Sermons on Thorny Soil:

The Story Of A Seed

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jul 22, 2018

In the story of the seed, Jesus gives each of us instructions for reproducing

The Story of a Seed It was the end of August in 1979. I was a 19-year-old fisherman on the herring seiner Rali 2 out of Paspébiac, Quebec. Don’t ask why a crew from Saint John and Grand Manan were crewing a seiner from Quebec, it’s a long story. We had spent the summer in the Bay of Fundy ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-29

Denomination: Wesleyan

Evangelism 101 - Part 3 - Sowing Seed, Bearing Fruit Series

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Dec 14, 2020

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus warns His audience that although the seed may be good, if it is not sown or planted right, it will not yield what is intended.

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus warns His audience that although the seed may be good, if it is not sown or planted right, it will not yield what is intended. Mat 13:1 On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Bloom Where You Are Planted Series

Contributed by Victor Yap on Dec 22, 2007

Parables for Seekers, Pt. 1

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED (LUKE 8:4-15) Motivational writer Dennis Kimbro says that some people are like wheels - they don’t work unless they are pushed. Some people are like trailers - they have to be pulled. Some people are like kites - always up in the air, and if you don’t keep a string on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What The Gardener Does (Revised)

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Dec 7, 2005

Growth. Grow where you are; it’s God’s Plan - Cooperate!

Title: What the Gardener Does Text: Luke 13:6-9. FCF: We are supposed to grow. Jesus will make sure that happens. SO: I’d specifically like to encourage the congregation to take risks in growing – things like committing to some evangelism… Intro: I’m not really much of a gardener. Today is the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:6-9

Denomination: Baptist

Achans Sin Part 1 Series

Contributed by Robert Robb on Nov 18, 2001

Steps in Achans sin

Study 9 Achan’s Sin Introduction Last week we began to look at this 7th chapter of the book of Joshua, the chapter that records Israel’s one and only defeat in their campaign, under the leadership of Joshua, to conquer and take possession of the land of Canaan. We saw that the root cause of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sermon On Conservation

Contributed by William Meakin on Apr 3, 2022

Conservation is defined as prevention of a wasteful use of a resource.

Dian Fossey, an American-born primatologist, conservationist and author of “Gorillas In The Mist.” once remarked: “When you realize the value of all life you dwell less on past and concentrate more on the conservation of the future.” Genesis 9:1-3 reminds us: And God blessed Noah and his sons and ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 35:33-34, Jeremiah 2:7, Revelation 11:18, Psalm 24:1

Conflict And Choices Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Nov 5, 2004

Abram’s leadership manifests itself in his ability to resolve conflict. Lot’s character (and downward spiral) is revealed in the choice he makes for himself and his family. We can choose to yield our rights when we’re secure in knowing that God will tak

“Conflict and Choices” Genesis 13:5-18 Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts People can be difficult! They’re often unreasonable, stubborn, and self-centered. Working with people presents thorny challenges. We all want to get along, but personality ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:5-18

Denomination: Congregational

Testimony Of The Soldier

Contributed by Robert Simmons on Mar 30, 2002

This sermon was preached on Easter 2002 as I was dressed in a Roman Centurion Soldier costume. I preached the sermon as the soldier that was an eyewitness to the events of the first Easter.

Easter Sunday 2002; Sermon delivered in Roman Centurion Costume What a strange religion these followers of Jesus Christ profess. Giving their money to the poor, helping the rejected, believing a virgin can have a son, and that a man raised from the dead. That’s the impression we all have when we ...read more

Scripture: John 19:16-17

Denomination: Church Of God

The Daughter Devoured The Mother

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jul 2, 2007

A sermon for Independence Day on Deuteronomy 8! (Outline adapted from material in Pulpit Commentary Volume 3 Page # 157- 158)

Sermon for 7/1/2007- Independence Day Deuteronomy 8:10-20 The Daughter Devoured the Mother! Introduction: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln said: WE have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:10-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A World View From The Children's Table

Contributed by Michael Deaton on Nov 15, 2006

Thanksgiving

A World View from the Children’s Table Matthew 6:25-33 Had we lived in New England, we might very well have been the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting. We were part of the new middle class that followed the Korean War. Families that were reconstituted as men made their way home yet again ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33

Denomination: Methodist

Who Is God And How Can You Get To Know Him? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 18, 2012

Jesus had to answer some very complicated questions designed to trap Him. But being the master chess player, Jesus turned the traps into times of teaching and revealing much about His true identity.

Jesus is in the middle of debating the religious leaders who have come to challenge Him after He cleared the Temple. Last time they demanded that He prove His authority (He wouldn’t because they wouldn’t admit where John the Baptist got his authority) and then they tried to trap Him ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:18-37

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

So Loved

Contributed by Jason Bonnicksen on Apr 22, 2011

Let us all take out our towels from our drawers and kneel down before others, and serve them as Jesus serves us, by loving them unto the end. Let us each serve our Lord, by serving all people, in the grace of God’s ultimate and sacrificial love.

INTRO One of the neatest gifts I’ve ever received was this little, hand towel. I was given this during my seminary commencement, and have cherished it ever since. The towel has a little saying on it: “Blessed to be a blessing” Isaiah 61:1. Isaiah 61:1-2 says: “The ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Are Your Satisfied?

Contributed by Perry Greene on Nov 23, 2011

God wants us to bless (and thank) him AFTER he blesses us. It is easy to be God-conscious when we are in need; it is another thing when we are satisfied.

Who said: “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand which ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is This All There Is? Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Nov 4, 2012

In our world of entertainment, glitz, and glamor, we are led to believe that if we follow the pattern of this age we can get satisfaction. But in the end it is only temporary. David tells us that the satisfaction that comes from a relationship with God ha

Psalm 16 is a Miktam. We don’t know what that Hebrew word means, but it could suggest music in a “plaintive” style or a contemplative poem. This psalm is about God’s protection, praise, and provision. It is about how to live life in the here and now, and how to be assured of ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Fear Of God

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Aug 11, 2022

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” as the Book of Proverbs stresses repeatedly. May we seek to live as God-fearing people who humble our hearts in reverence of His glory and live in faithfulness to His will.

The year was 1845. A man named Carl Steinman was fascinated by volcanoes, and going against the advice of his guide, he ventured to the edge of a dormant volcano while visiting Mount Hecla in Iceland. Although it had last erupted over fifty years earlier, the guide noticed there had been ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:12-13