Sermons on difficult passages: showing 676-690 of 84,428

When A Long Time Seems Like A Long Time

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Feb 21, 2003

This sermon looks at Psalm 13 and what we should try to learn in the difficult and discouraging moments of our lives.

When A Long Time Seems Like A Long Time NLF 2/9/03 1 Samuel 24:1-22 Hebrews 11:32-40 Text Psalms 13:1-6 The title of today’s message is “When a Long Time, Seems Like A Long Time.” There are times in our lives, when we can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by, yet there are other ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Courage And Faith

Contributed by Jung Lee on Jan 28, 2024

It explores the themes of courage, faith, and trust in God during difficult times, particularly when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Introduction Hi everyone, let's imagine this situation: I work at the VA, right? And I stumble upon something upsetting. I discovered that some of the bosses in our Community Living Centers, where we promise to look after our veterans, aren't doing the right thing. Now, ...read more

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

What Do You Say On The First Sunday?

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Aug 29, 2009

Standing at the empty tomb is both an acknowledgment of a difficult past, and a charge to live into the new life offered in Christ Jesus.

Well! Here we are, the moment many of us have been anticipating, or perhaps dreading, or maybe even a little of both for the last few months! No doubt, any expectations that any of us might have had about this day will be somewhat off or maybe even way off, but I pray that the excitement of new ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: United Methodist

To Whom Shall We Go Series

Contributed by Dewayne Bolton on Jun 25, 2012

In the midst of the journey of life there comes times we are distressed and don't know how to handle the difficult situations of life. But thanks be to God there is one we can go too and know He knows the way through life's difficult times.

John 6:66-71 TO WHOM SHALL WE GO Jesus began his ministry in Judea. His success there seemed to be all that could be desired. However it soon became apparent that the crowds that followed Him misunderstood or willfully ignored His purpose. It seemed they followed Him chiefly for material things. ...read more

Scripture: John 6:66-71

Denomination: Holiness

The Joy Of The Lord Is Your Strength

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Feb 20, 2014

What is the lesson to be learned from the passage which includes "The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength?

The Joy of the LORD is Your Strength Nehemiah 8:5-12 Introduction Most of us have probably heard the words “The joy of the LORD is your strength”, even though you may not know it comes from the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. But just what does this mean? Is it simply a call to ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:5-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Keys To Effective Evangelism Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Sep 15, 2006

There are three things Pauls gives to us in the passage that will help us to be more effective soul-winners.

INTRODUCTION • I want you to take a look in your bulletin for a moment. • I would like for you to look on the inside cover if you would. • On the inside cover you will find a purpose statement. This statement summarizes why we are here as a church. • When you look at the statement, it really ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Love Your Enemies? Series

Contributed by Scott Chambers on Sep 27, 2011

This message is the second in a series that deals with some of the difficult sayings of Jesus. This message deals with Jesus’ call to love your enemies.

Sometimes we hear something that sounds so unreasonable our response is, “You have got to be kidding.” I believe in our text we encounter Jesus saying something that really sounds unreasonable. In fact this statement goes against what we consider to be reasonable. This statement goes against ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Love One Another

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

There are fifteen characteristics of love in this passage that the Holy Spirit enables us to express with power if we will let Him

How the Holy Spirit Helps Us Love One Another Illustration:In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you ’love’ your neighbor act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Test Of Faith Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Jun 13, 2005

We will all one day face the most difficult challenge of our lives as we face the test of faith.

Heroes of Faith: Abraham The Test of Faith Genesis 12:1-14 Introduction We want to close this series of sermons on the life of Abraham with the most famous story arising from his life—that of the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. I need to remind you that Abraham had been promised a son through ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Together With The Spirit

Contributed by Dwayne Brown, Phd on Jun 28, 2005

The prophet Ezekiel was considering a commission and a call. He was contemplating assuming the auspicious and difficult of leading God’s people.

The prophet Ezekiel saw a vision. He was considering a commission and a call. He was contemplating assuming the auspicious and difficult of leading God’s people. And as he lay there by the banks of the Chç - bar, assuming the position of total submission to God, God shared with him a vision. ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 1:4-12

Denomination: Baptist

Being Submissive In Days Of Rebellion Series

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Oct 23, 2008

In the passage we will be covering this morning, Peter talks about submission to government, submission to employers, submission in marriage, and submission to other Christians. The thing that we must remember as Peter writes this passage, he is writing

Being Submissive in Days of Rebellion 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 Introduction The word “submit” is the key to this section. This word is very closely related to the word “humility.” To submit requires humility. Today we are living in days of pride and rebellion. In his book “Strong willed Child” Dr. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How Can I Help My Church? Series

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Nov 24, 2008

Today from this passage in the book of 1 Peter we want to take this passage and apply it to a larger theme of servant-hood, and answer the question “How can I help my Church?” this is a message on serving.

How can I help My Church? 1 Peter 5:1-4 Introduction What do you call a chicken crossing the road? Poultry in motion. What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t work? A stick. Where do you find a dog with no legs? Right where you left him. What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Book Of Mark #13

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 30, 2022

This is a very interesting passage of scripture. I have asked the Lord to help me make it as clear as possible.

Illus: I do not want to be like the woman who had a cat that she truly loved, named “Pumpkin”. She cherished this cat more than anything in her life. She had to go on a business trip and she had to leave Pumpkin home for her husband to take care of while she was gone. She left Pumpkin reluctantly; ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist