Sermons on Difficult Passages:

A Sermon For Trinity Sunday

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 23, 2024

What do we mean by the Trinity? This is indeed a difficult doctrine to understand. But let us look at this in some detail this morning

A Sermon for Trinity Sunday Matthew 28:16-20 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20, John 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1-3, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 1:9-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Hope PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 27, 2024

Explores the power of hope in difficult times, its significance in our faith in Christ, and its healing potential in a world of pain.

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, to this gathering of hearts, minds, and spirits. It's a joy to be with you today, as we stand together on the common ground of faith and fellowship. Today, we find ourselves in the comforting embrace of Romans 8:25, a verse that resonates with the timeless melody ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:25

Topics: Hope, 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 God Doesn’t Make Sense PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

To teach us about trusting God in difficult situations, obeying Him despite our doubts, and relying on His wisdom over our own.

Good morning, family! We're going to dive deep into Mark's Gospel today, specifically Mark 1:40-45, where we'll learn about trusting God in difficult situations, obeying God despite our doubts, and relying on God's wisdom over our own. This isn't easy, but as one Christian speaker, Francis Chan, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Topics: Trusting God

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

Man Of Valor PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

To encourage trust in God during difficult times, embody the traits of valor by willingly shouldering burdens, and to rest assured in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Hello everyone, welcome to today's sermon. I'm so glad you're all here as we tackle the truths found in Genesis 30:18 & 49:14-15. Trusting God in difficult times, the traits of a man of valor, and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises - these are the themes that we will explore today. Let's ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:18, Genesis 49:14-15

Topics: Trusting God

Discerning The Spirit's Voice

Contributed by Jelle Horjus on Feb 14, 2004

How do we find guidance from the Spirit in life’s confusing dilemma’s? Follow the difficult road that Jesus took.

Discerning the Spirit’s Voice - sermon on Acts 21:1-14 - Paul the apostle is becoming an older man. When we meet him in this story, he is coming back from his third mission-journey. Maybe his hair got more grey, perhaps he cannot walk so fast as in the old days, but… look at his face! Look at ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-14, 1 Kings 19:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

Raising A G-Rated Family In An R-Rated World Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 15, 2006

It has grown increasingly more difficult to keep the world from influencing our families. What can we do to counter that influence?

OPEN: A man was once hired to go and take a census in the hills of east Tennessee. He came to one ram-shackle home, knocked on the door and was greeted by a young girl. Brandishing his clipboard, the interviewer asked the girl, "Is your mom home?" She said, "Nah, she ran off with a moon shiner." ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Holiness For The Child Of God

Contributed by Richard Cook on Aug 25, 2009

Understanding the need for Holiness is often difficult for ministers to get across to their flocks; this sermon teaches the need to seperate ourselves from the world, and worldliness.

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Some will argue that Holiness is not important, but I submit that if it is in the Bible it is important. Holiness in the life of a child of God is not optional but is a command; we can see that from our scripture reading. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Prayer Is For Weak People Series

Contributed by Dan Jackson on Jul 3, 2006

Life’s difficulties are often the Father’s appointed paths to spiritual maturity. The positive way forward in difficult and painful circumstances is the way of prayer.

An airliner was bound for New York City. The flight was routine until the pilot began the descent. Then he realizes that the landing gear would not engage. Working the controls back and forth, he tried again and again to lock the gear into place. No success. He circled the landing field, getting ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-20

When The Walls Are Broken Down, Pray! Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 14, 2014

Nehemiah's reaction to the bad news he hears is a great example for us about what to do when we face difficult circumstances.

Introduction: A. Have you ever had someone deliver you some news saying, “I’ve got some good news and some bad news, which do you want first?” B. Here are a few “Good news/bad news” items for preachers. 1. Good News: You baptized seven people today in the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

James 1 - Faith In Trials

Contributed by Hannah Pinkstone on Dec 11, 2002

When we go through trials our joy comes from standing firm on the promises that God has given us. It’s through difficult times that faith has the biggest part to play. We show the reality of God’s love for us because we have joy when life is difficult.

I want to explain to those who don’t know, what its like to be a Cardiff city fan. Each season begins with promise, and I feel a sense of expectation and excitement. For the first half of the season, I hope, and dream and see a bit of just what can be achieved with great people such as Andy Legg ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8, James 5:7-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Story Of Slow, Painful Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 16, 2023

The story of Joseph coming to a place of forgiveness with his brothers is a long story (four whole chapters!) but the story is a great illustration of how difficult forgiveness is.

HOW WE THINK YOU FORGIVE: Say “I forgive you” and move on. - Discuss the fact that “forgive and forget” is not in the Bible. PLOT POINTS: - This is a really long story – basically four chapters! But it’s important that we hit the various plot points because they show the back-and-forth, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Old Testament Trinity

Contributed by William Mouser on Aug 2, 2006

Though the OT alone might not generate the doctrine of the Trinity, in the light of the NT, the Trinity is easy to see in various OT passages.

Homily for Trinity Sunday Psalm 93, Exodus 3:1-6, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-16 The Old Testament Trinity Several years ago, my wife and I were in a liberal Lutheran church on Trinity Sunday. We arrived at the end of what they billed as their traditional service, which appeared to us to be a ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-16

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican