Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Did Judas Believe In Jesus As Lord?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 7, 2025

This passage provides us with an interesting insight into the nature of Judas' faith (or lack thereof).

DID JUDAS BELIEVE IN JESUS AS LORD? Judas refers to Jesus as “Rabbi,” not “Lord.” - Matthew 26:22, 25. - It’s long been a source of contention what exactly the nature of Judas’ belief or disbelief in Jesus was. He was a disciple, saw the miracles, heard the teaching. Yet he ends up betraying ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:17-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Resurrection And Its Effects Foretold

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Mar 14, 2012

This passage is one that lays out more than man could ever imagine. Jesus revealed and proclaimed the resurrection and its effects on the world. We will break this passage down into 7 segments tonight.

Tonight’s passage is one that lays out more than man could ever imagine. Jesus revealed and proclaimed the resurrection and its effects on the world. We will break this passage down into 7 segments tonight. READ 16-19. The resurrection of Jesus perplexes people. Here Jesus predicts His ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

Do Our Loved Ones Know What's Happening To Us Now? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 1, 2003

This message explores the difficult question of whether those in heaven can still see what’s going on here on earth.

There is a romantic notion of those in heaven “looking over the balcony rail of heaven” and watching over us throughout our lives. Is that a biblical notion? The Bible does not address the question directly, but this morning I want to examine some of the relevant passages to answer this ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Delayed, Yet Definite

Contributed by Richard Deem on Jul 3, 2008

Have you ever had to pray and wait? I suppose this is one of life’s most difficult tasks

TEXT: Daniel 10:10-13, 18 (Read later) INTRO: Have you ever had to pray and wait? I suppose this is one of life’s most difficult tasks. You see, we live in an "instant society". We have: Instant Cameras; Instant Potatoes; Instant Credit We come QUICKLY to the drive up window, wanting QUICK ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 10:10-13

Denomination: Church Of God

Change: When And How To Embrace It

Contributed by Horng Saw on Jun 27, 2013

An expository teaching on when to change and how to embrace change. The key passage is Ruth chapter 1.

Change happens all the time, be it natural or man-made. Ruth 1:1-5 details a list of changes – there was a change of climate, a change of environment when Elimelech and his family moved to Moab, a change of leadership in the family after the death of Elimelech, a change of culture when ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Distant Disciple - Nicodemus

Contributed by Steve Wilson on Mar 16, 2016

Though it is difficult for us to relinquish control of our lives to this one who lived long ago (Jesus), it was even more difficult to do so when He walked on this earth. That was especially true for a prominent ruler of the Jews by the name of Nicodemus.

Introduction • Read John 3:12-16; 7:45-53; 19:38-42 • To you, I hope, Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, your Savior and your Lord. It is so wonderful that we live on this side of the cross and resurrection. Though it is difficult to relinquish control of our lives to this one who ...read more

Scripture: John 19:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

Holy Spirit Decision Analysis - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Michael Raisbeck on Jul 29, 2003

Following a painful experience ( job loss ), God lead me into a difficult choice; this decision is reviewed in the light of scripture.

The last message which I prepared for the PRAYER AND FASTING NETWORK was on "Is A Broken Relationship Hurting You? " ( see July, 2003 Issue ). This article was initiated by some words spoken by a man which I considered to be prophetic. A short time following at a different venue another man came ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 13:10-18, 1 Corinthians 14:3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The First Person To Doubt The Virgin Birth Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 5, 2006

The impact of God’s entrance onto the human scene was difficult for many, though it held the promise of life.

LUKE 1:26 34 THE FIRST PERSON TO DOUBT THE VIRGIN BIRTH “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-34

Denomination: Baptist

An Arminian Interprets Romans 9

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 21, 2021

This passage is heavy in election, predestination, and foreknowledge. How does someone who is not a Calvinist interpret it?

Opening Statement of the Inherent Limitations - In beginning to interpret this chapter, it’s important to start with the obvious truth: the questions that this passage raises are vexing issues. Election, predestination, and foreknowledge are the perplexing problems that haunt Romans 9. - A quick ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:1-33

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Family Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 29, 2012

In our passage, Jesus will use a family misunderstanding to give us greater understanding of his life and work.

Introduction Mothers, have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have Jesus for a son. At first thought, it would seem wonderful. Just think, a child – a son, no less – who doesn’t misbehave. He never lies to you; he does all of his chores; he doesn’t get ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:31-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Strike The Rock Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2002

Moses dealt with a difficult situation and prevailed because he kept his eyes on the right things.

OPENING: A small boy dialed "O" and asked the operator to call a number for him. He didn’t speak clearly, so she couldn’t understand him. After repeating it four times, he blurted out, "You operators are dumb," and slammed down the receiver. Hearing this, his mother was shocked. She called the ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"Learning To Depend On God"

Contributed by Dennis Deese on Aug 15, 2002

One of the most difficult things in life is becoming and remaining a person after God’s on heart.

“LEARNING TO DEPEND ON GOD” (The Leader’s Strength) Dr. Dennis Deese 1 SAMUEL 18:17-21:15 One of the most difficult things in life is becoming and remaining a person after God’s on heart. If you doubt that, just consider for a moment how many people you personally know that you would consider ...read more

Parenting In Perilous Times Series

Contributed by Bill Harper on Jan 23, 2001

The parents of Samson model for us the marks of successful parents who raise their child in difficult times.

“PARENTING IN PERILOUS TIMES” Text: Judges 13:1-25 Intro: Illustration-Radio personality Paul Harvey tells the story of how Eskimo kill wolves. First the Eskimo coats his knife blade with animal blood and allows it to freeze. Then he adds another layer of blood, and another, until the blade is ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Why Did You Create Us If... Series

Contributed by Stan Rodda on Mar 15, 2006

This sermon attempts to answer a difficult question about why did God create us anyway.

Why Did You Create Us If… Dear God letters “House” God, are you that cruel? 1. Why create if You knew we would sin? Understand 2 things a. God is relational Gen. 1:26 & angels We do crazy things for love But you can’t force a relationship b. God wanted us to choose to love Him You ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Are You Thankful For?

Contributed by Gerald Steffy on Sep 9, 2009

A Christian can experience joy and thank God even under the most difficult and extreme circumstance.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Philippians 1:3-8 Proposition: A Christian can experience joy and thank God even under the most difficult and extreme circumstance. Objective: My purpose is to challenge people to be thankful even under the most difficult circumstance in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-8

Denomination: Baptist