Sermons on Rocky Ground:

The Valley Of Decision Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Nov 8, 2008

1.) God forgives sin. 2.) God judges sin. 3.) He allows us to choose: Pardon or Punishment - God gave both Jericho and Ai to Israel, but He did it in very different ways. Link inc. to formatted text, audio & video, PowerPoint.

The Valley of Decision Joshua 8 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/ValleyOfDecision.html [read vv. 1-3] The children of Israel are in the process of claiming their Canaan, or Promised Land. But their biggest challenge is that people already live there, and they are wicked. God has given them claim ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 8:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

Humble Servant Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Dec 10, 2008

It seems in the birth of Christ that God took humility to a whole other level. From the outset, God seems to be saying humility is more than an attitude; it is a way of life. One of the first identities we find in the birth of Christ is ultimate humility

Humble Servant Luke 2:1-7 We’re starting a series today called “Born Identity,” where we will consider the identity of the Christ child as he entered the world. Today’s message on humility may be the most difficult message. I’ve had to do a lot of research for this sermon and two of the books I’ve ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Methodist

Be In The Now

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jan 8, 2018

It's easy to get sidetracked and let your mind wander. We get focused on things from the past or what's in the future. This can be especially true as we head into the new year. If we're not careful we'll risk losing out on making the most of the moment.

BE IN THE NOW INTRODUCTION: Be Here Now is a book published in 1971 by Ram Dass on Hindu spirituality and yoga. I've never read the book and don't subscribe to Hinduism but the principle of the phrase itself is a valid one. Be here now communicates the importance of keeping your focus on what ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-16, 1 Peter 4:1-3, Luke 12:22-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Treasures Of Darkness

Contributed by Dr. Steve Newton on Oct 3, 2017

God has assured us that there are treasures in the darkness. He has promised us "He discovereth deep things out of darkness"……but still

THE TREASURES OF DARKNESS I will give thee the treasures of darkness. Isa. 45:3. He discovereth deep things out of darkness. Job 12:22. God has assured us that there are treasures in the darkness. He has promised us "He discovereth deep things out of darkness"……but still I. DARKNESS IS DREADED BY ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Coming Back To God Series

Contributed by Chad Ballard on Feb 5, 2002

1st in a series.

Ruth-Coming Home to God Ruth 1:1-22 By Chad H. Ballard Do you ever read romance novels? Not me. I hate that old mushy, gushy stuff. I don’t even watch movies that are love story kind of stuff. I remember a several years ago there was a Clint Eastwood movie that came out called “The ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Tested By Persecution Series

Contributed by Steve Hanchett on Dec 4, 2000

Message shows how God uses trials to allow our faith to be tested.

Steve Hanchett, pastor Berry Road Baptist Church “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Second Chances

Contributed by Jeeva Sam on Mar 20, 2001

Every time we hear of a tragedy, could we see it as God giving us a second chance?

Jesus was holding his weekly press conference when the reporter for the Jerusalem Times put up her hand: “Jesus, did you hear about the Slaughter at the Synagogue? Some worshippers were offering sacrifices when Pilate’s troops came in and killed them for no reason. My question to you Jesus is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

#2 Identify And Thrive When Tested!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Mar 16, 2007

We study the testing processes of life. Test are not for teachers, test are for the growth of the student. We must submit to evaluation?

IDENTIFY THE TESTING PROCESS AND LEARNING TO THRIVE IN THE TEST --- By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com This lesson is printed in two parts, but needs to be done in several sittings. This is part two. TEXT: James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Prepare The Way Of The Lord

Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Dec 1, 2006

Based on Isaiah 40:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-12, this is a Sermon for any Sunday in Advent. It’s thesis is that to truly be prepared for Christmas and the Return of Jesus one must be born again and explains how the Holy Spirit enables that to happen.

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD --Isaiah 40:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-12 Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ in celebration of His nativity and anticipation of His Return. The message of John the Baptizer, who prepared Judea for the First Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-5

Denomination: Methodist

Chasing Dead Dogs & Fleas

Contributed by Bruce Howell on May 27, 2005

So many chase after the unimportant and insignificant things of life. The Bible calls us to prioritize in favor of eternal values.

Chasing Dead Dogs! ALL TRULY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE IN LIFE HAVE BEEN THOSE WHO PRIORITIZED. Furthermore, they had their priorities in order. A businessman, referring to a friend who was devoting most of his time and energy in pursuit of an insignificant matter, said, “He reminds me of a bulldog ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

His Wonderful Watchcare

Contributed by S Henriques on Jan 27, 2003

Several crises in our church family prompted the need for an encouraging sermon on God’s watchcare over our lives, even if we don’t understand what is happening at the time.

His Wonderful Watchcare Deuteronomy 32: 10-12 by S. M. Henriques Sometimes it seems as though God does not care anymore! Have you ever felt that way? Or perhaps you believe he cares, but at times you have difficulty seeing how he does. Every one of us is plagued with doubts and fears sometimes ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Keep In Step Series

Contributed by Dr. Robert Crowder on Feb 21, 2016

The Apostle Paul encourages the readers to "keep walking in the Spirit." This is good advice for today's Christian.

Introduction In last week’s sermon, “Life in the Spirit”, I introduced this passage as Paul’s example of living in the flesh or living in the Spirit. While it may seem like I am doubling up on this text, but I want to focus on the message of the 16th and 25th verses; ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Symbolism Of Baptism Series

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Sep 2, 2009

This is the third sermon in a series on Basics which focuses on the New Testament symbols assigned to baptism.

Basics #3- Baptism The Symbolism of Baptism Romans 6:3-8, Colossians 2:10-14, I Peter 3:18-22, Galatians 3:26-27 CHCC: July 19, 2009 Video from Youtube (Cannonball baptism)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5abEm1241kY&NR=1 INTRODUCTION: At least I can say, that boy was excited about baptism! ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:3-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Presence Of God’s Love Series

Contributed by James Mercer on Dec 8, 2009

This is a message intended to challenge the audience to a commitment to the Lord who revealed His awesome love at the Cross.

The Presence of God’s Love John 3: 16 Christmas for most people has come to be equated with the giving and receiving of presents, families gathering to share tokens of their love. During December there will be holiday get-togethers where small gifts are exchanged and bonus checks given out. For the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

The Earthquake

Contributed by Davon Huss on Mar 10, 2010

A sermon on the earthquake at the cross of Calvary, Matthew 27:51

Sermon for 3/7/2010 The Earthquake- Matthew 27:41-54 Introduction: Story of me being in an earthquake. What is an earthquake? An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and movement of large sections of the earth's rocky outermost crust. WBTU: A. Darkness in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:41-54

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ