Sermons on Difficult Choices:

Will We Cry Or Will We Praise

Contributed by Dr. Jwt Spies on Jun 23, 2023

We have the choice, we can cry about how things use to be, or we can praise God for what he’s about to do.

Because of Israel’s refusal to abandon their idols and worship the one true God, they were chastened by the Lord and were taken away into captivity by the Babylonians. This captivity was to last 70 years, Jer. 25:11-12. This 70 year period began in 605 B.C., when the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 3:10-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Joy Of Developing Godly Character Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Dec 3, 2009

This sermon looks at Five Character Traits God desires in a Christian. 1. COMPASSION 2. CONSISTENCY 3. COOPERATION 4. COMMITMENT 5. COURAGE

The Joy of Developing A Godly Character I have said it before – but let me say it again: God is more concerned with your character than He is with your comfort. God is more concerned with your holiness than He is with your happiness. God is more concerned with you as a person than He is with ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30, John 15:1-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Hope Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jun 27, 2021

Christmas is a time to reflect upon the height and depth and breath of God’s love and the lengths that He will go to to show us His love. Christmas is a time to remember that God doesn’t demand that we love Him but gives us the choice to love Him.

In the beginning was … nothing? A “formless void” (Genesis 1:1)? Yet the Bible says a wind (the breath of God) swept over the surface of the "water" (Genesis 1:2) so there something there ... maybe everything there … the particles ... all the molecules, all of the “substance” of the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:8-19, John 3:16-17

Denomination: United Methodist

Christianity Vs Other Religions

Contributed by Pastor Renji George on Jul 20, 2024

Before you choose a religion, you need to know about the person who is centred around (icon) in that religion. Ask yourself, what good qualities you can follow in that leader. Why did he come? How did he live? What did he teach? Where did he come? Where did he go?

Look for Ten good qualities in that leader. Look for ten good qualities of the followers. Look for ten good qualities of that religion or faith. Ask yourself again, where would you end up if you follow that person and his teachings in your life. You are trusting someone completely and following ...read more

Scripture: John 1:12, Acts 4:12, John 3:16, John 1:1-14, John 10:10, Revelation 1:8, Revelation 22:12-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Expending Patience Wisely

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Apr 4, 2016

Patience is difficult for us all, but if we develop certain good habits, it makes a big difference. Often times patience simply means delaying anger or refusing to rush to a conclusion or action.

Expending Patience Wisely 1. Someone has contrasted the good and bad of patience, “Patience: The quality you admire in the driver behind you but can’t stand in the driver who’s in front of you.” 2. Someone else illustrated patience this way: “When you're being yelled ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Best Gifts Come In Small Packages

Contributed by Jason Patrick on Jan 5, 2002

We need the joyful reminder that God is present with us not only in life’s most difficult moments but especially in the midst of life’s tragedies.

The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages / Matthew 1:18-25 Advent 4, Year A; Downsville Baptist Church; 23 Dec. 2001 A little boy and girl were singing their favorite Christmas carol in church the Sunday before Christmas. The boy concluded "Silent Night" with the words, "Sleep in heavenly beans." ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Increase Our Faith

Contributed by Peter Parry on Jun 29, 2002

Increasing our faith is a gift from God that we recognize in difficult times when we question God less and trust Him more.

INCREASE OUR FAITH (Luke 17:3-6; Mt.15:21-28) Increase our faith asked the disciples after Jesus had just explained to them the need to forgive your brother even up to 7 times in one day. The disciples knew themselves well enough to admit that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5

Denomination: Congregational

The First Melancholy Christmas

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Dec 22, 2006

The Christmas season is a difficult time for some to celebrate when they have suffered tragedy during the year. That first Christmas also had their share of tragedies.

Matthew 2:13-23 The First Melancholy Christmas Introduction – I Heard the Bells Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out that same year and it seemed this was an additional punishment. Two years later, Longfellow ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Allow Circumstances Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The first thief: "Difficult Circumstances."

DON’T ALLOW CIRCUMSTANCES ROB YOUR JOY A. For the next few weeks we’re going to take a look at CHRISTIAN JOY and the THIEVES that try to ROB us of our JOY from the book of Philippians. 1. Now to some people the phrase “CHRISTIAN JOY” is an OXYMORON--in their mind these two words CONTRADICT ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Allow People Rob Your Joy Series

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Feb 13, 2007

Philippians is commonly called the "Book of Joy". But Paul presents several thieves that try to rob us of our joy. The second thief: "Difficult People."

DO NOT ALLOW PEOPLE TO ROB YOUR JOY ILLUSTRATION: A PREACHER told about his nine-year-old daughter who one day JUMPED off the SCHOOL BUS as it stopped in front of her house and SLAMMED her way through the front door. She MARCHED up the stairs into her ROOM and again SLAMMED the DOOR. All the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Hope” In Haggai And Zechariah: True, False, Postponed And Perilous Series

Contributed by Wm Darius Myers on Apr 24, 2007

Theme Paper in Haggai-Zechariah, tracing the appropriate applications of hope, despite the difficult realities of our circumstances. An excellent theme for redevelopment pastors to consider.

“Hope” in Haggai and Zechariah: True, False, Postponed and Perilous The Shawshank Redemption: Morgan Freeman tells fellow-inmate Tim Robbins, “Hope is a dangerous thing. Drive a man insane. It’s got no place here.” In a place like Yehud, with the Jews seeking to rebuild the temple amidst ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thankful For Heaven

Contributed by Charles Wall, Jr. on Feb 15, 2005

This has been the most difficult year of my of life with Elizabeth’s going to be with the Lord. Therefore on this Thanksgiving, what am I thankful for?

This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Sunday and it is customary that the pastor bring a message on Thanksgiving, on giving thanks. So as I considered what the Lord would have me share with you today, I began to ask myself the question: what am I thankful for? Obviously ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-3

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Prayer Is For Weak People Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 3, 2006

Life’s difficulties are often the Father’s appointed paths to spiritual maturity. The positive way forward in difficult and painful circumstances is the way of prayer.

An airliner was bound for New York City. The flight was routine until the pilot began the descent. Then he realizes that the landing gear would not engage. Working the controls back and forth, he tried again and again to lock the gear into place. No success. He circled the landing field, getting ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

The - First Light - Factor Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 5, 2008

To some people, the world is a dark and difficult experience. But in the midst of their frustration, there is the hint of eternity that makes them hope that there is something more than they are presently experiencing.

(Twenty years ago I heard a preacher give a sermon with the same kinds of opening and closing illustrations. It left such an impression on me that I have waited all this time to preach this specific sermon.) OPEN: Nine men lay trapped more than 200 feet beneath the ground in a coal mine in ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Vital Link Of Prayer And Praise Series

Contributed by Thomas Cash on Mar 1, 2010

Life is hard. Sometimes we are dealt a difficult hand. But earnest prayer leading to real praise will lift us out of life’s ruts.

Sermon Notes The Vital Link of Prayer & Praise Philippians 4:4-9 (Based in part on "The Answer to Your Problems" by Jay McPhearson) Introduction: Ever face a problem you thought would top them all? In Budapest, a Jewish man went to his rabbi and complained, "Life is unbearable for my family & ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ