Sermons on Thorny Soil:

Word Problems Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 20, 2016

Parables of sower and mustard seeds

Mark 4:1-34 “Word Problems” INTRODUCTION What is the difference between a fable and a parable? A fable is primarily didactic, a clever story meant to offer some insight into and instruction about life – think Aesop’s Fables for a moment. A parable, on the other hand, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-34

Denomination: Lutheran

"A Beautiful Find”

Contributed by Bruce Ferris on Sep 16, 2002

There is expectation and joyful discovery in a beautiful find. It can lift you from the depths of depression and fill your life with hope and joy. It can take your heart from rags to riches and elevate you from a meaningless existence to a life of purpo

“A Beautiful Find” There is expectation and joyful discovery in a beautiful find. It can lift you from the depths of depression and fill your life with hope and joy. It can take your heart from rags to riches and elevate you from a meaningless existence to a life of purpose and meaning. A ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:9-14

Denomination: Baptist

Prepare To Meet...isaiah Series

Contributed by Darryl Klassen on Oct 23, 2007

This is a preview sermon to help prepare the congregation for the upcoming sermon series on Isaiah. It contains some historical and socio-political information to put Isaiah into context.

PREPARE TO MEET…ISAIAH If I say that “the Lord spoke to me” one might understand that I heard an audible voice. For some that might be the case but for me it means that God puts thoughts in my head when I pray. When I was praying this week the Lord spoke to me. He said, “Plow deeply.” A picture ...read more

Denomination: Mennonite

What; No Condemnation?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Jan 31, 2014

When Jesus comes into our life, everything changes, mostly in the form of disaster; however we are given the ability to stand, and in doing so we are transformed into the glory God that wants from us. Yes it is painful, but we are victorious.

This sermon was delivered to the congregation in St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 10th July 2011: by Gordon McCulloch (A Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries). Summary: When Jesus comes into our life, everything changes, mostly in the form of a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Episcopal

No Roots, No Fruits

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Dec 11, 2018

The concept of staying a faithful member at one church and growing

NO ROOTS, NO FRUITS SCRIPTURE: John 15:8 “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” INTRODUCTION: Root (noun) 1. The descending axis of a plant usually growing underground, providing support and absorbing moisture from the soil. 4. That from which ...read more

Scripture: John 15:8, John 12:24

Denomination: Pentecostal

Know The Truth And The Truth Will Set You Free

Contributed by Kunnil Wilson on Jan 6, 2023

If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free

Know the truth and the truth will set you free Kunnil Wilson John 8: 31-32 Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him: "If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." If the context of these words is told, ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31

Denomination: Pentecostal

Strange Case Of The Cursed Fig Tree

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 10, 2021

Christ cursed a tree for not having fruit when it wasn't the season for figs. The real symbolism represents God's expectation that we be fruitful and 4 reasons are given why God's expectation is reasonable. Then 3 types of fruit we must have are identified.

STRANGE CASE OF THE CURSED FIG TREE Matthew 21:18-22 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Barbara Albright, a young woman, was discussing her dating life -- or lack thereof -- with her mother. She told her about a friend of hers who had been in a terrible car accident, broken both her legs, and wound up ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:18-22

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Flapping? Relax... Trust The Seed

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 14, 2022

There are some simple lessons we can over look. God's plan is trust the seed. Don't eat the seed corn. Quit flapping and start soaring with the wind.

FLAPPING? GOD SAYS RELAX, … HAVE FAITH IN THE SEED? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com This is a two part lesson. TEXT: EVERYTHING IN LIFE STARTS IN THE SEED FORM… I WILL TRUST GOD’S PLAN. IF YOU HAVE FAITH AS A MUSTARD SEED… Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:7, Luke 18:8, 2 Peter 3:9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Three More Ways To Pray

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 9, 2025

Tears show God’s message is penetrating our hearts.

Prayer of Brokenness “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning” (Joel 2:12). 1. On the Day of Pentecost the crowd was “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). 2. A woman with much sin came to Jesus, and “stood at His feet behind Him weeping” (Luke 7:38). 3. Not all ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12, Galatians 6:14, Psalm 42:9

Denomination: Baptist

The Sower's Diagnosis

Contributed by Kyle Meador on Nov 13, 2000

In this simple parable the great physician offers listeners a straight-forward heart exam.

(A note to those reading this material: This manuscript follows the presentation of the material as it was originally given. What may be difficult to tell by just reading the original text is the presence of a thick, southern accent – deliberately used in the introduction to make the material more ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:2-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parable Of The Talents Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Jan 14, 2020

Faithfullness in serving the Lord brings about its own rewards.

The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-18: Parables can be as exciting and challenging as detective stories. Even more so, for in the end they turn out to be dealing with real life, while detective stories can be pretty far-fetched. Also parables, like detective stories, are filled with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Task Of The Church#3 Series

Contributed by Jay Rambo on Oct 16, 2001

The task of the church is to make a difference in the world around us.

Title: The Task of The Church #3 Introduction: -- In Part one of this series we saw that The Task Of The Church is - To Love God - To Glorify God - To Display God’s Grace and - To Evangelize The World -- Last week we saw in part two that - The Task Of The Church Is - To Baptize Believers - To ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lord Send The Rain - Part 4 Series

Contributed by Charles Hines on Dec 29, 2007

When God allows rain to come in our lives, it is always for a reason, a season, for growth, and to prduce fruit.

Lord send the Rain - Part 4 Deuteronomy 11:13-17 Another point that we must not ignore is the phrase found in Genesis 1:12, which says, “ whose seed was in itself, after his kind.” When God called the fruit bearing trees forth, one important thing that He did was to put the seed in the tree so ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:13-17

Denomination: Church Of God

Our Disappointed God

Contributed by Rev Ken Shedenhelm on Aug 18, 2013

From the moment that he discovered that Adam and Eve were hiding in their nakedness to the moment that he hung on his cross, God has been disappointed in our choosing death over life. This magnifies his grace, even as it challenges our discipleship.

I came one day to this vineyard of mine; hoping, expecting that it would all be fine. The soil was rich, the corner... divine; I loved it, for sure- this vineyard of mine. The water was plenty, the sun warm and bright; I worked it by day and watched it by night. The hedge was protective, the ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 5:1-7

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sowing In Faith, Reaping In Hope Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 3, 2024

The Bible often uses agricultural imagery to teach us about spiritual truths. Just like a farmer plants seeds and waits for a harvest, we plant spiritual seeds through prayer, good works, and faithful living.

Sowing in Faith, Reaping in Hope Introduction: It’s such a blessing to gather together and dive into God’s Word. Today, we’re going to explore what it means to live a life of faithful sowing. Our Christian walk often mirrors the rhythms of farming—planting seeds of faith, nurturing them through ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:6, Matthew 13:3-9, Galatians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 3:6

Denomination: Pentecostal