Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Jesus Changes Lives, That We Know, But To What Extent?

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Oct 17, 2019

Summary: Lives are completely changed when Jesus comes on the scene. They are changed to a far greater extent than as this passage proves; a miracle easily performed by Jesus but a dramatic change in destiny for many.

This sermon was delivered Gordon McCulloch to the congregation at Holy Trinity in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 13th October 2019; Holy Trinity is a Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries. 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Psalm 111 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19 “Please join me ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Denomination: Episcopal

Three Reasons To Thanks God Series

Contributed by Steve Meenho Kang on Nov 13, 2022

The passage that we read today tells us about three changes that God brings into our lives. It says that we should thank God for these changes that He brings to our lives.

Three Reasons to Thank God Give Thanks Part 2 John 3:1-15 Today, we are continuing our message series, Give Thanks. As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to prepare our hearts for gratitude toward God. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God is always holy, just, ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joseph’s Just Love Series

Contributed by David Mcbeath on Jan 27, 2012

THE ONE THING TO DO: In difficult, hurtful situations follow Joseph’s countercultural example and demonstrate “just” love by knowing God’s word well enough to allow it to teach you to turn your anger into grace.

Series: Christmas 2011, Advent Message: Joseph’s “Just” Love Topics: Love, Christmas, Advent, Joseph, Anger, Hurt, Justice, Grace, Bible, Marriage Text: Matthew 1:18-20, Isaiah 42:1-6 Date: Dec. 18, 2011 Pastor: David McBeath (Credid: In this sermon I rework part of a 1st person sermon on Joseph ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-6, Matthew 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

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

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 Lord Is My Shepherd - An In-Depth Look At Psalm 23

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on May 6, 2024

Psalm 23 is more than a passage of scripture that is read at funerals when someone passes but is in fact a profound testament to God's loving care, guidance, and provision for each and every one of us.

The Lord is my Shepherd. An in-depth look at Psalm 23 By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. OPENING: - Today I want to look at what is most likely the most memorized chapter in the Bible Psalm 23. This particular Psalm is a favorite passage of scripture at funerals; however, it’s not a Psalm of death ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

The Love Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Jan 21, 2008

John 3:16 is known to all. Other 3:16 passages in the New Testament teach us important things about Jesus as well. This is 1 John 3:16.

(based on a sermon series by Tom Ellsworth) SERIES: “DISCOVER JESUS: The Other 3:16’s) TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:11-18 TITLE: “THE LOVE OF JESUS” OPEN: A. Today is a very exciting day 1. Last Sunday, we began our 10 Week Spiritual Adventure a. I pray ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

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

Meet Me At The River

Contributed by Jim Drake on Oct 23, 2007

I preached this sermon the Sunday prior to our annual fall revival meetings. The steps Ezra took the people through in this passage were foundational to the revival they experienced in Nehemiah 8 and 9.

1. Fasting is required for revival (8:21-23) 2. Faith is required for revival (8:24-30) 3. Follow-through is required for revival (8:31) In just a minute, we’re going to read Nehemiah 9:5-6. But that’s not our text tonight. That is the result of our text tonight. Our text is actually going to ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 8:21-31, Nehemiah 8:9

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Make Me A Good Preacher PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

Explore the power of making right choices, the importance of listening to God's Word, and the responsibility we hold as bearers of the Gospel, using Acts 15:22-35 as a guide.

Good morning, church family! I'm excited to dive into God's Word with you today. We're going to explore the power of making the right choices, the importance of truly listening to God's Word, and the immense responsibility we hold as bearers of the Gospel - hefty stuff, I know. But don't worry, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:22-35

Topics: Choice

Ask & You Will Receive?

Contributed by Todd Leupold on May 30, 2007

This message, delivered during a mid-week prayer meeting, tackles the question of prayer and God’s ’obligations’- or is it ours?

“ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE?” Wednesday Evening Prayer Mtg. May 15, 2002 Pastor Todd G. Leupold I. OPEN Prayer can seem like such a funny thing. . . How often do we vacillate between turning to God to save the world and not bothering to pray for even the simplest things, because we wonder if He is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-8

Denomination: Baptist