Sermons on Thorny Soil:

An Unadulterated Heart

Contributed by James Groce on May 2, 2001

Often, to say a thing is pure is to say that nothing else has been added to it, whether clean or unclean. In this sense, pure denotes something that is free of foreign elements.

An Unadulterated Heart Text: Mt. 5:8 The Greek adjective katharos meant "clean" or "pure." A "catharsis" is a purging or cleansing. Katharos often meant something that had been purged. A soiled garment that had been washed. Corn with the chaff winnowed out. An army purged of unacceptable ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8

Denomination: Pentecostal

Discernment And Humility

Contributed by Robert Tomas on Apr 23, 2002

Do we know the way?

SEPTEMBER 22, 2000 WORSHIP SERVICE SCRIPTURES ·First Reading Wisdom 2:12, 17-20 ·Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6-7 ·Second Reading James 3:16-4:3 ·Gospel Mark 9:30-37 REFLECTION As we continue our theme on Christian Discernment, we shall now focus on its definition and function in relation to the Cross ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

Denomination: Catholic

How Jesus Successfully Used Metaphors

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Metaphor - A figure of speech used to describe, illustrate or apply something to a lesson that it does not usually denote.

Metaphor - A figure of speech used to describe, illustrate or apply something to a lesson that it does not usually denote. Jesus masterfully communicated truth in a creative way so that His listens would understand and remember His teaching. For example, Jesus used many objects as analogies to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-31, Mark 11:20-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Demonstrate Power As Jesus Did

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. CONSISTENCY - Jesus practiced what He preached.

1. CONSISTENCY - Jesus practiced what He preached. He said, Love your enemiesand do good to those who despitefully use you. Jesus forgave His persecutors because He knew that Ahis example would overcome all problems. 2. COURAGE - Jesus showed courage without being arrogant. In the midst of ...read more

Scripture: John 17:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Taught That Everyone Reaps What They Sow

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus taught the laws of sowing and reaping through the parable of the sower and the seed (Mark 4:1-20).

1. Jesus taught the laws of sowing and reaping through the parable of the sower and the seed (Mark 4:1-20). The Lord asserted that what we sow will proportionately be credited to our account in its quantity and quality. Sowing involves what we give out in terms of our faith, obedience, and service. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Asbestos Kids Revisited

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 18, 2000

Can we ever do so much for people that we seal their loyalty or guarantee their fidelity?

Intro: 1. One of the roughest things about family, housework, repairs, red tape, and the serving the Lord is: You are never done. 2. Some things you do once in life: many of us saw Haley’s comet years back; we’re done. But some things are not this way. 3. People can often be like Peter: one ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Teachings Of Sound Theology Series

Contributed by Mark Mohler on Jun 26, 2004

The importance of theology in the Christian life

The Teachings of Sound Theology Colossians 2:6-23 Introduction: Theology, it¡¦s a big word, sounds real complicated, but it isn¡¦t. Like everything else man can make it complicated, but it doesn¡¦t have to be. In its simplest terms, theology is what one believes about God. Since everything we ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Law Of Love Pt.2 Series

Contributed by Chris Mccall on Mar 16, 2006

Once a Believer develops in love, power becomes available, but walking in love is a process that requires sacrifice and development.

Mankind is born with the tendency to think and act selfishly, but the agape love of God is deposited within his heart when he becomes born again. Once a Believer develops in love, power becomes available, but walking in love is a process that requires sacrifice and development. A. Mankind is born ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

On The Ropes With The Mediator

Contributed by Brian Buriff on Jun 14, 2006

With arms outstretched at the center of the divine-human tug-o-war, one Mediator reconciles two opposing parties – God and man – yesterday and today.

I. OBJECT ILLUSTRATION Bring two short 3’ ropes with hooks one end of each. Ask for a volunteer and instruct the volunteer that their task is simple – to join the two ropes together by the end hooks. Begin to count to three, but stop short – saying that you forgot that you needed two other ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5

Denomination: Church Of God

Church Growth

Contributed by Dean Morgan on Jun 14, 2006

The blooms of the fig tree always appear before the leaves in spring. When Jesus saw leaves on a fig tree, he expected the fruit.

Let me begin by saying something about Jesus cursing the fig tree. You will also find this story in Matthew 21: 18 and 19. This tree was a fruit-producing plant which could be either a tall tree or a low-spreading shrub. The size of the tree depended on its location and soil. The fruit of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:12-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

This Holy Thursday

Contributed by Dennis Bliss on Mar 23, 2005

A reflection of the sacred paschal meal and the significance of ordained ministry

Holy Thursday During the next three days, the most sacred seventy- two hours the liturgical calendar, the church will celebrate the feast and source of our salvation, namely the paschal death and resurrection of our blessed Liberator, Jesus of Nazareth. Tonight we initiate this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Elizabeth - Shaping Your Spiritual Heritage Series

Contributed by W F on Feb 17, 2007

You can partner with the Lord in shaping the spiritual heritage of your family and friends.

INTRODUCTION Are you aware of your spiritual heritage? We can all trace our biological heritage through both our mother and father’s side of our families. But to whom do you attribute your spiritual heritage? Shaping a family’s spiritual heritage is a partnership with the Lord. Your job a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, 1 Samuel 1:1-28

Denomination: *other

Jesus-The Preacher Series

Contributed by Mack Armstrong on Feb 18, 2007

What made Jesus a good Preacher?

MARK 1:9-20 JESUS-THE PREACHER I. PERSON:* Mark 1:9-11 A. Patrimony. B. Processing. C. Proving. II. PREACHING:** ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-20

Denomination: Methodist

Wait A Minute

Contributed by Matthew Blau on Mar 27, 2008

Salvation is easy but only the beginning. Living faith is much harder.

Wait a Minute, Who Said Anything About Suffering! Christian faith is different from any other religion in the world. It is different because of the very nature of grace. Grace does not require great works. It is a gift from God. We do not and could not have a chance of ever earning it. We will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Methodist

Spirit Controlled Life

Contributed by Stephen Funderburk on Jan 3, 2007

need of God’s Spirit to overcome the weakness of the flesh.

Intro: the more I read the Word of God, the more I realize how totally dependent we are on the Spirit of God to help us gain victory in our lives. Nowhere is this more clearly seen as it is explained in Galatians 5:16-26. Your physical, carnal man produces things, God’s Spirit in you produces ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God