Sermons on Thorny Soil:

God's Whisper

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 13, 2013

In the midst of our distress, God whispers words of comfort in our hearts

1 Kings 19:1-18 “God’s Whisper” INTRODUCTION Today is All Saints Sunday. It is a time that the Church pauses to remember those who have gone before us and to celebrate their lives, their witness, and their faith. Historically it has been one of the high holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Fruit Inspectors (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Oct 26, 2014

By their fruit you will recognize them-It may take some time, but we will eventually see whether the preacher is trying to benefit himself, or whether he is truly serving others.

Matthew 7:15-20-“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation Studies Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Dec 21, 2013

Church at Sardis

Rev. 3:1-6Church at Sardis 3:1SardisIt was a dying church. It was a capital of Lydia. 50 miles from Smyrna, fertile valley, river Pactolus flows out of munt Tmolus. Extensive fruit orchards, textile industry, jewelry factories, gold mined river sands. The world’s first coins were minted. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Methodist

Compelled To The Corss

Contributed by Jeff Pearce on Mar 30, 2012

Taking up the cross.

Compelled to the Cross Intro: Simon the Cyrenian 1: Who was he? a) man from north Africa b) a larger city, in what is eastern modern day Libya c) he was in Jerusalem at Passover during the crucifixion of Christ d) not much else can be known of Simon the Cyrenian Fact: The Gospel of Mark ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:21

Denomination: Other

A Lesson In Righteousness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 10, 2011

Jesus graciously proclaims that his followers are salt and light. They live out a new righteousness established by the cross and empowered by the Spirit.

Matthew 5:13-20 “A Lesson in Righteousness” INTRODUCTION There’s an old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We all know that this is not true. Words have a powerful effect in our lives. Each of us seems to have something ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Laying Down Our Will

Contributed by Jeff Budzinski on Jul 31, 2010

• In order to grow in the things of God and to be used in a powerful way for Jesus, we must lay down our will. • In order for God's life (His will) to be expressed through us, we must lay our life (our will) down. • Laying our will down is an act of

Introduction • In order to grow in the things of God and to be used in a powerful way for Jesus, we must lay down our will. • In order for God's life (His will) to be expressed through us, we must lay our life (our will) down. • Laying our will down is an act of obedience to ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Season Are You In?

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Sep 8, 2010

Notice, even though God knew man’s heart hasn’t changed, He said, God will show mercy by never cursing the ground again. Noah’s first acts was to build an altar and sacrifice to the Lord. Because of Noah’s faith, God instituted the law of Seedtime and Har

What Season are You In? Text: Genesis 8:22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” If you belong to God, right now, your season is designed just for you. How can you be sure of this? Two reasons, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 8:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Endurance To The End Series

Contributed by Daniel Austin on Sep 9, 2010

We have the assurances of God for Salvation, Hope, Forgiveness, and Prayer and all is ours if we endure to the end.

Endurance To The End Blessed Assurance part 6 12/06/09 PM Text: Hebrews 3:14 Introduction: Sing Blessed Assurance #4 This is the final lesson in our series on many of the blessed assurances we have from God. In lessons past we have seen the blessed assurance of Salvation we have from God the Father ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Imperfect People Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 6, 2016

We hold a holy treasure in clay pots, but that's all that's needed to share the gospel and honor God.

2 Corinthians 4:1-15 “Imperfect People” INTRODUCTION Many illustrations are used to explain the deep truths of God’s grace and our lives as Christians. In the thirteenth chapter of Matthew Jesus explains to his disciples that God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed (vs. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:1-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Saints Simon And Jude: Called, Beloved, Kept Safe Series

Contributed by Dr John Singarayar Svd on Oct 28, 2025

They were faithful in the quiet, unglamorous work of loving people one conversation at a time.

Title: Saints Simon and Jude: Called, Beloved, Kept Safe Intro: They were faithful in the quiet, unglamorous work of loving people one conversation at a time. Scripture: Luke 6:12-16 Reflection Dear Friends, I once met an elderly woman at a parish office hour who told me she felt ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

Denomination: Other

Organized Leadership (1 Chronicles 27)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 31, 2025

Is leadership in the church to be organized?

How organized should leadership be among God’s people? Who ought to be the leaders of local churches? Let’s begin in 1 Chronicles 27. How many soldiers did David organize to be on active duty each month? Who are today’s soldiers of the cross? This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Preparing For The Kingdom Of God

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on Nov 11, 2025

What does the story of the fig tree in Luke 13 mean?

Preparing for the Kingdom of God Luke 13:1-9 Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz Luke 13:1 Now on that very occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had 1mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus responded and said to them, “Do you think that these ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Uzziah Of Judah (2 Chronicles 26)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 20, 2025

Will we be faithful to the end?

Did Uzziah start well, but fail like his father? Is faithfulness to the end important? Will we endure? Let’s begin in 2 Chronicles 26. Did king Uzziah of Judah start out right like his father Amaziah? And all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

He Brought Me Out Of The Miry Clay

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 13, 2025

The “miry clay” represents situations that are sticky, messy, and hard to escape. It symbolises spiritual bondage, emotional turmoil, and moral failure. But God does not abandon His people in such states. He inclines His ear to us, hears our cry, and lifts us out with His mighty hand.

HE BROUGHT ME OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 40:1-3 Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 38:6-13, Psalm 18:16-19, Colossians 1:13, Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 15:17-24 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when it feels like we are sinking—overwhelmed by sin, pain, confusion, or ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Self-Esteem Or God-Esteem? - Lesson 2 - What Constitutes A Good Self-Image? Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Dec 10, 2020

Are People Basically Good or Basically Bad?

WEEK 1 LESSON I. WHAT CONSTITUTES A GOOD SELF-IMAGE? QUESTION: Are People Basically Good or Basically Bad? (Gen 1:26-27) ________________________________________________________________________ QUESTION: Can People Improve ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational