Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Intents Of The Heart Series

Contributed by Patrick Ziegler on Oct 17, 2015

The intents of the heart leads to actions. This passage reveals the intents of Jesus and the Pharisees. The hearer is challenged to do good and save life like Jesus taught.

Mark Series Intents of the Heart Mark 3:1-6 October 18, 2015 AM Introduction: Once again we find Jesus teaching to the people with the Pharisees standing by listening for an opportunity to find something wrong with His teaching. In this instance it is on the Sabbath day. Jesus is going to heal a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-6

Denomination: *other

Peter In Lydda: A Man Healed Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 4, 2017

With Paul home in Tarsus, the narrative focuses once more on Peter. This passage can be viewed as a picture album featuring the ministry of Peter as a traveling preacher.

March 25, 2014 By: Tom Lowe Title: Peter in Lydda: A man healed (9:32-35) Scripture 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:32-35

Denomination: Baptist

How To Approach Jesus Mark 5: 21-43

Contributed by James Lee on Nov 21, 2013

In this passage we have two stories in one. Actually one comes in the middle of the other. Two people who need Jesus, in a special way.

In this passage we have two stories in one. Actually one comes in the middle of the other. Two people who need Jesus, in a special way. Jairus approached Jesus as a man on a mission. He had a storm in his life. His little girl was about to die and he was not ready to let her go. His approach was a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43, Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Words Of Jesus; Actions Of Jesus Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 16, 2012

In a passage that describes Jesus' teaching about our response to injustice and requests for loans, we must remember that Jesus is describing His own life.

Monday of 11th Week in Course 18 June 2012 Verbum Domini The Word of God is not some naive program to comfort humans in their preconceptions. Both Old Testament and Gospel passages today rub our Christian noses in the reality of evil, and challenge us to take up the hardest labors connected to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:32-42, Matthew 7:1-20

Denomination: Catholic

Faith Or Works? Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Sep 12, 2018

In James 2, we see one of the most challenging passages of Scripture. However, when seen in context, James' point becomes clear and understood.

The English language can be a very challenging language to learn. Part of that is because many ordinary words that we use in everyday conversation can have many different meanings. Take the word “run,” for example, which according to dictionary.com, has over 179 different meanings for the word. ...read more

Scripture: James 2:14-18, James 2:1-26, James 2:15-26, James 2:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Being Intentional: The Parable Of The Ten Virgins. Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Feb 9, 2021

A passage of teaching at the Fiji Officers councils 2021. This led to a discussion about what is the good oil that fuels our ministry and keeps us intentional.

Being intentional: The parable of the ten virgins. Matthew 25:1-13 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Salvation Army

Two By Four (A New Years Message)

Contributed by Steve Malone on Dec 30, 2020

In this MSG we will pull FOUR powerful truths from TWO well known passages that if lived out will lead us to a great new year.

Two By Four New Years Message 2016 The year is about 700 BC. AND – God’s people were not doing so good. YEAH - things are pretty tough for the nation. A large part of Judah and all of the northern kingdom of Israel were in exile in various parts of the Assyrian Empire. YOU SEE – because ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 3:3-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Friendship With God

Contributed by C Jordan on Jun 18, 2014

Everyone has the choice to either be friends with God or friends with the world. In this passage, James gives us seven characteristics of the person who is a friend of God.

JOURNEY THROUGH JAMES #6: FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD INTRO TO TOPIC: What are some of the most important things in your world? I am sure that most of you would say it is your friendships. Have you ever pondered what it means that we have the opportunity to become friends with God, the Creator of the ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-17

Denomination: *other

Should We Make Oaths? Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jul 10, 2014

the church has been conflicted for centuries whether we should make oaths or not. What does this passage teach us about oaths?

Should We Make Oaths? Matthew 5:33-37 This passage is another demonstration of the problem with the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. As we have noticed throughout the study, the failure of the Pharisees was more than a failure to practice what they preached. The problem is that they were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Lord Is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 11, 2025

Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in Scripture. In just six verses, it captures the heart of God’s care and commitment to His people.

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 23:1-6 Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Supporting Texts: John 10:11, Ezekiel 34:11-16, Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 40:11, Hebrews 13:20-21 INTRODUCTION: Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Did Jesus Condemn Women Preaching? Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 18, 2024

The Bible does not explicitly say that women should not preach. However, there are some passages that have been interpreted as limiting the role of women in teaching and preaching.

The role of women in preaching and teaching God's word has been a topic of debate in some religious circles. However, a closer examination of Scripture and the early church reveals that women have always played a vital role in sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ. Let us explore the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:12, Luke 4:18-19, Judges 4:4-9

What Did Jesus Say Will Complete Our Joy? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 29, 2022

In this passage Jesus previews the new era that He is about to bring. Of great importance is the direct relationship with God this will bring and the accompanying great prayer power.

WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS SAYING: Jesus starts by telling them a major transition is coming. - John 16:16-22. - There is a lot of uncertainty from the disciples about what Jesus is talking about in these sayings. The meaning is hidden to them. - Of course, we know that He is referring ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

Paul’s Prayer For The Church

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jan 10, 2022

In this passage of scripture we are going to deal with a prayer that Paul prayed for the Ephesians. This prayer is considered by some as the second most important prayer ever prayed.

Folks have some strange ideas about prayer. Some folks do not have the slightest idea of what prayer is. Illus: This reminds me of Karin Wotten of Ocala, Florida who tells about the opening exercises of their Vacation Bible School, when they asked for volunteers to pray. One morning, a first ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Submit To Be A Slave Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jun 30, 2022

This passage has a more interesting comparison of the slaves of Sin and Slaves of God. It defines the slaves and identifies the slaves through their trademarks and the resourceful gift of God.

06:15-23 Submit to be a slave Introduction: This passage has a more interesting comparison of the slaves of Sin and Slaves of God. It defines the slaves and identifies the slaves through their trademarks and the resourceful gift of God. This passage will lead the reader either to cling to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:15-23

Denomination: Methodist

Ingrafted Branches Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 9, 2022

This passage describes how Israelites the old branches of unbelieving Jews are cut off, and the new branches of Gentile believers have been grafted into the root.

Romans 11:11-24 Gentiles as ingrafted branches This passage describes how Israelites hardened in their unbelief in Christ. It has created an opportunity for Gentile Christians to be ingrafted into God's figurative olive tree. The old branches of unbelieving Jews are cut off, and the new ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:11-24

Denomination: Methodist