Sermons on Thorns And Thistles:

Tortured Christ

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Mar 22, 2018

The account of Jesus' suffering and death on our behalf has become so familiar that if we are not careful we can skim right through it when reading the Bible and never give it a second thought. Let's look at it again to day with fresh eyes of wonder.

Let's stand and read together our memory Scripture for this first quarter of 2018. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He remains ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-39, John 1:1-3, Psalm 22:14-18

Denomination: Nazarene

What Are You "Platting” Into Your Life?

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Oct 7, 2020

There is a reason why so many of the values and beliefs of many in the Church are no different than the unchurched.

Good evening to the blessed of the Lord. I am so glad to see you. Would you join me in turning to Matthew 4 please. This a passage we’re very familiar with. It says: (1) Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4, Deuteronomy 8:1-3, John 5:19, John 5:30, Ephesians 2:4-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Pilate The Procurator – A Double Minded Psychopath - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 13, 2022

Pilate was a gutless man, weak and scheming. He was a known murderer among the Jews. All the flaws of his character came out when he confronted Jesus. This message looks at truth, lying and other matters.

PILATE THE PROCURATOR – A DOUBLE MINDED PSYCHOPATH - PART 2 THE CHARACTERS OF JOHN’S GOSPEL – PILATE - PART 2 OF 2 This Message on Pilate continues from Part 1. John 19 v 4 Pilate came out again and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in ...read more

Scripture: John 19:4-22, Matthew 27:24-25, Joshua 24:15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It’s Worth The Cost

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Sep 27, 2022

If we are truly going to be Jesus’ disciple, there will be a cost involved. And for those willing to make that sacrifice, God will be able to pour out His power and glory through that person.

Please turn with me to Luke 14. Sometimes when I say the word “Luke” I want to go all Star Wars! L-U-K-E. (Laughter) The more I spend time in the gospels, the more I see that what Jesus asks of us, He has already had to do Himself. When Jesus taught what He taught, He not only spoke from a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:15-33, Matthew 6:33, Mark 1:35, Luke 4:26, Daniel 3:8-18, John 19:30, Hebrews 12:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What’s Wrong With The World? Series

Contributed by Lalachan Abraham on Mar 2, 2013

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in

Original Sin and its effects, Fall of man and the Beauty of Redemption. Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874-1936) was one of the most influential English writers of the 20th century. He has been called the “prince of paradox.” He was known for his insightful views on many issues. Time ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Trust The Seed

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Feb 28, 2018

The parable of the sower, or more appropriately the Seed, is a parable about truth and what happens when truth is rejected. Ultimately, it's a parable of encouragement.

We’re going to be in Mark 4 this morning. Most historians agree that the book of Mark, in a sense, is Simon Peter’s autobiography. Mark wrote his epistles based on his conversations with Peter. So, when you read Mark look at how choppy it is. It’s not like the book of Luke which sacrifices few ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-30, Matthew 13:10-16, Isaiah 55:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unanswered Prayer

Contributed by Richard Tow on Aug 7, 2024

What do we do when we have prayed and prayed for something with seemingly no results? Do we just keep repeating the prayer? Or is there a better way? In this message, we examine Jesus's teaching about prayer to discover answers to those questions.

Intro Unanswered prayer is an issue we all face at one time or another. What do we do when we have prayed and prayed about something, and seemingly there are no results? I have a couple of situations like that going on in my life right now. Some of you may be dealing with the same thing in your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Isaiah 56:7, Ephesians 2:1-10, Proverbs 9:10, Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 John 5:1-15, Matthew 5:23-24, Mark 14:38, 1 Peter 3:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Parables Of The Kingdom – The First - The Sower Or Rather The Soil – Part 1 Of 7 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 30, 2025

Today we commence a study of the 7 Parables of the Kingdom found in Matthew’s Gospel. The first is the Parable of the Sower (more to the point, “The Parable of the 4 Soils.”). There are 7 parts for this parable and in Part 1 we look at the Parable as a whole. I hope you enjoy.

PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM – THE FIRST - THE SOWER OR RATHER THE SOIL – Part 1 of 7 THE INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES We are going to study the seven parables Jesus spoke to the people. Matthew states the setting for these – {{Matthew 13:1-2 “On that day Jesus WENT OUT OF THE HOUSE and was sitting ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-2, Matthew 13:36, Matthew 13:3-4, Matthew 13:5-6, Matthew 13:7, Matthew 13:8-9, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 13:9-11, Luke 8:10, John 3:16, Luke 19:10, John 5:40, Matthew 11:28-30, Matthew 13:11-15, Matthew 13:14-15, Isaiah 6:9-10, Luke 11:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Suffering For Righteousness In An Imperfect Church (1 Peter 3:8-22) Series

Contributed by Greg Brown on Aug 2, 2014

Exposition of 1 Peter 3:8-22

Suffering for Righteousness in an Imperfect Church Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seated At The Table Of Brokenness

Contributed by Michael Stark on Feb 22, 2019

Is there purpose in my pain? Does God care when I hurt? By examining the life of the Apostle Paul, we can gain an eternal perspective of why God allows us to be broken by the trials of this life.

“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10

Denomination: Baptist

Reaping And Sowing In The Ruins Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Jul 9, 2020

This sermon looks at the hope and promise of sowing God's Word. It deals with the failures, but also the joys that we can experience with this! It goes through Jesus' parable of the sower. A special thanks to Rev. Bob Holst for the inspiration and idea

Are you an optimist, or are you a pessimist? Are you a glass half-empty person, or are you a glass half-full person? Do you complain that rose bushes have thorns, or do you rejoice because thorns have roses? Do you see the storm clouds, or do you see the silver lining? There are various ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-13, Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 13:18-23, Galatians 5:21-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Discovering The Mission Of Mankind-2

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Dec 21, 2010

2 of 2. God had a mission for mankind. & He still does. How is it to be experienced/entered/engaged/found/discovered? Mankind’s mission is bound-up with....

DISCOVERING the MISSION of MANKIND-II—Genesis 2:4-25 Attention: A local priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading local politician & member of the congregation was chosen to make the presentation & to give a little speech at the dinner. However, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:4-25

Denomination: Baptist

Strength Training Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 28, 2010

How could my weakness be a good thing? Why would this truth be necessary for me to understand God’s will for my life?

OPEN: A work crew had been working at a construction site for about a week when the company hired a new man to replace a man who’d been hurt the day before. He was a broad-shouldered, powerful young man and was a good worker… but he was also annoying. He was always bragging that he was stronger ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Refining Fire Of Testing And Trials Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 20, 2025

The Bible teaches us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of the Christian journey.

The Bible teaches us that trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of the Christian journey. It is through these challenges that our faith is tested, refined, and strengthened. As the Bible says, "God will test you with pain, with problems, with patience, struggles, hard days not when ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14, Daniel 6:1-28

The Death Of Deliverance-1(2025)

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Apr 9, 2025

1 of 2. Mark related/described the chain of events surrounding Jesus’ death on the Cross. Certain events transpired in bringing about the death of Deliverance. BUT: ?What causes Deliverance to die? ?How does Deliverance die? 10 delusions ensuring the death of Deliverance.

The DEATH Of DELIVERANCE-I—Mark 15:1-25(15:1-47) *This 'bare-bones' sermon was delivered by 1)focusing on the historical aspects presented thru reading the verses themselves, 2)presenting the bare divisions, & 3)commenting from memory in the moment.* Need: To examine the historical ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-25, Mark 15:1-47

Denomination: Baptist