Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Sermon On The Pothole Experience

Contributed by William Meakin on Sep 28, 2025

The metaphorical "pothole experience” is considered as the unforeseen obstacles, setbacks, and difficult challenges that may jolt or derail a person's journey in life, similar to how actual potholes disrupt a smooth road.

Drew Barrymore, an American actress once remarked: “Oh, I would love to be a motivational speaker. I have pulled myself out of a million potholes, and I can see the potholes ahead of me. That doesn't mean that I could always do that so perfectly for my own life. I totally fall in potholes.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:6, 1 Peter 4:12-13, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-2

Israel's Exit From Egypt Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 28, 2022

As long as Joseph exercised imperial influence in the land of Egypt, the Hebrew people thrived. However, when a new king arose, who "knew not Joseph," the lives of the Israelites became "unpleasant and difficult"

Israel's Exodus from Egypt Israel's Exodus from Egypt As long as Joseph exercised imperial influence in the land of Egypt, the Hebrew people thrived. However, when a new king arose, who "knew not Joseph," the lives of the Israelites became "unpleasant and difficult" ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 5:1

Denomination: Baptist

Handling Adversity

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Oct 29, 2010

Today from this passage of scripture I want us to see how Daniel handled adversity, so that when adversity comes into our lives, we will be able to handle it as well.

Handling Adversity Am October 11th 2009 Daniel 2: 12-28 Introduction We began a six part series titled “Faith under Fire” last week we will be studying this topic from the book of Daniel, last week in part one we learned what four tests of our faith are: Isolation, Indoctrination, ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 2:12-28

Denomination: Baptist

Why Does God Allow These Struggles?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 28, 2017

A look at the Christmas passage - specifically, the struggle of Mary and Joseph having the baby in Bethlehem far from home. A look at four ways God uses our struggles in our lives.

Mary And Joseph’s Road Trip: “Why does God allow these struggles in my life?” - Luke 2:3-6. - The trip to Bethlehem under such difficult circumstances had to be a struggle. Did they have questions? I know I would have. “God, why are You allowing this?” “God, have You forgotten us?” “God, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Seeking The Praise Of God Or Men

Contributed by Paul George on Jun 9, 2006

The subject matter in these verses focuses on giving, praying and fasting. The initial reading of the passage will show that the basic teaching of Jesus will be to avoid the seeking the praise of men and to seek to please God.

Seeking the Praise of God or Men Matthew 6:1-18 The subject matter in these verses focuses on giving, praying and fasting. The initial reading of the passage will show that the basic teaching of Jesus will be to avoid the seeking the praise of men and to seek to please God. The first four verses ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18, Matthew 6:6-18

Denomination: Holiness

Find Your Strength

Contributed by Delishia Davis on Mar 30, 2016

There are times in our lives that are difficult to handle and process through and we need strength! We need strength to endure, strength to press forward, strength to hold on, and sometimes even strength to keep moving in the name of the Lord.

“David was now in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6 NLT) The recorded word of 1 Samuel 30 reveals David in a difficult position of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Winning The War Series

Contributed by Ewen Huffman on Aug 29, 2003

We are in a battle. The church is an army, not a hospital, and we signed up for a battle-ship not a cruise liner. But how can we win in the battle of life and faith? This passage shows how.

Winning the war Mk5:1-20 WBC 31/08/03pm I think we forget what a battle the Christian faith is! - join up for this luxury cruiser that will take us to heaven - find it’s a sleek battleship and - God isn’t particularly sympathetic when we say we don’t like the ‘heat of the day’… battle To ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Wealth Is A Gift From God

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Aug 10, 2013

It would appear that the Bible condemns the accumulation of wealth. Many passages of Scripture seem to suggest that the accumulation of wealth is evil while being poor is virtuous but only the love of money is condemned

Wealth is a gift from God It would appear that the Bible condemns the accumulation of wealth. Many passages of Scripture seem to suggest that the accumulation of wealth is evil while being poor is virtuous. It would appear that the Bible condemns the accumulation of wealth. The Biblical ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 35:27

Denomination: Charismatic

Why Do Christians Suffer?

Contributed by Spencer Miller on May 3, 2003

There are many people in the world today who have suffered greatly for no other reason than that they were followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Text: "But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye..." Introduction. For the Christian believer no suffering is meaningless. Paul said that,"in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). But yet there is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:14

Denomination: Baptist

God's Keeping Of His People Series

Contributed by David Baeder on Nov 8, 2008

This is the fourth of a series of sermons based on scriptures where a rhetorical question beginning with the phrase "Do you not know. . ." is asked. This sermon deals with the rhetorical question asked in Romans 11:2. "Do you not know what the Scripture

Series: Do You Not Know? Sermon: God’s Keeping of His People Text: Romans 11:1-5. Introduction: Romans 9-11 is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible. I am not quite sure I’ve got it all figured out. God’s foreknowledge, His election, I mean it’s all so confusing. I think even the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How God Turns Things Around For Our Good

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Too many people live with a feeling of fatalistic pessimism that adversely affects their thinking, emotions and behavior. The Lord has a way of turning around the most difficult situations for our good. Pessimists think their circumstances are the worst p

1. Too many people live with a feeling of fatalistic pessimism that adversely affects their thinking, emotions and behavior. The Lord has a way of turning around the most difficult situations for our good. Pessimists think their circumstances are the worst possible because they believe that the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:23-30, Acts 9:23, Psalm 126:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Love At First Sight Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Dec 26, 2024

John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Hope. Mary maintained Peace in a difficult calling. Angels proclaimed a time of great Joy for all. Today we want to see the Love that Jesus inspired in others - as an infant and even today.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT LUKE 2:21-40 Introduction In December we have observed the Advent Themes of Hope, Peace, Joy. -John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Hope -Mary maintained Peace in a difficult calling. -Angels proclaimed a time of great Joy for all. -Today we want to see the Love that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hearing And Obeying The Voice Of God Series

Contributed by Rich Dunbar on Mar 8, 2005

If you want to hear God’s voice and know what He would have you to do then you will want to notice the four things Peter did in this passage and do them yourself.

If you want to hear God’s voice and know what He would have you to do then you will want to notice the four things Peter did in this passage and do them yourself. You should… 1. REFLECT on God’s word – v.17 Peter was meditating on what God had communicated to him in the vision. God has ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:17-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessings Of Hardships

Contributed by Fr. Rian Adams on Aug 26, 2019

Jesus said he came to, "send fire on the earth." This sermon takes a unique approach on this idea and uses the fire metaphor as a purging of the things inside us that hinder us from becoming who we can be through God.

The Blessing of Hardships Since this Gospel reading is intense, I thought I’d begin by admitting something kind of funny about it. When I read it this week, I pictured Jesus at a Charlie Daniels concert singing, “Fire on the mountain run boys run.” It also made me wonder, “… how am I supposed ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Episcopal

Nothing Is To Hard For Our Lord

Contributed by Barbara Folsom on Feb 25, 2002

We face many difficulties in life but we can learn from Genesis 18:14 that nothing is to hard for our Lord. We must trust Him in the difficult times.

Nothing is to hard for our Lord Genesis 18:14 “Is anything to hard for the Lord” v Have you ever felt like you just can’t do something? v Like maybe you aren’t smart enough, or talented enough, or strong enough to do a particular task, or to do what you know the Lord wants you to do? v Have ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:14

Denomination: Holiness