Sermons on Courage In Difficulty:

Encountering Jesus (1) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 11, 2019

Everywhere Jesus went, he left changed lives in his wake. In John 3, Nicodemus encountered Jesus and experienced a compelling curiosity, a confusion conversation, and a courageous conversion.

Encountering Jesus (1) Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 1/4/2014 As another year begins, we’re reminded once again that Jesus is the world’s preeminent person. He looms so large over human history that we actually measure time by him; we date our letters, our birth ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16, John 19:38-42

Denomination: Christian Church

Job - Example Of A Godly Father

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 17, 2012

When we think of Job, we think of TRIALS. But there is another lesson that we learn from JOB. Job is an example of a godly father that courageously led his family.

Today for Father’s Day I would like to take a look at a Bible Character that we don’t usually associate with fatherhood. We will take a look this morning at JOB. When we think of Job, we think of TRIALS. We study JOB to learn how to overcome our trials. But there is another lesson ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:1-22, Job 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Bold Faith

Contributed by Ben Foley on Jun 15, 2021

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Did you know there are 365 times in Scripture where we are told something along the lines of "do not be afraid?" That is one "do not be afraid" for every day of the year! We live in times of great fear. Some of our fears are rational, others irrational. My wife, for example, ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Standing Up For Jesus In An Increasingly Secular World

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Aug 12, 2024

This sermon explores why standing up for Jesus Christ in an increasingly secular society and how we can courageously live out our faith in a God-honoring way.

Introduction In today's world, where secularism seems to be on the rise and religious beliefs are increasingly marginalized, standing up for Jesus has never been more crucial. The pressures to conform to worldly standards can be overwhelming, but as followers of Christ, we are called to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:32-33

Denomination: Pentecostal

Victory In Service: A Veterans Day Sermon

Contributed by Mark Sparks on Nov 10, 2023

Greetings and acknowledgment of Veterans Day. Brief overview of the David and Goliath story as a metaphor for overcoming challenges. Emphasis on the parallels between the courage of veterans and David's bravery.

Talking Points: 1. The Giants We Face: - Acknowledge the challenges veterans often encounter, both on and off the battlefield. - Connect the metaphorical "Goliaths" in our lives to struggles with PTSD, physical injuries, and societal reintegration. 2. The Armor of God: - ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-37, Ephesians 6:10-18, Romans 12:4-5, John 15:13

Denomination: Church Of God

Working With What You Have PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 23, 2025

God values faithful stewardship of whatever we’re given, no matter how small, and calls us to trust Him and courageously use our gifts for His glory.

Some of God’s best work begins with something small. A seed the size of a freckle. A lunch packed by a mom. A shepherd boy with a sling. A widow with two coins. Our Father loves to place grace in small packages and watch courage unwrap them. You may feel your life is “just” a handful of minutes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Topics: Growth, Stewardship, Increase

Making Disciples PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 3, 2025

Jesus calls every believer to courageous, surrendered living—trusting His authority, presence, and purpose—as we share His love and message in our everyday lives.

Some of us came in today with a smile that hides a sigh. Some with questions that keep us awake. Some with a to-do list longer than a river. And yet, here we are, gathered under the gentle reign of the risen Christ, the One who meets us in our Mondays and our midnights. He knows the names on your ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Topics: Discipleship

I Can Only Imagine PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 4, 2025

Despite evil’s noise and deception, Christ’s victory and justice are certain, so believers can live with hope, courage, and confidence in God’s ultimate reign.

Some of us walked in today with the week still clinging to our shoulders. Headlines that hurt. News that nags. A heart that wonders, Will evil always get the microphone? Will lies always lead the parade? Revelation 20 sings a louder, better song. It tells us that the serpent is not sovereign, that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 20:1-15

Topics: Millennium, Jesus' Reign, Revelation

Itching Ears Gospel PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 22, 2025

Faithful, courageous proclamation of God’s Word in every season transforms lives and advances God’s kingdom, even when the world prefers easier, softer messages.

Some words read like a weather report for the soul. You can feel the forecast in them. Sunlight for the weary, a gentle breeze for the anxious, a steady anchor for the tossed-about heart. Paul’s words to Timothy are that kind of forecast. He’s an older pastor whispering courage to a younger one. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Topics: Sound Teaching, Endurance

Known By God Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 8, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of being fully known and loved by God, emphasizing our need for deep connections and the courage to follow God's path, despite the distractions of the modern world.

Welcome to week 2 of our 4-week sermon series, Known. To know and be known are two of our deepest needs as relational beings. And in this fast paced, disconnected digital world, it’s easy to have all the followers, all the connections, and all the fans but still feel completely alone. The good news ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-9, Proverbs 19:21

Topics: God's Knowledge, False Idols, Divine Guidance

Sermon Series: Known

When Everything Seems Hopeless

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 10, 2018

What do you do when everything seems hopeless and you don't know what to do? The events in the life of Jehoshaphat provide encouragement when we face trials, trouble, and impossible situations.

When Everything Seems Hopeless 2 Chronicles 20:1-29 Introduction: The story is told of a man named Brian Hice of Provo, Utah, who had a single day that takes the cake. First, his apartment became flooded from a broken pipe in the apartment above his. So, his manager told him to go rent a water ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

Where Is God When You Need Him?!

Contributed by Rainer Reddy on May 14, 2015

A sermon to encourage and assure during difficult times in life.

Where is God when you need Him? - Have you ever asked yourself that question? [e] - I know I have! - In fact, even as a minister of the Gospel, I have asked that question at times. [e] - Perhaps, this sermon is so much more serious than last week’s one, but sometimes we need to get serious ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:23-24

Denomination: Charismatic

Keep Rowing!

Contributed by Bala Samson on Oct 9, 2014

May be you are in a situation like in the middle of the sea, fear not, you’re not alone – trust Him to come to your rescue! Keep rowing , keep rowing, keep rowing, until He comes to your rescue – don’t quit!

Keep rowing, keep rowing! Mark 6:48” And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea…” The above text says that Jesus saw the disciples struggle in the midst of the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:48

Denomination: Pentecostal

Sermon # 18 - Safe In The Shadow Of The Almighty God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 7, 2025

When fear grips our heart and in those times when we feel all alone, deserted and feel that there is no one to help us or stand by us, let’s remember that God sees and He is by our side. The life of Hagar gives us a glimpse of God’s presence in the midst of life’s hardest moments.

We read in Genesis 21:17, “God heard the boy crying, and from heaven the angel of God spoke to Hagar, "What are you troubled about, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy crying.”(GNB) Hagar and her son wandered through the wilderness, and when the little water she carried got ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:17, Genesis 16:1, Genesis 16:3, Genesis 16:6-9, Genesis 16:11, Genesis 21:9, Genesis 21:14-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

On The Road To Jerusalem Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 25, 2023

This is the last section of Mark before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Mark gives us a picture of Jesus on the road to Jerusalem with courage and determination. Along the road to Jerusalem we learn lessons about greatness and service.

Introduction: A. If you would humor me, I’d like to start with a little bit of “road” humor. 1. Why did the chicken cross the road? I don’t know, why? I don’t know—I asked you first! 2. What do you call a chicken crossing the road? Answer: Poultry in motion. 3. Why did the bubblegum cross the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-52, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ