Sermons on difficult faith:

Are You Justified By Faith, Or By Works?

Contributed by Charles Degner on Oct 23, 2006

This difficult chapter of the Bible is not hard to understand if you ask a simple question. James says we are justified by our works, not just by faith. But justified BEFORE WHOM?

James 2:1-5, 8-10, 14-26 Pentecost 17B Rev. Charles F. Degner 1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show ...read more

Scripture: James 2:1-25

Denomination: Lutheran

5. The Shield Of Faith Series

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 1, 2019

Merely sort of agreeing with Christian ideas won't carry you far when life gets difficult. The real strength comes when we are solidly connected with our God through a deep and living faith inour hearts.

This morning we'll continue with putting on the armor of God. We live in a world that bombards us with things that battle against our souls. And God has provided armament to be able to resist them, not only to resist, but to stand strong and firm and hold our ground. We start by putting on ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-17, Luke 17:5-10

What Is Faith PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

To explore the definition, evidence, and rewards of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1, emphasizing the importance of faith in overcoming life's difficulties and enhancing our spiritual growth.

Good morning, family. Today, we venture into a profound exploration of faith as we delve into the remarkable book of Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 11:1. This verse tells us, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." In this journey we are about to embark ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Topics: Faith

Why God Places Us In Difficult Relationships Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2025

God's ways are often mysterious, and His plans may involve placing us in challenging relationships, including those with narcissistic individuals.

God's ways are often mysterious, and His plans may involve placing us in challenging relationships, including those with narcissistic individuals. Here are few examples of why God might do so: To refine our character: Difficult relationships can help us develop patience, empathy, and ...read more

Paul's Difficult Journey To Rome Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 14, 2024

And Paul took his mission seriously. For two full years it looks like the entire Praetorian guard rotated through his house, one legion member at a time.

Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter 2024 If you have been following the readings from the Acts of the Apostles every day in our service, it looks like Paul appealed to Caesar yesterday and magically he is entering Rome today. That’s because we left off on chapter 25 yesterday and opened up to the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:20-25, Acts 28:16-31

Denomination: Catholic

Ruth - Life Lessons During Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Apr 5, 2013

We all face difficult times in life. It is helpful to know what to expect when we face difficult times so we can prepare to respond in a way that will glorify the Lord and be beneficial to us. What can we learn from the story of Ruth so that we can face

Ruth – Life Lessons during difficult times Ruth 1:1 – 4:21 Running from God does not prove beneficial (Ruth 1:1-5) Following God will lead to… Times of Sacrifice Provision of Needs The Hope of Redemption Intro Slide Good Evening/Morning, We are so glad you are here today. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Deal With Difficult People, Pt. 2

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 14, 2012

This is so contrary to our nature, that not many practice it. Just make sure you do!

How to Deal with Difficult People, pt. 2 Romans 12:14-21 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/120815pm.mp3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html vv. 1-2 Relationship w/ God vv. 3-13 Relationship w/ believers vv. 14-21 Relationship w/ unbelievers in general, and difficult people in particular...when they’re ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

When You're Facing A Difficult Decision Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jul 11, 2001

7 principles for sound decision-making drawn from the life of Moses

The Prince of Egypt: When You’re Facing a Difficult Decision Text: Numbers 11, Exodus 18 It was the hardest decision of my life. Robin and I had served for twelve years as officers—ministers— in The Salvation Army, and for not quite a year we had been pastoring a Salvation Army church in ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:10-30, Exodus 18:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Obey God Rather Than Men

Contributed by Charles Salmon on Jun 14, 2005

It is sometimes difficult to obey God, but it is wise to do so and essential.

Obey God Rather Than Men Acts 5:29 INTRO.: Indonesian Christians Threatened by Muslim Extremists. (Attached news release) What would we do if given the choice of being silent about our faith or going to prison? I fear many of us would be tempted to cave in to the pressure. We need to obey God ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

#3 Faith To Follow Series

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Jan 24, 2003

I believe that one of the most difficult truths for us to accept is the fact that we are not yet ready to follow the Lord Jesus into certain Situations, Places or Circumstances. Here Jesus spells out what It actually means to ‘take up one’s cross daily in

I believe that one of the most difficult truths for us to accept is the fact that we are not yet ready to follow the Lord Jesus into certain Situations, Places or Circumstances. Ah yes, in our hearts we really do believe that we are ready to confront any or everything in the spirit-world; but in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:37

Denomination: Baptist

How To Help Resolve Conflicts With Difficult People

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Conflict resolution is exemplified in Acts 15 by James and the apostles.

ILlustration: Many people find themselves stuck in ruts unable to find a way out of their conflicts. Millions in North America suffer from depression because they are unable to properly channel their feelings of anger, resentment and frustration.Unconsciously, people take out their exasperation ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Simple, Difficult And Necessary Question; A Christmas Reflection

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Dec 26, 2012

It’s Spiritually necessary for us to contemplate our journey with God and ask one simple question with huge implications. “Have I sold out my life for Jesus?”

I enjoy a Christmas Eve service. I find it ironic though that most of us perceive this service as being a quiet and reflective time. Of course Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, so it’s great we have candles, but, don’t you find it kind of odd that we celebrate his ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Living In His Presence During Difficult Times

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 19, 2018

Life is crushingly hard and so often it presents burdens our hearts are unable to bear in our own strength. The key truth is that God is with us through it all. We are not alone even as we walk through the darkest valley.

Living in His Presence during Difficult Times Psalm 23:1-4 Philippians 4:13 As our summer break began a young family suffered the sudden and unexpected death of their infant daughter. Such loss is unimaginable to comprehend. All of our hearts were broken by this news and we are at a loss to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4, John 14:15-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Facing Your Fears

Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Apr 28, 2020

How to trust in God through difficult times

FACING YOUR FEARS Dr. Jerome Frank was a professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University. He told the story that years ago he was flying across the US to attend a lecture. This was back in the 1960s before all of the modern security measures were installed at airports. He sat beside a man on ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45-50

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Faith To Faith

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Aug 21, 2003

The Bible teaches that faith is the key to everything for the Christian. By faith we come to Christ. By faith we live our Christian lives with joy and gladness.

Faith to Faith Text: Romans 1:17 Gullible. It never ceases to amaze me just how gullible people are. When P. T. Barnum said, "There’s a sucker born every minute," he was right. It seems that there is no limit to what we will believe. Listen to some of the titles that have appeared in the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4

Denomination: Assembly Of God