Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Advancing In The Midst Of Adversity Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jun 23, 2016

The difficulties associated with our modern day are reaching new levels of intensity. The majority is not interested in the Word or worship. As difficult as it may be, we remain obligated to serve the Lord and reach others. We can advance for Christ.

Advancing in the Midst of Adversity 1 John 2: 24-29 Take a moment to consider the great challenges John spoke of in our last study. He warned the spirit of antichrist was already among us, seeking to undermine the church and hinder her ministry. He reminds us that we are living in the last time, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Developing The Attitude Of Steadfastness Series

Contributed by Manny Salva Cruz on Jan 17, 2016

Faithfulness is finishing the race under normal circumstance while steadfastness is finishing the race even under very difficult circumstances. In this message we will learn some great advice from Joshua on how to develop the attitude of steadfastness.

SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 23: 6 “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. 7 Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 23:6-8

Denomination: Nazarene

I Think Myself Happy

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 8, 2017

Our perspective on life's difficult events - seeing a positive meaning and purpose in them - can determine whether we view God and life positively. It is our choice whether we are positive or negative. Paul chose to be positive.

I THINK MYSELF HAPPY Acts 26:2 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A lady from the big city of Philadelphia came to Texas. She wanted to go on a horseback ride in the Guadalupe Mountains. She said to the cowboy guide, "Can you get me a nice gentle pony?" 2. "Shore," said the cowboy. "What kind of a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Shavah Bekal Livah Return With All Your Heart Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 15, 2022

Have you heard of the "weeping prophet?" This man truly had a difficult mission. He had to speak the word of the Lord boldly to a people who would refuse to listen to him. His name was Jeremiah.

Have you heard of the "weeping prophet?" This man truly had a difficult mission. He had to speak the word of the Lord boldly to a people who would refuse to listen to him. His name was Jeremiah. He began his ministry at a young age, under a good king. But later, would serve under a ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Troubled Hearts

Contributed by Grant Adams on Apr 10, 2021

Jesus is speaking to His disciples trying to encourage them. Jesus knows these men are about to face the darkest night of their soul. These men had been in many difficult situations before. Their leader was always there to guide and encourage them.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples trying to encourage them. Jesus knows these men are about to face the darkest night of their soul. These men had been in many difficult situations before. Their leader was always there to guide and encourage them. But now, Jesus is about to leave them, they will ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Did The Tribulation Just Begin?

Contributed by Michael Stark on May 2, 2020

In these times of lockdown, some have begun to imagine that the Great Tribulation just began. Rather than focusing on such idle speculation, the Word of God would encourage us to shine brightly in difficult times to turn many to righteousness.

“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

"four Truths We Can Affirm In A Crisis"

Contributed by Brad King on Sep 13, 2021

Crises have long been a part of the human equation. During a crisis, it is difficult to know what to think or believe. The story of Job helps us to understand that we can affirm at least four truths during a crisis.

1. In crises we can affirm that God is in control. Job 42:1-2 2. In crises we can affirm that God knows things we cannot know or comprehend. Job 42:3 3. In crises we can affirm that the crisis can help clarify our understanding of God, though it may take time. Job 42:4-5 4. In crises we can ...read more

Scripture: Job 42:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

More Than We Bargained For Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on Mar 22, 2018

What happens when we try to bargain with God? We get more than we bargained for! We get to build our character, confront our past, and learn how to cope with difficult people.

MORE THAN WE BARGAINED FOR—Genesis 29:1-30:24 The young man gets into the car, and hits the steering wheel with his palm. His girlfriend—the light of his life—has dumped him. How could God let this happen? He has loved her well, and honored God in his courtship. What has it gotten him? The man ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Reconciliation Through The Cross

Contributed by Roger Hasselquist on Feb 23, 2023

Oh, it only takes little things to cause hostilities between people. And once started, it is difficult for them to reconcile. Even little things can cause whole nations to be at war. It doesn't take much.

Alba 2-19-2023 RECONCILIATION THROUGH THE CROSS Ephesians 2:14-18 A minister and his wife were going to give a mid-morning garden party. They invited everyone with engraved invitations. The back yard of the parsonage was manicured, tables decorated the lawn, the clematis vine and rose bushes ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Codebreaker Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Feb 8, 2017

The bible is difficult to interpret at times. it’s a codebook, which if used well, can help us decipher the enigmas of life, fight the right battles, know the real enemy and bring us peace with God.

CODEBREAKER I found it fascinating when I discovered he was a Codebreaker in the war. He looked somehow smaller now and curled up. I prayed for him, sang to him as light filtered through the window onto his old wrinkled brow. The movie “The Imitation Game” talked about Codebreaking in ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be What You Are Called To Be. Let God Be God In The Process

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jun 25, 2024

Timothy's call as a young pastor would be difficult work, like a soldier going to war. What were Paul's principles for his life, and for all Christians in some senses? Find out.

7.7.24 2 Timothy 2:1–13 (EHV) Trinity Ev. Lutheran, Bay City 1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Entrust the things you heard from me, in the presence of many witnesses, to faithful men who will also be able to teach others. 3 Share hardships as a good ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Seeking God In Your Situation

Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Aug 18, 2024

Many people who claimed to know God and connected to Him, cannot actually trust Him to intervene in their situation when things get bad. It is a great strength for a believer to be able to trust God alone in difficult situations.

Seeking God in your Situation Study Text: 2 Kings 1: 1 - 4 Introduction: Ahaziah was in a difficult situation, but rather than seeking God for solution, he secretly sends to consult the god of Eckron. Worries and fears of the unknown weakens his trust in God, and went outside the will of God to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 1:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Character Study Of Hannah Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 22, 2025

Hannah’s life is a powerful example of faith, prayer, and dedication to God. Her story encourages us to trust God in difficult times, remain faithful in prayer, and dedicate everything—including our children—to the Lord.

CHARACTER STUDY OF HANNAH – MOTHER OF SAMUEL By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Samuel 1:27 "For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him." – Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-11, Psalm 113:9, Philippians 4:6-7, James ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Reflections On Life

Contributed by Dr. Lewis W. Gregory on Nov 4, 2025

The loss of a family member or friend can be very difficult. As we get older we begin to lose so many. Death is always a very sad and sobering time. But our Lord offers comfort to sustain us.

I. WHAT IS OUR LIFE? A. All of Life is on a Timetable - In the physical sense, we are born to die. But, in the spiritual sense, we are born to live. What then is our life?  It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. God knows our frame; He ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Issues Arising In The Church Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Apr 30, 2013

THE PASSAGE WE HAVE BEFORE US TODAY IS ONE THAT DEALS WITH CONFLICTS THAT RISE UP IN THE CHURCH. IN FACT CONFLICTS OCCUR ON A REGULAR BASIS. SOME OF THE CONFLICTS ARE SMALL, AND EASILY RESOLVED, OFTEN INVOLVING ONLY A COUPLE OF PEOPLE, OVER A MINOR IS

ISSUES ARISING IN THE CHURCH The Do’s and Don’ts of conflict Acts 15:1-19 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-19

Denomination: Baptist