simeon waits faithfully for the promise fulfilled, and Jesus models obedience in quiet submission. In this episode of Pursuing Jesus – Memorial Baptist, we reflect on how God’s glory appears not only in the heavens, but in patient waiting and faithful lives.

Genealogies & the Gospel before the Gospel

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Before Jesus preaches, performs miracles, or calls disciples, the Gospel is already unfolding. In this first official episode, we explore the opening chapters of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John, tracing genealogies, angelic announcements, and quiet acts of obedience. These often-overlooked passages reveal God at work long before the public ministry begins. Far from background material, they show a Gospel already in motion; rooted in history, carried through real people, and marked by grace. This is the Gospel before the Gospel.

Pursuing Jesus - Episode Zero

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:58:15 GMT

In this introductory episode of Pursuing Jesus, Pastors Jon Ferguson, Sean Griffin, and Ben Smith to share the vision behind this podcast and how it supports our yearlong journey through Scripture as a church family. You’ll hear why this Pursuing Jesus exists, how it connects to our Bible reading plan, and learn about a Scripture interpretation tool designed to help readers engage God’s Word more deeply. Episode Zero is an invitation into ongoing conversations meant to encourage thoughtful questions, faithful study, and a growing pursuit of Jesus together.