Sermons on Thorny Soil:

Of Chaplin And Chaplain...

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Aug 13, 2012

Now what has Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest of the "Chaplinitis" era (when the fame of the legendary comedian spread like a wild contagion) in common with Book of Malachi (Last Book of the OT section of the Bible) containing a sizable section about Ch

OF CHAPLIN AND CHAPLAINS Let me relate a bizarre yet true story, before I get started with my main theme. Before that… those of us who don’t know about, Charlie Chaplin, let’s put up our hands? Well, not many hands would go up, for most of us know that he was a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:13

Denomination: *other

The Call To Fruitful Ministry During A Pandemic Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Sep 1, 2022

How do we encourage others when we are discouraged ourselves? How do we measure success? All of us want to be successful and in this text Jesus gives the key to fruitfulness, more fruit and much fruit!

Sermon: The Key to Fruitful Ministry John 15:1-17 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

The Letter To The Church At Sardis: Appearing Alive, But Actually Dead Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Feb 15, 2023

Sardis was a large and beautiful city in it’s time, with powerful defenses that made the residents over-confident in their ability to defend themselves from invading armies.

"In an address I lately heard, the speaker said that the blessings of the higher Christian life were often like the objects exposed in a shop window, one could see them clearly and yet could not reach them. If told to stretch out his hand and take, a man would answer, I cannot; there is a ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1

Denomination: Salvation Army

"rooted To Rise: Flourishing In The Christian Life" Series

Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Feb 1, 2025

Flourishing as a Christian is not merely about survival but embracing a life that thrives and bears fruit in every aspect.

Title: "Rooted to Rise: Flourishing in the Christian Life" Text: Psalm 92:12-14 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:12-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Cana, The Town Where Jesus Turned Water Into Wine And Healed The Royal Official's Son

Contributed by Robert Irvine on May 10, 2024

In John chapter 2 we read that Jesus went to a wedding in Cana and he miraculously turned water into wine. Later, in John chapter 4, he returned to Cana and he healed a Royal official’s son.

In John chapter 2 we read that Jesus went to a wedding in Cana and he miraculously turned water into wine. Later, in John chapter 4, he returned to Cana and he healed a Royal official’s son. Today we will look at 2 things: The meaning of the name Cana and the historical significance and how it is ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12, John 4:43-54

Denomination: Baptist

Acts Of The Apostles (16 Of 39)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

Have you ever wondered why God promised to reward us for the good deeds we do in this life?

The first thought that occurs is that He loves us, and wants to reward our good deeds as a father would reward his child for a good report card. Romans 8:17b says, “...and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." This is one ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

We Must Have Sound Doctrine Series

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jun 14, 2021

Based on 1 Timothy 1:1-11 - Challenges hearers to understand the need for sound doctrine in the Church.

“WE MUST HAVE SOUND DOCTRINE” 1 Tim. 1:1-11 FBCF – 6/13/21 Jon Daniels INTRO – Start w/ a quote from R.C. Sproul that I shared last week in first sermon in this “How to Do Church” series: “Without right doctrine, right living is impossible. We have not really understood Scripture if we are not ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Grace Is Sufficient

Contributed by Douglas Bryan on Jan 20, 2003

This message reminds us that in spite of the difficulties that wemay face in life, God has already given us everything we need, especially the gift of His grace.

GODSfS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 INTRODUCTION: A. Since this is Thanksgiving week, let me begin this morning by asking you one simple question: gFor what are you thankful?h or gAre you thankful?h 1. I have to admit that I tend to look at what I do not have and donft always ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Beginning, Finishing, & Choosing

Contributed by Ed Mcneely on Oct 12, 2004

Lessons from Gideon on living, serving and choosing our leaders: A guide for living and voting

STARTING, FINISHING, & CHOICES Judges 8-12 There are 2 big lessons for us at the end of and in the wake of Gideon’s life: 1. How we begin leads to how we live. But, how we finish is so important. Paul said I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Cost Of Following Jesus

Contributed by Howard Harden on Jan 13, 2001

Luke shared three encounters from Jesus’ life to teach us the cost of following Jesus.

The Cost of Following Jesus Luke 9:57-62 I recently was moved by an encounter I had with a little girl. We were in line at the small town store where I live. She was small and dirty. Her clothes were unwashed, her feet barefoot. Dirt was upon her face, but she did not notice. She ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:57-62

Denomination: Baptist

Dependent Faith Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Oct 30, 2003

This message teaches us that we are utterly, totally, 100% dependent upon God!

Lessons on Faith from the Model Prayer Dependent Faith “Give us today our daily bread.”—Matthew 6:11 October 26, 2003 Intro: A. [Not by Bread Alone, Citation: H.J. Duffy, Livingston, Texas. Christian Reader, "Kids of the Kingdom."] My four-year-old was standing on a kitchen chair pulled close to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Falling In Love For All The Right Reasons!

Contributed by Jim Kane on Jul 23, 2005

Part one of a three part series on Marriage

Today is a day to thank God for mothers! Mom the work that you do is invaluable, important, and priceless! Thank you for all you do! Moms are important to the health, well-being, and sanity of families as evidenced by a recently released correspondence that took place in an anonymous American ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-5

Denomination: Church Of God

A Basis For Relief Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Apr 19, 2011

Jesus shared His last will and Testament with His diciples. What did He bequeath to them to give them confidence and hope?

“Setting Troubled Hearts at Rest: A Basis for Relief” John 14:25-31 We usually see the scene in a movie or a television ad – the head of the family has died and the family is sitting nervously in the lawyer’s office as he prepares to read the will. Tension and anxiety fill ...read more

Scripture: John 14:25-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Bittersweet Truth Series

Contributed by T. Michael Crews on Nov 19, 2007

An Exposition of Rev. 10

The Bittersweet Truth Rev. 10 George came home from work after a very long and terrible day. Everything had gone wrong. His secretary called in sick and he couldn’t figure out how to use the fax machine. The photocopier jammed and the paper caught on fire. The district manager scolded him for not ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 10:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Why Does God Allow Evil? Series

Contributed by Brian Atwood on Apr 2, 2007

Why God chooses to allow the existence of evil even though He is good enough and powerful enough to end it.

Since today is Palm Sunday we’re reminded of the day that the crowds waved palm branches to honor Jesus as He rode into Jerusalem. Waving palm branches was the Jewish custom of honoring a king and for a brief period of time it seemed the people wanted to recognize Christ’s right to reign. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Baptist