Sermons on Rocky Ground:

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

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

Jesus And Candy Canes Series

Contributed by James Chandler on Dec 8, 2003

This message uses a simple candy cane to communicate the gospel and shows how a symbol like this can be used to evangelize others.

According to legend there was a candy maker who wanted to invent a candy that was a witness to Christ. First of all, he used a hard candy because Christ is the rock of ages. This hard candy was shaped so that it would resemble a “J” for Jesus or, turned upside down, a shepherd’s staff. He made it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Don't Have To Be Something Special For God To Want You

Contributed by Mark Witherden on Jun 20, 2003

You are special to God, and His desire for you is to bear fruit.

You don’t have to be something special for God to want you. Hold up a smooth round stone and ask how did this stone become smooth? The story. This stone started its life on the top of a very high mountain where the wind rain and snow slowly moved it into the way of a stream. The melting snow and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unity Through Diversity

Contributed by Thomas Miller on May 13, 2005

Can’t we all just get along? Forget the world, can’t we as believers get along? Of course we bless each other until we say the wrong thing or step on some toes and out comes the flesh. But nothing gets the attention of non-believers quicker then tho

Unity Through Diversity Can’t we all just get along? Forget the world, can’t we as believers get along? Of course we bless each other until we say the wrong thing or step on some toes and out comes the flesh. But nothing gets the attention of non-believers quicker then those ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lord What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jul 27, 2005

LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO I. The Question Acknowledges The Lordship Of Christ II. The Question Is An Expression Of a Surrendered Heart III. The Question Was The Begining Of A New Career IV. The Question Opens The Door To What The Will Of God

Sun. Sept 12/93 Acts 9:1-9 LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO Ten Deep Questions Of Life 1. When sign makers go on strike is anything painted on their signs? 2. Why do television stations report power ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Night Time Ain't So Bad Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 11, 2010

A message about how the tough "night times" of our lives make us stronger and deepen our faith

INTRO VIDEO Rocky III Clip EXPLAIN Video Clip - If you're going to survive the battles - If you're going to survive what the enemy throws at you - If you're going to survive... 1. You Need a Tribe You Won't Get Voted Off 2. Can't Go Over the Hedge 3. You Can't Curse Your Crisis 4. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 17:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Revivals Of Hosea, Joel And Amos Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 13, 2021

Let's look at the revivals prophesied by Hosea, Joel and Amos.

Let's look at the revivals prophesied by Hosea, Joel and Amos. 1) Hoseah’s Revival How is repairing a broken marriage like a spiritual revival? How can God love an unfaithful nation and Jesus love such a sinful Church? Hosea’s story of adultery, divorce and remarriage is heartwarming. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Unconditional Love: A Message For Valentine's Day SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

The gift of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's unconditional love.

The gift of Christ is the proof of God's love. This Saturday is Valentine's Day. It's the day when a man is supposed to give his girlfriend or wife a special gift to show that he loves her. Popular gifts include flowers, candy, and jewelry. But God gave us a much costlier gift to prove His love for ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:8

Topics: Unconditional Love, Valentine's Day Message

When You Are Stuck Series

Contributed by Shawn Drake on Mar 16, 2024

This is the 191st sermon in the series "Action".

Series: Action [#191] WHEN YOU ARE STUCK Acts 27:27-28:10 Introduction: Yesterday, my Daughter-in-Law took us to Big Cheese Pizza in her SUV. I have not been in that vehicle since my Elk Hunt in December. It may seem odd that I would remember that; but that particular day was very memorable. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sowing Seeds

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jul 13, 2023

Casting the seed of the gospel is essential for modern followers of Christ Jesus.

Sowing Seeds – Matthew 13: 1 - 9 Intro: One evening during a reception Franklin Roosevelt decided he would conduct an experiment to see if anyone really paid attention to what he said. As each person passed down the receiving line shaking his hand Roosevelt ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

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

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