Sermons on Thorn In Flesh:

Joy At Christmas Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Dec 20, 2025

This sermon proclaims that the true joy of Christmas is not found in changing circumstances or earthly comfort, but in the unshakable, eternal joy that comes from God drawing near in Christ—who lived, suffered, died, and rose again to secure our salvation and remain with us through every trial.

To begin our discussion this morning, let’s do a quick, informal congregational survey. I’m going to describe a few scenarios. If the scenario brings you joy, give me a thumbs up. If it brings discomfort, frustration, or sorrow—give me a thumbs down. Just respond honestly. First scenario: ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

Any Old Bush Will Do

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 29, 2025

The bush God chose on Horeb was a worthless, fruitless bush that only stuck you with a thorn if you got close, yet God used it (by His holy presence) to deliver Israel and reveal His power to the world! If He can use that, He can use us!

ANY OLD BUSH WILL DO Ex. 3:1-10 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. President Bush was going through an airport when he saw a man who looked like Moses. He asked him, "Are you Moses?" The man acted as if he didn't hear. 2. He asked him again, "Are you Moses?" The man refused to look ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-10

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why, God, Why?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 31, 2001

The crucial question is not, "Why do bad things happen to God’s people?" The crucial question is "What is the purpose of my life?"

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:4; Genesis 50:20; Rev. 15:3-4; Isaiah 43:6-7 ILL. John was 31 years old - a new father, & a dedicated Christian. He seemed to have everything going for him. One day on his way to work his car ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 50:20, Revelation 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 1:4, Isaiah 43:6-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

All Things Working For Good

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Jun 7, 2001

Joseph was "up against it" as a captive in Egypt but, God being with him, difficulties and disappointments turned into a "pattern for good".

ALL THINGS WORKING FOR GOOD St. Paul has some very encouraging words for people who are finding life hard, who are ’up against it’. ’We know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose’ (Romans 8:28). The apostle is writing to the church at ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"How To Handle Failure"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 6, 2003

How a person handles failure can mean the difference between living a life of victory or living a life filled with bitterness, hostility and anger.

The Apostle Paul -How to Handle Failure- 2 Cor. 4:7-9 2 Cor. 11:24-30 Introduction How a person handles failure can mean the difference between living a life of victory or living a life filled with bitterness, hostility and anger. In the first church I served as pastor in Kansas City I got ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 2 Corinthians 11:24-30

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus Cleanses The Leper Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Apr 20, 2004

Sixth in a series on the miracles of Jesus, this miracle concerns the healing of a leper in the synagogue.

Miracle # 6 “Jesus Cleanses the Leper” Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-15, Matthew 8:1-4 As we noted in the last lesson early on the morning after Jesus had healed Peter’s Mother-in-law and all the other sick who had been brought to Him; Jesus retired to a quiet ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-15, Matthew 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Changed By God Series

Contributed by Rob Peterson on Jun 10, 2003

intro to a series on Ephesians

Today intro on the Apostle Paul, the author of Ephesians and about 1/3 of the NT is either about Paul, or written by him. After Jesus, Paul is clearly the most influential person in the history of Christianity. Some would say Paul wrecked Christianity, more would say that what Paul did prevented ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

A Closer Look At Faith Series

Contributed by Jason Cole on Feb 23, 2004

We always need to be advancing and growing in our faith, but we cannot do anything without faith. Today all things have to make sense and it is not easy to trust God, but faith can move mountains.

“A Closer Look: Faith” Introduction: We live in a world in which it is hard to have faith. People expect everything to make sense logically and faith very rarely fits into people’s equations. We as the church are supposed to be based and founded on faith. Faith is what keeps us going and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Bitter Or Better? Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Jul 6, 2006

Eighth in a series on the life of David. This messages focuses on how to deal with suffering.

In the April 16, 2006 issue of Parade Magazine, Marlo Thomas wrote the following words in an article titled “We Can Become Bitter of Better”: There are times in our lives when the right words spoken at the right moment can transform us. They challenge us at a crossroads, carry us through times of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Power Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 8, 2006

This sermon contains some observations about effective prayer and a discussion of healing prayer.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who went and made a sales presentation to the leadership of a church. 1. When the presentation was over, one of the men in leadership when into the auditorium, knelt down and after a minute of silent prayer, returned and announced in a solemn tone, “The ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Kingdom Wisdom From Proverbs

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Sep 29, 2005

Christians are citizens of God’s Kingdom needing Kingdom Wisdom as detailed by Solomon in Kingdom: Rules (The Ten Commandments); Principles (Love and Faithfulness); Decision-Making (Trust in the Lord); Economics (Honour God with our Money) and Discipline

God wants His people to have a full and satisying life. But how do we get it? Demands are made on us, with the pressures of the 21st century in terms of time and resources. We’re bombarded by the influences of the secular environment and at the same time there’s the insistent call of God as we ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Blind See, The Sighted Are Blind

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 30, 2006

The miracle of a blind man receiving his sight addresses the Problem of Affliction and Healing and that criticism by the Pharisees brought out both negative and positive reaction.

There’s a saying that ‘There’s none as blind as those who won’t see!’ As Helen Keller said: ‘What would be worse than being born blind? To have sight without vision.’ It’s certainly true in the encounter that Jesus had with the Pharisees on the occasion when He healed a man who had been born ...read more

Scripture: John 9:1-41

Denomination: Baptist

How Paul Greets The Philippian Christians Series

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Aug 25, 2009

There’s a lot of insight to be gained from the greetings in Paul’s letters. Philippians is no exception. See how Paul greeted these Christians in this exposition of Philippians 1:1-2

“A Study of the Book of Philippians” Philippians 1:1-2 ________________________________________ Paul is writing to a community of saved persons living in Philippi. Paul established this church, this family of Christians. Paul loves these people and wants to thank them for the way ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Sometimes God Says No

Contributed by John Petty on Jan 12, 2010

In a world of greed and materialism it’s difficult for us to accept "no" from God. But sometimes God says no.

I made a statement last week in the message that I want to repeat this morning … “Sometimes, God says no.” And what I want to do this morning is give us a couple of the many examples of God saying no. Moses’… It was Moses hearts’ desire to go into the Promised Land but because he didn’t follow ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Church Of God

The Power Of Prayer

Contributed by David Scudder on May 3, 2009

Bible believing churches in America continue to experience apparent weakness. For example, believers are struggling with discouragement and depression almost as much as those outside of the average church. I believe that our text today shows us that praye

Purpose: To show how prayer can empower believers. Aim: I want believers look to prayer as the solution to discouragement. INTRODUCTION: Bible believing churches in America continue to experience apparent weakness. For example, believers are struggling with discouragement and depression almost as ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible