Sermons on Thorny Soil:

Dead Church Wake Up! Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 23, 2022

When a church has a good reputation, much activity and past accomplishment it does not guarantee a spiritually alive church.

George Barna in his book Turnaround Churches, profiles thirty churches that were about to die and made a turnaround. He compares dying churches to the Sears Catalogue. For about 100 years Sears was the symbol of mail order catalogue business. They introduced their mail order catalogue in 1894. For ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Powerful Prayer 1 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Jun 24, 2012

Paul switches from instructing the Ephesians about all that God has accomplished for them through the work of Christ to interceding for them.

Dakota Community Church June 10, 2012 Paul’s Powerful Prayer 1 Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Mennonite

What Is Revival?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 19, 2022

What is revival? Revival is a restitution or a restoration to spiritual vigor. Revival is a reawakening of spiritual fervor. It is to revitalize the spiritual ardor of oneself, of a group of believers so as to reestablish the ability to win new members to Christ.

What is revival? Revival is a restitution or a restoration to spiritual vigor. Revival is a reawakening of spiritual fervor. It is to revitalize the spiritual ardor of oneself, of a group of believers so as to reestablish the ability to win new members to Christ. As Spurgeon said, “Revival is to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 85:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A- Salt

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Dec 28, 2022

Salt is not for itself; it is seasoning for food. In the same way the disciples are there not for themselves but for the earth

During the children’s service, the pastor was explaining that Christians are the “light, salt, and leaven” of the world. The children understood “light” and “salt,” but when the pastor asked them what “leaven” is, they were silent. Finally, young Michelle Williamson spoke up: “It’s what comes after ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31, Matthew 5:13, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29, Luke 17:31, 2 Kings 2:21, Genesis 19:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

Parables & Secrets (Mark 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 16, 2024

What secrets lay behind Jesus' use of parables? Let's discuss this in Mark 4.

What are the four places where the seed of the word is broadcast? Why did Jesus speak in parables to outsiders? Is light to be hidden under a basket? How is God’s kingdom like harvesting? How is God’s kingdom like a mustard plant? How would we have reacted as Jesus calmed a lake storm? Let’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Comes By Hearing: Following Jesus Through The Word - Romans 10:17 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Dec 20, 2025

God's Word breaks into the darkness of sin and unbelief. It is through hearing that the lost are found, the dead are raised to life, and disciples are strengthened for obedience.

Faith Comes By Hearing: Following Jesus Through the Word - Romans 10:17 INTRODUCTION — THE SOUND THAT SAVES Imagine standing in total darkness—unable to see, unable to orient yourself. Suddenly, in the distance, you hear a voice calling your name. That sound brings direction, comfort, and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 10:17, Romans 10:14, John 20:31, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, James 1:22, John 16:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

I Get To Choose PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 13, 2024

This sermon explores the importance of making wise choices as believers, reflecting God's love, and using the Bible as a guide for decision-making.

Good morning, beloved family of God. It is indeed a joy to stand before you on this wonderful day that the Lord has made, a day filled with promise and potential, a day where we can gather together under the banner of His love and grace. We find ourselves today on the precipice of a profound ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 12:26

Topics: Better Choices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Are The Different "Peaces”? Series

Contributed by Glenn Durham on Nov 25, 2008

God delivers his people from anxiety through faith in the work of his Son.

Scripture Introduction My uncle had cancer surgery Friday. The prognosis is not good; the disease has spread. Since I cannot receive any Social Security or Medicare, I have a retirement account. So far this year, it has lost $7,204.55, 30% of its value. This week a pastor sent ...read more

Scripture: John 14:25-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed