Sermons on Difficult Passages:

A New Heart And A New Spirit

Contributed by Mike Wilkins on Aug 20, 2002

Even if we want to obey God it can be difficult. This sermon explains how God helps us to obey him.

Ezekiel 36:22-32 A New Heart and A New Spirit The problem: Romans 7:14-25 in The Message What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:22-32, Romans 7:14-25

Denomination: *other

When Bad News Arrives Series

Contributed by Craig Cramblet on Mar 2, 2003

How do you respond when life is going along "fine" and God brings a difficult opportunity into your life?

When bad news arrives Ezra 9:8-9 Nehemiah 1:1-4 Background of Nehemiah: “Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it” The HISTORY of the people of Israel was given to us SO THAT we could learn the lessons and avoid repeating their mistakes. “Warnings from Israel’s history” ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-4, Ezra 9:8-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Thanksgiving Declaration

Contributed by Kent Lenard on Nov 25, 2002

The need for giving thanks is vital to Chrisitan growth, but those who have much seem to find it more difficult to be thankful.

Thanksgiving Declaration Eph 5:19 - 20, 1 Thes 5:16-18, Psa 100:1 - 5, Rom 1:21, Th 5:18 November 18, 2002 I. On Sept 16, 1620 Two ships sailed from Plymouth England, The Speedwell and the Mayflower. The Speedwell had a lot of problems as they started among them were many leaks springing in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Romans 1:21

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Identify?

Contributed by Doug Brown on Jan 27, 2001

As Christians, often we must choose the more difficult route even when we could have it earthly good!

“Can You Identify?” Nehemiah 2:1-6 Doug Brown FBC (SBC) Lawrenceville, Ill. 62439 P.O. Box 403 Hedonism, Dionysians, Epicureans, and Stoics. (R.C. Sproul… Lifeviews pp. 129-138) There is no sin in enjoying that which is pleasant and fleeing from that which is painful. But there are times ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

When Disaster Strikes

Contributed by James Chandler on Apr 20, 2003

This message based around the story of Lazarus will share five essential principles to making it though difficult times in our lives!

When Disaster Strikes John 11:1-45 The following was written by Jack Jordan newspaper editor recording the events of April 3, 1974. An uneasiness nagged at me as I checked over proofs for the next day’s paper. It was Wednesday, April 3, 1974 about 4 o’clock on a gray afternoon. More than 100 ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Be Thankful In Every Circumstance

Contributed by Jonathan Mcleod on Oct 10, 2006

It’s easy to be thankful during the good times of life, but how can we be thankful during the difficult times?

Imagine a man who has lost everything…all of his possessions…his ten children…even his health. How would this man respond to such incredible tragedy? Would he be filled with bitterness? Would he go insane? Would he commit suicide? Perhaps you don’t know that there actually was a man who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Denomination: Baptist

Have You Swallowed An Alligator Lately? Series

Contributed by Susan Blader on May 13, 2008

Pride makes it difficult to listen to wisdom, but humility and a heart prepared to seek the Lord can give us a second chance.

Have You Swallowed an Alligator Lately? A sermon on 2 Chronicles 10-12 Two men were riding a bicycle built for two when they came to a steep hill. It took a great deal of struggle for the men to complete what proved to be a very steep climb. When they got to the top the man in front said to the ...read more

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Finding The Living Among The Dead.

Contributed by Anthony Smith on Sep 13, 2005

God is the God of the Living and not the God of the Dead. Speaking of Christ return and reign on this earth is sometimes difficult to get thru to people.

Finding The Living Among The Dead. God is the God of the Living and not the God of the Dead. Speaking of Christ return and reign on this earth is sometimes difficult to get thru to people. Many want to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:59-60

Denomination: Pentecostal

Family & Job Relationships Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Apr 25, 2005

Learn how to get along as parents and children - and how to deal with a difficult boss at work in this practical guide to everyday living.

At church everyone is at their best behavior (most of the time) - hair combed, attitudes straight (after the argument in the car on the way). We come in and look and act so pious and pure. But when does our real character reveal itself? At home - and sometimes on the job. Overbearing parents, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Broadway Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 29, 2005

Why is the narrow way the road less traveled? Because 1. It is difficult. 2. It is against the majority. 3. It includes persecution.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). (A spontneous skit can be done here. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

How To Be Joyful No Matter What Happens

Contributed by Fernando Cabrera on Oct 27, 2004

Philippians chapter 1 give us what we need to stay joyful, regardless how difficult like becomes.

How to Be Joyful No Matter What Philippians 1 • Most people don’t enjoy life • Just look at people at the subway: hard faces, grin, baptize in vinegar The 4 keys for a joyful life 1. The Right Perspective (1:12-14) a. What do you see when you are confronted with the worst? i. Myth: Life must ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Sometimes God Says No

Contributed by John Petty on Jan 12, 2010

In a world of greed and materialism it’s difficult for us to accept "no" from God. But sometimes God says no.

I made a statement last week in the message that I want to repeat this morning … “Sometimes, God says no.” And what I want to do this morning is give us a couple of the many examples of God saying no. Moses’… It was Moses hearts’ desire to go into the Promised Land but because he didn’t follow ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Church Of God

Disciplines Of Disciples

Contributed by Craig Smee on Aug 23, 2006

Running the race is a difficult thing, but through certain Christ oriented practices we can have the endurance to complete the race.

87% of Americans own running shoes but don’t run. One cannot be a disciple without learning discipline! ". . . discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." ~ 1 Timothy 4:7b (NASB) If I am going to develop Christ-like character in my life, there are certain disciplines, or habits I need to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Christian Church

Finding Our Way

Contributed by Chris Stevens on Feb 10, 2007

Finding our way through life can be difficult, unless we have someone to light our way for us.

Finding our way through life we have many tools: • On the road: o Road Signs o Maps o Ask for directions o Directions from officials • Raising children: o Handbooks by the experts o Advice from “parents” and “grand-parents” o Our kids.  o Those who don’t have children The “old time” cars ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It's A Wonderful Life In The Face Of Trouble Series

Contributed by Randall Bergsma on Dec 19, 2006

Life is difficult. Christmas can bring crisis for many. But it can still be wonderful because God came in Jesus to be with me.

Intro: Have you ever felt you might be better off dead than alive? The struggles of life seem to surmount the beauties of life and you begin to wonder “what’s the point?” That’s what happened to Geoge Bailey in the classic film It’s a wonderful Life. In this scene your about to see, George, who ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:1-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed