Sermons on Difficult Passages:

Three Questions About Our Good Shepherd Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 24, 2021

There is a lot in this passage. This message tries to boil it down to the big truths by asking three questions about our "good shepherd."

- At one level, this is a simple passage: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. - At another level, this passage is not simply understood. There is conflicting imagery (how is Jesus the shepherd and the gate?). It is difficult to get all the pieces to fit cleanly. - I echo a little the sentiment of v. 6 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

T’was The Night Before Christmas Series

Contributed by Perry Fowler on Feb 21, 2024

In this passage we are reminded of what God provided for us through Jesus. What did God provide for us through Jesus?

There’s probably no one here who is not familiar with Clement Moore’s famous poem … “T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” It’s ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Commitment Issues PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2025

Following Jesus requires surrender and steadfast devotion, even when His teachings are difficult, trusting that true life is found only in Him.

If you’ve ever sat at the kitchen table late at night with a lukewarm cup of coffee and a heavy heart, wondering why following Jesus can feel so wonderfully right and yet wonderfully hard, you’re in good company. The Gospels show real people with real questions, listening to a real Savior who ...read more

Scripture: John 6:60-70, 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

Topics: Commitment, Lukewarmness

Simple - Pt. 1 - Disciples? Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Jan 17, 2019

Jesus confronted the complex. His message was and is simple. Let’s get back to the basics He taught us! Why make it difficult?

Disciples? I. Introduction Some things are complex and complicated. Rubix Cubes. Algebra. Or maybe better said . . . math. Why people in horror movies go into barns, cellars. Why people in action moves never take the gun of the person they disarm when there are more bad guys to face. Women. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:16-20, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Denomination: Pentecostal

Servant Of The Lord PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 19, 2023

The sermon's main point is to inspire faithfulness in serving God, like Obadiah, even in hostile environments, trusting in God's power in difficult circumstances.

Good morning, Church family. We've got a rich and challenging message today, drawn from the life of a relatively unsung hero in the Old Testament. We're going to be diving into 1 Kings chapter 18, verse 3. This Scripture focuses on a man named Obadiah, who served God faithfully in one of the most ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:3

Topics: Hostile Environments

Against Open Theism

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jan 31, 2013

A sermon describing open theism and gives reasons why it cannot be (much taken from Matthew Henry's commentary on this passage)

HoHum: The following list of statements are not meant to be offensive to the Open Theist.  They are meant to be both humorous and illustrative.  Open Theism teaches that God does not know future events, that He can be surprised by them, that He can make mistakes, and that He learns what will happen ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:21-29

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unceasing Rejoicing, Prayer & Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 25, 2019

These brief but pointed admonitions in our passage hold for us the secret of a peaceful heart amid the turmoil and clamor of a hectic world.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18 UNCEASING REJOICING, PRAYER & THANKSGIVING “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Our passage is a series of brief, staccato commands for Christian living. It contains ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Is A Christian

Contributed by Dwight Shaffer on Mar 8, 2007

The world has a difficult time understanding what a Christian is supposed to be. Simply saying, One who imitates Christ in every way.

What is a Christian? Acts 26:28-31 INTRODUCTION: A) Meeting with some fellas from the church for our monthly fellowship & prayer breakfast 1) This was early on a Saturday morning and we all genuinely like and enjoy being with each other We were having so much fun, laughing so hard & a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:28-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The God Of All Comfort

Contributed by Niles Lloyd on Jul 16, 2002

IN TIMES OF HEARTBREAK, TRAGEDY AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, WE HAVE A LOVING GOD WHO CAN COMFORT OUR HEARTS IF WE WILL TURN TO HIM.

TITLE: THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT 4/7/02 TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1 - 4 INTRO: I DO NOT BELIEVE THERE HAS EVER BEEN A MAN TO HAVE SUFFERED AS MUCH AS THE APOSTLE PAUL AND EVER LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT. PAUL AS A CHRISTIAN FACED SOME VERY HARD TIMES. HE FACED ...read more

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

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

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

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

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