Sermons on Difficult Choices:

Can You Identify?

Contributed by Doug Brown on Jan 27, 2001

As Christians, often we must choose the more difficult route even when we could have it earthly good!

“Can You Identify?” Nehemiah 2:1-6 Doug Brown FBC (SBC) Lawrenceville, Ill. 62439 P.O. Box 403 Hedonism, Dionysians, Epicureans, and Stoics. (R.C. Sproul… Lifeviews pp. 129-138) There is no sin in enjoying that which is pleasant and fleeing from that which is painful. But there are times ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Finding The Living Among The Dead.

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Sep 13, 2005

God is the God of the Living and not the God of the Dead. Speaking of Christ return and reign on this earth is sometimes difficult to get thru to people.

Finding The Living Among The Dead. God is the God of the Living and not the God of the Dead. Speaking of Christ return and reign on this earth is sometimes difficult to get thru to people. Many want to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:59-60

Denomination: Pentecostal

My Heart Is Troubled

Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Mar 31, 2006

Following the example of Christ Jesus, our prayer in the difficult places of our lives should be for God’s name to be glorified.

John 12: 20 – 33 My Soul Is Troubled Intro: We’ve all heard the old spiritual, “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen.” --- We earnestly believe that nobody else in the world has had the same troubles we have or to the degree that we have. What we are forgetting is the second line of that song, ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Family & Job Relationships Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

Learn how to get along as parents and children - and how to deal with a difficult boss at work in this practical guide to everyday living.

At church everyone is at their best behavior (most of the time) - hair combed, attitudes straight (after the argument in the car on the way). We come in and look and act so pious and pure. But when does our real character reveal itself? At home - and sometimes on the job. Overbearing parents, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Broadway Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 29, 2005

Why is the narrow way the road less traveled? Because 1. It is difficult. 2. It is against the majority. 3. It includes persecution.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). (A spontneous skit can be done here. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

How To Be Joyful No Matter What Happens

Contributed by Fernando Cabrera on Oct 27, 2004

Philippians chapter 1 give us what we need to stay joyful, regardless how difficult like becomes.

How to Be Joyful No Matter What Philippians 1 • Most people don’t enjoy life • Just look at people at the subway: hard faces, grin, baptize in vinegar The 4 keys for a joyful life 1. The Right Perspective (1:12-14) a. What do you see when you are confronted with the worst? i. Myth: Life must ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Do Our Loved Ones Know What's Happening To Us Now? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 1, 2003

This message explores the difficult question of whether those in heaven can still see what’s going on here on earth.

There is a romantic notion of those in heaven “looking over the balcony rail of heaven” and watching over us throughout our lives. Is that a biblical notion? The Bible does not address the question directly, but this morning I want to examine some of the relevant passages to answer this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

When Bad News Arrives Series

Contributed by Craig Cramblet on Mar 2, 2003

How do you respond when life is going along "fine" and God brings a difficult opportunity into your life?

When bad news arrives Ezra 9:8-9 Nehemiah 1:1-4 Background of Nehemiah: “Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it” The HISTORY of the people of Israel was given to us SO THAT we could learn the lessons and avoid repeating their mistakes. “Warnings from Israel’s history” ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-4, Ezra 9:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Disaster Strikes

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 20, 2003

This message based around the story of Lazarus will share five essential principles to making it though difficult times in our lives!

When Disaster Strikes John 11:1-45 The following was written by Jack Jordan newspaper editor recording the events of April 3, 1974. An uneasiness nagged at me as I checked over proofs for the next day’s paper. It was Wednesday, April 3, 1974 about 4 o’clock on a gray afternoon. More than 100 ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It's A Wonderful Life In The Face Of Trouble Series

Contributed by Randall Bergsma on Dec 19, 2006

Life is difficult. Christmas can bring crisis for many. But it can still be wonderful because God came in Jesus to be with me.

Intro: Have you ever felt you might be better off dead than alive? The struggles of life seem to surmount the beauties of life and you begin to wonder “what’s the point?” That’s what happened to Geoge Bailey in the classic film It’s a wonderful Life. In this scene your about to see, George, who ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A New Heart And A New Spirit

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Aug 20, 2002

Even if we want to obey God it can be difficult. This sermon explains how God helps us to obey him.

Ezekiel 36:22-32 A New Heart and A New Spirit The problem: Romans 7:14-25 in The Message What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32, Romans 7:14-25

Denomination: *other

Sometimes God Says No

Contributed by John Petty on Jan 12, 2010

In a world of greed and materialism it’s difficult for us to accept "no" from God. But sometimes God says no.

I made a statement last week in the message that I want to repeat this morning … “Sometimes, God says no.” And what I want to do this morning is give us a couple of the many examples of God saying no. Moses’… It was Moses hearts’ desire to go into the Promised Land but because he didn’t follow ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Church Of God

How To Be Thankful In Every Circumstance

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Oct 10, 2006

It’s easy to be thankful during the good times of life, but how can we be thankful during the difficult times?

Imagine a man who has lost everything…all of his possessions…his ten children…even his health. How would this man respond to such incredible tragedy? Would he be filled with bitterness? Would he go insane? Would he commit suicide? Perhaps you don’t know that there actually was a man who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Denomination: Baptist

Disciplines Of Disciples

Contributed by Craig Smee on Aug 23, 2006

Running the race is a difficult thing, but through certain Christ oriented practices we can have the endurance to complete the race.

87% of Americans own running shoes but don’t run. One cannot be a disciple without learning discipline! ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." ~ 1 Timothy 4:7b (NASB) If I am going to develop Christ-like character in my life, there are certain disciplines, or habits I need to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Christian Church

Surrendering

Contributed by Sam Peters on Mar 1, 2007

Too often when we are confronted with a difficult situation we strive to solve it ourselves instead of letting God be God.

Surrendering – Let Go, Let God Text – Daniel 6:10, 16-24 Situation: Your company has made announcements that it is cutting 100 jobs across the company in an effort to trim expenses and increase shareholder equity. The cuts will be made after upper management reviews employee performance. What do ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:10-24