Sermons on rocky ground:

Plant Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart as fertile soil, so the seed of the Gospel can take root and grow, urging individuals to consciously adjust their lifestyles to foster a growing relationship with God.

As the congregation arrives, offer them each a seed of some sort to take and keep in their hands during the worship experience. Consider the size of the seed that you want. Choose one that is large enough to not drop and lose. Begin your message by giving a personal story about a time you planted a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 13:18-23

Topics: Gospel Seed, Heart Condition, Spiritual Growth

Sermon Series: Rooted

The Seed ,the Sower And The Soil

Contributed by Dennis Selfridge on Nov 3, 2005

We need to prepare our hearts to recieve the Word of God.

Jesus’ Criticisms Here is a list of Jesus’ criticisms about religious leadership in his day: They did not practice what they taught (hypocrisy). They put heavy burdens on others but not themselves (legalism). They sought and loved public recognition (pride). Status, respect and titles were ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Denomination: Wesleyan

Leave The Weed

Contributed by G W Bill Elliott Jr on Feb 8, 2020

"Weeding the garden" is something we believe is a good thing, but many times doing this can destroy the good roots around them. Jesus helps us grasp why working to remove the 'weeds' from your life is not necessarily His way of leading you.

Right… at first glance you may quickly think I am going to try convincing you how wrong it is to smoke marijuana… or to do drugs of any kind. No… this is not that kind of ‘weed removal’ encouragement… although… wait… OK… I’ll refrain! Rather, this is an admonition to be careful about being SO ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 20:7, Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 5:45, Matthew 13:40-43

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Unfruitful Vine

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Sep 6, 2012

God created us for His purpose, it is our responsibility to discover and fulfill the purpose. There is a reward if we do, and there will be punishment if we do not.

THE UNFRUITFUL VINE Study Text: Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard. And he came and sought fruit on it, and found none. Luk 13:7 And he said to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Cross Gives Us Endurance Series

Contributed by Mike Lewis on Dec 27, 2022

How much would you endure when times are bleak? When the world around us is falling in, what does it take to keep going? What or who gives you endurance to keep going?

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION SURVIVAL STORIES – HAVE A NICE FALL In November 2019, Ryan Cairnes did a few things right and a few things wrong when he went rock climbing in Washington’s Cannon Mountains. His first mistake—even though he’s an experienced climber with sturdy gear—was going to the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2, Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why I Am A Christian

Contributed by Monty Newton on Jan 7, 2013

CHristians have been chosen by God and called to be part of God's plan to make Christ known in and for the world.

Title: Why I Am a Christian Text: Ephesians 3:1-12 Thesis: Christians have been chosen by God and called to be part of God’s plan (to make him known in and for) the world. Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the three kings or wise men to the Christ Child, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"I Will Always Have Hope”

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 19, 2020

There's a desperate need for hope in the world. People have often died because they had no hope. Many people today are hopeless because of Coronavirus, shuttered businesses, and racial and political tensions. Bring them the real Hope!.

“I WILL ALWAYS HAVE HOPE” Ps. 71:14-15 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Three lady-church-attenders saw each other at the store. One said, “Covid-19 has our attendance down to 90 on Sunday mornings!” 2. “That’s nothing,” said the other, “Ours is down to 40!” The third, a single old maid said, “It’s ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 71:14-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Keep Going!"

Contributed by Tammy Garrison on Mar 11, 2002

Speaking to those who are ’sure’ in their faith (not mature, but sure), Paul directs our attention to the Israelites in the wilderness who thought the same thing. We are invited to examine our faith journey.

Bibliography: Finding Christ, Finding Life: covenant & community Tonight I am speaking to those who are sure in their faith. Notice I said those who are sure in their faith, not those who are mature in their faith. Although sometimes the two terms go together, tonight we make a distinction ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Denomination: Methodist

Act Like A King

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Feb 18, 2019

GOD MADE YOU A KING, ACT LIKE ONE

Act Like A King (Rev. 1:5-6) Text: Rev. 1:5-6 5 May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. 6 He ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:5-6

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Is A Disciple, Part 2: In The Eye Of The Storm Series

Contributed by James Jackson on May 2, 2020

A disciple is someone who imitates the example of Jesus and who follows the instructions of Jesus no matter how often he gets interrupted by the world. Today, we’ll look at how that played out in the life of one disciple, in one of the most famous stories in the Gospels.

What is a disciple, Part 2: In the Eye of the Storm Mark 6: 45-52; Matthew 16:22-33 We are in the second week of talking specifically about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. You might remember last week we said that “A disciple is someone who imitates the example of Jesus and who follows ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:45-52, Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Scattering The Seed

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 6, 2007

Why wouldn’t God be more selective in what soil He allows His seed to be planted? And why did Jesus tell only this parable (but not the explanation of the parable) to this crowds?

A man walked into a flower shop and asked for some potted red geraniums. "I’m sorry," said the clerk in flower shop, "we are completely sold out of all of our potted geraniums. But I’d be more than happy to give you a deal on something else. Could you use African violets instead?" ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Parables Of The Kingdom

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Jan 24, 2006

Looking at the parables

Matthew 13 Parables of the Kingdom 8/24/97 Intro: Today we are going to talk about some of the parables of the bible. What is a parable? Many times it has been called "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning." Really, it is simply a word picture to better help us understand. Jesus knew that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Fail Well Series

Contributed by Emile Wolfaardt on May 7, 2009

(PowerPoint Slides and Cell Study Notes freely available by emailing Emile@Wolfaardt.com) Learning how to turn failures in to victories....

Series - "Living Life to the Full" How to Fail Well (LTF-05) 2 Timothy 2:13 Have you wondered why we all love stories where, despite insurmountable odds and against unstoppable enemies, the little guy fights his way to the top and the bad guys get their comeuppance? Nearly 35 years ago on October ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13

Denomination: *other

Who's Your Hero Father's Day 2008

Contributed by Randy Trotter on Feb 17, 2009

Everybody Wants and Needs a Hero. My Dad’s always been a Hero to Me!

“WHOSE YOUR HERO?” FATHER’S DAY 2008 June 15, 2008 INTRODUCTION: Webster’s Dictionary defines HERO as... “noble person, grand person, a champion, a man of distinguished valor, intrepid or enterprising in danger, a great illustrious or extraordinary person” A Hero is Heroic. Webster says of ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:25

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why Do We Have To Forgive? Series

Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Aug 10, 2001

I talk about why we are mandated to forgive others.

Why Do We Have To Forgive? Here are some warning signs that might show if you feel you are having a hard time forgiving someone: 1). You feel revenge is the ONLY solution. 2). You have thoughts of hatred towards another. 3). You would not come to their aid if they needed help. 4). Any chance of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-31

Denomination: Baptist