Sermons on Difficult Passages:

The Great Empowered Detectives Series

Contributed by Rick Macdonald on Aug 8, 2001

In our passage today, we are told that Jesus spoke the wisdom of God in a mystery.

The Baptism with the Holy Spirit - part 2 THE GREAT EMPOWERED DETECTIVES 1Corinthians 2:7-16 August 6, 2000 By Pastor Rick MacDonald Introduction I have always loved a great mystery. As a child, I used to watch Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone on Sunday afternoons. What makes a mystery so ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:7-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

What Must I Do?

Contributed by Howard Parnell on Oct 16, 2002

In this passage, man’s greatest question is met by God’s greatest answer.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? Acts 16:19-34 INTRO. A. "What must I do to be saved?" This is man’s greatest question. B. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." This is God’s greatest answer. 1. In these verses a despairing man saw his need for "repentance toward ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Rapture Of The Church

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on May 30, 2005

This passage describes to us the order of things when the rapture of Christ takes place.

“THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 1. The CONFUSION of the Thessalonians. (v. 13) Romans 1:13; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 2 Peter 3:18; Luke 8:52-53; John 11:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 2 Peter 3:4; Job 19:25-27; Proverbs 14:32; Ephesians 2:12 2. The CONVICTION of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

God's Judgments Part 2

Contributed by Paul George on Sep 14, 2003

In this passage we see, God, as King of nations, ruling the world by the ministry of angels.

In this passage we see, God, as King of nations, ruling the world by the ministry of angels. In this vision Zechariah saw four chariots coming forth from between two bronze mountains, drawn by horses of different colors. Zechariah asked the angel who was with him, “What are these, my lord?” The ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 6:1-15

Denomination: Holiness

How To Press On Toward The Goal Of The Christian Life

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 16, 2003

This passage draws out six keys to reaching the goal of our walk with Christ.

Analogy: Our walk with Christ is like a journey through the woods. How To Press On Toward The Goal Of The Christian Life: Questions to ask. . . 1. Do I know what my destination is? - v. 12 - “press on.” - v. 13 - “one thing I do.” - v. 14 - “I press on.” - v. 21 - The goal: to be like ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-21

Denomination: Baptist

Blueprint For Greatness Series

Contributed by David Asch on Jan 18, 2005

In our passage today, Jesus gives us God’s blueprint for greatness.

BLUEPRINT FOR GREATNESS Mark 9:33-50 INTRO: A TV news camera crew on assignment in southern Florida filming the widespread destruction of Hurricane Andrew. Amid the devastation and debris stood one house on its foundation. The owner was asked, "why is your house the only one still standing?" He ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:33-50

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Blessed Giver

Contributed by Juan Lane on Jan 7, 2003

This passage helps us to understand how impotant the simple blessings of God are.

The Blessed Giver Scripture Reference: Mark 12:41-44 (KJV) Mark 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Pentecostal

Unconditional Security? (Pt. 2) Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Jul 30, 2004

A two-part series; based on passages from the gospel of John and the book of Hebrews.

Cable television mogul Ted Turner (who once owned CNN, TBS and others) criticized fundamentalist Christianity and said Jesus probably would "be sick to his stomach" over the way his ideas have been "twisted," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Turner made his remarks at a banquet in ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-39

Denomination: Other

True Wisdom

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Mar 26, 2012

In today's passage James highlights the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

TRUE WISDOM James 3:13-18 INTRODUCTION: Four people who were the only people on board one of those small planes. There was the pilot, a pastor, a Boy Scout, and the smartest man in the world. All of a sudden, the pilot came back to the cabin and informed everybody that the plane was going down. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Subject Of Worship

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Apr 17, 2012

Man’s whole concept and approach to worship is changed by Jesus in this passage.

We’re still in John 4 in the story of the Samaritan woman and Jesus at the well. Jesus has offered her the Living Water that only He can offer but there are some matters that need to be cleared up before she can truly receive this living water. Last week she was confronted with the matter ...read more

Scripture: John 4:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Call To Pray Series

Contributed by Phillip Day on Aug 21, 2006

Paul guidelines the need for prayer in the church in this passage--especially for men to lead the way.

The Call to Pray 1 Timothy 2:1-8 I. Exhortation to pray for all (v. 1; Ephesians 6:18) a. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) b. Pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26) c. Be aware of others’ needs II. Especially pray for leaders (v. 2; Romans 13:1; Ezra 6:10b) III. Prayer’s Purposes (v. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Going To Stand Up?

Contributed by Bobby Daniel on Oct 27, 2007

A sermon from one of my favorite passages of scripture, Elijah on Mt. Carmel.

Are You Going to Stand Up 1 Kings 18:20-40 Intro: Just a couple of weeks ago our nation was in a time of mourning with the passing of President Gerald Ford. For many, myself included, President Ford has always been an interesting character in American politics…often referred to as the “Accidental ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:20-40

Denomination: Baptist

The Trap Of Temptation

Contributed by Dr. Keion Parrish on Jun 9, 2007

This passage teaches how great the consequences of temptation really are and the necessity of resisting it.

Sermon Scripture: Joshua 7:1­26, especially verse 12b The Trap of Temptation Introduction: Do you realize that a single sin can potentially ruin your success, your family, a lifetime friendship, or a reputation? Temptations are all around us, waiting to destroy us if we give in (Gen. 4:7). Our ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Reinstatement & Restoration Of Peter

Contributed by Diana Ball on Jan 4, 2011

We look at the reinstatement of Peter, using the passage in John 21 as our reference.

After Jesus finished dealing with the physical needs of the Disciples, He then turned to dealing with their spiritual needs. In these verses, we see that Jesus is examining Peter, internally. Peter had repented and been restored to fellowship with the Lord since he had publicly denied Him. ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-17

Denomination: Nazarene

Intro To The Psalms #1 Series

Contributed by Rob Hall on Nov 20, 2012

just a brief intro to Israel's hymnbook as we begin a look at selected passages

#1 INTRO TO THE PSALMS Intro: 1. Sometimes when I pray I can't think of the words, I can't utter what is in my heart 2. For some reason I think I might offend God if I'm honest, or angry or guilty 3. The Psalms corrects me in this and anchors me in my soul 4. I want to begin a brief look at the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ