Sermons on Difficult Passages:

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

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

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

Now And Forever Series

Contributed by Don Baggett on Mar 2, 2008

This passage opens up by talking about “present sufferings.” This is talking specifically about persecution, but this statement could be applied to anything you might be going through. The message of the verse is that God has something better in store f

This passage opens up by talking about “present sufferings.” This is talking specifically about persecution, but this statement could be applied to anything you might be going through. The message of the verse is that God has something better in store for them who love Him. He is going to reveal ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: Baptist

Too Heavenly Minded

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jul 2, 2012

What reward are we to look toward to be able to choose to suffer the reproach of Christ? Background to passage: Paul is exalting in the salvation that we share in Christ, mentions the reward.. “The strength to endure present suffering is the fruit of me

Text: Eph 2:4-7, Col 3:1-4, Title: Too Heavenly Minded, Date/Place: NRBC, 7/1/12 A. Opening illustration: “The strength to endure present suffering is the fruit of meditating on future satisfaction.” B. Background to passage: Paul is exalting in the salvation that we share in Christ, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-7

Denomination: Baptist

Dealing With Depression

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Mar 18, 2013

A tough sermon that addresses the reality of depression and how to deal with it from a Biblical perspective. Because of the subject matter there was no central scripture text, but a variety of passages that gave evidence to the fact that many Biblical cha

Well, good morning. Is anybody dealing with the winter blues? Anybody at all? Be honest. Of course you are. Because it’s January, there is snow on the ground, it’s cold out there, and the Steelers are not going to be in the Super Bowl. We all experience the winter blues, but if ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:4-5

Denomination: Christian Church

Preparing Our Heart And Mind (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 4, 2017

The struggles we face as we journey with the Lord are varied and many. None are more difficult that the battles that rage within our minds. If we are to overcome, we must approach this battle from a biblical approach. (A continuation of previous study)

Preparing our Heart and Mind (Part 2) Philippians 4: 4-9 We began to consider these powerful verses in our last study, and I hope to conclude them today. Paul was well aware of the various struggles the church faced. Society presented particular challenges and there were disagreements and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Waiting On God

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Apr 14, 2010

Waiting on God is one of the most difficult things to do. Apparently the whole life secret lies in it. What does waiting on the Lord include? Let me put it in three brief exhortations. Keep near Him; keep still; expect.

Illustration: Themistocles, who led the Greeks in the famous naval battle of Salamis, for some reason unknown to his troops, delayed the engagement. It was expected that he would avail himself of the early morning hours; and when what seemed the golden opportunity had gone in inactivity, there were ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From The Ashes - Sacrifice (Palm Sunday) Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of sacrifice in Christianity, comparing the temporary forgiveness granted through animal sacrifices in the Old Testament to the eternal redemption offered by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and encourages believers to live sacrificially in gratitude for this redemption.

Today, we’re going to be talking about the sacrifice of Jesus and the impact his humble actions have had on all humankind. To illustrate the idea of sacrifice I want to share a story with you from the trenches of World War II. “John Robert Fox was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in May 1915. By all ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-14

Topics: Sacrificial Life, Eternal Redemption, Overcoming Sin

Sermon Series: From The Ashes

What Is The Trinity? Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Jan 16, 2013

the mystery of the Trinity, God being three persons in one, has been difficult for Christians to explain since the beginning. Last week we talked about some religions and offshoots of Christianity who have denied the Trinitarian nature of God because it

How many of you have read the Shack? I recently read it and the newest book that author came out with, and both books have interesting imaginings about the Trinity. In both books the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are people with various characteristics, male and female. In the Shack, the Father ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6-10

Fear Factor Series

Contributed by Chris Carroll on Apr 30, 2007

This passages encourages us to make fear a non factor in our lives: I. Jesus Comes To Us II. Jesus Brings Assurance To Us III. Jesus Commissions Us IV. Jesus Enables Us

Resurrection Encounters: Part I Fear Factor: April 15, 2007. John 20: 19-23 CBC When it comes to television, the only thing that is must see tv to me is some type of ballgame be it basketball, baseball, etc. Yet as I read the paper and listen on the radio they will run down the top shows on ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

The Creator's Plan Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 2, 2012

Our passage for tonight continues the review of God's sovereign activity by presenting another difficulty. If God is acting unilaterally, fashioning each & all according to His own will & purpose, would He not remove the reason & basis for judging man's

ROMANS 9: 19-26-29 THE CREATOR'S PLAN Before we get started let me state that this is a difficult and controversial passage. If Romans 9 has raised more questions than answers for you, you're not alone. Because of these difficulties many interpretations have been offered. As the Apostle ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:19-29

Denomination: Baptist

Meet An Arminian Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Nov 4, 2015

Introduction to message about the doctrines commonly known as "Calvinism", and the delightful surprises I found when studying them.

Meet an Arminian. Not by choice or even knowledge, mind you, but an Arminian nonetheless. So what's an Arminian anyway? A follower, whether or not he knows it, of Jacob Arminius, late 16th century theologian. The doctrines then being preached by John Calvin and most other reformers that involved ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17

Denomination: Assembly Of God