Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Go! And Believe Jesus, Not Just Believe In Jesus Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Feb 7, 2025

Many people claim to believe in Jesus. They believe in His existence, His teachings, and His sacrifice. There is a significant difference between acknowledging who He is and trusting in what He says.

Go! And Believe Jesus, Not Just Believe in Jesus Introduction: Many people claim to believe in Jesus. They believe in His existence, His teachings, and His sacrifice. But the real question is: Do we not only believe in Jesus but also believe Jesus? There is a significant difference between ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1, James 2:19, Matthew 6:31-33, Philippians 4:6-7, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 12:1, Galatians 2:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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

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

Racism: Our Past And Present Sins

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Feb 19, 2022

racism in the United States and the churches is counter to Jesus' teachings

LUKE 6:17-26 During the month of February, you may have noticed that we have been singing hymns from Lift Every Voice and Sing. This hymnal is part of The Episcopal Church’s recognition of Black History Month and its African-American congregants. We will continue to use these hymns as part of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Episcopal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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