Sermons on Difficult Passages:

So Near And Yet So Far (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Stephen Wright on Dec 11, 2005

7 explanations of this passage. Why I rule them out, but with important truths that we can learn along the way.

The other options As I said last time I came across 7 explanations of this passage. Having given some reasons for my choice, I want to look at the other options today. In part this is to explain why I rule them out, but there is also an important element of truth in most of them and I want us to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:4-9

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Give Up!

Contributed by Delishia Davis on May 5, 2017

Empowerment for the journey

“Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.” Psalm 16:8 King David records his most intimate thoughts in the writings of the Psalms. He begins Psalm 16 with a declaration that the Almighty God is in control of his life, and seeks him for safety. This is ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:8

Denomination: United Methodist

Nursing Home - Loving Your Neighbor Pt. 1 Series

Contributed by Jeffrey Billhimer on Jan 9, 2025

I’d like to Start with a few questions: ● Was it difficult for you to move into this care home? ● How difficult was it? A Little? Very difficult?

(These questions can be conversational if there is time. Many residents will want to share how their experience went. Listen closely and take note. Otherwise they are simply relational to inspire residents to act based on their compassion and empathy having been through the same process as new ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 John 4:9-10, 1 John 4:11-12

New Beginnings; Old Themes

Contributed by Steven Simala Grant on Feb 26, 2013

It is difficult but essential to put the Greatest Commandment into practice when life's circumstances are difficult.

I am very pleased to report that we had a great family vacation, and I hope you will be pleased to hear that I am back at work ready to tackle a new season of ministry together. In many ways it does feel like a new season, and I want to talk about that a little more in a few moments. But first I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-39

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To "make Every Effort" To Enter The Kingdom? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 10, 2025

This passage has two troubling phrases: "make every effort" and "try . . . and not be able." What are we to do with those? And do they mean that God is setting up difficult barriers to get into the Kingdom?

WHAT DOES "MAKE EVERY EFFORT" MEAN? It doesn’t mean that it’s nearly impossible but that you should focus your attention. - Luke 13:22-24a. - Jesus is asked an important question: “[A]re only a few people going to be saved?” (v. 23). - That's a great question. What is the nature of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Sayings Of Jesus Part 6 Series

Contributed by Martin Holland on Nov 20, 2013

Jesus speaks on a very difficult subject divorce. The subject is difficult not because of God, but the hardness of man's heart.

The Sayings of Jesus Part 6 Matt. 5:31-32 Jesus speaks concerning the law expounds upon it with “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time” “But I say unto you” He expounds upon the 6th and 7th commandments “Thou shalt not kill” and “Thou shalt not ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

What Jesus Did For You! Series

Contributed by John Hamby on May 20, 2008

The three questions that arise from this passage are, Where did Christ go? To whom did Christ go? and What does Christ proclaim to them?

A Study of the Book of 1st Peter Finding Hope In Our Lives Sermon # 10 “What Jesus Did For You” 1 Peter 3:18-22 Most of the Bible is easy to understand. But as you preach ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Bear One Another's Burden Series

Contributed by Bledar Valca on Mar 23, 2007

One another passages

Bear One Another’s Burdens Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the Law of Christ (NASB) Last week I took my dad to hospital for a check up. As we were waiting for the doctor to come and do the check up my brother-in-law came and was very worried. Working in the ER he comes ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Psalm 103

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Nov 3, 2016

Praising God in Difficult Times

Psalm 103 - 7/31/16 PM Funny: A woman fell out of a second-floor window and landed in a slow-moving garbage truck. Half-buried in the litter, she tried without success to get the truck-driver’s attention. A foreign diplomat standing on the sidewalk saw her and quipped, “another example ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 103:1-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When You Run To Jesus, Everything Changes

Contributed by Mark D. Stetler on Jul 27, 2004

Sometimes change is difficult!

When you run to Jesus, everything changes! Ephesians 2:1-10 Intro: A few weeks ago (1st Sunday in June) I tried to preach a message entitled “If only I could run away.” In that message I tried to talk about the fact that ‘when you run’ everything changes. In that message I talked about Elijah ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Church Of God

God Of The Mountain

Contributed by Greg Cooper on Sep 17, 2001

Help for difficult times

Title: God of the Mountain and the Valley Text: I Kings 20:23-27 Intro: Have you ever faced a valley before? Where it seemed that you were out numbered; surrounded; and were completely and totally helpless. This must have been the way Israel felt this day. The year before Ben-hadad had brought 32 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 20:23-27

Denomination: Pentecostal

Knowing The Will Of God

Contributed by John Eldridge on Feb 19, 2009

Knowing the will of God is difficult.

Knowing the will of God Topical Sermon Introduction: Eccl. 1:2 – Meaningless Solomon was in sin and out of God’s will. 1. Why do we need to know His will for our lives? a. Frustrations comes being out of His will b. Incompleteness c. Lack of peace 2. God desires and commands us to know the ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Hope Of Glory Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Nov 12, 2012

Hope in difficult times

The Hope of Glory - Romans 8b - 3/1/09 Turn with me this morning to the book of Romans, chapter 8. This morning, we want to talk more about problems, something that happens to us all. Normally when we face problems, we go to one of two extremes. Either we hide our problems, and act like ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living Through Disappointments

Contributed by Luther Sexton on Nov 27, 2015

Overcoming difficult situations.

LIVING THROUGH DISAPPOINTMENTS I. INTRODUCTION A. Fact of Life --> Disappointments do occur. Sometimes disappointment so crushes a person that he/she is emotionally handicapped for life. B. Everyone Experiences Disappointment --> No Exceptions God had only one Son without sin, but ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:8-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

In Times Like These (A Message Of Encouragement)

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Jul 20, 2010

Paul had set the example of joyfulness in difficult times. In prison, after beatings, Paul and Silas had sung praises. Now, in the difficult times of their life, Paul gives advice for believers in difficult times.

In Times Like These: A Message of Encouragement Philippians 4:1-8 Calvary Baptist Church October 19, 2008 INTRODUCTION • The church at Philippi had fallen on difficult times. APPLY! – We are in difficult times! (The economy, the election) • The story of the founding of this church may be read in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist