Sermons on Rocky Ground:

12th Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A. Sparrow Stories.

Contributed by Paul Andrew on May 26, 2023

Several times the sparrow flew at the closed window and smacked itself into it, until it got so weak it could no longer fly; it only could walk.

Pastor Don Friesen tells a fascinating story about a sparrow that somehow got into the rafters of St. Helen’s Parish Church in the English town of Brant Broughton. At the time of the intrusion, they were recording a guitar recital for later broadcast on the radio. The chirping bird didn’t exactly ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:26-33

Denomination: Catholic

My Neighbor (And Me) Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Sep 30, 2019

What things does God want for my neighbor (and me)?

1. Review Prayer Conference with Daniel Henderson a. 20-25% of congregation attended b. Impacted by learning about prayer c. The Month of October : PraYukon and Beyond [Blesseveryhome.com] 2. Paul’s Prayer – Ephesians 3:14-19 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

His Eyes Is On The Sparrow - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rudolf E. Y. Mensah on Feb 2, 2022

Do not be troubled because we have the King of kings on our side!

REF NO: 027 COLUMNIST: Rudolf Nii Yemoh Mensah, Prelate, Oasis Potterlight Chapel International BIBLE PASSAGE: The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 BACKGROUND: Throughout life, we ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 121:7-8, Matthew 10:29-31

Denomination: Charismatic

Assumption

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Nov 18, 2025

Why did the Pharisees assume that Jesus did something wrong on the Sabbath? Healing was allowed. Do we make assumptions about people?

Assumption Luke 13:10 – 17 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Luke 13:10 Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent over double, and could not straighten up at all. 12 When ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: United Methodist

I May Be Buried But I Am Not Broken

Contributed by Major Stewart on Dec 24, 2025

This sermon explores Holy Saturday faith, teaching that silence, burial, and darkness are not defeat. Through Jesus’ tomb, Joseph, Nicodemus, and Mary, we learn God works underground, preparing resurrection, renewal, and hope. You may be buried, but not broken, yet.

My brothers and sisters, we step into a moment of Scripture where the noise has died down. The crowd has gone home. The cross is empty. Jesus has been taken down, wrapped in linen, and laid in a tomb. The voice that calmed storms is now silent. John writes this passage not as a detached ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When God Seems Slow

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 25, 2025

When God seems slow, fear builds idols. Trust Jesus, who breaks our false gods and restores us to the only Savior worth waiting for.

Introduction — The Silence That Feels Dangerous They waited. Moses went up the mountain to talk with God. Israel watched him go until he was only a speck on the slope…and then he disappeared into the cloud of glory. The first day, there was awe. The third day, curiosity. By day ten…whispers. By ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 32:1, Exodus 32:6, Romans 12:2, Luke 23:34, 1 Corinthians 10:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

New Beginnings In The New Year PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 1, 2024

This sermon encourages believers to let go of their past, embrace God's transforming grace, and anticipate His future promises with faith and perseverance.

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's a blessing to be gathered here today, not by accident or mere coincidence, but by the divine orchestration of our Heavenly Father. I sense in my spirit that God has a message for each one of us today, a message that will transform our lives and renew our ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19

Topics: New Year

How To Have A Spirit-Led Life!

Contributed by Ron Mirick on May 24, 2002

A motivational message challenging us to give the leadership of our lives over to the Holy Spirit.

HOW TO HAVE A SPIRIT-LED LIFE SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To motivate the listener to give the leadership of their life over to Jesus Christ. To help them reevaluate their life and what they do. CENTRAL IDEA: The listener should walk away from this message challenged to become more deeply involved with ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When The Storms Of Life Are Raging Series

Contributed by Joanna Loucky-Ramsey on Nov 4, 2002

When the storms of life threaten to swamp our boat, we can choose fear or faith. With Jesus in the same boat with us, we can be sure we will make it to the other shore.

Have you ever had one of those days? Perhaps you can identify with this fellow: I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block number 3 of the accident reporting form, I put “Poor planning” as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Achans Sin Part 1 Series

Contributed by Robert Robb on Nov 18, 2001

Steps in Achans sin

Study 9 Achan’s Sin Introduction Last week we began to look at this 7th chapter of the book of Joshua, the chapter that records Israel’s one and only defeat in their campaign, under the leadership of Joshua, to conquer and take possession of the land of Canaan. We saw that the root cause of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Convictions: Holding Our Course On Slippery Pavement Series

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Oct 25, 2004

Our convictions must be firm in a shifting culture.

Life in the Fast Lane Convictions: Holding Our Course On Slippery Pavement 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Woodlawn Baptist Church October 24, 2004 Introduction “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Getting Creative With God

Contributed by Bradley White-Findeisen on Feb 7, 2001

God continues his creativity through us.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH GOD If one were to ask an unbiased observer to name that institution in our society which clearly espouses creativity, we can be sure that he would not name our twentieth-century church. This is an indictment of how we Christians feel about the mandate God has given us for ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sermon On The Mount

Contributed by Bill Prater on Jan 1, 2001

Lesson 15

Even though the subject of divorce is a controversial one, and one that carries with it a great deal of emotion, it is not one on which the Bible is silent. Both the Old and New Testaments mention the subject on various occasions, but putting all the pieces together in hopes of seeing the whole ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Making The Best Out Of Life

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Aug 5, 2002

There are certain Biblical principles that must be observed in order to make the best of this life.

MAKING THE BEST OUT OF LIFE INTRO.- ILL.- A man by the name of George owned an apartment complex and had just completed the exterior brick work on the 2nd floor. He had some bricks left over and was trying to decide the best way to get the load of bricks back down to the ground level without ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Still Lord Even At His Arrest Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005

Expository sermon explores the majesty of Christ even during His time of humiliation: 1. His Decision 2. His Demeanor 3. His Demonstration of power 4. His Dramatic healing of Malcus.

Still Lord Even at His Arrest Fortifying the Foundations #38 John 18:1-11[1] 6-27-04 Intro In our study of John’s gospel we come this morning to the story of Jesus’ arrest. Here we see Jesus. We see him fully in control of his destiny. We see him full of majesty and authority even while ...read more

Scripture: John 18:1-11

Denomination: Charismatic