Sermons on Difficult Ministries:

Setting The Stage For The Spirit Of God-1 Series

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 9, 2005

How do Jesus’ prior acts prepare us for what the Spirit will do in His physical absence? 8 ways in which the Stage is Set for the Spirit of God

SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE SPIRIT OF GOD—Acts 1:1-3 Luke recorded for Theophilus an account of Jesus earthly acts/ministry. There is an account of Jesus’ acts which precedes the acts recorded in this account. How do Jesus’ prior acts prepare us for what the Spirit will do in His ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Cosmic Battle For Authority

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jan 29, 2009

Jesus came to conquer and disarm Satan. Mark 1 is about "authority". The minisrty of Jesus actively engages and defeats satan and his demons. The ultimate defeat was the cross and resurrection.

In Jesus Holy Name February 1, 2009 Epiphany IV Redeemer Mark 1:21-28 “The Cosmic Battle for Authority” There is an ongoing cosmic battle happening in the world around us as Satan seeks to possess and destroy the lives and souls of men, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran

Part 2 What A Difference This Makes For Making A Difference Series

Contributed by Bryan Fink on Feb 2, 2009

To create interest for supporting the ministry of Asbury.

Last Sunday I shared with you what I thought God was placing on my heart regarding Asbury for at least the next couple of years. A direction that I believe is based on three key Scriptures; Mark 12.18-21, Matthew 28.19-20 and John 15.8. Taken together, these three passages tell us that God wants ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23-24

Denomination: Methodist

When Jesus Comes, Good Things Happen

Contributed by Thomas Bell on Feb 9, 2009

A message showing that when Christ comes, good things happen. We need to follow the example Jesus sets in prayer and time with the Father. Do we start each day with God, do we take time to be alone with God, are we at the throne of grace daily, are we i

Mark 1: 29-39 When Jesus Comes, Good Things Happen Last week we saw Jesus go to the synagogue and preach and heal with Divine authority. He cleansed a man of unclean spirits and astonished those who witnessed and heard. His fame spread abroad throughout all the region around Galilee. Now we ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Baptist

The Charism Of Priestly Celibacy Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 28, 2009

The priest and bishop who choose celibacy as a response to their call are imaging Christ, the Bridegroom.

March 2, 2009 Sacramentum Caritatis The call to holiness that is summed up and made possible by the sacraments–especially this sacrament of charity–is universal. All the people of this new Israel, this Church, are to be holy. All are called to live a life of effective love of God and of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Catholic

You Can Remove Trash, Bugs & Weeds But How About Darkness?

Contributed by Doug Koehler on Mar 20, 2009

Children often want darkness removed because they fear what they cannot see. For adults the darkness is more of a friend. Jesus is the remover of darkness but the light of the world is still waiting for many to see it. Sometimes it is hard even for Christ

Open up the yellow pages and you can find a ton of listings that will remove pretty much whatever you want removed. There are ads for chimney sweeps to remove built up grime. There are people willing and able to remove insects, weeds, garbage, wallpaper, old fixtures, homes, cars and even bad ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Why Jesus Drank And I Don't

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Oct 12, 2008

We know Jesus drank wine but is that a reason or excuse for social drinking?

Why Jesus Drank and I don’t In 1983 I witnessed a disaster of a wedding. Angela and I were standing up with another couple that we had gone to Bible College with and it was like the pastor just didn’t care. He dropped papers, fumbled through his readings and forgot names. It was horrendous. And ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Wesleyan

Finding Fulfillment

Contributed by Jeffery Scott on Jul 14, 2008

Levi (Matthew) had everything in life anyone could wish for except fulfillment. When Jesus found Levi he found purpose in life.

I. Jesus Calls Levi 2:13-15 A. The Crowds that followed Jesus B. Jesus Calls Levi 1. It is an individual call 2. It is a questionable call – Levi – outcast 3. It is a life changing call C. Levi’s Response to the Call 1. He leaves all Luke 5:27-28 2. He follows Christ D. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:13-15

Denomination: Baptist

Lawsuits And Legal Disputes

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on May 5, 2025

Getting along with others can often be difficult. But how we deal with difficult situations will say a lot about our spiritual maturity or lack thereof.

Alba 5-4-2025 LAWSUITS AND LEGAL DISPUTES I Corinthians 6:1-8 There was a street in a town that was lined with lovely mature trees, manicured lawns, and three churches—all right next to each other. The three churches were each built in different styles and shapes. They each posted a sign out ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hard Times - Better Than Evian Water Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Apr 12, 2008

Hard times and difficult circumstances are not an argument for the absence of God in our lives; Hard times and difficult circumstances are in fact, an argument for the presence of God in our lives.

We assume that sailing through life with ease is a sign that God is with us. We assume that when a tragedy happens, God was looking the other way. We assume that when we find ourselves out in a desert standing in the middle of nothing but dirt and rocks, we assume that there has been some mistake. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Elijah Meets The King Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Apr 11, 2009

Elijah’s life and ministry

My mother told me there was a mix up with the babies at the hospital when I was born. She said she got caught and had to take the other one back. Elijah meets the king I Kings 16:23-17:1 There are times when we have to see the history of an area as well as what’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christianity, Jesus Style

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Jul 23, 2012

What is a true Christ follower?

A few years ago I was driving to the Adirondack Mountains where I would spend a week in the Whitney Wilderness area. My canoe was on top of the car, my backpack and other equipment was in the back and I was set for the long trip to upper state New York. Driving that far is a little boring so I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Methodist

The Problem Of Being Single Series

Contributed by Nche Takoh on Sep 22, 2006

Singleness is not a sin, its a ministry

THE PROBLEM OF BEING SINGLE Many young people their childhoods and teen years thinking, dreaming, and planning for marriage. They imagine who they will mary, what married life will be like, and how many kids they’ll have. And, for the vast majority of young people, maarriage is in their ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:28

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge To Persevere

Contributed by Cecil Richards on Jan 20, 2005

An encouragement to all believers to keep the faith in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances

INTRODUCTION I. PERSERVERE IN OUR ATTITUDE a. Demonstrate humility (phil 2:12) b. Radiate with joy (James 1:2) c. Exhibit trust (Ps. 91: 1-7) d. Develop resilency (Rom. 8:31 -39) II. PERSEVERE IN OUR RESPONSIBILITIES a. Worship God at all time (1 Thess. 5:16-18) b. Do not become weary ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With One Of The Most Challenging Bible Passages About Women Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 17, 2015

Three approaches to this passage where Paul says women should be silent, along with the greatest strength and greatest weakness of each argument.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THAT?! On first reading, there’s plenty in these verses to raise eyebrows. - 1 Timothy 2:11-15. THREE APPROACHES TO THESE VERSES: - These are not the only three possibilities, but I would argue that they are the three most prominent. 1. ARGUMENT #1: This Bible ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:11-15

Denomination: Baptist