Sermons on Thorn In Side:

The Broken Heart

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 4, 2005

In the passage, the Blood of Jesus was shed by a Roman spear... but neither John nor any other part of Scripture makes note of the importance of Christ’s blood in this story. Is there a message in the blood that flowed from Jesus side?

OPEN: About a year ago I received this e-mail: In 2003, Mel Gibson released a film called The Passion which dramatically and bloodily captured much of the trial and crucifixion of Christ. Because of it’s graphicness, it was rated "R". The "R", of course, is because of the violence, the gore. In ...read more

Scripture: John 19:31-37

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Which Bridge Is Safe?

Contributed by Bruce Ball on Apr 8, 2015

Using the analogy of a bridge crossing a chasm, we discuss that even though there seems to be many bridges available, only one really leads to the other side and we must be careful when deciding which bridge.

When you are planning a trip, how good are you at determining which way to get there? Do you just take a guess at which roads to take, or do you actually get a map out and plan your trip? Of course, smart money is always on the one who plans the trip, but I think we would be shocked to find out ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:22-23

Denomination: *other

Handling Money

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 7, 2014

The first commandment of the world is “self-preservation”. A shady business deal is winked at, questionable practices tolerated, and a clever crook is highly praised by the world. The law is on the side of the crook and the criminal many times.

12-20-04 Title: Handling Money Text: “No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13) Bible Reading: Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Kind Of Church Jesus Had In Mind Part 2 Series

Contributed by Greg Carr on Sep 16, 2010

The church today is not operating in God’s upside down, right side up principles. This is part 2 in a series that will give our churches some good direction in being the kind of Jesus had in mind.

What is the church? The church is people. It is not the building we meet in, it is the people who meet in the building. The church is made up of all the people throughout the world and throughout history who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Is the church perfect? No. Was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Series: Wow! Whose Young Daughter Is That? (Part 3) How To Get Out Of Marah, The Land Of Bitterness”

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 9, 2020

Bitterness & Resentment are two sides of the same coin. Resentment is the attitude people have toward someone or something. Bitterness is the accompanying inner feeling defined as unpleasant, angry, hostile, sour, resentful. Both hurt...

SERIES: “WOW! WHOSE YOUNG DAUGHTER IS THAT? (PART 3) HOW TO GET OUT OF MARAH, THE LAND OF BITTERNESS” 1. Ruth 1: 1 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5, Ruth 1:18-22, Ruth 2:5

Denomination: Charismatic

Bridging The Gap

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 12, 2021

There are millions of people who, when they die, will be unable to cross over into eternal life, because they are on the wrong side of the river of eternity. However, there is hope; as God has made a bridge through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When I pastored in western Kentucky, the Eggner Ferry Bridge on Highway 68, which spanned Kentucky Lake, was hit by a barge and collapsed. This was a major route from Cadiz over “The Land between the Lakes” into Murray. People regularly traveled to Murray for doctor visits; and people worked in ...read more

Scripture: Job 33:22-28

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Grass Is Not Always Greener...

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 10, 2024

The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side is a singular, speculative, but focused idiom that suggests the indeterminable fallacy that other people or places in one’s imagination always appear to be in a better, or more acceptable cachet than oneself.

Kasper Schmeichel, a Danish football goalkeeper once remarked: “The grass is not always greener on the other side. It is about recognizing what you do have and being grateful for what you do have.” Philippians 4:11-12 reminds us: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 58:11, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Ezekiel 17:24, Genesis 3:22

To Attain The Promise - Avoid These Pitfalls

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Mar 1, 2023

In this journey of faith, God’s promises stand sure and His timing perfect. Sometimes, we get side-tracked and miss out on the blessings. This sermon will teach us how to avoid pitfalls and stay on course.

Our meditation for today is based on 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (KJV) The Lord is able to keep us from falling, to deliver us from all kinds of hardships, to raise us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8, Romans 4:21, Exodus 3:8, Numbers 11:1, Exodus 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 8:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Numbers 11:4-6, 1 Timothy 6:7-8, Numbers 16:1-3, Romans 13:1-2, Numbers 16:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Anger Management Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Oct 1, 2015

Anger can be a good thing and serve good purposes. It is a God-given emotion. However, it has a destructive side to it that can hurt people and hinder your relationship with God. Jesus gives the grace to deal with it!

Anger Management Matthew 5:21-26 21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

An Amazing Announcement Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Dec 16, 2015

This sermon looks at the human side of Mary. 1. Mary WONDERED at God’s Wisdom 2. Mary was PERPLEXED by God’s Plan 3. Mary SUBMITTED to God’s Sovereignty

Amazing Announcement If you have been to various churches then you know that giving announcements in church is a regular part of the service. Sometimes announcements get twisted around or come out the wrong way. Let me give you some examples of what I am talking about: *The sermon this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Reward Motive

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 13, 2021

The evil man out of God's will, and the righteous in center of God's will may both be motivated by the love of reward. It is obviously a subject then that needs to be seen from both the vicious and the virtuous side.

A 16th century German monk discovered the power of religious bribery. The children showed great reluctance in learning their prayers. Scolding and punishing them did not improve things, and so he tried offering them a reward. Tradition has it that he took thin strips of dough and twisted them ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6

Three Tough Questions To Ask Yourself As A Christian

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 23, 2021

I often wonder where my fellow believers stand, especially those who I stand along side of in the church. We live in a day and age where there is much compromise and strife within the church.

I often wonder where my fellow believers stand, especially those who I stand along side of in the church. We live in a day and age where there is much compromise and strife within the church. The church as a body of believers is struggling to understand how to deal with culture. Some seek to ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-18, Ephesians 4:15, 1 Timothy 1:10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Faith To Follow

Contributed by John Dobbs on Oct 2, 2020

Everything they did in this text was in preparation for the coming of the Lord. Centuries later we read this from the other side of the cross. We see Jesus prefigured throughout this text. Five truths that define our Faith Journey.

FAITH TO FOLLOW EXODUS 12:3-13 Introduction For the past few weeks we have followed the theme of faith through in the Bible. Adam and Eve found new beginnings through Faith. Abraham followed God by Faith when he looked at the heavens and believed. Joseph had a Faith that lasted through tough ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:3-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living In The Times: The Issachar Anointing

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 20, 2025

We live in a time of uncertainty—wars, disasters, moral decay, and trials seem to be on all sides. However, as believers, God has equipped us with the wisdom and strength to live faithfully in every season, trusting Him.

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Narrative of the present Israel-Iran war. Narrative of the condition of the American church and what we must do. Discerning the times, knowing what to do and then taking action! INTRODUCTION: We live in a time of uncertainty—wars, disasters, moral decay, and trials seem to be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why I Don’t Drink Any Alcohol (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 13, 2023

The issue of moderate alcohol consumption is often oversimplified by both sides of the issue. This message seeks to address the issue considering the whole counsel of God rather than a couple of proof texts. As the title implies, abstinence is recommended.

Intro Last week I began sharing with you nine reasons “Why I Don’t Drink Any Alcohol.” In that message we addressed the first three: 1. Drinking a little alcohol easily leads to drinking too much alcohol. It can easily lead to drunkenness which is clearly condemned in Scripture. If you drink a ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:9-12, Proverbs 20:1, Leviticus 10:8-11, Proverbs 31:4-10, Titus 2:3, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Timothy 5:23, Genesis 6:2-20, Ecclesiastes 10:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic