Sermons on Rocky Ground:

The Church At Laodicea

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 3, 2017

With the other churches, when the Lord Jesus said, “I KNOW THY WORKS,” He meant good works; He was commending them for good works. But the Lord Jesus has no word of commendation for this church.

By: Tom Lowe Date: 6-29-15 Lesson: The church at Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Revelation 3:14-22 (KJV) ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Journey To Jerusalem Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Sep 6, 2019

1) The Determination Executed (Luke 9:51-53), 2) The Discipleship Error (Luke 9:53-56), and 3) The Diversion Excuse (Luke 9:57-62).

Luke 9:51-62 [51] When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. [52] And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. [53] But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Other

We Are Doing A Great Work! - Philippians 1:4-8 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2021

The Philippians’ gospel partnership/fellowship (koinonia) with Paul was like the Fellowship of the Ring (band of unlikely comrades who would lay down their lives for one another and the cause of the Fellowship).

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:4-8

Thicker Than Blood - 1 Peter 2:5 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 9, 2024

Most Christians fail to appreciate the value of what Jesus promised us in the Church.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says: ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5

Self-Control - 2 Peter 1:6 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Mar 9, 2025

Imagine how much better your life would be with more self-control. Why is it so hard? Elite athletes who are unbelievers often outshine most Christians in this area—how can that be, if it’s a fruit of the Spirit?

2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, having made every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control. Introduction I want to start with this question: in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1:5-7, why isn’t verse 5 enough? By the end of v.5 you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6

Grace By Association - 1 Peter 4:12-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 2, 2025

The gospel is about grace by association - receiving favor from God solely because of association with Christ. And that involves suffering.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-16

Theology Of Ministry Final Paper

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Feb 10, 2025

Erskine Theological Seminary DR 901Z Theological Foundations for Ministry, May 8, 2023

This paper expresses my mature theology of ministry. It will make use of my previous papers on ministry, leadership, and integrity. I will explain how I view my ministry in light of the challenges of the contemporary Church and Culture. I will answer the following questions: What is the task of ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22

Denomination: Vineyard

The Road To Damascus

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 27, 2008

This is just a quick outline for a sermon on Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus.

The Road to Damascus! I. A REALIZATION OF SIN: ACT 9:3 ~ As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; (4) and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” II. A ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-20

Denomination: Christian Church

Society Needs The Gospel

Contributed by Greg Addison on Feb 11, 2009

From the current economic crisis to the ongoing decline into sin of our culture, it is clear that the only hope for our country is a strong dose ofthe gospel. This passage from Elisha’s ministry illustrates this truth.

1)Society’s Need for the Gospel 2 Kings 2:19-22 2) The Problem “The situation is pleasant…but the water is bad and the ground is barren.” 3) The Problem Joshua 6:26 “Cursed be the man before the Lord, who rises up and builds this city Jericho.” Water = source of life Spring = head waters ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:19-22

Denomination: Baptist

Causes And Effects Of Sin And Its Remedy

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Aug 11, 2001

Causes and effects of sin and the means of communicating Christ across cultural barriers

Severe consequences of sin include: 1). Spiritual death - Because of sin, all unsaved men will someday be forever separated from God in the lake of fire. This is referred to the second death in Matt. 7:23, 25:41, Rev.2:11;20:6,14;21:8 2). Physical death - The Lord created the first man with the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Strife Of The Tongues

Contributed by Daniel Olukoya on May 24, 2009

The fear of the Lord starts from your tongue. Judicious use of the tongue enables you to see good days. Likewise if you misuse your tongue, you will see evil days. Proverbs 13: 3 says, “He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life, but he that openeth wide

THE STRIFE OF THE TONGUES Dr. D. K. Olukoya Psalm 31: 20 : “Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” The topic of our message this week is taken from the foregoing. I want you to keep the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:20

Denomination: Pentecostal

A Rush To Judgment Series

Contributed by J.d. Tutell on May 21, 2011

Paul returns to Jerusalem and faces the same type of misjudgments he had made earlier in life. In the face of such opportunity he takes the opportunity to share his testimony.

A Christian man owned a barber shop. One night, at a revival meeting, the barber felt greatly burdened to do more with his testimony for Christ. The next evening, the barber began attending a "soul winners class" at his church. He attended faithfully every night for two weeks. He rehearsed all the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

A Prayer For Power

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 2, 2007

God desires to change us so that we cease praying for our personal desires and seek His glory. God wants us to seek power in order to serve Him effectively.

“I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Focus: Souls Won Not How It's Done Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 20, 2014

Paul did NOT believe we should stand on ceremony or ritual when it comes to sharing Christ, but that we should have an attitude of being willing to do ANYTHING to win people to Christ!

Sermon Brief Date Written: July 17, 2014 Date Preached: July 20, 2014 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series in 1 Corinthians Sermon Title: Paul’s FOCUS –Souls Won not How it is done Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 [NLT] 19Even though I am a free ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Daring The Risk Of Reach

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2014

Reach carries risks; but the child of God must always reach for the beautiful and the glorious.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist