Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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

Don't Join Murderous Gangs (Proverbs 1:8-19) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 6, 2022

Gangs can make you quite the offer: power, wealth, and community. But join, and you'll end up dead. The passage turns into a broader appeal to avoid ill-gotten gains.

Introduction Although my wife Heidi and I have been married for less than 5 years, we’ve moved a lot in that time period. We’ve lived in three states, 3 apartments, and two houses, and we feel a bit like gypsies without a real home. For some people, this frequent moving is a normal part of ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:9-19

Spiritual Leadership Series

Contributed by Bruce B. Miller on Jun 7, 2012

Some groups put The Pastor on a pedestal as God’s annointed, a spiritual super-star to be admired and honored. In our passage today Paul sarcastically shreds this un-Christlike view of leadership.

Spiritual Leadership 1 Corinthians 4 Most American Christians are soft. Our crosses are pretty jewelry, not instruments of brutal death. They warmly decorate our houses rather than warning of suffering. Particularly in the suburban Bible Belt, our versions of Christianity depict sanitized pictures ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Denomination: Evangelical Free

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

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

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

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

Mma In The Womb Series

Contributed by Troy Luttrell on Sep 29, 2014

Jacob has a unique calling from God upon His life. Despite his combative nature, God will still use him as an instrument of His grace.

Introduction: Ill: Have you ever known someone when you heard they were dating (so&so); or even going to marry (so&so), you thought “How could they fall in love with________?” Background: • In Romans 9:10-13 we read the following verse, “Esau have I hated, and Jacob ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:21-34

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Set "Under Authority"?

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Mar 19, 2016

Most Christians truly want to live the kind of life that Jesus requires but often find it difficult to do so. Why? They don't understand what it means to be in submission? This is something Jesus understood and we need to also.

Are You “Set Under Authority”? We know that Jesus operated in faith. He had complete trust in who he was as God’s Son and he knew that all of the resources of Heaven were available to him. If we have the same life in us that Jesus has in him, then why do we not have complete ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be God's Super-Hero Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Oct 8, 2016

Since God is our power, or strength, our fortress, our high tower, we can stand-and that is our role in the fight. God takes care of the rest. For us, standing is sometimes difficult. But standing is enough.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13

Denomination: *other