Sermons on Difficult Passages:

The Bible - Worth The Effort (Pt. 2)

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 15, 2002

The study of God’s Word may be difficult at times, but it is well worth the effort.

January 23, 2000 2 Tim. 2:15 The Bible – worth the effort (Part 2) INTRODUCTION How much do you value the fact that you have a Bible that you can pick up and read for yourself? [read Jn 3:16 from the Greek Bible] No, I have not started speaking in tongues; what I was reading was ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15

Denomination: Baptist

Restored Relationships

Contributed by Mike Rickman on Jul 6, 2007

It is difficult to move forward until we are set free from the past.

July 8, 2007 Morning Worship Text: Matthew 5:21-26 Subject: Forgiveness Title: Restored Relationships I’m still praying for revival. As I pray I continually ask the Lord, “What hinders revival? What keeps it from happening here?” One thing that I keep hearing is that the one thing that will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Gay Marriage, Lgbtq Issues, And The Christian Worldview

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Gay marriage. This is a very difficult and controversial issue. There are fiery voices on both sides of the debate that make it difficult to discuss respectfully. But respectful discussion is an integral part of life in the west.

Gay marriage. This is a very difficult and controversial issue. There are fiery voices on both sides of the debate that make it difficult to discuss respectfully. But respectful discussion is an integral part of life in the west. Problems begin to erupt when both sides toss out insults, instead ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:4-5, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Romans 1:24-28

Denomination: Salvation Army

Preaching From Philippians #5

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Dec 28, 2021

This little passage of scripture is loaded with wonderful teachings about the Lord Jesus Christ. Some believe it is one of the greatest passages in the Bible concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

It gives us a picture of the humility of Christ like we have never seen before. If the church today is ever going to accomplish anything for the Lord, we are going to have to know and possess the humility of Christ. Illus: Some of the New Testament Christians caught this vision. The attitude of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Sifting Of The Saints

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 25, 2022

This passage of scripture has to do with the “sifting” of the saints. Before we can fully appreciate what this passage is teaching, we have to know something about sifting.

Illus: Some of the older women in this congregation can remember when years ago they had a “sifter” in their kitchen. This was something they could hold with one hand, and use the other hand to turn a handle that rotated a wire wheel inside the sifter basket. As they prepared a meal for their ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

Streams In The Desert Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 19, 2005

God touches our lives with refreshing streams in the midst of our difficult times.

GOD, WATER AND LIFE SEPTEMBER 20, 2004 Isaiah 35:1-7 “Streams in the Desert” INTRODUCTION One of the harshest truths that we ever learn is that suffering and difficult times is a part of life. No one can go through life without experiencing suffering in some shape or form. The once popular ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

You Have Not Passed This Way Before

Contributed by Gene Gregory on Feb 19, 2023

Keys to having the Lord's blessings during difficult times

Joshua 3 You have not passed this way before - Read Joshua 3:1-17 Can you imagine? Can you imagine the Lord leading you into a river and having the water of the river, in flood season, stack up beside you so that you could walk through on dry ground? Can you imagine having the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Psalms 58 And 109 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Mar 5, 2020

The outrage expressed in passages in these psalms are examples of times David seemed to be "fed up" with his enemies. He pours out his fury to God, not intending for his Father to act on the ills he calls for, but for God to see the passion poisoning his heart and send relief.

For Sermon Central researchers: I have posted a series of 15 sermons on the Psalms. In recent personal studies I have found the psalms to be richer and more thought-provoking than I had fully appreciated. I had too often swept swiftly through psalms without slowing down to inquire as thoroughly as ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 58:1-11, Psalm 109:1-31, Psalm 23:1-6, Psalm 23:5, Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19, Hebrews 10:28-30, Proverbs 24:17, Matthew 5:43-44, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 6:4, 2 Samuel 1:17-27, Psalm 37:32-33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Nuts And Bolts Christianity

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Aug 23, 2017

Paul gives us a passage that is 1. Simple 2. Practical 3. Filled with Spiritual Passion and Energy. A passage that can transform our lives and the lives of the Body of Christ!

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21 (Call to Worship - Psalms 26:1-8) Title: Nuts and Bolts Christianity Paul gives us a passage that is 1. Simple 2. Practical 3. Filled with Spiritual Passion and Energy. A passage that can transform our lives and the lives of the Body of Christ! INTRO: ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Nazarene

Handles For The Hard Times (Part 5) Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 18, 2001

Fifth, and last sermon in a series of sermons on dealing with difficult times.

Handles for the Hard Times (Part 5) TEXT: Heb 12:4-11 INTRODUCTION · This is last in a series of 5 sermons on “Handling the Hard Times” · Have provided 7 handles to hold on to when the difficulties come & many of those handles have to do with the perspective we have, or the way we look at the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Case For Faith

Contributed by Justin Snyder on Feb 27, 2001

Answer’s to some of the most difficult questions; that face Christianity

The Case for FAITH! Objection #1: The Challenge of Faith: Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Loving God Cannot. “Christian theism must be rejected by any person with even a shred of respect for evidence.” – George H. Smith, atheist 1st “Christian faith is not an irrational leap. Examined ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

You Can Count On God

Contributed by Roddy Chestnut on Oct 18, 2000

Thesis: Realizing God's faithfulness makes prayer less difficult.

Thesis: Realizing God's faithfulness makes prayer less difficult. Intro.: 1. One of the most difficult things for a Christian is often represented as one of the easiest--prayer. a. Prayer is difficult. b. Not the "pat," "stock," rote, routine prayers we all get used to saying, but real, deep, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-8

Purpose #3: You Were Created To Become Like Christ Series

Contributed by Dan Borchert on Dec 9, 2003

Deals with Purpose #3 specifically growing during difficult times

Romans 8:28-29 Purpose #3: You Were Created To Become Like Christ Growing through tough times Introduction A. Sometimes life is easy B. Sometimes we learn, grow, and laugh the whole entire time C. Let me give you some good advice, enjoy those times! D. Those times will not always be there E. Those ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-29

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Does God Believe In Atheists?

Contributed by Aubrey Vaughan on Jul 13, 2006

Looking at seven reasons why atheism is a difficult stance to take.

Does God believe in atheists? Intro: There’s a story told about a Professor of biology who was an atheist. Every year he began his lectures on evolution by asking if any of the students were religious. When they identified themselves he boasted that by the end of his course they’d all ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Faith's Hall Of Fame: Israel Series

Contributed by Doug Lyon on May 11, 2008

How to handle a "Red Sea" (difficult) experience in your life.

Hebrews 11:29 Faith’s Hall of Fame: Israel Introduction • In a pinch • In a pickle • In a jam • In a corner • In a squeeze • Up a tree • Between a rock and a hard place • Behind the eight ball • Driven to the wall • Hard-pressed These are all expressions used to describe a situation with no easy ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:29

Denomination: Independent/Bible