Sermons on Difficult Passages:

It Is Really Your Choice

Contributed by Michael Koplitz on May 9, 2023

John 12:44-50 says that each person has the choice to follow His word or not. The problem in the church over same-sex marriage is one of those choices. It is difficult for the Preacher to be on one side or the other.

It is Really Your Choice John 12:37-50 Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz 37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE ...read more

Scripture: John 12:37-50

Denomination: United Methodist

Divided In Christ Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

The sermon discusses the cost of following Christ, emphasizing that it can lead to division in earthly relationships, and encourages strength and faithfulness in the face of such challenges.

Does anyone here today enjoy being at odds with their friends, family, or neighbors? Maybe you’re the type of person that looks forward to a good argument, or maybe you’re the type of person that would rather avoid an argument at any and all costs. Whoever you are here today, I think we can all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Topics: Faithfulness, Gospel, Earthly Relationships

The Marks Of Maturity: A Leadership Checklist Series

Contributed by Larry Osborne on Jun 13, 2007

Spiritual growth and maturity is often accelerated under difficult circumstances. In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians (see 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10), he describes what spiritual growth looks like in the midst of “severe suffering.”

1 Timothy: Doing Church God’s Way North Coast Church Message #4 July 29-30, 2006 Dr. Larry Osborne The Marks of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Poor Persons Rich Legacy

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jun 12, 2022

The following sermon is going to review Psalms 34 and in doing so outline how it is our faith and reliance in God that leads to either deliverance or perseverance of the most difficult storms of life with great peace and joy!

The Poor Person’s Rich Legacy Psalms 34:1-9 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 There is not a single person that at many points in their life will have to crawl through the valleys of trials and tribulations so intense that they will leave them with “emotional baggage” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

When What God Asks Seems To Be Too Much Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 22, 2024

This passage challenges the self-centered "gospel of self-fulfillment" that is too often proclaimed today. What does it mean that God wants us to focus on the "gospel of kingdom fulfillment"?

A HARSH STORY: God gives Ezekiel a task that overwhelms him. - Ezekiel 3:14-15. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-11; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, 16-18. - This is a tough story and it’s going to lead us in this sermon to some difficult points. - We’ve been talking for the first two sermons in this series about the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 3:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Walks On Water: The Deliverance From Fear Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 6, 2023

Tonight’s passage is just a short episode of Jesus walking on the water. But in this episode Jesus shows us that He is Someone that we can count on when fear grips our lives.

If we know Jesus Christ in a personal way, we know that He will deliver us from many things. How many testimonies have we heard from people who have been delivered from something? Illness, death, financial situations, relationships, etc. Tonight, we see Jesus’ deliverance from yet another peril, ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

Finding God's Strength

Contributed by David Henderson on Dec 29, 2014

Everyone seems to believe that wealth will make them happy. In this passage we read of a man who had it all yet he walked away from God because he had so much.

Finding God’s Strength Matthew 5:5 and 11:28-30 The setting for the message this morning is found in one of the highlights of the ministry of Jesus. His ministry had its share of highs and lows but this was definitely one of his finer moments. In the background, Jesus had just gone through ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Majoring In The Minors

Contributed by Scott Spencer on May 25, 2014

At times it is difficult to see the forest because we are concentrating on individual trees. Without noticing, we get sidetracked and focus in on concerns that don't really count. At times we major on minor issues.

Majoring in The Minors Mark 12:18-27 18. Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 19. “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN’S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:18-27

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

A Strategy For Success In Troubled Times

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Oct 13, 2020

in these confusing times, how can we reach our potential for Christ? How can we give it our best? How can they stay focused during these difficult days? Discover a helpful Strategy!

A Strategy For Success in Troubled Times Introduction: Paul, who is the writer of our text, provides a strategy for the Philippian Church as they move forward to become the best that they could be for Christ. Rather than be complacent with where they were, they needed to set their sights higher. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-14, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10, 2 Corinthians 11:5

Denomination: Methodist

Nicodemus At Night

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 24, 2023

We all need to grow & deepen our understanding of the great passages of scripture. The 3rd chapter of John is one of the greatest. It tells us of a man named Nicodemus.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK NICODEMUS AT NIGHT TEXT: John 3:1-17; Rev. 22:5; John 1:4-5; Romans 6:4-6; Acts 2:37-41 (This ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17, Revelation 22:5, John 1:4-5, Romans 6:4-6, Acts 2:37-41  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Rebuke

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to rebuild a shattered relationship. Unfortunately, there are many broken relationships today in homes, churches and ministries, which can only be repaired when people face problems honestly and deal with

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: John Wesley and a preacher-friend of plain habits were once invited to dinner where the host’s daughter, noted for her beauty, had been profoundly impressed by Wesley’s preaching. During a pause in the meal, Wesley’s friend took the young woman’s hand and called ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:8-16

Denomination: Baptist

Marriage And Divorce Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 30, 2012

Divorce is a difficult subject to deal with, not merely because the issue is complex, but because divorce is so widespread and painful. We must consider it honestly before the Lord and examine our hearts in light of it.

Introduction Divorce is a difficult subject to deal with, not merely because the issue is complex, but because divorce is so widespread and painful. This is one subject I know that affects nearly everyone in any church. Some of you have divorced parents, some divorced children, or divorced ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

That They May Believe Series

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Feb 1, 2011

Exodus 3:1-4:17 records the calling of Moses. The burning bush experience was one of revelation of God as the Great I AM to a reluctant leader. The key to understanding this passage is: TRUST!

Exodus 3:1-4:17 records the calling of Moses. The burning bush experience was one of revelation of God as the Great I AM to a reluctant leader. The key to understanding this passage is: TRUST! God believed in Moses as His man – and Moses needed to learn to trust God wholly – and the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Was The Early Church The "Golden Age"? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 31, 2018

Christians today tend to romanticize the early church as a Golden Age when passages like this one present a picture of a church with plenty of struggles. What does that mean for how we should view the church today?

- Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-17 and 2:1-10. An Early Church Story: - What we are looking at today is just one story from the early church. 1. There was serious sin in the church. - 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. - We know this from 1 Corinthians 5 and Paul’s extensive instructions to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:12-17, 2 Corinthians 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

I Saw The Lord

Contributed by Norris Harris I on Feb 13, 2003

Now the relevance of this passage of Scripture is this: THE LORD STILL REVEALS HIMSELF IN ROUGH TIMES. And certainly, the infant days of this Twenty-First Century are ROUGH TIMES!

“And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw …” During the ruthless reign and rule of the Roman Emperor Domitian (the last year of his reign in the year A.D. 95) something momentous and marvelous happened: the Risen Christ pulled back the veil of mystery which ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:12

Denomination: Baptist