Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Spiritual Harvesting 101 Series

Contributed by Ray Geide on Jan 17, 2022

In this chapter Jesus tells his disciples how to harvest. It is like a beginner's course in harvesting, Spiritual Harvesting 101. We will pull five points out of this passage.

Spiritual Harvesting 101 John 4:35-42 John chapter 4 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I have many favorites. But I like this one because of the harvest in it. A whole city trusts in Jesus. That's an impressive harvest. If only we could have a harvest like that. In this chapter ...read more

Scripture: John 4:35-42, John 1:11-12, John 3:16-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Note-Worthy Observations Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 10, 2021

Who is Jesus? Who is the Messiah? This question is one of the basic questions for every living person. This passage deals with that question as Jesus asks His opponents to listen to the words of Holy Scriptures.

LUKE 20: 41-21:4 [JESUS’ LAST WEEK SERIES] NOTE-WORTHY OBSERVATIONS [Romans 1:3–4] The scribes, Sadducee and Pharisees did not dare question Jesus anymore. Why? The wisdom of His words silenced their cynicism and pride. With His opponents silenced, this controversy section concludes with Jesus ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Watching Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 14, 2019

Holiness and fear of God seem to go hand in hand in this passage. But why should I "fear God" and what difference does it make when I do?

OPEN: You may have heard the story of some children at a Catholic school who were lined up for lunch at the cafeteria. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. A nun had made a note: "Take only one, God is watching." At the other end of the table was a large plate of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:14-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Guilty But Not As Charged Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 24, 2021

This passage makes it clear that man does not need to be totally depraved to be totally out of God's will, and that he who stands must beware less he fall.

A close study of the account of the fall of man has done more to open my eyes to the danger of tradition than any other study I have done. Those who profess to take it literally have done much in making it mythological by using it to teach lessons that have no basis in the text itself. Those who ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:12-14

The Woman, The Dragon, And The Child Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Sep 17, 2023

This message is an introduction to one of the most exciting passages in Revelation. It is the revealing of the battle in the heavenly realms that has existed since the beginning of time, and one that Jesus Christ will settle once and for all!

Alpha and Omega, Part 36, Revelation Part 13 The Woman, The Dragon, and The Child Revelation 12:1-9 Introduction - Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation -- This is the conclusion of our Alpha and Omega series since January -- REM: Redemption of sin has been ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-6, Genesis 37:9-11, Psalm 2:9, Romans 9:5, Isaiah 66:7-8, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Isaiah 14:12-15, Genesis 3:15, 1 John 3:8, Philippians 2:9-11, Romans 11:25-26  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praise Him For The Promise Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Dec 8, 2023

Last week we were focused on Jeremiah’s little book of comfort. Today we look at a similar passage in Isaiah - an oasis of hope amid a book of lost hope.

Note: There may or may not be sermon notes here for next week. We will be in Luke 2 for December 24th. Thanks for following along. - JED Praise Him For The Promise Isaiah 40:1-11 Introduction Kimball Gannon was born in Brooklyn in 1900. After going to law school and passing the bar, He became ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus' Easter Gifts

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Apr 13, 2017

In our passage Jesus passes out some wonderful Easter Gifts - 1. Peace 2. Assurance 3. Commission 4. Holy Spirit 5. Ability to Heal and Forgive

Scripture: John 20:19-29 (cf. 19-23); 1 Peter 1:3-9 and Call to Worship (Psalm 16) Theme: Jesus' Easter Gifts In our passage Jesus passes out some wonderful Easter Gifts - 1. Peace 2. Assurance 3. Commission 4. Holy Spirit 5. Ability to Heal and Forgive INTRO: Grace and peace from ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31, Psalm 16:1-11, 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Nazarene

The Friend Of God - James 2:20-24 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Sep 6, 2021

We are often told to trust God. But this passage makes trust seem more desirable by casting it in the context of friendship. This message defines friendship and explores what it means to have that with God.

James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical ...read more

Scripture: James 2:20-24

Circumcision Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 22, 2024

Using OT Scripture, Paul proves in Romans 4:9-12 that circumcision is not a prerequisite for justification. Justification is by faith alone. Vital principles applicable today are taught in this passage of Scripture.

Intro Romans 4 naturally divides into sections: 1. Justification is by faith, not by works (vv.1-8). 2. Justification by faith is not dependent on ritual (vv. 9-16). 3. The kind of faith that leads to justification is exemplified by Abraham (vv. 17-22). 4. Justification is available now for all ...read more

Scripture: Romans 4:1-16, Genesis 15:6, Galatians 6:12, Galatians 3:28-29, Romans 11:1-36, Romans 9:6-7, Luke 3:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Are The Seeds Still In The Barn Or Have We Taken Them Out For Planting? Series

Contributed by Chris Swanson on May 14, 2023

In this passage of scripture, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils in Mark 4:1-9. Then in Mark 4:10-25, Jesus gives an explanation about the parable of the four soils.

Jesus used parables to instruct the people. Parables are brief tales utilizing recognizable scenes to clarify spiritual truth. This technique for educating urges the audience to think. It disguises the truth from the individuals who are excessively obstinate or biased to hear what is being ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:1-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"expectation Sunday"

Contributed by John Huyser on May 24, 2023

Our passage appears to be at first mere filling in the middle - sandwiched between two of God’s greatest actions in the Bible. The majestic ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and Pentecost Sunday.

The passage we just read is sandwiched between two of God’s greatest actions in the Bible. The majestic ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and Pentecost Sunday. From there, the book of Acts encompasses nearly 30 years of history -- We see everything from transformational preaching and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:12-26

Enduring Trials With Faith: Transformed By The Gift Of Suffering Philippians 1:29 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 3, 2024

Explore the profound truth that our suffering can be a means of transformation and deeper faith. Our passage from Philippians 1:29 reminds us of the gift of suffering in the life of a believer.

Enduring Trials with Faith: Transformed by the Gift of Suffering Philippians 1:29 Introduction: Today, we explore the profound truth that our suffering can be a means of transformation and deeper faith. Our passage from Philippians 1:29 reminds us of the gift of suffering in the life of a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-2, Philippians 1:29, Hebrews 11:6, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2-4, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Revive Your Dead Spirit

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Oct 7, 2024

In this passage, we hear a call to recognize spiritual decline, to reconnect with Christ, and to be receptive to the Holy Spirit. This is not an easy task, but it is one that we are called to undertake, not just as individuals, but as a community of believers.

Welcome, dear friends, to this sacred space, a sanctuary where we gather, not just as a congregation, but as a family. This is a place where we come together, bound by our shared faith, our shared love for Christ, and our shared desire to grow closer to Him. Today, we find ourselves standing on the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6, Matthew 7:7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Should We Participate In Fasting?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Dec 28, 2022

In this passage of Scripture, God was asking the people why they had fasted. They were urged to be merciful and just people. Do our actions resemble the actions of the Jews from our reading?

In verses 1-7: For the past 70 years, individuals had been holding a fast in August to recollect the annihilation of Jerusalem. Since Jerusalem was being rebuilt, they went to the Temple to inquire as to whether they needed to proceed with this yearly fast. God did not address their inquiry ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Confession: A Pathway To Transformation 1 John 1:9 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 25, 2024

1 John 1:9 is a verse that offers hope and guidance for our spiritual journey. Let us delve into this passage to uncover the transformative power of confession and forgiveness in our lives.

Confession: A Pathway to Transformation 1 John 1:9 Introduction: Today, we gather to explore the profound truth found in 1 John 1:9, a verse that offers hope and guidance for our spiritual journey. Let us delve into this passage to uncover the transformative power of confession and forgiveness in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:9, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 1:18

Denomination: Pentecostal