Sermons on Thorny Ground:

Why Can't I Just Be Me?

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on May 16, 2008

This message is for believers who still want to live their life according to their desires and old habits. This message helps believers understand Christian growth through eight callings toward achieving holiness through Christ.

Many Christians ask Christ into their life, often not knowing what they just have done, or what to do afterwards, other than just “go to church”. Eventually, one will become tired of that…they want to experience the “new life” and “faith” that they hear preached about, but don’t know where to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Daring The Risk Of Reach

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2014

Reach carries risks; but the child of God must always reach for the beautiful and the glorious.

“When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, ‘What are you arguing about with them?’ And someone ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

A Rush To Judgment Series

Contributed by J.d. Tutell on May 21, 2011

Paul returns to Jerusalem and faces the same type of misjudgments he had made earlier in life. In the face of such opportunity he takes the opportunity to share his testimony.

A Christian man owned a barber shop. One night, at a revival meeting, the barber felt greatly burdened to do more with his testimony for Christ. The next evening, the barber began attending a "soul winners class" at his church. He attended faithfully every night for two weeks. He rehearsed all the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Focus: Souls Won Not How It's Done Series

Contributed by Bobby Stults on Jul 20, 2014

Paul did NOT believe we should stand on ceremony or ritual when it comes to sharing Christ, but that we should have an attitude of being willing to do ANYTHING to win people to Christ!

Sermon Brief Date Written: July 17, 2014 Date Preached: July 20, 2014 Where Preached: OPBC (AM) Sermon Details: Series Title: A Series in 1 Corinthians Sermon Title: Paul’s FOCUS –Souls Won not How it is done Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 [NLT] 19Even though I am a free ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Connected & Confident Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 4, 2017

Message provides practical insight on how to increase prayer effectiveness by (1) maintaining a clear conscience (including how we do that) (2) Then staying connected by abiding in Christ daily in our thoughts.

Connected and Confident Prayer 1 John 3:22 11/29/15 We are dealing with the subject of prayer, not as an intellectual exercise, but in a sincere pursuit of relating to our God in such a way that we are effective in our prayers. If we are to become effective in any human endeavor, we must be ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8, 1 John 3:18-24, John 11:41-42, 1 John 3:22

Denomination: Charismatic

Thursday - An Evening Full Of Surprises Series

Contributed by David Owens on Mar 28, 2022

Thursday evening was full of surprises as Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples. During the evening, Jesus washed their feet, and announced that one of them would betray Him, another would deny Him, and all of them would desert Him. They must have thought He was kidding, but He wasn't!

A. If you know me very well, then you know that I like to laugh and joke. 1. This Friday is April Fools Day, so I thought I might share a few April Fools’ funnies. 2. I heard about guy who years ago swapped the price labels on the pumps at the gas station? It was an April Fuel’s joke. 3. I heard ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Part 4: Gideon V. Midian Series

Contributed by James Jackson on May 4, 2021

For the fourth time, Israel repeats their sin cycle. Why can't they just stay saved?

[Open with video of opening scene from "The Incredibles," where Mr Incredible says, "No matter how many times you save the world, it always ends up in jeopardy again] How many of you have ever felt like Mr. Incredible from that video? “No matter how many times you save the world, it ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

1 Samuel Part 6

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Jun 24, 2024

NASB

David Again Spares Saul 26 Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, which is before [a]Jeshimon?” 2 So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having with him three thousand chosen men of Israel (ABOUT THE SIZE OF AN ARMY BRIGADE), ...read more

Denomination: Vineyard

John 8:2-11 The Stone Dropped: How Jesus Turned A Legal Trap Into A Call For Self-Examination

Contributed by Ellick Wu on Jan 6, 2026

Now we come to study John 8:2-11. A familiar story about “The Woman Caught in Adultery” and the well-known phrase, “He who is without sin throws the first stone.” Let’s explore the Hypocrisy in the Temple that day, and challenge the judgmental spirit alive in our world today.

Imagine the scene: The temple court is quiet, filled with people eager to hear Jesus teach. But the peace is about to shatter. Suddenly, a group of powerful religious leaders storms in, dragging a terrified woman to the center. They haven't come for justice; they've come to set a trap. They ...read more

Scripture: John 8:2-11, Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10

Denomination: Baptist

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Contributed by Jim Kane on Mar 10, 2002

How then do we not let self-sufficiency and pride take root in our lives and in our church?

One of the most frequent headlines the past several months has been the Firestone tire safety issue on certain Ford Sport Utility Vehicles. However, not only have these two companies been linked together by business deals, they have also been linked together by marriage. In 1947 Harvey Firestone, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Church Of God

The Difference God Makes Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 18, 2002

New Life in a lost life

What a Difference You Made in My Life Ephesians 2:13-22 · This morning we looked at the pagan’s condition ‘without Christ’. That defines lostness. You can be very worldly and lost or you can be very religious and lost. The question is your relationship with Jesus Christ. The ‘Gentiles’, which ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:13-22

The Qualities Of A Godly Leader

Contributed by David Dewitt on Jan 9, 2001

God has a set standard for the leaders of His church

The Qualities of a Godly Leader 1 Timothy 3:2-7 July 26, 1998 Morning Service Introduction The King of the jungle 1. The lion goes and asked the animals of the jungle who was the King A. Bypasses the smaller animals and goes straight to the bear: The lion asks the bear who was the king, bear says ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:2-7

Denomination: Church Of God

"Learn Your Lessons When It Comes To Christian Living”

Contributed by Daniel Schroeder on Dec 29, 2001

History helps us to not repeat the same mistakes. We have learned dozens of lessons after watching others make mistakes. Why should day-to-day Christian living be any different? Paul teaches us about Christian living by using history and God’s promises.

“Learn Your Lessons When It Comes To Christian Living” I. Listen to warnings written in Israel’s history (1-12) II. Look to the Lord to get you out of temptation (13) Dear Friends in Christ, My car has a yellow light that turns on when the gas in my gas tank level gets down low. With another ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Is There Any Room?

Contributed by Keith Broyles on Jul 17, 2001

Christmas in July

First Monday weekend in Canton is an interesting experience. For those of you who have been, you know what I am talking about. There are acres and acres of booths both in pavilions and open air that are filled with people selling anything imaginable, and probably a few things beyond our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

Denomination: Methodist

Why I Believe Jesus Is Lord Series

Contributed by John Walls on Sep 30, 2001

The Lordship of Christ

WHY I BELIEVE IN THE SON OF GOD 1 Timothy 3:15b-16 Introduction: It is believed that the original Christian confession consisted of three words: "Jesus Christ--Lord." So must our pure confession be! He is either LORD of all or not Lord at all. His person, claims and work are central to Biblical ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:15-16

Denomination: Baptist