Sermons on Difficult Passages:

How To Be ‘great In The Sight Of The Lord’

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 12, 2014

A look at the prpphecy that John will be "great in the sight of the Lord" and the other gospel passages where we're told how we can be great in the sight of the Lord.

A PROPHECY: John will be “great in the sight of the Lord.” - Luke 1:15. - This is part of the prophecy given to Zechariah about the child they would have. - What an incredible thought: he will be “great in the sight of the Lord”! Of all the things you could hope for your ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:11-17

Denomination: Baptist

Preaching Peace

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 7, 2014

This passage gives the first message ever preached to the Gentiles by one of the apostles. It’s the message that opened the door of salvation to all the people of the world.

Last week left us in the home of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who, while in prayer, received a message from God to send some men to bring back Simon Peter. Peter along this same time had also received a message from God while in prayer to go with these men. Cornelius tells Peter in verse 33 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:34-48

Denomination: Baptist

The New Jerusalem: Its Citizens And Provisions Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jul 10, 2012

The Scripture shows us the citizens and the provisions of the great city of God. So this is yet another beautiful passage of assurance of what we can expect as Christians

Tonight’s lesson adds to the lesson from last time. The last few lessons have dealt with the fact that the new heaven and earth will have a capital city. This city is called the New Jerusalem. The city is being prepared in heaven and is beautiful beyond description. Last week we looked at ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Marriage And Love! Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Jan 4, 2010

Marriage, growing togeather through the commitment that is made to one another, and Christ’s example of sacrifice.Passage 1 John 4:7-12 and 16

The scripture that ----- and ----- have chosen for their reading from John’s first letter is rich with the word love, in fact love or loved is mentioned fifteen times. The love that John is talking about is divine love the kind of love that only comes from God and being in relationship with God. ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-16

Denomination: Salvation Army

Why Does The Government Do More Than The Church To Help The Poor? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 26, 2015

This passage on the care of widows opens up a larger question: what's the place the church should have in the care of the poor (versus the place the government should have)?

THE POINT OF THE PASSAGE: Taking care of the needy widows was a big deal in the early church. - There was a different societal structure and a lack of social safety net back then. The church stepped in to help. - Unpack some of the passage. - The passage raises a more general question: why ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:3-16

Denomination: Baptist

Secrets Of Spiritual Victory

Contributed by Sumeet Mj on Jun 2, 2021

The confrontation of David and Goliath is one of the most discussed and referred event in History. There are powerful spiritual keys in this passage that we can borrow for a victorious spiritual life.

Secrets of Victory!! 1 Samuel 17:45 Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:45-47, Genesis 3:1-4, Mark 16:17, James 5:14, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 17:20, Romans 8:37  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#1 A Voice For God Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Nov 3, 2019

A short intro to the Gospel of Mark, followed by an examination of Mark's story of John the Baptizer and his role, and applications from this passage for our lives.

A Voice for God Series: Mark, Sermon 1 Chuck Sligh November 3, 2019 TEXT: Please turn in your Bibles to Mark 1:1-8 – "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Characteristics Of A Converted Christian

Contributed by John White on Feb 4, 2020

Paul makes it clear in this passage that true conversion means real change. He outlines the qualities and characteristics that defined us before we were saved.

Characteristics Of A Converted Christian TITUS 3:3-8 "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:3-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Baptist

The Salvation Of The Lord

Contributed by Darren Felarise on Nov 19, 2020

Has there ever been a time in your life that everywhere you turned there was a wall of trouble? That's just what Moses is facing in this passage.

Ex 14:10-14 10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. 11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 14:10-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Tragic Death Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Sep 6, 2017

This passage in Mark is one of great tragedy. It has been suggested there were actually two deaths revealed - the death of John the Baptist and the death of Herod's conscience.

A Tragic Death Mark 6: 14-29 Our text today deals with the horrific and tragic death of John the Baptist. Mark discussed the character of John and the tragic reason for his untimely death. The text actually deals with John’s death in retrospect, sometime after it had happened. John’s untimely ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Do Not Judge?

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Nov 12, 2018

There are many passages of Scripture people use to stop all discussion on truth and morality. The one at the top of the list are the very words of Jesus Christ, “Do not Judge”

Do Not Judge? Overcoming the Intimidation to Be Silenced There are many passages of Scripture people use to stop all discussion on truth and morality. The one at the top of the list are the very words of Jesus Christ, “Do not Judge” (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37) which is only a portion of what He said ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1, Luke 6:37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Motivation To Give For Small Givers Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 26, 2019

We are called by Paul to be cheerful givers. That seems ridiculous to many! This passage, though, gives us a great starting point for making that generous attitude happen.

IT JUST SEEMS RIDICULOUS: How can anyone be a cheerful giver? - 2 Corinthians 9:7. - Paul tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. That’s all well and good, many of you are thinking, but who exactly is joyful about giving to the offering plate? It’s hard for many to believe that there are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Denomination: Baptist

Five Challenges With Finding The Truth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 9, 2022

Pilate's iconic "What is truth?" question is the centerpiece of a passage that highlights several of the ways that we struggle with truth in our lives.

PILATE ASKS A GREAT QUESTION: “What is truth?” - John 18:38a. - Many ways to take it: sincere, sneering, lost, confused. - But at the end of the day, it is an essential question. - It’s not enough to be sincere in our beliefs, we need to sincerely believe something that’s true. - What about ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40

Denomination: Baptist

How Is Jesus’ Way Different From The Law? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 8, 2021

This passage highlights how different what Jesus is bringing is from what the religious teachers were offering. How exactly is Jesus' way different?

THE JEWS' PLAN: 1. THEIR SYSTEM WAS THE LAW. - John 7:21-24. - The miracle that is referred to in v. 21 is almost certainly the healing at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). John records miracles after that, but that was the miracle that brought out the issue of healing on the Sabbath. ...read more

Scripture: John 7:14-24

Denomination: Baptist

Repentance Of The Gentiles Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Feb 8, 2021

It is the beginning of the expansion of the Church and the Kingdom of God. God has elected nations have been confirmed by this passage. Read further for a better understanding of the Gospel work.

Acts 10:23-48 Repentance of the Gentiles 10:23-34 Peter and Cornelius meet each other 10:35-43 Peter Preaches the Gospel 10:36-48 Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit Acts 10:23-34 Peter and Cornelius meet each other It is the beginning of the expansion of the Church and the Kingdom of God. God has ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:23-48

Denomination: Methodist