Sermons on remove the thorns:

Where Is God?

Contributed by Doug Koehler on Apr 16, 2004

One week removed from Easter and there are already events taking place which make some question the presence of an Almighty God. Today’s message reminds us not to lose hope!

HE HAS RISEN! HE HAS RISEN INDEED! Acts 5:17-42 Second Sunday of Easter (see also John 20:19-31) Authored 4/13/04 A puzzled teenager came up to me and asked in tears that reflected anger, “where is God?” The question came on the eve of September 11th, 2001. We ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-42

Denomination: Lutheran

But For The Grace Of God Part 2 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jul 28, 2020

In this message I focus on how grace impacts righteousness and our faith.

But For The Grace of God Part 2 Scripture: Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 4:16 Last week I introduced the notion that there was some confusion pertaining to how the Church understands and speaks about the grace of God. I believe, unintentionally, in our expressions of being grateful, we ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-24, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 4:16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"what Doesn't Kill Us ..." Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 29, 2019

James calls God’s training regimen “various [kinds of] trials” (James 1:2). As he prepares his friends for the inevitable test, he outlines for them ... and for us … the following five strategies to employ when times of testing challenge us.

A very popular show in the sixties and seventies was a little half-hour police drama called … [do the theme music] … “Dragnet.” Remember that show? It starred Jack Webb as “Joe Friday” … a detective with the Los Angels Police Department. Joe Friday was a no-nonsense cop. His famous line was … ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon - Lessons From Demas (The Temptation Of Ease)

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 14, 2024

All of us may experience people who we love and count on, walking away for any number of reasons. The Lord will not abandon us. Let us examine the life of Demas and see what lessons we can learn from his departure.

Sermon – Lessons from Demas Scripture Lesson - 2 Timothy 4:9-18 “Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:9-18, Hebrews 10:25, 1 John 2:15-17, Luke 4:2-4

Denomination: Methodist

Our Longing For Heaven Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

All those in Christ will spend eternity living in the new heavens and new earth. The new heaven and new earth is everything that we loved about the old heaven and earth, minus the curse of sin. Creation’s beauties are heightened, its pleasures strengthened, and our limitations removed.

Twenty years old, Matthew decides to begin his sophomore year at Texas State University, by pledging for a fraternity. He feels it’s a good way to make new friends. During initiation, he consumes enough alcohol to make an elephant inebriated. Still, at 20 years of age and two-sport athlete in high ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:22-23, Isaiah 65:17-25, Genesis 3:6-8, Genesis 3:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Series: Recovering Stolen Identity & Reclaiming Misplaced Destiny: Part 4a: God Can Use Detours To Get You To Your Destiny (Significance Of Detours To Joseph’s Destiny)

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 10, 2020

Looking at some people's past, they should have never produced a Joseph. In our society, most people with Joseph's backgrounds are killers, jail birds, drunks, addicts, etc. But God’s Destiny on your life can be fulfilled even in the midst of thorns.

SERIES: RECOVERING STOLEN IDENTITY & RECLAIMING MISPLACED DESTINY: PART 4A: GOD CAN USE DETOURS TO GET YOU TO YOUR DESTINY - SIGNIFICANCE OF DETOURS TO JOSEPH’S DESTINY 1. Genesis 35:18: Rachel died while giving birth to the son. Before dying, she named the boy Benoni. But Jacob called him ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 35:18, Genesis 37:18-28

Denomination: Charismatic

Step #3: Tap Into God's Grace Series

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Sep 1, 2004

When life hands you puzzle pieces you can’t figure out, what do you do? How can we handle it? Let’s examine how Paul dealt with his "thorn in the flesh", and learn some lessons for us! *HANDOUT INCLUDED*

Tap Into God’s Grace (OR Bitter or Better OR Let it Change You) 2 Cor. 12:7-10 - 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Holiness

The Incomprehensible Light

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Dec 21, 2009

Jesus Christ is the incomprehensible Light given to remove the veil of darkness that shrouds us fas a result of sin. Let us consider the need for Light, the source of the Light, the reception of the Light, and the disbursement of the Light.

Introduction: In Luke 1:78-79, concerning the coming of Christ, Zechariah proclaimed, “Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Jesus Christ is the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of The Blood And The Cross

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Nov 22, 2010

When the church removes the central theme and central action of the church it becomes ineffective and nothinig more than a social club. We need to make sure we keep the blood and the cross in the church.

“The Power of the Blood and the Cross” By District Elder M.L. Maughmer, Jr. 1st Corinthians 1:17-18 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18

Denomination: Apostolic

Living On Both Sides Of The Veil!

Contributed by Victor Ramlall on Dec 14, 2013

The removal of any barrier between God and man is made possible by the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and by the Blood of the Ne Covenant we can move beyond the veil into the very presence of the Almighty Father!

Heb 10:19-25 KJV Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 10:19-25

Denomination: Pentecostal

He Will Not Fail Them Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Apr 20, 2016

That is the rest of the story. You are not destroyed for your sins. Your Shepherd took that punishment. Your guilt is removed forever. The glory of the Lord will not depart from you because the Holy Spirit will not leave you.

Psalm 78:65-72 He Will Not Fail Them 12/31/06 D. Marion Clark Introduction The application of Psalm 78:1-8 was the following exhortation: “We must be careful not to exhibit complaining spirits before our children. Do they see that in us? What will your children hear from you today ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Anointing Today

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Feb 26, 2022

The flow of the anointing can be seen throughout the Bible and every significant revival in church history. Simply put, if there were no anointing, there would be no revival. The anointing is the burden removing, yoke destroying power of God.

Scripture Text: Acts 1:8 INTRODUCTION Revival & Anointing Go Together DEFINITIONS: Websters ANOINT', v.t. [L. ungo.] To pour oil upon; to smear or rub over with oil or unctuous substances; also to spread over, as oil. To consecrate by unction or the use of oil. • Thou shalt anoint the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Luke 4:18-19, 1 John 2:20, James 5:14, Acts 3:1-9, 1 Kings 8:1-11, Joshua 1:1-2, Joshua 1:5, Joshua 3:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

We Believe In The Cross Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 24, 2021

Salvation doesn’t merely consist in our receiving the forgiveness of sins. In the cross, we are justified. More than having my sins removed, I am credited with Jesus’ good actions.

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:21-26

Denomination: Baptist

Life In The Needle's Eye

Contributed by James May on Nov 2, 2003

If we are to have eternal life we must learn that we are going to live in "eye of the needle", constantly allowing Jesus to cleanse us and remove the burdens, while surrendering completely to his will.

LIFE IN THE NEEDLE’S EYE Luke 18:18-30, "And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:18-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Cleansing Our Temple

Contributed by Eric Olson on Nov 13, 2003

Josiah’s movement to reform God’s people, removing idol worship and cleansing the temple sets an example for us. We need to rid idols in our life and cleanse OUR temple.

Josiah and God’s Word Purpose: Believers need to love God and His word and eliminate things from their lives that weaken their loyalty to the Lord. Scripture Studied: 2 Chronicles 34:1-33 Key Verse: “Your word is a lamp unto my feat and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119:105 I. Examine Josiah and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 34:1-33, Psalm 119:105

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational