Sermons on Rocky Ground:

The Goodness Trap

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jan 9, 2007

The goodness trap: 1- a human question 2- A human response 3- The divine way

INTRO.- ILL.- A young boy traveling by airplane to visit his grandparents sat beside a man who happened to be a seminary professor. The boy was reading a Sunday school take-home paper when the professor thought he would have some fun with the boy. "Young man," said the professor, "If you can tell ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:16-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Fear Of Foolishness Series

Contributed by Mark Batterson on Oct 18, 2005

If you aren’t willing to look foolish you’re foolish.

Wired For Worship 09.20.05 Pastor Mark Batterson This evotional continues the Wired for Worship series. To subscribe to the podcast, visit www.theaterchurch.com. This week’s video, Chaos Dance, is also posted @ www.evotional.com. I’m also posting additional thoughts on my daily blog ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thinking Outside The Bun

Contributed by Monty Newton on Nov 17, 2007

Jesus completely satisfies the spiritual hunger of those who receive him.

20071118 Title: Thinking Outside the Bun Text: John 6:25-35 Thesis: Jesus satisfies the spiritual hunger of those who receive him. Introduction Sales and management people come up with some catchy phrases. Some time ago, we were introduced to the catchphrase, “Think outside the box.” For ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Satan's Battle Tactics Part 2 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 21, 2018

This is part two of the series. In the message we examine how Mark translated the parable to the sower and the differences from Luke's translation in part one.

Satan’s Battle Tactics Part 2 Scriptures: John 10:10; Mark 4:14-20; Psalm 119:105, 130; James 1:12 Two weeks ago I shared with you the first tactic of Satan’s battle plan which is to steal the word from our hearts. We know that faith comes by hearing the word of God and if we are not hearing it ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:14-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Long Way Around.

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Mar 13, 2021

The road may be rough but we have Jesus to look upon.

Sermon Title: A Long way around. Scripture Text: Numbers 21:4-9 Opening: The title of my sermon is “Long way around.”. A year ago we were ask to close most stores, which caused many to hog up a lot of supplies. Toilet paper was gone and cost a small fortune if you found it anywhere. Why ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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 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

Parables Of The Kingdom – The First - The Sower Or Rather The Soil – Part 4 Of 5 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 1, 2025

We are studying the third soil in the Parable of the Sower and now consider the reasons why the good seed gets choked by thorns. How many of us know someone who walked as a strong Christian but just departed the faith? It is a complex matter and we try to see why that happens.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM – THE FIRST - THE SOWER OR RATHER THE SOIL – Part 4 of 5 In the last message we did the seed that fell on the rocky soil, and we also did some of the seed that was choked by thorns. We will finish that choked seed this time. Let us revise the relevant verses from last ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:14, Matthew 13:7, Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 11:28-29, Matthew 6:31-33, Matthew 6:34, 1 Timothy 6:9-11, Proverbs 21:17, Matthew 16:26, Philippians 4:11, Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:10, 1 Timothy 6:8-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"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