Sermons on Thorns:

Where Is God When Life Falls Apart? Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Mar 31, 2014

How can a loving God allow innocent people to be hurt so badly?

- When was the last time a trip to the theater left you truly inspired about God? - Movie "God’s Not Dead" - Here in town - Freshman college student Josh Wheaton's faith is challenged by his philosophy professor, who believes God does not exist. He has to defend God's existence to the entire ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

Dying With The Lord

Contributed by William Baeta on Apr 17, 2014

“Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities” Isaiah 53:11.

Theme: Dying with the Lord Text: Isaiah 53:7-12; Heb. 10:16-25; Jn. 19:16-37 The entire message of the Gospel revolves around one unique historical event: the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary. Two main reasons attest to the significance of the cross; first the person crucified on it ...read more

Scripture: John 19:16-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Forgiveness Is Difficult

Contributed by Jeffrey Dillinger on Mar 2, 2021

The calling for "forgive, just as Jesus has forgiven you," and the quote from Jesus in the Model Prayer, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," makes forgiveness a command, not a good thought or request.

Forgiveness Is Difficult (Col. 3:12-14) Intro: A. He was betrayed by Judas and openly denied by Peter. At his trial no one stood beside him to defend him. He was accused based upon lies and misrepresentation of his words. Pilate knew he was innocent, but as a politician his position in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 6:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"resurrection Realities"

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Apr 5, 2021

Based on Matthew 28:1-10 & other selected Scriptures - Sermon focuses on 4 realities that the resurrection confirms & assures.

“RESURRECTION REALITIES” Matthew 28:1-10 FBCF – 4/4/21 Jon Daniels INTRO – “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming” video The truth that we celebrate today is the truth that sets us apart from all other religions. The message of the resurrection is central to the Gospel. Without this life-changing, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

What Is A Spiritual Journey: Apotheosis, Realizing Our True Identity Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 5, 2021

Every morning before shuffling out the back door, the old man told the cook to keep the frying pan hot. Tonight he was going to bring that elusive fish home for supper.

"Every morning before shuffling out the back door, the old man told the cook to keep the frying pan hot. Tonight he was going to bring that elusive fish home for supper. All day he would sit on the same battered lawn chair, under the same Florida sun, next to the same fishing hole, holding the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:17-22, Luke 8:14-15

Denomination: Salvation Army

Under His Tree

Contributed by Sean Dees on Mar 1, 2022

We go through great lengths to buy and purchase Christmas gifts for loved ones. We will break the bank in order to get the perfect gift. We wouldn't dare give someone a used or broken gift or put those items under our Christmas tree, but those items could be found under the Cross.

Christmas time is one of my favorite times of the year. Since I was a child I could not wait for Christmas to come, I would begin making my list in September and update it as the Sears, JC Penney, and Toys r us catalogs begin to arrive in the mail. Christmas was a big deal for us we didn’t have a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24

Post Salvation Blues

Contributed by Grant Adams on Jan 21, 2023

The greatest feeling of our life was the day we accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. That feeling doesn't last forever. We have to live in this sinful world. We all experience post salvation blues. The word of God can encourage us to overcome.

Until a few years ago, the best way I know how to describe my Christian life was like that of a convict. A convict who has been pardoned. The cell door has been opened, but I was still living in a prison. There was no doubt in my mind that I had been pardoned and the door was open, so I was free to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:14-25

Denomination: Baptist

The Breakdown Before The Breakthrough

Contributed by Jeffrey Sims on Mar 1, 2025

We all have times that we feel broken and hopeless, but that doesn't mean it's the end... A breakthrough is coming and it's going to better greater than anything we can imagine. Trust God, He's not going to leave you in the breaking He's going to give you a breakthrough

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." There’s an old saying: “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” But when you’re in the darkness, it doesn’t feel like ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, John 15:2, Galatians 6:9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"Holy Cross”

Contributed by Dr. Addanki Raju on Mar 9, 2026

Theme: “From Curse to Glory – The Cross That Saves the World”

________________________________________ “HOLY CROSS” A Lenten Homily Theme: “From Curse to Glory – The Cross That Saves the World” ________________________________________ 1. Introduction: The Sign That Divides History My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, There is one sign that stands at the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:19

The Way Of The Cross Tenth Station – Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments Series

Contributed by Dr. Addanki Raju on Mar 14, 2026

Theme: Christ accepts humiliation so that humanity may recover its lost dignity. Scripture: "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." — Psalm 22:18

________________________________________ The Way of the Cross Tenth Station – Jesus is Stripped of His Garments Theme: Christ accepts humiliation so that humanity may recover its lost dignity. Scripture: "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." — Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:18, John 19:23-24

The First Word Jesus Speaks From The Cross - "Father, Forgive Them – The Triumph Of Divine Mercy From The Cross” - Luke 23:34 "Father, Forgive Them; They Do Not Know What They Are Doing.”

Contributed by Dr. Addanki Raju on Mar 6, 2026

The Voice from the Cross

________________________________________ The first word Jesus speaks from the Cross “Father, Forgive Them – The Triumph of Divine Mercy from the Cross” Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” ________________________________________ 1. Introduction – The Voice from ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:34

The Parables Of Sowing And Reaping

Contributed by Michael Mays on Aug 27, 2021

We treasure, or take care of, and make use of, only the things we value. In Jesus' discussion in this chapter, He talks about the value of sowing.

I. Introduction A. Illustration 1. Going into the Christmas-buying season of 2013, it was estimated that over $1 billion would go unredeemed, and there are always excuses: there’s a 5-year redemption limit (some businesses issuing these cards won’t even be solvent that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, Matthew 13:18-30, Matthew 13:36-43

Halleluiah, What A Savior! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Sep 22, 2023

What do you think about the message of the cross? Maybe the message of the cross has been foolishness to you. Today you can be saved as a result of the message of the cross and the power of God.

Springtime is a wonderful time of the year. It is amazing to see a seed sprout into a plant. There are flowers with brilliant colors. The design gives a message that there must be a designer. Whether it is a plant, a flower, an insect, stars, or the human body God has revealed himself and how ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-38, Colossians 1:16-18, 1 Corinthians 1:18, John 1:14

Denomination: Baptist

"Christmas Is Not Your Birthday”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Dec 22, 2021

Mike Slaughter challenges our comfortable traditions his book: Christmas Is Not Your Birthday. Quotes from Linus. Incarnation,.. how divinity interacted with human DNA, that’s the mystery the Virgin Birth. Quote from Christianity Today 1996

In Jesus Holy Name December 24, 2021 Text: Matthew 1:20b-21 Christmas Eve - Redeemer “Christmas Is Not Your Birthday” It’s Christmas Eve. Excitement & anticipation are in the air. Christmas trees light up our homes with bright lights and shiny ornaments. Colorful ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:20, Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Good Bread Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 8, 2022

What fills you up? What do you strive hardest to acquire? Jesus is truly the bread of life that meets all our needs.

* Introduction to Lenten season * Our understanding of Lent is likely limited to knowing people who give up something for the season or don’t eat meat on Fridays. * Season of preparation for Easter - the resurrection * A time to reflect on Christ and His sacrifice so that when we come to Good ...read more

Scripture: John 6:25-40, John 6:11-13, Matthew 6:31-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ