Sermons on Thorny Soil:

Nursing Home Devotional: Parable Of The Talents

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 19, 2023

A message on the talents for nursing home audience

I’d like to share with you today a parable that Jesus taught during his ministry, called the parable of the talents. From Matthew chapter 25, verses 14-30. The scripture says this: “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Power To Production

Contributed by Pastor Duncan Shabane on May 18, 2020

the root form for production is "produce" __produce___to make something ___bring something into existence

the root form for production is "produce" **produce___to make something ___bring something into existence ** " our work produced by faith" ** God gave us the ability to produce __ we have the ability to bring certain things into life.....(this is going to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Romans 5:3

Denomination: Other

Character Study Of Cain Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 20, 2025

Cain’s life serves as a warning against jealousy, anger, and disobedience. Though he had potential, he allowed sin to rule over him, leading to his downfall. His story highlights the importance of a right heart in worship and the dangers of unchecked emotions.

CHARACTER STUDY OF CAIN – FIRSTBORN OF ADAM AND EVE, MURDERER OF ABEL By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: "And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?" – Genesis 4:9 Supporting Texts: Genesis 4:1-16, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-16, 1 John 3:12, Hebrews 11:4, Jude 1:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Sermon On A Sea Of Sand

Contributed by William Meakin on Jul 21, 2025

A "Sea of Sand" can refer to many things, including temporary blindness, a lack of perspective or a specific geographic feature.

Erik Pevernagie, a Belgian painter and writer once remarked: “In the land of the ostriches, the blind are king. When politicians bury their head in the sand, ignorance rules the country. ( "High noon." )” Genesis 32:12 reminds us: “But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 21:1, Psalm 107:33-34, Deuteronomy 32:10, Job 6:3

The Growing Process Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Sep 2, 2008

Jesus used the process of seed growth to illustrate the Kingdom of God.

The Growing Process Mark 4:26-29 Mark 4:26-27 (HCSB) “The kingdom of God is like this,” He said. “A man scatters seed on the ground; he sleeps and rises-night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows-he doesn’t know how…” The Miracle of Maturity * Man’s role * Scattering seed * Done ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tested By Suffering Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Nov 12, 2025

Peter instructs us to regard suffering as a test of our faith, one that we can pass by rejoicing in suffering.

This morning, we resume our study of a letter written by the apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, sometime around 62-64 A.D. This is a general epistle, a letter written to believers scattered throughout five Roman provinces in northern Asia Minor; in what is today the country of Turkey. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Trials Are Life - Giving And Life - Changing

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Oct 16, 2002

James is calling us to a new way of thinking in times of trials. Consider it pure joy, because the Lord is there every step of the way

TRIALS “ARE” LIFE-GIVING AND LIFE CHANGING JAMES 1:2-4 Pastor Greg Mc Donald How many here have ever seen a golf ball...or held one in your hand? Probably all of you. Well, did you know that when they first manufactured golf balls, they made them smooth. But later on it was discovered that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

One Of Us

Contributed by Brent Zastrow on Mar 16, 2001

He became what we are so we could become what he is

He became One of Us - John 1:14 preached by Brent W. Zastrow - March 11, 2001 Saybrook Christian Church - Saybrook, Il. It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you ...read more

Scripture: John 1:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Contributed by La Juana Morris on Jan 16, 2007

A Christmas Story

Intro: In our childhoods, most of us learned the little song entitled, "Mary Had A Little Lamb.” It went something like this, "Mary had a little lamb. Its fleece was white as snow. And everywhere that Mary went. That lamb was sure to go." There’s more to the story, but those few lines are enough ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:5-7

Denomination: Methodist

Look What The Lord Has Done Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Feb 14, 2008

After all the Lord has done for us, how can we do anything than be thankful.

Look What the Lord Has Done Text: Joshua 23:1-16 Introduction 1. Illustration: A forgetful husband thought he had conquered the problem of trying to remember his wife’s birthday and their anniversary. He opened an account with a florist, provided him with dates and instructions to send ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 23:1-16

Denomination: Methodist

Baptism And Grace Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Apr 22, 2005

How is Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection related to your freedom from sin? What do grace and baptism have to do with each other?

We went to visit Jennifer and Brian earlier this week. It was great. They are both doing very well and our grandbaby is kicking. As some of you know, Brian and Jen have two dogs: Clint and Lou. Clint is Brian’s and Lou is Jen’s. They told me that when they leave the house they have to put Lou ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Careful What You Wish For Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on Aug 27, 2007

We often look forward to eschatological events as wonderful pie-in-the-sky times. While the fulfillment of those events will result in unimaginable blessedness, we cannot forget they are initiated by judgment. Are we ready for how they will arrive?

Be careful what you wish for. 1. Because it might not be what you expect. 2. Because you might not be as ready for it as you think. 3. Because your memory might not be as good as you think it is. 4. Because you might need to do everything you can in the present grace God gives you. AMOS ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:18-27, Amos 5:1-27

Denomination: Baptist

Canadian Idols

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Jun 16, 2003

Canadian Idol looks at different idols we worshipping using the television program as the theme.

You may think that the show Canadian Idol had it’s roots in the hit American Idol which debuted last summer on the Fox Network in the US. The truth however is that like many American television shows the concept was first seen in the UK. In this case it was a wildly popular British Program called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:6-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Distinguishing Grace Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jan 9, 2009

The sovereignty of God helps us understand the distinguishing grace of God in salvation.

Scripture Last week, in Romans 9:1-5, we saw a glimpse into Paul’s heart of compassion, as he expressed concern for his fellow Israelites. And that’s important to remember for a couple of reasons. First, we need to remember that the Apostle Paul, as convinced as he was of the sovereignty of God, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:6-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When All Is Said And Done, It Isn't

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jan 10, 2009

We come to a point when we feel depressed and think our lives have no meaning. Then God blesses us with physical, spiritual, and emotional sustenance, and sends us out to bless someone specific.

"What are you doing here?" What a question! Has anyone ever asked you that? "What are you doing here?" You were some place where nobody expected to see you, but you turned up, and that was the reaction. I have heard it in the grocery store. I cannot go to this Safeway up here without running into ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Baptist