Sermons on Thorny Ground:

Parable Of Potential

Contributed by Larry Thompson on Sep 24, 2005

There is absolutely ONE essential truth the local church must receive if the church is to fulfill her mission. Christians MUST use their gifts and talents in the body to build and glorify His Church. This message challenges the listener to act in obedienc

Imagine Series: Part Two The Parable of Potential Matt. 25:14-25 - ©Dr. Larry L. Thompson (2005) Webster defines ‘potential’ as, “something that has the promise to develop and become real!” Today, I want you to imagine YOUR POTENTIAL your personal responsibility in serving in His church and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-25

Denomination: Baptist

What Does Suffering Say About God? Series

Contributed by Ross Anderson on Oct 25, 2005

The Bible sees hardship as God¡¦s loving discipline, which, as we submit to it, he uses to produce his character in our lives.

Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 12. We¡¦ve been talking in recent weeks about suffering, seeking to make sense out of the trials and hardships we go through in life. To start us off, I want you to think about what one couple has gone through¡K Introduction: Video interview with a couple who ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:3-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Groaning Is A Godly Thing

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jul 14, 2005

In this sermon I address the idea of complaining and groaning in a decaying world. How do we approach and deal with pain?

July 14, 2005 Romans 8:18-25 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Doing The Right Things For The Right Reasons

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Jan 15, 2004

Our works are not acceptable if our motives are not pure.

January 11, 2004 Morning Worship Text: Genesis 4:1-9 Subject: Acceptable Worship Title: Doing the Right Things for the Right Reasons We live in a society where we are required to make decisions every day. For many, decisions are made without any consideration, other than, “What is best for me?” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Avoiding Spiritual Emptiness Series

Contributed by David Flowers on May 10, 2006

In part three of series Jesus, Post-Resurrection, Dave looks closely at Colossians 2:1-10. We learn how to identify an empty belief system, and how to avoid spiritual emptiness.

In 1996 I was a graduate student at Oakland University. I was doing an internship at a counseling center in Flint to finish up my Master’s degree in Counseling. I was new and very inexperienced, and was working in my office one day when the phone rang. All the “real” therapists were busy, so I ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Case Study In Prayer Series

Contributed by Roger Thomas on Jun 1, 2004

Hezekiah’s experience provides a lasting example of what can happen when we claim God’s promise of prayer.

A Case Study in Prayer and Promise--I Isaiah 38-40 Dr. Roger W. Thomas, Preaching Minister First Christian Church, Vandalia, MO A man was hired to paint the center line down the middle of the highway. The first day he painted three miles, the second day two miles and the third day one. The boss ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Pulling Up Stakes

Contributed by William Nieporte on Nov 17, 2007

God is always calling us onward.

Have you ever been camping? I do not mean camping in a cabin or camper. I mean camping in the great outdoors, bundled up in a sleeping bag, with nothing but a tent between you and the wild creatures that roam the woods. I have only been once been once and I hated it. Knowing what you know ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-72

Denomination: Baptist

How Justification Works Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Nov 21, 2007

This sermon looks at the definition of justification.

Scripture Last week we resumed our study in “Romans: The Good News of God.” However, I did not finish my sermon, and so I plan to finish it today. The issue that the Apostle Paul is dealing with in his letter to the Roman Church is how God saves sinners. The most important question that anyone ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:24-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Rooted In Jesus Series

Contributed by Clint Meade on Jul 15, 2007

A messeage about living a committed Christian life.

Colossians 2:1-7 A number of years ago Norman Cousins wrote an editorial …. in which he reported a conversation he had on a trip in India. He was talking with a Hindu priest named Satis Prasad. The man said he wanted to come to our country to work as a missionary among the Americans. Cousins ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Be Fooled By Appearances Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 7, 2007

The Israelites had returned from captivity to find their city and their temple in ruins. They rebuilt what they could, but they became despondant because they weren’t wealthy enough to restore the temple to its former glory. However, God gave them insight

OPEN: An old farmer was about to die and he called his 2 sons to his bedside. He said, "Boys, my farm and the fields are yours. You each have equal shares. I leave you a little ready money, but the bulk of my wealth is hidden somewhere in the ground of the farm. I’m not sure anymore quite where it ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Dilema Of Divorce

Contributed by Richard Harsell on Jun 26, 2004

Divorce is not "The Second Unpardonable Sin."

"The Dilema of Divorce" Mark 10: 1-12 Richard F. Harsell friendshippastor@yahoo.com The issue of divorce among believers has been a centuries-old problem within the Church which remains a spiritual "hot potato" still today. Here in America, statistics tell us that 43% of first-time ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Passing Over To The Other Side

Contributed by James May on Jun 25, 2006

If we really want to experience the power, majesty and glory of God in our lives, we must be ready to pass over to the other side where most of Jesus’ followers won’t go.

Passing Over to the Other Side By Pastor Jim May Mark 4:1-41 Life is a wonderful journey for those who know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. With each passing day, there are new joys to experience, new blessing to enjoy and a new opportunity to love Jesus even more. Even in the midst of tests ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-41

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Get Off The Bench

Contributed by Nate Barbour on Sep 5, 2003

Learn how to find and fulfill your place on the "team" with this inspiring message about the church as the body of Christ.

Get Off The Bench Filling Your Place on the Team 6/4/03 I. Introduction Behold, a team went forth to play a game of baseball. Just as the umpire was saying, “Batter up,” the catcher for the home team arrived and took his place behind the plate. The center fielder didn’t show up at all but sent his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Let Him Save Himself (Whose Line Is It?) Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 20, 2003

The Chief Preists and Teachers of the Law challenged Jesus to save Himself, come down off the cross... then they’d believe in Him. Why didn’t He do that?

OPEN: April 15th was just this past week, and I ran across this bit of information about the IRS that I wanted to share with you this morning. According to the "Newhouse News Service:" Over the past 193 years, the federal government has received approximately $4 million in unsolicited funds from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:39-43

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Google: What Are You Searching For? Series

Contributed by Mark Canfield on Nov 9, 2006

Is there one site that has the answers to the most relevant questions we face everyday of our lives? During this 5 week series, join us as we search together for the solutions to life’s most basic questions.

What is your worst fear ever? Sweat Bullets / Sick / Weak Knees #1 Fear reported in America is Public Speaking How would you feel God tapped you on the shoulder & asked you to do that? Every Week? I remember standing in front of my first public speaking class. Fear pretty much describes how I ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Christian Church