Sermons on Thorny Soil:

A Withering Religion

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 21, 2020

Judgment begins at the house of God.

A WITHERING RELIGION. Matthew 21:12-22. Today’s passage brings together two events which are not unrelated to each other: the cleansing of the Temple, and the withering of the fig tree. Both are figurative of the state and changing status of the old Jewish faith at the dawn of the gospel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Withered Fig Tree.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 17, 2022

Today’s passage brings together two events which are not unrelated to each other: the cleansing of the Temple, and the withering of the fig tree. Both are figurative of the state and changing status of the old Jewish faith at the dawn of the gospel era.

THE WITHERED FIG TREE. Mark 11:12-33. I. The Barren Fig Tree. Mark 11:12-14; Mark 11:20-26. As we see Jesus approaching the fig tree (Mark 11:12-13), we need to recollect that Jesus is God. The fig tree is a well-known symbol of Israel: ‘every man under his vine and his fig tree’ (cf. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The True Purpose Of Pentecost Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 20, 2021

All of us need clear vision, and not just of material things.

Thursday After Pentecost 2021 It has been said, probably ever since humans walked the face of earth, that the “winners write the history.” The winners also endeavor to craft the culture that they live in. So, for example, after the Norman invasion of England in 1066, the Norman princes built ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:30, Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Catholic

Give Thanks Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 6, 2021

The word “Give thanks” this sentence is used five times in this Psalm (Psalm 107:8, 15,21, 31, 32). He repeats the word distress or trouble four times. He has delivered them from their distress (Psalm 107:6,13, 19,28). For his wonderful works, miracles (Psalm 107:21).

Psalm 107 - Give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 107:1 & 43) Introduction: The word “Give thanks” this sentence is used five times in this Psalm (Psalm 107:8, 15,21, 31, 32). He repeats the word distress or trouble four times. He has delivered them from their distress (Psalm 107:6,13, 19,28). For ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Jesus Teaches Us A "rock Ballad"

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 24, 2024

What does it mean to see God as a Rock who saves us?

Fourth Sunday in Course 2024 Let’s all take a moment, maybe even shut our eyes if we are sitting down, and use our imaginations. That’s a great way to start your daily meditation, by imagining a scene from the Scriptures. So let’s all get into our minds a picture of a rock. Not a pebble, not a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28, 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Denomination: Catholic

Caleb Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 28, 2022

Caleb was an Israelite leader known for following God wholeheartedly. After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God told Moses to send a leader from each tribe into Canaan to explore the Promised Land.

Caleb Who was Caleb in the Bible? Caleb was an Israelite leader known for following God wholeheartedly. After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God told Moses to send a leader from each tribe into Canaan to explore the Promised Land. Caleb, age forty at the time, was chosen as the ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:27

Denomination: Baptist

Fruit Of The Spirit: Manifesting God's Transformative Power Galatians 5:22-23 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 2, 2024

In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul illuminates the characteristics that should be evident in the lives of believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us delve into this passage together and discover how we can manifest the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives.

Fruit of the Spirit: Manifesting God's Transformative Power Galatians 5:22-23 Introduction: Dear brothers and sisters, today we embark on a journey into the heart of God's Word as we explore the transformative power of the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. In these ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:8-9, John 15:5, John 15:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Can The Church Be An Obstacle To Discipleship For Jesus?

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Dec 5, 2022

The view outside the church can be damaging. Therefore the church must work to rid itself of its media problems.

Can the Church be an Obstacle to Discipleship for Jesus? Mark 4:10-20 You may want to read Mark 4:1-9, This is the actual parable that I am speaking about. [Why parables?] 10 As soon as He was alone, 1His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. 11 And He was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:10-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Job's Sin PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 16, 2024

This sermon explores the Book of Job, focusing on his unwavering faith and righteousness during trials, and the lessons we can learn from his experiences.

Beloved, we find ourselves gathered once more in the warm embrace of fellowship and faith, drawn together by a shared love for the Word of God and a thirst for understanding. In the spirit of this shared pursuit, we turn our attention today to the Book of Job, a testament of faith, fortitude, and ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:8

Topics: Imperfection, Perfect Man

Heart Of Worship PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 29, 2024

This sermon challenges us to evaluate the authenticity of our worship and to ensure our faith is reflected in our daily actions.

What a joy it is to gather together, as the family of God, to ponder the precious truths of His Word. Our hearts are like parched soil, craving the life-giving rain of Scripture. Today, we turn to the book of Amos, a book that may not be as familiar as Psalms or as comforting as the Gospel of John, ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:21-24

Topics: Continual Worship

The Promises Of God

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Oct 7, 2025

As I was driving today, God dropped in my Spirit how he was a promise keeper, and this is the Bible Study that I want to deal with tonight.

The Promises of God God’s promises are sure, settled, and sealed — and they will come to pass. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” The first thing we must understand is that God is not a man that He should lie. When ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20, Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 10:23

Denomination: Baptist

Fruits Of The Holy Spirit

Contributed by Norman Bernad on Jul 20, 2023

When we bent over a plant to pick its fruit, we didn’t expect apples or oranges or kiwi to be attached to the plant. We knew that strawberry plants always bear strawberries.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit Psalm 1 1. Galatians 5:18-26. 2. John 15:1-5 First of all, a fruit plant or tree will only produce one kind of fruit. When we bent over a plant to pick its fruit, we didn’t expect apples or oranges or kiwi to be attached to the plant. We knew that strawberry ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:18-26, John 15:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Life Changing Word Series

Contributed by Rick Bartosik on May 23, 2001

The word "accept" means more than to simply intellectually agree with or affirm the truth of the Word of God; it means to "welcome" God’s Word into our hearts and lives.

"The Life-Changing Word" I Thessalonians 2:13-16 Mililani Community Church Pastor Rick Bartosik September 19, 1999 Rosario Rivera was an embittered Marxist living in Lima, Peru. She had been an associate of Che Guevera before he was killed. She hated Christianity. Luis Palau, the great South ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Way Of The Righteous And That Of The Wicked.

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Feb 3, 2001

Year C Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 11th, 2001

Year C Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany February 11th, 2001 Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church Web page http://lordofthelake.org By The Rev. Jerry Morrissey, Esq., Pastor E-mail pastor@southshore.com Psalm 1 Title: “The way of the righteous and that of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Gratitude

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Mar 1, 2001

Year C. 1st Sunday of Lent March 4th, 2001

Year C. 1st Sunday of Lent March 4th, 2001 Lord of the Lake Lutheran Church Web page http://lordofthelake.org By The Rev. Jerry Morrissey, Esq., Pastor E-mail pastor@southshore.com DEUTERONOMY 26:1-11 Heavenly Father we recognize that we are truly dependent on You alone for everything. ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran