Sermons on Thorn Bushes:

It Is A Love Story

Contributed by Carl Greene on Feb 17, 2009

Is the story about healing the Leper just about physical healing? Or is there more to the story? Most translations use the word "clean" ... not "healed." But could this "clean" mean "forgiveness" of sin? Mark Chapter 2 suggests it may be.

I confess to you how I struggled with the scripture this morning. I struggled because when I first read this scripture, I wondered “how can I preach about this “healing” when I know we have people in our congregation who are good, faithful servants, disciples of Jesus Christ, yet who are suffering ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:39-45

Denomination: Methodist

The Way Down

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 3, 2007

In one of the saddest chapters of the Bible, Israel first neglects, then abandons their relationship with Yahweh. Through it all, though He remains faithful to them and stands ready to help when they cry out, just like with us.

I was 16 years old. It was my first "real" job after working as a newspaper delivery person for many years. I worked for a dry cleaner establishment that (I found out later) was about to go under. My job was to deliver cleaned drapes to customers. I was given the keys to an old van and told to take ...read more

Scripture: Judges 2:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Is Allah God?

Contributed by Todd Ernst on Oct 25, 2015

What is Islam and where did it come from? If it is a religion of peace, how does that compare with what we see in the news? Is Allah simply God by a different name?

Is Allah God? I’ve been wanting to address the issue of Islam for a while now, but simply never had a chance to get around to it. It’s not exactly a priority in our corner of the world. Chances are slim that you’re going to run into a Muslim in Greenfield. However, we should ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

Keeping Things In Perspective

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on May 22, 2016

Sometimes we believe the whole world revolves around us. Other times, we wonder if God really cares about us. Psalm 8 gives an attitude adjustment for both. Our true self-esteem is found in God, who is great and greatly to be praised!

Psalm 8 Keeping things in Perspective Do you ever think that maybe Galileo and Copernicus got it wrong, that our solar system doesn’t really revolve around the sun? Because on some days it seems like the universe just revolves around you? Now let’s be honest. We all have our moments of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Victory In Jesus Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

Far too many believers live defeated lives. The Lord is never pleased when we surrender to our difficulties and admit defeat. Granted we can't overcome within our own ability, but with the help of the Lord, we can live victoriously.

Victory in Jesus 1 John 2: 1-6 As I studied this passage, I was reminded of the relationship John enjoyed with Christ. He was part of the inner circle, one of three that were closest to Jesus. I am convinced Jesus didn’t love those three more than the others, but they were privileged to ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Character Traits Of The Believer Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

The church is under intense scrutiny in our modern culture. Many believe it is filled with hypocrites. As part of the body of Christ, we have an obligation to bear fruit consistent with our calling, while being an effective witness among the world.

Character Traits of the Believer 1 John 2: 7-11 Luke 6:43-45 – For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [44] For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Magnetic Power Of Jesus

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 26, 2022

Jesus Christ attracts all humans to Himself because of His unparalleled love shown at the Cross, because He's the Gift of God, because He's the Desire of the Nations, because He alone possesses Eternal Life, and because He's the Treasure of Heaven.

THE MAGNETIC POWER OF JESUS Jn. 12:32 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR Here’s Exercises you don’t have to move a muscle for: 1. Beating around the bush; Jumping to conclusions; 2. Climbing the walls; Swallowing your pride; 3. Passing the buck. Throwing your weight around; 4. Dragging your ...read more

Scripture: John 12:32, Matthew 13:44-46, Haggai 2:7, John 4:10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Serving God Is Not Optional

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 20, 2023

In one sense, God gives us the freedom and option to serve Him or not. We know the outcomes of that choice, so it is not really an option to reject Him.

Serving God Is Not Optional Patriots have their eyes open to the destruction of our republic. Even the people who are asleep or are not patriotic know something is wrong. Our forefathers knew that having God as the basis of our society was essential, not optional. They knew that when people know ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unrequited Love

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 28, 2023

Why doesn't God divorce his unfaithful people? We would, in his place.

Hosea must have been crazy. God told him to marry a prostitute named Gomer, and so he did. Now, stories of reformed prostitutes who settle down and become good wives and mothers are a staple of romantic fiction. How many of you have seen Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere as the rich man who falls ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 11:1-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Love With A Purpose Series

Contributed by Jason Powers on May 3, 2003

Discovering the purpose of our "personal relationship with our Lord and Savior" by looking at Exodus 3:1-10. God wants to save His people, and He chooses the ordinary things to be His spokesmen.

“First Love: Love with a Purpose One of the catch phrases of Christianity is the phrase, “personal Lord and Savior.” It’s a good phrase; it implies several things: § It implies that Jesus and God are personal, that they’re intimately concerned with the very smallest details of your life. It ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Grace Is Sufficient

Contributed by Edward Frey on Jul 10, 2003

God wants us to know weakness, so that glory is given to him and not to ourselves because in our weakness God’s grace shines.

Are you satisfied with your life? What I mean is this: Are you content? Are you happy with what you have been given? Or are you the kind of person who is constantly searching – moving from one activity under heaven to another? It is necessary for us to ask such searching questions because, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 2 Corinthians 12:7-120

Denomination: Lutheran

It's Just You And Me, Tonto (And Frankly I'm Not Too Sure About You)

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Oct 28, 2002

Leaders are generally pretty lonely people. How do you get past the "Lone Ranger" syndrome of trying to do it all?

October 20, 2002 In the movie Awakenings Robert DeNiro is a 50 year-old post-encephalytic vegetable. Encephalitis caused Parkinson-like loss of motor control (tics). These tics accelerate until they freeze a person catatonically, within himself. Robin Williams plays Dr. Sayer, who ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 18:24-26

Denomination: United Methodist

The Burning Fire Of God Changes Situations!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Jan 3, 2021

God’s fire is actually is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He changes our lives when He anoints us.

THE BURNING FIRE OF GOD CHANGES SITUATIONS! God’s fire is actually is the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He changes our lives when He anoints us. I. Moses old and shepherd. A. Failed to do God’s work at age 40 B. Now God moves in at age 80. We are never too old. C. (humor) Our pastor called ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-21

Mockery Of Roman Soldiers Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 13, 2020

Following Pilates sentencing Jesus to a horrible death by crucifixion the soldiers could do anything they wanted to do to our Lord; they mocked Him and beat Him mercilessly. Remember, before this He was scourged (whipped).

HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS (34) Mockery of Roman Soldiers Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30 (focal passage); Mark 15:16-19 Tom Lowe 3/18/2008 Following Pilates sentencing Jesus to a horrible death by crucifixion the soldiers could do anything they wanted to do to our Lord; they mocked Him and beat ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

A Grace That Won't Let Go

Contributed by Frank Jackson on Nov 12, 2005

Any study of the life of the apostle Paul requires a serious look at the subject of pain. Suffering is not a pleasant subject to explore, especially in our western culture.

A GRACE THAT WON’T LET GO 2 Corinthians 1-9 Any study of the life of the apostle Paul requires a serious look at the subject of pain. Suffering is not a pleasant subject to explore, especially in our western culture. Perhaps you have heard, as I did growing up, that pain and suffering ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-11, 2 Corinthians 12:1-9

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ